"What an annoying brat."
Uzumaki Mito was in a good mood today.
She brought the Uzumaki children out for a group outing, planning to bond with them.
Then she ran into Uchiha Ren.
And instantly, all the children's attention shifted to him.
Leave already. Just go.
She kept muttering to herself, hoping he would disappear.
"Grandma Mito is treating us to dinner!"
"Oh? Lady Mito is paying? Then I'll join too."
Ren immediately stepped in.
Perfect timing.
Dinner was settled.
Ignoring Mito's expression, he casually led the children toward one of Konoha's most luxurious restaurants.
Even he felt a sting every time he saw the bill there.
But today, someone else was paying.
That made it enjoyable.
"Lord Hokage, your presence honors us."
"I'm not the host. Lady Mito is."
Ren pointed directly at her.
Mito's face stiffened, but she held it together.
Her income was stable, but nowhere near Ren's level.
This place was expensive even for her.
"Would you like the top-floor private room?"
"Yes."
Ren answered without hesitation.
The most expensive option.
A panoramic view of Konoha at night, soft lighting, and an atmosphere built entirely around luxury.
The children followed him upstairs excitedly.
Mito clenched her teeth.
This brat.
The meal was lively.
Ren was satisfied.
Uzumaki Yangyue was happy.
The children were happy.
Mito looked like she was happy.
"By the way," Ren said casually, "where has Senju Momoka been lately? A Hokage advisor skipping work isn't a good look."
He had four advisors.
Nara Rokuen handled administration.
Hyuga Takuma handled coordination and execution.
Uchiha Tomita oversaw ANBU and military affairs.
And then there was Momoka.
Who had disappeared.
Mito snorted.
"Isn't that exactly what you want?"
Power struggles were always like this.
The Senju once suppressed the Uchiha.
Now the situation had reversed.
Ren blinked, looking innocent.
"I've increased the Senju clan's funding. I treat every clan fairly."
That part was true.
Their benefits had improved.
Only their power had diminished.
Mito did not argue.
From first place to second, the Senju still retained their standing.
It was acceptable.
Ren leaned slightly forward.
"So what exactly has he been doing?"
"Handling clan affairs."
"Be specific."
Mito frowned.
"He's been training. Injured his hand recently. It's been wrapped in bandages."
Ren's gaze sharpened immediately.
"A bandaged hand?"
"Yes."
"What about his eyes?"
"What are you talking about? Of course not."
Mito looked irritated.
But Ren had already fallen into thought.
A bandaged arm.
Too familiar.
It reminded him of Danzo Shimura.
The Senju had never fully destroyed the research on Hashirama cells.
According to Tobirama Senju, both data and samples still existed.
A forbidden experiment.
And an irresistible one.
Ren knew its value better than anyone.
If Momoka had accessed that research…
If he had experimented on himself…
Then everything changed.
As the son of Hashirama Senju, Momoka lived under overwhelming expectations.
Yet he had inherited none of the defining traits.
No overwhelming chakra.
No regeneration.
No Wood Release.
Just talent.
But not greatness.
That kind of pressure could push someone toward forbidden paths.
Ren's thoughts accelerated.
This could be the opportunity he needed.
But he needed proof.
Without evidence, he could not act.
Ren smiled lightly.
"I'll visit him in a few days. An advisor can't just disappear and still collect a salary."
He suppressed the excitement in his heart.
If this was true, then this situation could be turned to his advantage completely.
But he had to be careful.
No mistakes.
No false accusations.
Otherwise, even he would have trouble dealing with the consequences.
If everything was confirmed…
Then even Tobirama Senju would have no choice but to bow his head.
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