"Wow, Shikamaru, what you're saying actually makes a lot of sense!" Ino Yamanaka's eyes widened in realization.
"Our village never really had this custom of 'full-month wine' feasts before. I wonder how Sasuke's uncle came up with it?" Shikamaru Nara muttered to himself.
Sitting nearby, Shikaku Nara overheard his son's analysis and smiled, patting Shikamaru on the head. "Whether he's making a profit or not, it's a good thing for the village."
"In the past, whenever the Great Clans had something to celebrate, they'd keep it within the family. Aside from the Hokage, outsiders were rarely invited."
"Now that Uchiha Raizen has started this trend, inviting the famous clans of the village and the Land of Fire to drink and chat together... it helps the clan members mingle. When people drink and talk more, their bonds deepen, which is great for village unity."
"Look over there—even clan heads who usually don't get along are laughing and talking today. These festive banquets really help solidify the village."
"The gift money is a trivial matter for the Great Clans. Though," Shikaku chuckled, "I suppose some people might feel the pinch more than others."
"Like Might Guy. He's close with Raizen, so he can't be stingy with the gift money. Look at his expression—he looks a bit pained in the wallet. But overall, this is a positive development."
"Even the two Advisors showed up personally; they usually avoid these social gatherings. And the Third Hokage? He's having the time of his life! Every time Raizen invites him up to give a speech, he's all smiles. Talking about the Will of Fire at these events is perfect for boosting morale and cohesion."
Inoichi Yamanaka suddenly laughed and chimed in: "Speaking of who's losing or making money, I think there's one person here who definitely isn't losing out." He glanced pointedly at the Akimichi father-and-son duo.
"I agree. The Akimichi family is definitely getting their money's worth," Shikaku nodded in agreement.
"What? Is it a crime to eat a little extra?" Choza Akimichi laughed, swallowing a massive piece of beef. "If you feel like you're losing money, just eat more like we do!"
"Exactly! Dad is right," Choji added, stuffing another piece of grilled meat into his mouth. "Ino, you're so skinny. You should eat more! If you get as sturdy as me, you'll be truly beautiful."
"As sturdy as you?!" Ino's eyes nearly popped out. "That's not 'sturdy,' that's FAT! You're a big fatty!"
Choji countered, "What's wrong with being fat? I think plump girls are the most beautiful. Skinny girls don't look good at all."
"Hahaha!" Inoichi burst into laughter and nudged Choza. "Choza, your son has... unique taste! It looks like the 'heavyweight' beauties of our village who can't find husbands are in luck. Someone finally appreciates their beauty."
Choza smiled. "As long as Choji likes it, I don't care about the rest."
"Come on, cheers! It's rare to have such a feast. We have to drink our fill!"
After finishing a cup, Choza continued, "Raizen is a man after my own heart. Next time, I'm definitely giving him an even bigger red envelope."
Shikaku pointed toward the group of pregnant women sitting near Raizen. "Don't you worry, Choza. Look at all those pregnant bellies over there. You'll have plenty more chances to eat soon."
Inoichi glanced over. "Looks like a lot of them are due soon. I wonder if Princess Tsukihime will have a daughter or a son."
Shikamaru interjected, "Based on the probability of the children born so far, I bet the Princess will have a daughter."
Shikaku shook his head. "The probability of having a boy or a girl is always 50/50. While the initial sample size might show a bias, the ratio will approach half as the numbers grow. So, I say the Princess is likely to have a boy."
Inoichi added, "If she has a son, given the Uchiha influence in the Land of Fire, that child might very well inherit the position of Daimyo one day."
"Mhm," Shikaku nodded. "Princess Tsukihime is the Daimyo's favorite daughter. Marrying her into the weakened Uchiha clan was likely a move to use the Uchiha bloodline to strengthen the Daimyo's own lineage."
"It seems our attitude toward the Uchiha needs to shift," Choza said after swallowing another piece of meat.
Shikaku agreed. "Uchiha Raizen is a genius—shrewd and socially adept. He's not like the old Uchiha who were arrogant, looked down on everyone, and were impossible to talk to."
"With him leading the clan, the Uchiha have a bright future. Aside from Sasuke, the rest of the clan will be his children and grandchildren. Under his guidance, they'll be completely different from the Uchiha of the past. They are worth befriending."
"Right now, the Uchiha are still technically weak. Befriending them won't trigger the suspicion of the higher-ups. So, Shikamaru, make sure you spend more time with Sasuke at school to improve our relations."
Ino cheered excitedly, "Uncle Shikaku, don't worry! I will definitely 'communicate' my feelings to Sasuke-kun very well!"
Shikamaru curled his lip. "I think you're just lusting after Sasuke's body."
"Mhm, mhm!" Choji nodded vigorously in agreement.
"Hahaha!" Inoichi laughed awkwardly upon hearing that his daughter was "lusting" after Sasuke. Well, if she actually marries into the Uchiha, it wouldn't be a bad thing.
Ino's face turned beet-red. "I-I-I... I am NOT lusting after Sasuke-kun's body!"
"Shikamaru, stop talking nonsense!"
Shikamaru sighed. "Whether you are or not, you know it in your heart."
"Mhm, mhm!" Choji continued to nod.
"I-I-I don't!" Ino's face was so red she looked like she wanted to hide under the table.
"Hahaha," Inoichi patted Ino's head. "Ino, Dad fully supports you chasing Sasuke. Go for it, bold and brave! You have my blessing."
"Dad! I really don't..." Ino felt so embarrassed she wanted to find a crack in the ground to crawl into. It was too much! Now even her father knew she liked Sasuke-kun. Soon her mom would know, and then the whole clan would know!
Aaaaaah!
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