Caught off guard by Yagyu's sudden kiss, Ino felt a slight blush of embarrassment, yet she remained graceful and composed.
"Let's go! My dad asked me to inform you just now!"
Clinging to Yagyu's arm, Ino spoke:
"Tonight, he wants you and Auntie to come to my house for dinner. It seems he has something very important to discuss with you. I don't know what it is, but it should be beneficial for you!"
Yamanaka Inoichi wanted to see him?
In that instant, countless thoughts flashed through Yagyu's mind.
However, he quickly settled on one possibility.
The position of Hokage.
Given the current relationship between their two families, they had already formed an alliance of mutual interests.
Yagyu had stood on Tsunade's side today, and Inoichi naturally wished to inquire about his thoughts.
After all, Yagyu had originally been chosen by the Third Hokage as the candidate for the Fifth Hokage.
After figuring out the connections, Yagyu smiled and nodded.
Pinching Ino's cheek, which bore a curious expression, he said:
"Then let's go to my house first. I want to take a proper bath and change my clothes. I already have a good idea of what Uncle Inoichi wants to discuss with me."
Hearing Yagyu's words, Ino did not ask further questions.
This intelligent young woman knew what she should understand and what she should not pry into.
Looking at Ino, who appeared so sensible before him, Yagyu could not help but reveal an affectionate expression.
"You don't need to worry about too many things right now. When the time is right, I will discuss everything with you. For now, Ino only needs to be a carefree little princess."
Unlike the other girls among the Konoha Eleven, Ino was an elite.
It was impossible for her to become a housewife like Hinata after marriage.
Nor did Yagyu intend for her to follow such a path.
Although her combat ability was limited, the Yamanaka clan excelled in intelligence work.
Their Mind Techniques were virtually impossible to guard against.
"I understand!"
Hearing Yagyu's words, Ino beamed with happiness.
"But does that mean I won't be a little princess in the future?"
Looking at Ino's charmingly naive expression, Yagyu felt his mood brighten.
Wrapping an arm around her slender waist, he said tenderly:
"Yes. You will always be a little princess. Even when we are old and gray, you will still be my princess."
He did not hesitate to speak such sweet words.
They filled Ino with joy, causing her to laugh happily.
That evening dressed in casual attire, Yagyu arrived at Ino's home with his mother.
It was not their first time dining there.
Therefore, there was no need for excessive formalities or etiquette as they entered.
After arriving, Yagyu's mother joined Mrs. Yamanaka in preparing dinner, with Ino assisting them.
Meanwhile, Yagyu remained in the courtyard, chatting with Yamanaka Inoichi.
"Regarding the mission you carried out with Lord Jiraiya this time."
While sipping tea, the usually reserved Inoichi spoke:
"I have already learned about the entire process during today's high-level meeting in Konoha."
Yagyu nodded.
He did not respond, because Inoichi would certainly not bring up the matter merely to state this much.
After pondering for a moment, Inoichi continued:
"I believe you already know that the Third Hokage originally intended for you to inherit the position of the Fifth Hokage. Even if you still needed a few years to mature, he would have been able to hold on until then."
"However, no one expected Orochimaru's arrival. It caused the Third Hokage to sacrifice himself at least five years earlier than planned. As a result, all plans were thrown into disarray. Naturally, the village elders could not allow you to inherit the position of the Fifth Hokage."
Looking directly at Yagyu, Inoichi asked:
"Now that Lady Tsunade has returned, your actions today clearly showed your support for her succession as the Fifth Hokage. Setting aside your relationship and personal feelings, Sosuke, do you understand the impact her return will have on you?"
Hearing Inoichi's question, Yagyu nodded in understanding and replied:
"I know. What Uncle Inoichi means is that Lady Tsunade may not necessarily choose me as her successor in the future. As a result, I might lose the opportunity to become Hokage because of her."
Inoichi nodded approvingly. The next moment, however, his expression darkened slightly.
"Although I have always been displeased with the fact that you started courting my daughter from such a young age, Ino's feelings for you have only grown stronger over the years. Sooner or later, you are destined to become my son-in-law."
"Therefore, even for Ino's sake, I cannot ignore your future!"
Hearing this, Yagyu chuckled. Rather than feeling embarrassed, he appeared somewhat smug.
Seeing his expression, Inoichi's displeasure deepened.
"Stop grinning like an idiot!"
After glaring at him, Inoichi asked solemnly:
"Have you thought about what you intend to do?"
Yagyu pondered for a moment before shaking his head.
"I haven't. Even if I am ultimately unable to inherit the position of Hokage, it would not be a significant loss to me. Becoming Hokage is not the only way to achieve one's dreams."
"Moreover, my dream has never been to become Hokage. The only reason I have moved toward that position is because I wish to do something for the people of the village and to have my face engraved upon the Hokage Monument."
"If it were not for these aspirations, I would never have considered becoming Hokage in the first place."
At this point, Yagyu glanced at Inoichi and continued:
"Besides, I am the sole remaining member of the Yagyu family, and your clan does not require my protection. After all, the Ino–Shika–Cho alliance stands united. Under such circumstances, to be honest, becoming Hokage does not offer me much."
Money was something Yagyu did not lack.
As for beauty, it was not something he needed.
Aside from a small ambition in his heart, the position of Hokage held little attraction for Yagyu.
After hearing Yagyu's words, Yamanaka Inoichi was momentarily stunned. Then, a satisfied smile appeared on his face.
"Is that so? It's good that you've figured it out! I was merely worried that you might lose your true self because of the power of the Hokage. It seems I was overthinking things!"
"No, no. To be precise, it was Shikaku who was overthinking! I told him that my future son-in-law would never lose himself because of power! Hahaha!"
Watching Yamanaka Inoichi relax and become visibly pleased by his words, Yagyu smiled and shook his head.
This old tsundere had been displeased with him just moments ago, yet now he was proud of him.
Once again, it proved a simple truth no one could afford to provoke a doting father!
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