After returning to the clan grounds, the old clan head immediately summoned Uchiha Setsuna and Uchiha Hokage.
Before long, the three elders gathered within a simple yet elegant tatami room.
Perhaps it was because a decision had finally been made—
The future of the clan entrusted to the younger generation—
That the burdens they had carried for so long, along with their lingering conflicts, seemed to dissolve all at once.
Seated across from one another, they felt a rare sense of calm.
Even—
A harmony that felt like it belonged to another lifetime.
Once—
They had been spirited youths.
Fighting side by side along the Naka River, beneath the Uchiha crest.
The roar of ninjutsu shaking their ears.
Blood soaking the ground beneath their feet.
"…Hiruzen is still the same. Nothing but vague excuses."
The old clan head recounted the negotiation in full, then lifted his teacup.
His expression was unusually relaxed, as if he had expected this outcome all along.
He took a sip, set the cup down lightly.
A crisp sound echoed in the quiet room.
Uchiha Setsuna leaned back slightly, long, gaunt fingers tapping idly against his knee.
After hearing everything, his brow rose sharply.
A mocking snort escaped him.
"They want Uchiha children to risk their lives—"
"Yet cling desperately to authority."
"How typical."
His words were sharp, like poisoned kunai.
"This kind of behavior…"
"Is more disgusting than the prostitutes of the Land of Hot Water's pleasure streets."
He turned his head, gazing out at the drifting clouds beyond the window.
His voice carried a cold, knowing edge.
"At least those people conduct honest business."
Silence followed.
Only the faint tapping of his fingers—
And the distant clack of a deer scarer outside.
A glint of steel flashed through his aged eyes.
"This time…"
"We do not yield."
"Setsuna, don't rush."
Uchiha Hokage placed his teacup down slowly.
His voice was calm, like the still waters of the Naka River.
"We're all old now."
"It's time to let the anger settle."
Since entrusting his granddaughter to that rising star—
And kneeling through the night before his son and daughter-in-law's memorial tablets—
The obsessions that had haunted him for years had quietly faded.
Now he sat bathed in light, the lines at his eyes softened with ease.
The future of the clan—
Belonged to the next generation.
All he needed to do—
Was serve as a vessel in these final years.
To shield them.
And if necessary—
To burn himself away, lighting the path forward.
"You always have too much to say."
Setsuna straightened slightly, clearing his throat.
Then, without warning, changed the subject.
"Once everything settles…"
"Come by my place."
"We should discuss the marriage of those two children."
Hokage's expression shifted instantly.
Even if he had accepted it—
The thought of his carefully raised granddaughter being taken by Setsuna's grandson…
Still left a heaviness in his chest.
"…Yes. That would be appropriate."
He replied, then smoothly redirected the topic.
His gaze turned toward the old clan head, who had been quietly observing.
"Speaking of which… Fugaku is not young anymore."
"When do you plan to arrange his marriage?"
'If not for chasing after Mikoto, he'd already be married… probably with children by now.'
The old clan head thought to himself.
His eyes swept across the two men.
Hokage subtly looked away.
Setsuna, meanwhile, lifted his chin slightly—
Barely concealing his satisfaction.
After all—
Ren winning Mikoto's heart had been enough for him to drink himself into rare drunkenness the night before.
"With war approaching and the world in turmoil…"
The old clan head spoke evenly.
"Setting marriages now would be uncertain."
"Better to wait until after victory."
"Such matters concern their entire lives."
"They deserve something grander."
Hokage's hidden expectation was obvious—
He simply wanted Mikoto's marriage delayed.
The old clan head saw through it clearly.
And, not entirely pleased with Setsuna's smugness—
Went along with it.
Setsuna snorted softly.
He understood perfectly.
But he did not argue.
With his grandson's careful mind and methods—
Winning Mikoto's lifelong devotion was only a matter of time.
'And when she ends up pregnant before marriage…'
'Let's see how you react then.'
He sipped his tea, amused by the thought.
The other two said nothing more on the matter.
The conversation returned to its purpose.
"The situation within the village is clear."
"It depends on how Hiruzen responds."
The old clan head's gaze grew steady.
"But beyond the village—everything is shifting."
"We need broader, faster intelligence."
"To secure initiative in negotiations… and war."
His eyes moved between the two men.
"It's time."
"To unify our intelligence networks."
"Only by becoming one—"
"Can the Uchiha move forward with stability."
Sunlight filtered through swaying branches outside, casting shifting shadows on the walls.
The three elders sat like ancient pines—
Roots intertwined.
"So it shall be."
Hokage nodded.
"As for who will oversee intelligence…"
"I propose Mikoto."
"She is less suited for frontline combat than Ren and Fugaku."
Though part of this came from a grandfather's desire to protect—
It was also a rational choice.
Intelligence—
Was too important to entrust outside the family.
Even loyal subordinates were not enough.
Only Ren, Fugaku, and Mikoto had the ability to integrate all three networks.
The others understood this.
And they knew—
Placing the other two in such a role would be a waste of their talents.
Setsuna clapped lightly, nodding with satisfaction.
"I agree."
"Mikoto is meticulous and reliable."
"She is the best choice."
The old clan head's lips twitched slightly.
Watching the two of them align so effortlessly—
And then turn their expectant gazes toward him—
He could only shake his head.
"You two old foxes…"
"Just don't drag my Fugaku into this mess."
His words carried mock reproach.
The other two laughed.
In that laughter—
Decades of rivalry and understanding intertwined.
Like the Naka River in winter, finally cracking under the warmth of spring.
Old divisions faded like morning mist.
What remained—
Was the unbroken bond beneath the Uchiha crest.
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