Uchiha Sogetsu, who had just returned from a mission, ran into the clan leader's wife.
"Oh, it's you, Sogetsu!" Mikoto greeted him with a warm smile, gently touching her rounded belly. "I haven't seen you in a while. Fugaku mentioned that he wanted to discuss something with you."
"Really? I haven't heard from Lord Fugaku about any meeting," Uchiha Sogetsu replied, adjusting his glasses slightly and looking at Mikoto with a hint of confusion.
Mikoto's belly had grown significantly in recent times, indicating she was quite far along in her pregnancy. Today, she wore a thin, flowing gown that highlighted her figure.
Every gesture, her gentle smile, and the softness in her eyes radiated a unique charm, like a ripe, luscious fruit.
"Maybe it's not that important," Mikoto said, tilting her head as if trying to recall something. She bit her lip gently, sticking out her tongue in a playful manner.
Despite being an expectant mother, her mannerisms retained a touch of youthful playfulness. "I might have gotten it wrong. Lately, I've been forgetting things a lot. Sorry!"
"Perhaps it's just the pregnancy," Uchiha Sogetsu responded with a slight chuckle. "I've heard that many expectant mothers experience memory lapses, especially when they're not getting enough rest."
"Yes, maybe it's because the baby's almost here!" Mikoto said with a slight frown, rubbing her belly with a mix of annoyance and affection.
"The baby is constantly kicking me, so I can't seem to rest. I wonder how much more mischievous they'll be once they're born."
"I have a feeling, Mikoto-sama," Uchiha Sogetsu said with a grin, "that this child is going to be quite a handful when he grow up."
"Haha, I think so too," Mikoto replied, her face radiating maternal love as she softly stroked her belly. "I haven't met him yet, but I already know he'll be a good child and love his parents dearly."
Well, let's hope they're not *too* loving, Uchiha Sogetsu thought to himself with a wry smile.
"Mikoto-sama, have you chosen a name for your baby?" Uchiha Sogetsu asked.
"Yes, Fugaku has already picked one," Mikoto answered, her eyes brightening as she looked down at her belly. "If it's a boy, we're going to call him Itachi. If it's a girl, we decided on Yuki."
"Itachi," Uchiha Sogetsu repeated with a nod. "That's a wonderful name."
Uchiha Sogetsu sighed deeply, clapping his hands in genuine approval. "That's a good name. I think it has to be a boy."
Mikoto giggled, covering her mouth with her hands. "Then I'll leave it to you~," she replied. "I also hope it's a boy."
As she spoke, something seemed to click in her mind. She clapped her hands, her eyes brightening with excitement. "Oh! If it's a boy, can I ask you to take him as your disciple?"
Sogetsu was taken aback, his eyes twitching at the sudden suggestion. "Uh, Mikoto-sama, why bring this up out of the blue?"
Mikoto pretended to pout, puffing her cheeks and putting her hands on her hips. "What? You don't want to~?"
"No, it's not that," Sogetsu replied, shaking his head, feeling a little overwhelmed. "I'm just curious. There are plenty of people in the clan who are stronger and more experienced than me. Wouldn't they be more suitable to be the child's sensei? I'm still quite immature in terms of strength and experience. I'm worried I won't live up to your or Lord Fugaku's expectations."
Mikoto gave him a playful look and shook her head. "You're too modest, Sogetsu. Among the younger generation in the clan, you are the strongest. Fugaku and I would feel more at ease if you were the one to teach our child."
Sogetsu sighed inwardly. It seemed there was no escaping this. Outwardly, he kept his composure, smiling kindly as he said, "Since Lord Fugaku and you have so much faith in me, I'll do my best not to disappoint you. I'll take on the responsibility of teaching your child."
He glanced toward Obito and Itachi, realizing that he had a long journey ahead.
"Lady Mikoto, is there something else you wanted to discuss with me?" Uchiha Sogetsu asked.
He found it hard to believe that Mikoto would show up just for idle chit-chat.
"Ah~ Did you figure it out?" Mikoto stuck out her tongue, a mix of girl-like playfulness and mature charm. It was part of what made her so endearing. "Actually, it's kind of a personal matter."
"Personal matter?" Uchiha Sogetsu stayed quiet, curious about what she might say.
"To be honest, I haven't been sleeping well lately," Mikoto said, looking troubled. "I've been feeling irritable and getting angry for no reason. Fugaku got so scared that he moved into the guest room. The thought of the upcoming delivery has been stressing me out."
"I see," Uchiha Sogetsu replied thoughtfully. "So you came to me for some counseling?"
"Yeah, that's it~"
Mikoto clasped her hands, sticking out her tongue playfully, a pleading look in her eyes. "But please don't tell Fugaku about this. He's so strict, always telling me what to do and what not to do, even stopping me from eating ice cream. It's all for the baby, though."
"Uh," Uchiha Sogetsu's forehead creased in discomfort.
"Please~ Sogetsu~"
Mikoto tugged on his sleeve, swinging it like a child.
Unable to resist her charm, Uchiha Sogetsu finally nodded. "Alright, alright, I promise. Just let go of my sleeve, Lady Mikoto."
"Hehe, thank you~ Sogetsu."
Mikoto's cheeks flushed with a hint of red, as if realizing that her recent behavior was somewhat inappropriate, making her feel embarrassed.
In truth, she couldn't quite pinpoint why she felt this way. Every time she saw Uchiha Sogetsu, she sensed a certain magnetic charm that drew her in, as if he exuded a captivating aura that she couldn't resist.
Her actions just now were entirely unconscious, as if some deep part of her was guiding her towards him. But no, she couldn't let her thoughts wander in that direction!
Mikoto gave herself a light slap on the cheeks, attempting to snap out of her reverie. Still blushing, she whispered softly, "So, um, can we go to your room?"
Whoa, hold on, lady! That's some dangerous talk!
Uchiha Sogetsu felt a bead of sweat forming on his forehead, took a deep breath, and replied with a sigh, "Of course, Mikoto-sama, please follow me."
Mikoto glanced around cautiously, as if worried someone might be watching her doing something she shouldn't. After confirming the coast was clear, she tiptoed into Uchiha Sogetsu's room with her white socks, acting all secretive.
Seriously, don't make it seem like this!
Uchiha Sogetsu's eyes twitched rapidly. Wasn't this making it seem even more suspicious?!
"Excuse me~" Mikoto knelt down on the tatami mat, still showing signs of embarrassment. Gathering her courage, she bit her lip lightly and said softly, "It's okay. I'm ready."
Uchiha Sogetsu put his hand over his face, utterly defeated. If Fugaku showed up now, everything he'd worked for would be in shambles!
Who was to blame for this? The system! Yes, the system! All those items he got recently had boosted his charm to insane levels. At this rate, he'd turn into a male "succubus"!
Knock, knock, knock!
Suddenly, a knock at the door echoed through the room, startling both Mikoto and Uchiha Sogetsu. They instinctively looked toward the door, where a shadowy figure stood illuminated by the light.
"Sogetsu, are you in there? It's Fugaku."
Just hearing those words was almost enough to make Uchiha Sogetsu drop everything in shock. Talk about tempting fate—when they say "speak of the devil," they aren't kidding!
Fugaku had shown up at the worst possible moment!
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