บท 173: Chapter 173
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Yoichi had been away from the village for almost five months, only returning once briefly using the Flying Thunder God technique before heading back to the battlefield.
This time, upon returning, Yoichi and his group of ninjas received a warm welcome. The villagers knew that the heroes who had defeated the Cloud ninjas were back.
Konoha made sure to publicize the achievements of the ninjas on the battlefield, ensuring that the heroes who defended the village were not forgotten.
This was a small way to show the village's appreciation and provide comfort to those who had endured the war.
Yoichi also played a part in this. He sent messages to his clan, urging the Uchiha-controlled newspapers and television stations to heavily promote his own, Sakumo's feets, Orochimaru's, and other Uchiha clan members' heroic deeds.
Other Konoha heroes were mentioned as well, but their contributions seemed minor in comparison to Yoichi's.
Even Mitokado Homura made it into the newspapers, though the coverage focused on the thirteen reprimanding messages he received from the Daimyo's office, highlighting his incompetence since taking over battlefield command.
After enjoying the welcome celebration, Yoichi and the other Uchiha clan members returned to their compound. Nearing his home, Yoichi sensed a familiar chakra. At his doorstep, he saw everyone waiting for him.
Mikoto, dressed in a fitting, elegant outfit, looked serene and composed, her beautiful face lighting up with excitement upon seeing Yoichi.
Beside her was Mina, her belly noticeably larger, waving excitedly and almost wanting to run to Yoichi.
Standing with them were Itachi and Yugito. Mikoto probably didn't want to leave Itachi alone at home, so she brought him along.
Yugito, seeing Yoichi return, pouted but still glanced at him a few more times.
"I'm back."
Yoichi used the Body Flicker Technique to appear at the door, sparing Mina from running to him. Mina, overjoyed, hugged him tightly. "Yoichi-sama!" She hadn't been away from Yoichi this long since the war started, especially now that she was pregnant.
"Be careful, Mina."
Yoichi opened his arms, carefully embracing Mina, who was as lively as ever despite being pregnant.
Mikoto, standing nearby, felt a pang of jealousy. She also wanted to hug Yoichi and bear a child, preferably a son. But with Itachi there, she had to remain composed.
"Let's go inside. Gates, you can go back now."
Yoichi addressed everyone and the bear. Gates grumbled, complaining telepathically to Yoichi about being woken up to welcome him back.
Inside, Yoichi saw a feast prepared, with a large table accommodating everyone.
"Let's eat first. We'll talk later."
Yoichi noticed Mina seemed eager to share something, but he suggested they eat first, knowing the meal could last until evening otherwise.
The spread on the table was exceptional, with magic lamb as the centerpiece, paired with other high-end ingredients, costing around seventy to eighty thousand ryo.
After a few bites, Itachi, sitting across from Yoichi, put down his chopsticks and asked, "Clan Leader, why does war happen?"
"Itachi."
Mikoto gently reminded him, "We can discuss this after we eat."
"It's okay, Mikoto."
Yoichi, understanding Itachi's curiosity, asked, "Itachi, do you know the hand signs for Fire Release: Great Fire Destruction?"
Itachi shook his head, knowing the Uchiha clan was known for Fire Release but unfamiliar with this particular jutsu.
"What about Water Release: Waterfall Basin Technique?"
Itachi shook his head again.
"How many countries are there in the ninja world? Do you know which country lies west of the Land of Demons?"
Itachi continued to shake his head.
Yoichi asked several more questions, all of which Itachi couldn't answer. Mina, feeling bad for Itachi, thought Yoichi was being too harsh. Despite their differences, she never involved children.
"Yoichi-sama, aren't these questions too difficult?"
"They're not difficult. Compared to understanding the causes of war in the ninja world, these are intermediate questions. You can't climb stairs three at a time; you have to grow taller or older first."
Yoichi explained to Itachi, "You know too little and think too much. To understand the causes of ninja wars, you must first travel the ninja world and learn about all the countries. Then you'll understand."
". . . Okay, I understand, Clan Leader."
Itachi nodded thoughtfully and resumed eating.
Mikoto, hearing Yoichi's explanation, felt relieved, realizing she had misunderstood him earlier.
Yoichi's teaching method was thoughtful, and Mikoto's gaze softened, filled with warmth.
"Yoichi-kun, you've worked hard. Try this; I made it myself."
"Smells delicious. Thank you, Mikoto."
Mina, seeing this interaction, felt a twinge of jealousy. Cooking wasn't something she had learned, but she was sure her dishes would be the best if she did.
After dinner, Mikoto sent Itachi home, saying she had something to discuss with Yoichi.
Yugito, seeing this, also prepared to leave, knowing what was likely to happen next. However, as she reached the door, she saw Yoichi gesturing with his hand, reminding her of the promise of foot massages.
Her face turned red as she realized he was referring to the twenty foot massages she owed him, one for each week of his absence. She glared at him like an angry kitten before rushing back to her room.
A moment later, she sat up, listening at the door, but heard nothing and lay back down, wondering why there was no sound.
Yoichi had no intention of doing what Yugito imagined, especially with Mina being pregnant.
With Mina over five months along, they knew she was carrying a daughter.
Hearing this, Yoichi thought of Karin Uzumaki but knew his daughter wouldn't face the same hardships.
He also discussed clan matters with Mikoto. The war had impacted their businesses, especially during the Cloud ninjas' sabotage in the Land of Fire, affecting all business.
Even the clan's businesses were attacked by Cloud ninja squads, but thanks to Uchiha Shunsuke's two Edo Tensei guards and clan ninjas, they managed to kill the attackers.
Despite the impact, the losses were minimal, merely reducing profits.
Post-war, the ninja games industry was booming. Uchiha Yūto planned to release a game version of the Third Ninja War, complete with promotional ads inviting players to follow Konoha heroes in repelling invaders.
Hearing Mikoto's report, Yoichi could only admire Yuto's natural talent for this business.
After discussing serious matters, Mikoto's eyes grew tender as she held Yoichi's hand, whispering, "Yoichi-kun. . ."
Mina, not to be outdone, clung to Yoichi's arm, looking up pitifully. "Yoichi-sama, it's been five months since I've seen you."
Mikoto, feeling a pang of jealousy, softened her tone. "Mina, it's not suitable for you to engage in strenuous activities while pregnant."
"Well, Tsunade-sama isn't here, and I seem to be the best medical ninja in the village. Thanks for your concern, Mikoto~"
The two women still hadn't reconciled.
Yoichi intervened, "Let's rest today. Tomorrow, the ninjas from the Grass Country battlefield will return, and we'll likely have a long meeting."
He gave Mikoto a knowing look.
Understanding, Mikoto, though slightly upset, conceded, realizing Yoichi's point.
The war in the Grass Country had ended. With Kannabi Bridge destroyed, Iwagakure's logistics were strained, forcing them to withdraw. The Raikage's mysterious death further deterred Onoki, despite his desire to continue the fight.
Grass and Taki villages, seeing no benefits and only losses, chose to withdraw, leaving Iwagakure isolated. Without support, Iwagakure's leadership convinced Onoki to retreat before their supplies ran out.
With the war over, Hiruzen would soon return to Konoha, likely initiating the selection of the next Hokage.
Yoichi's maneuvering had discredited Homura with the Daimyo, indirectly affecting Hiruzen's standing.
As one of Tobirama's students, Homura often represented Hiruzen in dealings. Now, with Homura's trust compromised and Hiruzen accountable for the war's losses, stepping down was his best option.
Yoichi planned to use the newspapers to build public support for Sakumo as the next Hokage.
With his impeccable mission record and reputation as the White Fang, Hatake was an ideal candidate.
Spreading this expectation widely would make Sakumo the default choice, and any deviation would likely cause public dissatisfaction.
After setting these plans in motion, Yoichi anticipated a period of rest.
He then visited the police force, handling some matters before checking on Uchiha Kenji.
Since stepping down from his position as the second elder, Kenji enjoyed a relaxed life, his only wish being to see the Uchiha clan become the foremost in the ninja world. With Yoichi leading, Kenji believed this dream was within reach.
(End of Chapter)
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