Pakura had been given a clear directive: to establish a strong relationship with Konoha at all costs.
As a result, she maintained an exceedingly humble demeanor—even addressing Aoshi, who was only a Chunin, with the honorific "Lord."
Yet she didn't feel humiliated by this. After all, Aoshi had personally defeated her in battle. When it came to Aoshi's strength, she wholeheartedly acknowledged his superiority.
Aoshi, however, was visibly surprised when he looked at Pakura. He clearly hadn't expected her to address him so respectfully.
He still remembered her defiant words after their first encounter, when she had refused to admit defeat even after he had bested her.
"Thank you, Pakura," Hiruzen said courteously.
For a bloodline limit Jonin from Sunagakure, the Hokage still showed great respect. He knew full well that this was Sunagakure's way of extending goodwill toward Konoha.
And Hiruzen welcomed such a gesture. An alliance between Konoha and Sunagakure was undoubtedly beneficial for both villages.
"This is simply our duty. The actions of the Hidden Grass were utterly disgraceful," Pakura replied.
Her words greatly pleased Hiruzen.
After the briefing, the trio stepped out of the Hokage Tower, only to see Kushina still waiting outside—even though she should've left long ago.
"Aoshi, finally! You're out!" she said with a bright smile, immediately walking over.
"Kushina, I'm still here, you know. Can't you at least pretend to notice me too?" Tsunade said with mock indignation.
Kushina offered an awkward grin, trying to brush it off.
"Alright, Aoshi. Didn't you say you wanted to learn sealing techniques? Let's hurry back to the Senju compound!"
The reason she had waited so long outside was precisely because of that promise.
"I'm sorry, Kushina. I have to go on a mission right now. I won't be able to study sealing techniques until I return. Could you help me pass that along to Lady Mito?" Aoshi said apologetically.
Although visibly disappointed, Kushina understood. After all, duty was duty.
"Then please be careful out there!"
After saying their goodbyes to Kushina, the three departed Konoha, heading toward the Hidden Grass. With their pace, they would likely arrive by the next day.
—
Meanwhile.
In the Uchiha compound, Uchiha Fugaku had summoned Mikoto.
"You called for me, Clan Head?" she asked.
He gestured for her to sit. His expression was stern as he began to speak. "To awaken the Three Tomoe Sharingan at age eighteen—even among the Uchiha, that's no small feat."
"But tell me, Uchiha Mikoto… how do you view the relationship between our clan and the village?"
As he finished, Fugaku activated his own Three Tomoe Sharingan, his crimson eyes staring intently at her—intimidating and intense.
But Mikoto remained calm, answering without hesitation, "The Uchiha are a part of Konoha."
Fugaku was silent for a long while before finally deactivating his Sharingan and speaking again.
"You're right. The Uchiha are part of Konoha. But due to certain events in the past, the villagers have long harbored mistrust toward us."
Not long after the village was founded, Uchiha Madara became its first rogue ninja—and later returned, using the Nine-Tails to attack the village.
That incident only worsened the Uchiha Clan's already shaky reputation, further alienating them from the rest of the village. Today's situation was directly shaped by those events.
Mikoto, understanding all this, remained quiet and listened.
"The clan's Rebellious faction is deeply dissatisfied with the status quo. Uchiha Setsuna, for example, was imprisoned by the Second Hokage after attempting to incite rebellion."
Setsuna was a man who inherited Madara's ideology.
"Such actions only deepened the rift between the Uchiha and the village."
"As clan head, I've long wished to change that."
At this point, Fugaku's expression turned weary. Though still young, he looked far older than his years. After a heavy sigh, he turned to Mikoto and revealed his true purpose.
"For the good of the clan, Uchiha Mikoto—I hope you will marry Hirakawa Aoshi."
The Uchiha were not inherently opposed to marrying outside the clan. In fact, Uchiha Izumi's mother had been a Uchiha who married out. After her husband died, she and her daughter returned to the clan and reclaimed the Uchiha name.
However, such arrangements were usually limited to those without strong ninja aptitude. Not every Uchiha became a shinobi.
Normally, a Jonin like Mikoto—especially one with a fully awakened Sharingan—would never be permitted to marry outside the clan. She was too valuable.
But from Fugaku's perspective, having Mikoto marry Aoshi would benefit the Uchiha more than it would harm them.
Anyone with political sense could see it: Hirakawa Aoshi had an incredibly high chance of becoming the next Hokage.
If Mikoto married him, she would become the future wife of the Hokage. Such a union could resolve the clan's current predicament.
And with Fugaku's own continued efforts, the Uchiha might finally be fully integrated into the village. In fact, one day, there might even be a Uchiha Hokage.
Even if Aoshi didn't become Hokage, the clan wouldn't lose anything. He was a clear ally of the Hokage faction, and with his strength, he would undoubtedly rise to a high-ranking position.
In the worst-case scenario, the Uchiha would gain a powerful political ally. It was certainly a better plan than pursuing rebellion.
Fugaku had never supported the idea of the Uchiha opposing the village.
Strong as they were, the Uchiha were still only one clan—they couldn't possibly stand against all the others united under Konoha.
If they followed Madara's idea, it would only lead to their destruction.
"…" After hearing Fugaku's words, Mikoto was momentarily stunned.
Seeing his solemn expression, she had expected something far more serious. And then… he proposed this?
She almost wondered if she'd misheard.
"What's wrong? You're unwilling?" Fugaku asked, misinterpreting her silence.
He began to feel uneasy. As a Jonin with the Three Tomoe Sharingan, Mikoto had the right to refuse—even he, the clan head, couldn't force her.
And if she didn't agree, convincing the stubborn elders would be nearly impossible.
Just as he was about to press the issue, Mikoto finally spoke up. "Of course I'm willing!"
I've wanted to for a long time!
Seeing her glowing face filled with joy and anticipation, Fugaku finally let out a breath of relief.
Clearly, he had made the right choice. He had done his homework—Mikoto and Aoshi had always shared a close relationship. She was the ideal match.
"Don't worry. The clan will never forget your contribution."
But to that, Mikoto instantly retorted. "I'm not doing this for the clan. I'm marrying Aoshi because I love him."
"That's all there is to it." With that, she turned and walked away.