Fugaku spoke indifferently. "To be honest, I am not sure why Tsunade has summoned us either."
The village had been very peaceful lately, with no major incidents occurring. Shikaku felt the same. "I am in the dark as well."
Hearing this, Hyūga Hiashi stopped trying to guess. He would simply have to wait for Lady Tsunade to arrive. Before long, Tsunade entered the reception room. The three men stood up to greet her.
"Lady Tsunade."
Tsunade waved them down. "Sit. I've called you here to discuss a matter of great importance."
Once they were seated, Shikaku asked, "May I ask what this important matter is, Lady Tsunade?"
He wondered if the Hokage intended to implement her own personal reform measures. Every Hokage typically had their own unique policy for governing. Tsunade took her seat and spoke directly.
"I intend to appoint Hyūga Hiashi as the third Consultant Elder of Konoha."
She continued, "With the Hyūga clan's reputation and Hiashi's personal capabilities, he is more than qualified for the position. This move will be highly beneficial to the village's stability. What are your thoughts on this?"
This was the reform she had carefully prepared. She did not intend to cling to power like the Third Hokage, who had ensured the top brass were all his own people and former classmates. In the months since she had taken office, the peace and stability of the village had been the result of the collective efforts of herself, the Ino-Shika-Chō trio, and the Uchiha clan. Her logic was simple: if someone had the ability, they should be elevated.
In the future, she even planned to bring more clans into the center of power to achieve true democracy—the kind of democracy advocated by the First and Second Hokage. She wanted to resolve village affairs through dialogue and consultation rather than force. Furthermore, decisions made this way would represent the entire village, leaving little room for dissent.
Most importantly, if this structure succeeded, the village would be able to function normally even if she took a leave of absence. These three men would be able to handle village affairs and maintain stability.
Hyūga Hiashi was instantly hit by a wave of pleasant surprise. Becoming a Consultant Elder meant entering the core of the village's power; it was a symbol of ultimate status. Under his leadership, the Hyūga clan was reaching new heights. He expected Uchiha Fugaku to support the move, and with the support of both the Hokage and the Uchiha, the matter was essentially settled.
Just as he predicted, Fugaku was startled for only a moment before declaring his stance. "I support Lady Tsunade's proposal."
The Hyūga clan possessed the Byakugan, a Kekkei Genkai that surpassed the Sharingan in certain aspects. They certainly deserved a seat at the table. Shikaku also voiced his support.
"I also support Lady Tsunade's proposal."
Shikaku had always advocated for bringing the major clans into the fold. Having large clans support the upper structure was the best way to maintain stability and prevent Konoha from falling into internal strife. More importantly, with Tsunade holding the ultimate authority and Uchiha Ryōsuke operating behind the scenes, the village was stable enough to handle such changes.
Tsunade was satisfied with their responses. Shikaku's support was expected—it added strength to the village's core. However, the Uchiha clan's unhesitating support surprised her slightly. They weren't quite as power-hungry as she had once imagined.
She turned to Hyūga Hiashi. "Both Consultant Elders have agreed. So, Hiashi, what is your opinion? Are you willing to accept this position and contribute your strength to the stability, peace, and prosperity of the village?"
Hiashi immediately stood up. "Lady Tsunade, I am honored to accept. I will give my all for the stability, peace, and prosperity of Konoha."
Tsunade nodded, pleased with his resolve. "Now that we've settled that, there is one more important thing. I intend to take a leave of absence—for at least eight or nine months. During this time, I will leave the village's affairs to the three of you to discuss and handle."
Hiashi, who had just sat back down feeling elated, was suddenly struck with confusion. What was going on? As soon as he arrived, Lady Hokage was taking leave? And such a long leave at that. He couldn't help but suspect that the only reason he had been brought into the inner circle was to help fill the gap she was leaving behind.
Shikaku was also surprised. Why would Tsunade suddenly take leave? She had finally gotten into the rhythm of her work as Hokage, and her health seemed fine. Suddenly, his eyes drifted to Tsunade's midsection. Her belly seemed a bit larger than usual.
An incredible thought crossed his mind. 'It couldn't be, could it?'
A larger belly meant a child. Was she carrying that man's child? Heavens! Not only had Uchiha Ryōsuke conquered Tsunade, but he had also gotten her pregnant. The Flower of Konoha had been completely tamed. No wonder she needed leave. Ryōsuke was truly a terrifying man.
While the situation was outside of Fugaku's expectations as well, he wasn't particularly bothered. The village was so peaceful that it could likely maintain stability with or without Tsunade's direct leadership. There were no wars and no major crises on the horizon.
Seeing that no one raised an objection, Tsunade smiled. "Since there are no disagreements, it's decided. Starting today, village affairs will be handled by the three of you through consultation. If you encounter a matter you cannot decide on, notify me through Kakashi."
Kakashi was the son of the White Fang and had inherited his father's genius. If nurtured correctly, he would undoubtedly become a powerful asset. The village had suffered a great loss when the rumors and slander of the villagers drove the White Fang to suicide.
Hiashi watched the interaction, feeling somewhat lost. Were these two Consultant Elders really not going to ask for a reason? He decided to stay quiet; he was the newcomer and didn't want to overstep.
Once the three men left, Tsunade let out a long sigh of relief. It was a blessing that no one had asked for the reason. Now she could go home and properly prepare for the rest of her pregnancy. She wondered if the child would be a boy or a girl. A flicker of anxiety crossed her face—childbirth was notoriously painful, enough to make even her feel a bit of fear. But if other women could do it, then Tsunade certainly could as well.
Meanwhile, Jiraiya finally stepped out of prison after serving his month-long sentence. The Uchiha had not mistreated him; his meals had been delivered on time every day. However, a life of confinement without freedom was truly difficult to endure. He took a deep breath of the fresh outside air, feeling refreshed. Although he had been locked up by the Uchiha for a month, he felt no lingering anger, as he had gained the secret of the true Child of Prophecy. It was time to get to work and fulfill his mission.