Minato Namikaze, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Yakushi Nono were discussing the details of the charity event.
Since this was the first time holding such a charity event, the three of them had no experience with it.
Therefore, Hiruzen Sarutobi applied the same methods used for war mobilization.
It felt pretty good.
After all, Konoha's war mobilization was based on the Will of Fire; everyone in the Village was family, so wasn't it natural to donate money to the children in the orphanage?
After Yakushi Nonou left, Hiruzen Sarutobi said to Minato, "Fourth Hokage, the entire plan and process were thought up by Yuta. Perhaps Yuta has better ideas; you should ask Yuta when you go back."
Minato nodded. "Yes, Yuta stays at Orochimaru's research base every day now, and we can still meet often in the evening. I'll ask Yuta what opinions he has then."
Hiruzen Sarutobi continued, "Minato, the next priority is the Uchiha Clan."
Minato replied, "I plan to go to the Uchiha Clan Grounds tomorrow to see Fugaku."
Hiruzen Sarutobi asked Minato, "Do you need me to accompany you?"
Minato shook his head slightly. "No, Kushina and Mikoto are good friends, so I want to rely on that connection to meet Fugaku and have a good talk."
Hiruzen Sarutobi agreed. "That's fine, let's see what Fugaku's attitude is first."
...
Nighttime.
Yuta was walking home with a smile on his face.
"Tsk tsk, a genius? What is a genius? The word 'genius' is synonymous with me, Yuta. Thanks to Lord Orochimaru's equipment, the progress is truly considerable. However, there is one thing that isn't great: we can't talk casually when resting. Why be so serious?"
Just as Yuta was thinking about the experiment to be conducted tomorrow, Minato appeared in front of him.
Yuta said in surprise, "Oh, Lord Minato, did you just get off work too?"
Minato said with a smile, "Yes, you've been working quite hard lately, Yuta."
Yuta's chest puffed out unconsciously. "That's right, I've always been working very hard. If I didn't work hard, I'd end up all alone."
"Huh?"
Minato looked at Yuta, confused. How would not working hard lead to ending up alone?
Yuta waved his hand. "Let's not talk about that. Lord Minato, you must have something to tell me, right? After all, we shouldn't have run into each other before getting home, given our directions."
Minato said, "There is indeed a small matter. It's about the charity event. Today, I, Sandaime, and Yakushi Nonou discussed the details. Since the whole plan was proposed by you, Yuta, I wanted to ask for your opinion."
Minato recounted the details they had discussed in the office to Yuta.
After listening, Yuta replied, "That's pretty good. Actually, how the charity event is held isn't important. After all, with you, Lord Minato, and Sandaime—the current Hokage and the former Hokage—attending, the villagers of Konoha will have to give you face, and most of them will definitely attend.
The important thing is the content of the speech. Just have Sister Yakushi Nonou make it sound more tragic. Doesn't the orphanage have many war orphans? Then focus on those children. For example, talk about how their parents sacrificed themselves for Konoha, and say things like 'don't let these heroes bleed and cry,' things that can foster empathy. However, these empathetic words must be spoken by you, Lord Minato; it wouldn't be appropriate for Sister Yakushi Nonou to say them."
Hearing Yuta's words, Minato nodded thoughtfully. "I understand."
Yuta remembered his 'ambition.' "Lord Minato, you know I want to open a shop. Can you arrange a shop with a good location for me?"
Minato agreed. "That is possible, but it must be done according to the proper procedures; there's no way to let you use it for free."
"No problem, money is the easiest thing for me to solve. I'll just go pull some investment!"
Yuta revealed a greedy smile. He had to pause his experiments for now; he needed to finish the puppets he planned to sell in the future and make a sample to attract investment.
So busy, so busy~
...
The next day.
Minato arrived at the Uchiha Clan Grounds and met Uchiha Fugaku.
"Clan Leader Fugaku, I've wanted to see you since the inauguration ceremony, but I've been tied up with work and didn't expect to drag it out until today."
Kushina and Uchiha Mikoto were friends, so although Minato and Uchiha Fugaku couldn't be called friends, their relationship was not bad.
Uchiha Fugaku bowed slightly. "I also haven't properly congratulated the Fourth Hokage on his succession."
At this moment, Uchiha Mikoto brought over two cups of tea, placing one in front of Minato and the other in front of Uchiha Fugaku.
Minato said to Uchiha Mikoto with a smile, "Kushina is always talking about you, Mikoto. Mikoto, I plan to get married to Kushina. I intend to invite some close friends and relatives, and I hope you and Clan Leader Fugaku can attend my wedding."
Uchiha Mikoto said happily, "Really? I will definitely attend the Fourth Hokage and Kushina's wedding."
Uchiha Fugaku looked at Minato with some surprise. He could understand why Minato's wedding would invite Uchiha Mikoto, as she was good friends with Kushina, but he didn't expect him to include him as well.
Uchiha Fugaku took a long look at Minato and said to Uchiha Mikoto, "Mikoto, I have some things to discuss with the Fourth Hokage in private. You go keep Itachi company; I will entertain the Fourth Hokage."
"Okay."
Uchiha Mikoto walked out of the room and thoughtfully closed the door.
Minato thanked Uchiha Fugaku. "Clan Leader Fugaku, for this war, the Uchiha Clan's heroic performance has contributed greatly to Konoha. I would like to express my gratitude to you here."
Uchiha Fugaku shook his head. "No need for thanks. Konoha is our home; when Konoha is in trouble, we naturally must give our all."
Uchiha Fugaku paused and asked, "Fourth Hokage, you came to see me this time; it shouldn't just be to invite me and Mikoto to the wedding, right?"
Minato's expression became serious. "I would like to ask, how does Clan Leader Fugaku view the relationship between the Uchiha and Konoha?"
Uchiha Fugaku's hand, which had just picked up the teacup, paused.
However, Uchiha Fugaku immediately pretended as if nothing had happened and took a sip of tea.
After Uchiha Fugaku placed the teacup on the table, he had already decided how to answer Minato: "The Uchiha Clan is one of the many ninja clans in Konoha, and it is a part of the Hidden Leaf Village."
Minato said helplessly, "Clan Leader Fugaku, I asked how you view the relationship between the two sides. You didn't answer my question directly. I came here this time hoping that we could talk openly and honestly."
Minato stated the purpose of his visit directly; otherwise, he felt that Uchiha Fugaku would just dodge the question from beginning to end.
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