Chapter 228 Future
Haruko conveyed her idea to Minato Namikaze—to launch a peaceful revolution in the village, promoting harmony and equality.
Select at least one influential representative from each major clan to enter the upper echelons, responsible for conveying the clan's opinions and needs, ensuring that the voices of each clan are heard, and also considering the overall interests of Konoha.
He persuaded the Hyuga clan to abandon the use of the "Caged Bird" technique within the clan, abolish the division between the branch family and the main family, and allow clan members to enjoy equal status and freely pursue their own ninja path.
Strengthening communication and cooperation among the various clans within Konoha is crucial. The Hyuga and Uchiha clans gradually became isolated and helpless in the village because they were too self-enclosed. If all the clans united to maintain the stability of Konoha, even if it was only on the surface, Konoha would shine brightly.
It may be difficult to achieve at present, but she believes that as Hokage, Minato Namikaze will surely bring an everlasting flame to Konoha in the future.
When questioned by Minato Namikaze, she stated that these were her own ideas, but that she had the support of the Uchiha clan.
"Please let the Uchiha clan become a sword in your hand, not a buried blade."
Haruko's resounding words made them both fall into deep thought. Minato Namikaze and Kushina exchanged a glance, noticing the astonishment in each other's eyes, which calmed them down considerably.
Minato Namikaze carefully chose his words, "Haruko, you... have matured a lot."
"Because there are many things I want to do." Haruko smiled at him. "Then I'll be going now."
Minato Namikaze got up to see her off, and as he watched her departing figure, he called out, "Haruko-neechan, be careful on your way!"
She seemed to hear him, her steady steps faltering for a moment before continuing, only raising her hand in a wave, as if responding to him, or perhaps to his words.
In order to increase the possibility of peaceful reforms, Haruko needs more supportive and influential voices.
Under the deep golden light, a weathered figure sat alone on the riverbank.
"Hiruzen, I've been looking for you for so long." Haruko approached, disturbing the melancholy that surrounded him.
Upon seeing her, Hiruzen Sarutobi's face lit up with joy. "It's Haruko. What brings you to this old man?"
Haruko stood beside him, gazing at the horizon where the river met the sky. "If you keep talking about old men like this, you'll become an old man even faster."
Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed a few times and stroked his beard. "I guess I'm only still young in your eyes."
"Has Hiruzen always been young?"
"My mind has aged as much as my appearance, or even faster. Even though your words enlightened me for a moment, I no longer have the chance to make up for it."
Sensing the sorrow in his words, Haruko felt a pang of desolation. The figure who had once stood firm and full of ambition, even when she tugged at his clothes, now seemed desolate and forlorn.
"Looks like I'm better off being an old man fishing by the river." Hiruzen Sarutobi calmly concluded the first half of his life.
Is this the change that comes with being at the center of power?
Haruko thought of Minato Namikaze's gentle face. If it were him, would he change in the future?
No, it was precisely because she trusted Minato Namikaze that she placed all her bets on him, just as she had let go of Hiruzen Sarutobi's clothes many years ago; she trusted Hiruzen Sarutobi.
“You’ve done a great job, Hiruzen. I’ve always thought so. In my heart, you are the Hokage with the most magnificent back.” Haruko said in a lively tone, “It’s just that Konoha needs more changes, like Minato, like… reform.”
A damp breeze billowed the hems of their clothes, and the reddish-brown river came into view. The air was still yet flowed leisurely.
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke slowly, "Then let's go fishing together after we've realized your idea."
*
Mikoto Uchiha pushed open the door and walked out of the examination room. The nurse behind her smiled and told her, "Take care."
"Mom, are you feeling unwell?" Itachi Uchiha asked anxiously as he moved closer to her.
"No, Itachi, you're going to have a younger brother or sister soon." Uchiha Mikoto gently touched her slightly bulging belly with a soft expression.
Uchiha Itachi stood there, his gaze shifting to her still-not-very-prone belly.
His mother's excited words rang in his ears, "Yes, you're going to be a big brother soon."
Is he going to be... a big brother?
As they left the hospital, they saw Haruko rushing toward them.
Haruko, panting, asked, "Sorry I'm late. How is it?"
"They say it's very healthy and growing strong." Mikoto Uchiha's face couldn't help but show happiness.
"That's great..." Haruko softened her tone and tentatively touched her stomach with her hand.
Although she could not feel anything, through her fingertips, she seemed to connect with a bond that transcended time and space.
Uchiha Itachi suddenly spoke up: "Mom, I want a little brother."
"Oh my, your little sister is cute too," Mikoto Uchiha teased him.
“I think it’s the younger brother.” Itachi Uchiha stared at her stubbornly.
Haruko saw his confident expression and smiled. "I also think it will be a boy, and a boy as handsome as Itachi."
Seeing her support, Itachi Uchiha was somewhat pleased and quietly took her hand.
Suddenly, crystal-clear flakes drifted down from the sky, scattering above their heads as if bestowing upon them piety and holiness.
"It's snowing..." Haruko murmured, raising her other hand to catch it.
Uchiha Mikoto gazed at the shimmering, drifting catkins, "They'll be born in the summer."
Summer... huh...
Haruko looked away, took Itachi's hand, and followed behind Mikoto. She whispered to Itachi, "I bet his name is Sasuke Uchiha."
Itachi Uchiha asked, puzzled, "Why is Haruko so sure?"
Haruko chuckled a few times and said shamelessly, "Because I can foresee the future."
Uchiha Itachi seemed to believe her and pressed her for details: "Then what will my future be like?"
"The future Itachi... has a strict father, a gentle mother, a tsundere younger brother, a close friend he can rely on, and many, many more bonds full of unknown possibilities."
Why didn't Haruko mention yourself?
"I'm here too, but it will be a long time before we meet again."
Uchiha Itachi stopped and asked her somewhat anxiously, "Haruko, are you going on a trip?"
Haruko stopped and patted his head. "That's right, I'll be embarking on my journey around the time Sasuke is born."
"Can't you take me with you?"
"If Itachi isn't here, who will take care of the baby?" Haruko smiled reassuringly at him. "I can't wait for Itachi to grow up to be a good older brother. He'll definitely be calm and reliable!"
Uchiha Itachi didn't say anything more, and silently walked forward as Haruko led him.
After a long silence, he spoke again, "When my younger brother is born, I will protect Haruko together with him."
“As an adult, it should be me protecting you,” Haruko corrected him.
Uchiha Itachi shook his head and insisted, "I want to protect Haruko."
******
The list of recipients of gratitude as of April 11, 2024:
grateful--
The items given upon starting Yuan Sheng include a urging-to-update charm, a bubble tea, a love letter, and 2 flowers.
I like the update reminder charm given by the Great Scaled Demon.
K, the one who sent the update reminder charm
Running on a Siberian bear, a high-class experience, chugging along – give it a like!
Uchiha Xueyi, flowers given by Lin Laoji
Abyss Bird, Early Summer, Starry Sky, likes the Great Scaled Dragon, is Xiao Yu, not Xiao Yu, Uchiha Xueyi, Uchiha Sasuke's wife, Liang Hong who loves spicy potato strips, Mitsuri loves knives, Youlan, Xuanchun, Jin Xiula from Nanning, Red-Clad Xiangyi Saigao, yyim, Fufu Funina, Maynight's gift of love
Thank you so much for the gifts! The author is so touched! Hugs from Mikoto's mom (。＾▽＾)
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