The Uchiha's Path to the Top, Starting from Konoha

Chapter 27 Like a tortoise spinning in place

"Clan Chief Moriki, the Daimyo's envoy delegation is about to arrive."

"You're so slow, even your visits are drawn out."

Senju Moriki, who was resting at the gate of Konoha, heard his subordinate's report and impatiently straightened his clothes, muttering complaints under his breath, which made his subordinate lower his head.

"Prepare to begin the welcoming ceremony, and do not let the villagers and ninjas on the side disturb the daimyo's envoy group."

After venting his anger, Senju Moriki stood in front of the spacious Konoha gate, gazing at the convoy of envoys that looked like black dots in the distance. On the other side, merchants and villagers had been waiting for a long time, ready to enter or leave the village, but dared not speak out against their anger.

"Gui'an, Your Highness Kazuhiko."

"Greetings, Princess Kaori."

Ignoring the accompanying servants and officials, Senju Moriki smiled as he looked at the young man and the veiled girl who had pulled back the curtain and were now inside the carriage, his face showing genuine enthusiasm.

The daimyo of the Land of Fire and the Hokage of Konoha are both rulers of the Land of Fire, and Senju Moriki feels a strong sense of identification with the two lords who have come.

"This is our first time visiting Konoha Village. We would be grateful if you could show us the way, Lord Moriki."

Genichiro stepped down from the carriage, no longer displaying the imperious manner he had shown in the daimyo's residence. This time, he had been specially instructed by the daimyo and was entrusted with the important mission of maintaining the peace of the Land of Fire, so he dared not be negligent or lax in his actions.

He is indeed the heir to the Land of Fire, but he has many powerful younger brothers watching over him.

With a mental scan of Senju Moriki's personality, Genichiro walked gently beside him, a warm smile on his face.

"Having been governed by Lord Hashirama and Lord Tobirama, Konoha Village must surely be a place that my sister and I would linger in and be captivated by."

"I will absolutely not let Your Highnesses down."

Senju Moriki, whose interest was piqued by Genichiro's words, immediately led the way, explaining the prosperity and fun of Konoha Village to Genichiro along the way.

Especially since you can see the Hokage Rock from outside Konoha, with the two Hokage statues on it, it is Senju Moriki's proudest spot.

After a brief tour of Konoha's bustling main street, Senju Moriki arranged for the delegation to stay at the Konoha embassy.

At the embassy, ​​although he was a little curious about Princess Kaori, who hadn't spoken a word and whose face he'd never even seen, the two chatted enthusiastically at Minamoto Kazuhiko's suggestion.

"Brother Moriki, it seems that under the proper governance of the Senju clan, Konoha Village is thriving and developing towards greater prosperity."

Genichiro praised him, which pleased Senju Moriki greatly, and then sighed.

"It's a pity that Lord Tobirama was killed by the bandits of the Land of Lightning, otherwise Konoha would have been even more powerful."

Senju Moriki's expression changed slightly. Remembering Uzumaki Mito's teachings, he didn't open up to his newly sworn brother and abruptly changed the subject.

"Uncle Tobirama died in battle, but the Senju of the Forest have not fallen. Konoha will continue to prosper under the rule of the Senju."

"So, the Third Hokage is Moriki-nii?"

Faced with Genichiro's sincere yet curious gaze, and considering his status as the Crown Prince of the Land of Fire, Senju Moriki suddenly felt a sense of shared misfortune—both of them were suppressed by their parents.

He shook his head. "My mother is to become the Third Hokage."

Senju Moriki then emphasized, "However, the position of Fourth Hokage will definitely belong to me."

Genichiro felt a pang of envy and jealousy. As the only male in the Senju clan's lineage, Senju Moriki naturally had the confidence to say such things. However, the position of Hokage was not like that of a daimyo, which was a family-run affair.

The handsome crown prince feigned surprise and exclaimed, "It's Lady Mito! But I've heard that the Uchiha..."

"The position of Hokage has nothing to do with the Uchiha clan!"

Genichiro, who was rudely interrupted by Senju Moriki, secretly groaned. His biggest task was to mediate the conflict between the Uchiha and Senju clans, but now, judging from Senju Moriki's attitude, this task was going to be difficult.

At the same time, he was also annoyed. He was the crown prince of the Land of Fire. Apart from the daimyo, who would dare to speak to him in such a tone!

(Don't get angry now. You can find a chance to get revenge later. As long as the mission is completed, your position as crown prince will be truly secure when you return.)

Recalling the daimyo's attitude before departure, Genichiro Minamoto subtly changed the subject and instead asked about Mito Uzumaki.

Just as only the daimyo can determine the direction of the Land of Fire, the Senju of the Forest is still ruled by Mito Uzumaki.

"Mother is visiting the wounded ninja soldiers. Let's schedule the meeting for tomorrow morning."

Senju Moriki realized that his tone was a bit off, but he didn't care too much. They were all like brothers, so why would he take such trivial matters to heart?

"By the way, Prince Ichihiko."

Senju Moriki, who was having a pleasant conversation with Genichiro, almost forgot about the important matter he had decided on the night before.

"I'm here tonight to welcome Your Highnesses and give them a proper welcome. It'll be a good opportunity for Your Highnesses to get to know the heads of all the ninja clans in Konoha."

Senju Moriki paused, then said in an enigmatic tone, "Including the Uchiha."

"Will Lady Mito come too?"

Senju Moriki didn't quite understand what Genichi Hikaru meant, but he didn't mind and said truthfully, "That depends on whether Mother has time."

"Please, Moriki-san, make sure to invite Lord Mito."

"Lady Mito is a renowned heroine. My younger sister has heard of her fame for a long time. She begged me for a long time before coming to Konoha Village, hoping to see her as soon as possible."

"Please, Moriki-kun."

Faced with the earnest Genichiro, Senju Moriki swallowed back his words "we'll see each other tomorrow," and squinted his eyes with great joy, patting his chest with his large hand.

"Don't worry, I will definitely fulfill Princess Kaori's request."

"Thank you, Brother Senmu."

Upon seeing Senju Moriki's generous agreement, Genichiro, who was using his sister's name, looked down on him. If they were in each other's shoes, this man would have been devoured by the ruthless Daimyo long ago.

At the same time, he was secretly pleased—if he could meet Mito Uzumaki and the head of the Uchiha clan at the banquet, their attitudes when they were together would reveal more, and it would also give Minamoto Kazuhiko some mental preparation.

After arranging the dinner, Senju Moriki took his leave. Genichiro Minamoto pondered for a moment, then summoned a messenger and arranged for him to deliver the gifts he had brought to the three prestigious clans of Uchiha, Senju, and Hyuga, along with a formal visiting card.

"I hope everything goes well."

Opening the window of his room, Genichiro watched the departing messenger, his eyes brimming with sorrow.

Meanwhile, Senju Moriki, who had returned to the Senju clan's territory, walked briskly back to his residence. He wanted to take the Super God Power Pill with him. On the way, he met his wife, Uzumaki Minako, or rather, Senju Minako.

This gentle, virtuous, and beautiful young woman, dressed in a light-colored kimono, had a tall and slender figure. Her red hair was tied into a single side ponytail that hung down in front of her full chest, and beneath her neat bangs were a pair of clear and gentle eyes.

"Moriki-kun..."

Senju Moriki ignored Uzumaki Minako. He didn't like the wife that Uzumaki Mito had carefully chosen for him, and he especially disliked her always calm and gentle face, as well as Uzumaki Minako's slow and indecisive nature.

Because whenever he looked at his wife, he felt like he was trying his best but was still like a tortoise spinning in circles. Facing his wife, who was unhurried but incredibly excellent, he felt a sense of defeat that made Senju Moriki extremely disgusted.

Even towards Minako Uzumaki, his feelings were a mixture of liking and dislike.

Watching Senju Moriki's departing figure, a hint of disappointment appeared in Uzumaki Minako's eyes. She bit her cherry-colored lips lightly, and clearly felt her husband's estrangement from her.

This situation has been going on for six years since she gave birth to Tsunade, getting worse every year, but she doesn't understand why.

"Moriki-kun, Minako is feeling lonely..."

The gentle southern breeze ruffled Minako's bangs, stirring ripples in her heart. She decided to follow her husband and investigate what was wrong with Senju Moriki.

If there's an affair...

Minako Uzumaki remained silent.

This chapter is to thank everyone for their opinions. I hope everyone can write down their own opinions and views. Sometimes I get carried away while writing.

This is my first book, so I have to find a way to write it well.

(End of this chapter)