Chapter 61 – Tsunade is Back
Mikoto nodded in agreement.
As soon as Fugaku left the room, he noticed Uchiha Ryoichi waiting outside, bowing respectfully.
"Patriarch."
Fugaku acknowledged him with a nod and followed him to the office.
Once seated, he saw Ryoichi preparing to bring out a ledger. He waved him off.
"Haven't we already looked at this this morning? I have other matters to attend to."
Ryoichi hesitated, slightly confused, but complied, returning the ledger to its place.
Then Fugaku spoke suddenly, catching Ryoichi off guard.
"Ryoichi… have you read Make-Out Paradise by Jiraiya?"
Ryoichi's eyes widened. That perverted book? Why would the Patriarch even ask? He stammered, "I… I've read a little."
Fugaku nodded approvingly. "Good. That gives me an idea. I'm going to try writing one myself."
Ryoichi's horror was immediate.
"Ah? Patriarch, you mean… you're writing a perverted book too?"
Fugaku's expression darkened, a thin line crossing his face.
"No. A fantasy novel."
Ryoichi breathed a sigh of relief. "Ah… thank goodness. My apologies, Patriarch, for my hasty assumption."
Fugakue smirked slightly. "You already own a shop, yet you fluster so easily? Keep some decorum."
He continued with business.
"Acquire a bookstore and a printing factory in the village. Once I finish the manuscript, we'll print it ourselves and sell it directly."
Ryoichi hesitated. "Patriarch, there's no printing factory in the village."
Fugaku frowned. Konoha was vast—more a city than a village—but no printing factories? That was unexpected.
After Ryoichi explained, Fugaku understood. When the Fourth Hokage had risen to power, he had negotiated with the Fire Country Royal Family. Large factories had to relocate to the capital, leaving Konoha economically constrained.
Fugaku chuckled darkly.
"The Fire Country Royal Family has invited their own doom."
He paused, then added, "Go to the capital yourself and acquire a printing factory."
Pausing again, he reconsidered. "Never mind. I'll find someone else. Ryoichi, you've enough on your plate."
Indeed, Ryoichi wasn't the only loyal subordinate. After Fugakue led the Uchiha coup and cemented his authority, loyalty ran deep. More than thirty elite Jonin with three-tomoe Sharingan were at his disposal.
"Understood, Patriarch."
Meanwhile, not far away, Izumo Kamizuki and Kotetsu Hagane lounged in foot massage chairs, watching TV and popping grapes into their mouths. Pure comfort.
"Hey Izumo, I think I just saw Hokage-sama… am I imagining things?" Kotetsu asked.
Izumo, eyes closed, groaned in delight from the massage. "You're seeing things. Hokage-sama wouldn't come here."
The new foot bath service had been irresistible. Standing all day guarding the main gate left their feet aching. Warm water, expert massage, and a bargain price—this was heavenly.
Back in the office, Fugaku and Ryoichi were discussing plans for Pansi Cave when the door abruptly opened.
Ryoichi bristled—someone had barged in! But the sight of Anbu attire quelled his anger immediately. All Anbu now bore three-tomoe Sharingan; they were Fugakue's own people.
"Report," Fugake asked.
The Anbu lowered his head. "Hokage-sama, Tsunade-hime, one of the Legendary Sannin, has returned to the Village."
Fugaku's eyes sharpened. Tsunade arrived first? He had expected Jiraiya, then possibly Tsunade, with Orochimaru last. Odd.
"Just Tsunade and Shizune?" he asked.
The Anbu nodded, then hesitated. "And… a small pink pig."
Fugaku smirked. "Understood. Monitor her closely. No need to approach yet. Take blood packs from the hospital—Tsunade has hemophobia. If she reacts rashly, use them immediately."
"Yes, sir!"
With a whoosh, the Anbu disappeared. Ryoichi turned back, ensuring the door was closed. Considerate… he thought, nodding secretly.
Fugaku settled with his tea. "Where were we?"
Ryoichi quickly recalled. "You were discussing measures to prevent technicians from making inappropriate gestures or verbally abusing customers."
Fugaku smiled faintly. "Ah, yes. That's important too."
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