The detailed agreement for Roran's merger into the Sand Federation had largely been finalized. Elder Keiko instructed Maki to record all discussion points and the agreement itself, then deliver them to the front lines.
Once Pakura approved, arrangements could proceed.
First would be the construction of a transport route. With a railway connection, the travel time between the Sand Federation and Roran would be reduced to under three hours. Roran residents could travel beyond via the Sand Federation. This would promote exchange and allow for goods transportation. The Federation itself would also begin road construction—but only after the war.
While awaiting a message from Pakura, Hyuga Mirai proposed taking Kushina Uzumaki and Naruto Uzumaki on a tour of the Federation to visit old friends from Konoha.
Naturally, the Sand Federation had no objections. The city had been reorganized so that all confidential departments were grouped together under ANBU guard, while the rest of the area was open to the public.
"At last, I'll get to see Mikoto again. Honestly, I've been really worried about her. Considering everything that's happened to the Uchiha clan, she must be the one suffering most."
Kushina Uzumaki, walking beside Hyuga Mirai, wore a look of concern. She had few friends back in Konoha, and Mikoto Uchiha had definitely been one of them.
"You only just recovered from your injuries, and you're still worrying about others. No wonder you were fooled for so many years, Princess Kushina!"
Ayaka Uzumaki now loved to mock her with the title "Princess Kushina," because this idiot had ignored her warnings several times, nearly dying the second time before finally wising up.
"Damn you, Ayaka!!"
Fuming, Kushina clenched her fists, but she was no match for Ayaka. If it came to blows, she'd likely end up the one tied up.
Naruto, hearing his mom and Aunt Ayaka bicker, quickly walked ahead to Hyuga Mirai. Based on past experience, if he didn't get away, his mom would take her frustration out on him after losing the argument.
Hyuga Mirai paid no mind to the quarreling women behind him. He glanced at Naruto, planning to closely observe Sasuke Uchiha later.
If he could obtain both Asura's and Indra's chakra from Naruto and Sasuke, then he could cultivate a pair of Rinnegan in a very short time.
The Tenseigan could evolve from the Byakugan by altering the Hyuga gene structure. Once Yin-Yang Release was mastered to a high degree, one could maintain the Tenseigan state permanently—just like Hyuga Mirai.
However, the Rinnegan was unrelated to genetics. Its power originated from the God Tree. Only by thoroughly understanding the God Tree's source could one grasp the secret to awakening the Rinnegan.
Aside from the progenitors—Asura and Indra—no other descendants of the Senju and Uchiha clans possessed the ability to awaken the Rinnegan.
At best, they could obtain the Mangekyo Sharingan, but the more they used it, the faster they went blind—as if overdrawing their life force. Only by supplementing with Hashirama Cells could this blindness be prevented.
In theory, anyone could attain the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, but after all this time, only Uchiha Madara had been confirmed to possess it.
"Still needs further research..."
Hyuga Mirai muttered softly. Guesswork wouldn't help. Uchiha Itachi's corpse was still in Uchiha hands, and there was no way they'd waste his Mangekyo Sharingan. When the time came, Mirai could advise them professionally.
After all, aside from Tsunade, no one in the shinobi world surpassed him in medical ninjutsu.
The Uchiha were currently weak. To reclaim their former glory in the Federation, they'd need power.
"Naruto, running off like that—do you even know where you're going? What if you fall!?"
Having lost the verbal duel again, Kushina stomped off angrily to vent at Naruto.
"Heh."
Hyuga Mirai chuckled. He planned to take Naruto and Sasuke to Turtle Island in the Hidden Cloud soon, to see if he could draw out the deep chakra within them.
Eventually, they arrived at the Uchiha residential area, which could house over a thousand families. Currently, besides the Uchiha, others applying to live in the Federation were gradually being assigned here.
The area remained mostly empty because the Sand Federation had strict entry screening. But if the application process were opened, it would be filled within days.
"Hyuga-kun?"
A member of the security team who wasn't on patrol spotted Hyuga Mirai and called out in surprise.
Recognizing the Uchiha, Hyuga Mirai smiled and greeted him. "Ah, it's Hui-san. I'm here representing Roran to finalize the merger. Looks like we'll be colleagues soon."
Uchiha Hui replied cheerfully, "That's wonderful. With Hyuga-kun around, I'll feel much more at ease. It's a pity our captain is out on patrol. If he knew you were here, he'd surely want to share a drink."
"There'll be time for that. This visit is mainly because Kushina and Mikoto are friends—they wanted to see each other," Mirai said with a smile, stepping aside to reveal Kushina.
"So it's Lady Kushina. Mikoto Uchiha is on the top floor—please go right in."
Only now noticing her, Hui pointed out where the Uchiha Fugaku family currently lived and added, "They've been keeping to themselves lately. Even Sasuke."
"I see. Thank you, Hui-san."
After thanking him, they headed upstairs. The complex had duplex apartments, each over 170 square meters—spacious enough for a family of five.
At the top floor lived only the Uchiha Fugaku family—a special privilege.
Kushina eagerly knocked on the door. After a moment, it opened.
Mikoto Uchiha looked surprised when she saw Kushina. Her face, once expressionless, softened slightly. She quickly opened the door wider.
"Kushina! I didn't expect to see you. Come in, please."
Before Kushina could even step inside, Naruto dashed in ahead of her and asked, "Aunt Mikoto, where's Sasuke? Is he at school?"
"Don't be rude, Naruto."
Embarrassed, Kushina put him in a headlock and laughed awkwardly at Mikoto before stepping inside after removing her shoes.
Hyuga Mirai and Ayaka followed. Upon entering, Mirai immediately noticed the faint scent of incense. Though subtle, it was distinct.
The last time he had visited, Fugaku's family hadn't kept a shrine. Also, Mikoto's black clothing closely resembled mourning attire.
Mirai paused to consider. Using the Byakugan would be the quickest way to confirm his suspicions, but that would be impolite and disrespectful.
So after taking a seat, he asked softly, "Lady Mikoto, is Fugaku-san here?"
Mikoto's hand trembled slightly as she served the tea. Then she quietly answered, "Fugaku… took his own life a few days ago. He felt he had failed the clan."
(End of Chapter)