Naruto didn't feel discouraged by Fugaku's words at all. On the contrary, his heart surged with motivation. If I just keep practicing a little longer, he thought, maybe I can produce a lot more chakra. And then… then I'll be able to use ninjutsu for real!
On the other side, Sasuke had been staring at Ryosuke's Mangekyō Sharingan, utterly entranced.
So this… this is the evolved form of the Sharingan? The Mangekyō Sharingan?
A sharp desire sparked inside him. He wanted to awaken eyes like that too. Unable to suppress the urge, he blurted out:
"Father… how can I awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan?"
The question made Fugaku's expression harden instantly.
To awaken the Mangekyō… the price was steep. It often required losing the dearest person in one's life. For Sasuke, those dearest ones were none other than his father, his mother, and his older brother. Fugaku could not—would not—allow such a fate.
He forced his tone to remain steady.
"To awaken the Mangekyō, you must first awaken the three-tomoe Sharingan. That comes before anything else."
Hearing that, Sasuke quieted down. He had no Sharingan at all yet, so talking about the Mangekyō was far too premature. For now, he would obey.
Ryosuke, meanwhile, understood exactly why Fugaku's face had gone pale.
The Mangekyō… born through sacrifice. A cursed power that demands the blood of kin. No wonder Fugaku fears it.
But Ryosuke's mind was already working. Maybe that way of awakening can be changed. If every Uchiha could awaken the Mangekyō without bloodshed… the clan would become terrifyingly powerful.
And for that, he already had an idea. Orochimaru. With the snake's brilliance in forbidden jutsu, perhaps another method of evolution could be researched. In the future, even the Rinnegan appeared in many hands. By comparison, the Mangekyō would not remain among the strongest powers for long.
Still, today there was another matter to address.
"Clan head Fugaku," Ryosuke said, "I actually have a request. I'd like the Uchiha to sponsor an orphanage under the clan's name. A simple donation—five million ryō each year should suffice."
Fugaku blinked, surprised. An orphanage? Charity? Then realization struck him—this wasn't just kindness. It was also a way to raise the Uchiha clan's reputation and strengthen their public image. And the money? That was no issue. The ransom taken from Kumogakure had been Ryosuke's doing in the first place.
He nodded at once. "Of course. I'll provide the funds."
A little later, Fugaku personally brought Ryosuke into the clan treasury, handing him a full hundred million ryō. Fugaku had already decided—there was no need for Ryosuke to keep asking. Whatever path Ryosuke chose, he would support it without question.
With the funds in hand, Ryosuke immediately separated five million ryō and set out toward the orphanage. The rest he stored safely at home.
The moment he entered through the front gates, the cheerful noise of children greeted him. A group of little ones were laughing and chasing each other, their faces bright with life. They no longer looked pale and hungry as before. Likely yesterday's money, which he had given to Yakushi Nonō, had already been spent on proper food. Their bellies were full now.
Inside the orphanage office, Ryosuke opened the door and found Nonō waiting. She wore her nun's habit as always, her glasses framing her face, her figure wrapped modestly beneath layers of fabric. Yet despite her efforts to conceal it, Ryosuke couldn't help but remember her form vividly from before.
He placed the bag of money heavily on the desk.
"The funds are here. Check them yourself."
Nonō's hands trembled as she peeked inside. Her eyes filled with emotion. She hadn't expected Ryosuke to come so early, and with such a sum. At least several million ryō—he hadn't lied to her, nor did he need to. With this, the children could eat well for years if spent carefully.
Her heart swelled. "Ryosuke… I don't even know how to thank you."
Ryosuke only smiled. "Then perhaps… you could let me see you again. Like before."
His eyes carried a teasing gleam, but his meaning was clear.
Nonō's cheeks burned. His request wasn't unexpected. And truthfully, she had nothing else to give in return. He had already seen her body once… and deep down, she hadn't hated it. She liked him—more than she dared admit.
Quietly, she rose, shutting the window shutters and locking the door. She checked carefully—no one outside could peek in. Only then did she relax. Slowly, as before, she revealed herself to him.
Ryosuke's eyes softened. "Exquisite… soft, yet strong."
Then, almost casually, he added, "I have a thought. You love children, don't you? Then why not have one with me?"
The words stunned Nonō. She was no naïve girl—she knew exactly what that meant. To bear a child… she would have to share herself with him completely. But was that really so impossible? He was strong, handsome, and kind in his own way. And her heart was already his.
Her voice was barely a whisper. "Alright."
Ryosuke didn't hesitate. He drew her into his arms, lifting her onto the desk, and the office filled with the warmth of their union.
The afternoon slipped away swiftly.
When Nonō stirred awake, the sun had begun to set. Her body ached pleasantly, but her sense of duty pulled her up. The children needed dinner. That responsibility was her anchor.
She glanced at Ryosuke, still seated nearby, and her lips curled in a faint, dazed smile. He's so strong… so overwhelming. Maybe… maybe I really will carry his child.
Adjusting her clothes, she looked back at him tenderly.
"I need to prepare dinner for the children. Will you be staying to eat with us?"
Ryosuke chuckled. "Why not? I'll stay the night as well. I'd like to taste how meals here compare."
Her heart leapt at his words. After sharing so much, she longed to be near him still.
And so, the orphanage began a new chapter—not just for the children, but for her as well.
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