Arashi's gaze swept past Fugaku, who was kneeling on the ground, then landed on the clan members behind him, all bearing the Uchiha fan crest.
He said nothing.
Nor did he tell Fugaku to rise.
Time passed in silence.
The Daimyo remained quiet for a long time.
An invisible pressure, heavy like a mountain, pressed down on everyone's chest.
In the eyes of outsiders, this silence signaled his dissatisfaction with Hiruzen for executing three thousand captives.
Minato's breathing grew heavy.
Beside him, Hiruzen's old, wrinkled face was tense.
Only when people began to break out in cold sweat did Arashi finally speak.
"Everyone, rise."
"Thank you, Daimyo-sama!"
Everyone let out a breath of relief and stood respectfully.
Especially Fugaku, who remained slightly bowed, his posture humble, not daring to meet Arashi's eyes.
"You've all worked hard," Arashi said with a calm smile, then looked toward Fugaku with a gentle expression. "I heard that Ragyō has been feeling unwell lately, so I rushed back from the Land of Hot Springs."
He spoke in an easy, conversational tone, like mentioning something trivial.
But this one sentence made everyone look toward the Uchiha Clan.
The Daimyo had returned personally, for the Uchiha woman carrying his child.
Under countless gazes, Fugaku felt his blood surge to his head.
Glory. The glory of the Uchiha.
The Uchiha Clan was about to rise again.
His body trembled slightly from excitement.
Fugaku bowed deeply once more, voice trembling with emotion, "It is the Uchiha Clan's greatest honor that Ragyō has received the Daimyo's favor!"
Arashi simply smiled, reaching out to give his shoulder a firm pat. "You've done well."
"Everyone, you may leave now."
"I need to see my wife first."
"Clan Head Fugaku, lead the way."
"Yes!" Fugaku straightened, chest puffed out, face flushed.
The pride on his face was completely unrestrained, overflowing.
He strode forward, personally leading the way for Arashi's carriage.
That posture was like a proclamation to all of Konoha.
The Uchiha Clan now had a backer.
Hiruzen silently watched it all, emotions swirling in his heart, eventually settling into a long sigh as he followed the procession without a word.
Uchiha territory.
The usually calm streets were now lined with guards every few steps.
All members of the Uchiha Police Force on patrol, upon seeing the Daimyo's carriage, immediately knelt on one knee to salute.
This was their display of loyalty to Arashi.
The admiration and devotion in their eyes made Hiruzen, Koharu, and other Konoha officials feel a cold heaviness settle in their hearts.
Ragyō's courtyard had been carefully cleaned and arranged.
Every detail reflected the Uchiha Clan's absolute dedication.
Mikoto stood waiting at the door. The moment she saw Arashi, she respectfully bowed. "Welcome, Daimyo-sama."
"Where is Ragyō?" Arashi asked without slowing down.
"My sister is resting. She's been a bit drowsy lately," Mikoto said with a gentle smile, pushing open the door.
Arashi walked in.
The room was lightly perfumed with calming incense. Ragyō was lying on a soft couch, wrapped in a brocade quilt.
When she heard footsteps, her eyes fluttered open.
Seeing the familiar face she had longed for, tears filled her eyes.
"Daimyo-sama..."
She tried to rise and bow, but a warm hand gently pressed her back down.
Arashi sat beside her, holding her cold hand. His gaze settled on her still-flat abdomen.
"How are you feeling?" His voice was gentler than it had ever been.
Ragyō's cheeks turned crimson. She nodded shyly. "Mmm... Just sleepy a lot, and not much appetite."
Her tone was soft and almost childlike, as though she were complaining.
Arashi smiled, gently pulling her into his embrace.
His other hand rested lightly on her stomach.
A gentle stream of Chakra flowed from his palm.
Ragyō let out a long breath, and the discomfort from her pregnancy disappeared in an instant.
She curled up in his arms, like a small, content cat.
"Thank you... Daimyo-sama..." Her voice was almost inaudible, her face red as if it might drip blood.
"Hahaha," Arashi chuckled softly. "It should be me thanking you."
The two embraced quietly. Warmth lingered between them.
Their child.
A child that carried both Arashi's and Uchiha Bloodlines.
Arashi had the faintest illusion that the life within her was eagerly absorbing the Chakra he poured in, releasing faint but joyful fluctuations of awareness.
This Bloodline connection was beyond words.
Outside the room, Fugaku and Mikoto stood quietly, waiting.
After some time, Arashi helped Ragyō lie back down and covered her with the quilt.
When he stepped out of the room, all the tenderness vanished from his face.
"Clan Head Fugaku."
"Here!" Fugaku straightened instantly.
"Ragyō's pregnancy is a great service to the Uchiha Clan."
Arashi's voice was calm, but it made every Uchiha Shinobi's heart pound.
"And for merit, there must be reward."
"Starting tomorrow, ten percent of the Land of Fire's medicinal herb business will be managed by the Uchiha Clan."
"Also, two civilian official positions in the Daimyo's Manor will be reserved for your clan."
Fugaku froze.
His mind went blank.
Ten percent of the medicinal herb trade?
That kind of wealth could lift the entire Uchiha Clan to a higher tier.
Two civilian positions?
That meant the Uchiha would finally step into the political center of the Land of Fire.
For years, any attempt to enter politics had been blocked by Danzō and others.
Now, this reward officially elevated them from a marginalized Shinobi clan to a true noble house, able to stand beside the Senju and Sarutobi.
"Daimyo-sama!"
Fugaku could no longer contain himself. He dropped to his knees again.
His voice cracked with emotion, even trembling with a sob as all the bitterness he had swallowed over the years came pouring out.
"Such grace… the Uchiha… could never repay, even if shattered into pieces!"
"Clan Head Fugaku, please rise," Arashi said, personally helping him up. "I only have one request."
"Take care of Ragyō. Take care of my child."
"Do not allow her to suffer even the slightest harm."
Fugaku bowed deeply again. "Understood!"
"The Uchiha Clan swears to protect the Lady and Young Lord with our lives! If anything happens, we will bring our heads to you!"
He understood.
From this moment on, the Uchiha's destiny, their future, was bound to the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.
And to the child in Ragyō's womb.
Prosper together.
Perish together.
(To be continued.)
◇◇◇
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)