Hearing Tarou's sigh of emotion, Yuzuru smiled and said, "It's only been a while, and you've already learned how to flatter people, Clan Head?"
"You brat." Tarou couldn't help but laugh and curse when teased by Yuzuru.
The faint sorrow he had just stirred up instantly vanished.
Yuzuru chuckled. "Clan Head, you know me. I don't like this kind of farewell atmosphere."
"If you're about to launch into a long speech, how about listening to me instead? Why not live a little longer?"
He had always held a good impression of Tarou.
Back when the man was still the Uchiha clan head, he had given him tremendous freedom.
It could be said… if not for Tarou's full support, his plans would never have progressed so smoothly.
So seeing Tarou now, clearly at death's door, he couldn't help but feel a trace of reluctance.
Yet Tarou remained unmoved. "Yuzuru, the most correct decision I made in this lifetime was not holding it against you when you broke Fugaku's arm."
"Now Fugaku has become Hokage, and the Uchiha clan has become the undisputed foremost noble clan in the shinobi world. I have no regrets left."
"I only have one request…"
Yuzuru looked at him. "What is it?"
"If one day you truly unify the shinobi world and reshape it into the world you want… remember to use the Impure World Reincarnation and summon me and my father back from the Pure Land."
"I want to personally tell that stubborn old man that his son surpassed him!"
After saying that, Tarou's expression grew weary.
Without waiting for a reply, he waved his hand. "Go on, Yuzuru. Being able to speak my mind to you before I die… that's enough."
Seeing him close his eyes, Yuzuru rose to his feet.
He lowered his head slightly in acknowledgment, then turned and left.
"Yūgao."
At his command, Yūgao immediately appeared before him.
"Tell Orochimaru to put aside his other research for now and focus wholeheartedly on improving the immortality technique."
Tarou's impending death left him with a renewed sense of urgency.
Once he became the Ten-Tails jinchuriki in the future, immortality would come naturally to him.
But those around him would not share that fate.
Even if Tsunade and the others could preserve their youth through the Yin Seal, and even achieve eternal life through cloning and Living Corpse Reincarnation, he was not satisfied.
In his heart, true longevity meant achieving it with one's original body intact.
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Konoha Year 62.
With the cry of a newborn, Yuzuru's first daughter was born.
Unlike ordinary women, even after giving birth, Tsunade still looked vibrant and full of energy.
Seeing the anticipation on her face, he smiled. "Tsunade, it's a girl."
A hint of delight appeared in her eyes. "After so many mischievous sons, we finally have a daughter."
"Yuzuru, you name her."
After a moment's thought, he said, "How about Tsuki?"
"Uchiha Tsuki…" she murmured. "Not bad. It's a beautiful name."
They had only exchanged a few words when Itachi, Sasuke, Naruto, and Gaara burst into the room.
"That's great! We have a little sister!"
"She's so tiny and adorable!"
"Her name's Tsuki, right? I wonder when she'll call me oni-chan~"
"Tsuki, I'll never let anyone bully you!"
The four of them lovingly poked Tsuki's cheeks with their fingers, then reached out to pick her up.
The next second, a fist struck each of them on the head.
"We haven't even had our turn yet. You brats, scram!"
Kushina shoved the four boys aside without ceremony, then leaned close and inhaled deeply near Tsuki's face.
"Tsuki, grow up quickly. I'll buy you lots and lots of pretty clothes."
Mikoto and the others also gathered around, smiling brightly and chattering excitedly.
After four sons, the first daughter was naturally showered with affection.
While everyone's attention was focused on Tsuki, Tsunade had already pulled Yuzuru out of Konoha Hospital.
Standing at the entrance of Konoha's largest casino, she put her hands on her hips. "Yuzuru, you promised to gamble all night with me. No backing out."
He sighed. "Gambling's fine, but what about Tsuki?"
"She'll need to eat."
Tsunade huffed proudly, puffing out her chest. "Yuzuru, do you have that little confidence in me?"
"Relax. I've left plenty of milk for her."
Hearing that, he couldn't help but activate his self-scanning ability.
They do seem bigger than before.
"Hey, what are you staring at?"
"I was wondering if I could have some leftovers."
"Get lost!"
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[Ding! Detected that the host's clan has gained a member with a special bloodline: Ice Release Bloodline Limit. Reward granted: Ice Release Bloodline Limit.] (T/N: finally…)
[Current Ice Release Bloodline Evolution Progress: 1%!]
Hearing the system notification in his mind, the corners of his lips lifted slightly.
After bringing the Yuki clan and the Kaguya clan to Konoha, he hadn't paid them much attention.
After all, both clans had very few members, and none particularly outstanding.
But to his surprise, in less than a year, members of both clans had intermarried with the Uchiha.
He had now awakened both the Ice Release Bloodline and the Dead Bone Pulse bloodline.
Although the evolution progress of both stood at only 1%, it was more than enough.
Once the number of Uchiha clan members increased by another ten thousand, he would be able to choose one bloodline to evolve.
"At the current population growth rate, it shouldn't take long to meet the next reward requirement."
He muttered to himself when a knock sounded at the door, and Anko's voice came from outside.
"Lord Yuzuru, Orochimaru has sent a letter. He wishes to see you to discuss research matters."
"I understand."
The moment he finished speaking, he had already vanished from the room.