Evening.
When the last rays of daylight faded through the lattice windows of the Hokage's office, Senju Mori finally concluded the day's duties.
Walking out of the Hokage Building, he shed the solemn Hokage cloak and wore only a simple dark outfit as he strolled side by side with Uzumaki Rei through the streets of Konoha.
The setting sun coated the village in a warm golden glow.
The streets bustled with people. Everywhere, villagers and shinobi passed by with smiling faces. Laughter spilled from taverns, and several ninja tool shops and clothing stores looked especially lively.
Amid the nearly nonstop greetings from those they passed, Mori introduced every part of Konoha to Rei:
—from the Hokage Rock high above, to the clan districts, to Konoha Hospital and the Ninja Academy, and even his favorite shops, eateries, and taverns.
It was worth mentioning that beside the stone faces of Tobirama and Hashirama, Mori's own young face had already been carved onto the iconic cliff.
Along the way, he spotted a retired shinobi running a popular food stall at the street corner and children chasing one another with their newly bought toys.
"After defeating Kumogakure, I increased the village's mission reward distribution, and the massive reparations from them were allocated to pensions and village development. It seems the impact is even better than I anticipated," Mori said softly.
Uzumaki Rei took in the lively atmosphere, her eyes glowing gently.
"Everyone is grateful to you, Mori. It's because of you—the Hokage—that they have victory and peace."
Passing by the Yamanaka clan's flower shop, a refreshing floral scent drifted toward them. Rei's gaze was drawn to several elegant stalks of white bellflowers. Her pace slowed.
Mori noticed her glance and also stopped.
He said nothing. Instead, he smiled at the Yamanaka shopkeeper—a young girl—then selected the fullest bloom from a wooden bucket and paid for it.
Turning back, he offered the flower to Rei, the gesture so natural it felt like a quiet ritual.
"White bellflowers," he said gently. "They're said to symbolize eternal love and sincerity. They suit you."
Rei froze for a heartbeat, then a shade more radiant than the flower bloomed on her cheeks. She accepted the bellflower, lowered her head to smell it, and her eyes shimmered with a soft, beautiful light.
"Thank you, Mori."
The small moment needed no extra words, yet somehow made the atmosphere between them even more intimate.
They continued walking. Rei held the bellflower carefully, as though holding a precious piece of his heart.
Strolling without aim, they eventually found themselves on the path leading behind the Hokage Rock.
By the time they reached the top, night had fallen. Beneath them, the entire village of Konoha glittered with countless lights—like a river of stars poured across the earth.
"It's beautiful…" Rei murmured, leaning against Mori.
"It is," Mori replied.
He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, his gaze distant, as if seeing through time itself.
"They say that when this village was first founded, Lord Hashirama and Uchiha Madara sat side by side here… dreaming together about what Konoha would one day become."
He paused, voice low and steady—like a vow.
"And today, it's you and me standing here, Rei. I will build a Konoha even more prosperous and stronger than what our predecessors ever imagined."
Rei rested her head lightly on his shoulder, silently conveying her unwavering support.
After a quiet moment, Mori spoke again:
"Rei, the visit is approaching. I need to know more about the internal situation in Uzushio—especially the kinds of challenges Chisawa might face, and more specific details."
Uzumaki Rei straightened her posture. Her expression turned serious, like that of a dedicated advisor:
"The situation within the clan is indeed a bit complicated. Even though Father is the clan head, the matter of succession can't be decided by a single word. There are two people you must pay particular attention to."
"First, the grandson of the previous clan head Ashina—Uzumaki Ashina (Jr)."
Rei spoke calmly, explaining everything in detail:
"Because of his grandfather's prestige, he has gathered many conservatives around him. Back then, when Lord Ashina grew old and Uncle Hana died young in battle, Father inherited the clan head position.
Now that Ashina is grown, many clan members believe the position should be returned to the direct bloodline of Lord Ashina."
"Ashina himself is quite strong—one of the village's most capable elite jonin. And after all… he shares some blood relation with Lady Mito."
Senju Mori nodded with a relaxed smile.
"There's no need to worry about Lady Mito in this matter. Her bond with Lord Hashirama runs deep. Her heart lies with the peace of both Konoha and Uzushio. She would never interfere with the Uzumaki clan's succession for personal ties."
"Second," Rei continued, her tone growing heavier, "is the clan prodigy—Uzumaki Iori."
The mention of that name carried a hint of gravity.
"She's extraordinarily gifted. Born with an exceptionally unique chakra and vitality far beyond normal. She mastered the clan's secret jutsu—Adamantine Sealing Chains—at the age of ten. That's something many adult clan members can't even achieve."
"She doesn't directly compete for the position of clan head. But her stance and influence sway a large number of young clan members who revere strength."
"She… seems to view my brother's gentle nature as weakness—believing he cannot lead the Uzumaki through turbulent times. She has even expressed dissatisfaction in private about relying too heavily on Konoha."
Mori listened quietly, his gaze deep as he memorized the two names. The lights of Konoha flickered below, reflected in his eyes.
"I understand."
"Don't worry. Whether it's someone leaning on old bloodlines, or a young genius eager to prove herself, neither will be enough to shake Chisawa's position—or the decision we've made together."
"During this visit, I'll make sure every Uzumaki clan member sees clearly who represents the genuine stability and bright future of Uzushio."
Rei gently squeezed Mori's hand, softly reminding him:
"Konoha is one thing, but Uzushio is a single clan—everyone is family. If possible… it's best not to use methods that are too extreme."
Mori paused a moment, then reversed his grip and patted her hand softly, smiling:
"How could I? Look at Hiruzen, who came to report earlier. He once competed with me for the Hokage position, and now? He's one of Konoha's Hokage advisors."
"Extreme measures are only for moments of absolute necessity. Uzushio hasn't reached that stage."
The night wind swept across the Hokage Rock, carrying with it the warmth and scent of Konoha's lively streets, drifting far toward the east—toward the distant village of Uzushio.