A man's treasure can invite his own downfall.
The downfall of the Uzumaki clan had largely been due to their mastery of sealing techniques—especially those capable of sealing Tailed Beasts. Their knowledge had drawn the greedy eyes of others.
"I do get along well with Kushina… but she's still young. And she already has someone she likes," Mikoto said cautiously to Ichiro.
It was true. While Mikoto was now twenty-one, she and Kushina had always been close despite a four-to-five-year age gap. That meant Kushina was, at most, seventeen right now.
"She already has someone she likes? Doesn't matter—I don't care," Ichiro replied casually.
Of course he knew she liked someone—specifically, the future Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze.
At first, Kushina had thought Minato was a girly pushover. But that changed after he saved her from a kidnapping attempt by the Cloud ninja. That's when her opinion shifted.
Back then, Ichiro had been too focused on training and becoming stronger, paying no attention to Kushina at all.
If only he'd made a move earlier, he might have been the one to become her savior and earn her affection.
Mikoto didn't know what to say. You don't care—but have you ever asked if she does?
But then again… since when did Ichiro care what others thought?
"Could you… not go after Kushina? I… I'm willing to do anything in exchange."
She and Kushina were truly close—close enough that she'd offer herself up to protect her.
"You think I'd agree to that? And even if I did, would you believe me?"
Ichiro's response left her speechless.
Not only was it unlikely for him to change his mind, but even if he promised, she knew better than to trust him.
If Ichiro were the kind of man who kept his word, Uchiha Fugaku wouldn't have ended up exiled from the clan.
"It's late. Time to rest."
Ichiro didn't bother discussing it further. He simply led Mikoto into the bedroom.
Once again, the night was his.
The next morning, Ichiro didn't bother going to the Konoha Police Force. After all, he had just become the Uchiha clan leader, and there were countless matters waiting to be handled.
"Not bad, Mikoto. You'd make an excellent housewife."
Eating the breakfast she'd prepared, Ichiro gave her a satisfied nod.
Having someone prepare meals for him was a luxury. At least he didn't have to gnaw on dry bread anymore.
Strangely enough, his praise brought a small, inexplicable warmth to Mikoto's heart.
"Grandfather, you're here."
Mikoto was surprised to see her grandfather, the clan elder, arrive.
"Mikoto, step outside for a bit. I have something important to discuss with Ichiro."
The elder nodded to her kindly.
She glanced at Ichiro. After he gave her a silent nod, she cleared the table and left the room.
"What do you want to talk about, Elder?"
Ichiro was curious. After all, when the elder first found out he'd defiled his granddaughter, the man had looked ready to tear him to pieces. But now, his attitude seemed completely different.
"Let me be frank, Ichiro—I don't like you," the elder said bluntly.
"I only supported you becoming clan leader because of Mikoto."
Ichiro didn't take offense. An old man's opinion didn't matter much to him.
"I'm an old man. I don't have many years left. The person I care about most is Mikoto. Now that she's with you, I just hope you don't let her down."
"But I didn't come here just to talk about that. I know you probably don't want me holding onto power. Don't worry—I won't cling to it."
He'd only kept his position for Mikoto's sake. Otherwise, he would've resigned a long time ago.
"Good. It's better that you step down on your own than for me to force you out."
Honestly, Ichiro had been planning to remove him either way. The position of elder would soon cease to exist in the Uchiha clan.
The elders were mostly useless—old men with little strength who liked to meddle, bicker, and fight for power.
In truth, their existence only served to limit the clan leader's authority.
"Just treat Mikoto well. She won't disappoint you."
With that, the elder turned and left.
Ichiro frowned slightly as he watched him go. He had a feeling the old man was planning something.
"Whatever. As long as it doesn't get in my way."
He figured the elder was smart enough not to stand against him.
But if he did act foolishly… Ichiro would kill him without hesitation, even if he was Mikoto's grandfather.
To be honest, Ichiro didn't have much affection for Mikoto, let alone her family.
"You're not curious about what your grandfather and I discussed?"
After Mikoto returned, Ichiro casually asked her.
She shook her head. She wouldn't pry. If he wanted to tell her, she'd listen—but she wouldn't ask.
"Your grandfather said he wanted me to treat you better. He's even willing to step down from his position as elder."
Mikoto felt a surge of emotion. Her grandfather had raised her since childhood and always put her first.
"Don't worry. As long as he doesn't get in my way, I've no problem letting him live out his years in peace. I'm no saint, but I can keep that promise."
There were definitely some people in the Uchiha clan who needed to be purged—but the elder wasn't one of them.
Ichiro was targeting those who still supported Fugaku or refused to obey him. Those people didn't deserve to live.
And Ichiro would make sure they were removed—one way or another.
He couldn't kill them outright, of course. Otherwise, Hiruzen Sarutobi would definitely interfere.
Ichiro didn't want to go to war with the entire village. That would bring nothing but trouble. Right now, the Uchiha clan still needed Konoha to grow.