It was a clever mix of keeping things in check and giving praise where it was due.
Sarutobi Ryo carefully managed the flow of events.
The situation in Konoha was now quite clear.
Hatake Sakumo had become the Fourth Hokage, and his presence commanded respect from everyone.
Orochimaru hadn't changed as dramatically as he had in the original story.
Even Danzo, the other potentially dangerous figure, was still closely tied to the Senju lineage. While he was always scheming against the Uchiha clan, he wouldn't dare to harm Tsunade or her allies.
Furthermore, much like the bond between Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama, or Naruto and Sasuke, Danzo was inextricably linked to Old Father Sarutobi Hiruzen.
As long as Old Father Sarutobi Hiruzen was around, Danzo wouldn't turn against the village--it was simply not in his nature.
So, that left dealing with outside threats.
Given this situation, it made perfect sense to address the village's internal issues gradually and change old ways of doing things.
After the meeting ended, everyone offered congratulations to Uchiha Mikoto and Inuzuka Tsume.
Uchiha Mikoto, like Inuzuka Tsume, now represented her Clan.
She was also a symbol of change.
Behind them stood the Uchiha clan and the Inuzuka Clan, respectively.
As leaders, they wouldn't be on the front lines of battles.
However, they could represent their Clan in all matters.
Uchiha Mikoto joining the Anbu was largely symbolic. Following her, more Uchiha Ninja would join, signaling a new era for the Uchiha clan and a move away from their painful past.
The Inuzuka Clan, a smaller Clan that hadn't always been in the spotlight, was also experiencing a rise in status because they could now join the Military Police Force. Being accepted into the Military Police Force with official positions was a significant step up for the Inuzuka Clan, who had previously been limited to tracking duties.
Uchiha Mikoto and Inuzuka Tsume graciously accepted the compliments.
As the meeting concluded, Inuzuka Tsume mentioned she would visit another day.
Uchiha Mikoto readily agreed.
Naturally, the two Clans would have many interactions in the future to work out the specifics and transition of responsibilities.
After seeing off Inuzuka Tsume, Uchiha Mikoto stood under a tree and gently touched her stomach.
Itachi had become Young Master Ryo's adopted son.
And she was carrying Fugaku's second child.
The Uchiha clan, as Young Master Ryo had promised, was being carefully guided toward a brighter future, leaving its past behind.
Fugaku... his sacrifice paved the way for the Uchiha clan's incredible transformation...
Fugaku would be so proud if he could see this now.
The thought filled Mikoto with anticipation for the future.
"Young Master Ryo..."
She turned and saw Sarutobi Ryo standing nearby, and she hurried over to thank him.
The Uchiha clan's positive changes were largely due to Young Master Ryo's efforts.
"Madam Mikoto..."
Sarutobi Ryo strolled and chatted with Uchiha Mikoto about what lay ahead.
He noted that the Higher-ups, like Koharu, would undoubtedly cause trouble and try to hinder their progress.
So, they would need to overcome these obstacles step by step.
Uchiha Mikoto nodded, indicating she understood. She would do everything she could to help her Clan.
Watching the pregnant woman walk away, Sarutobi Ryo turned to Tsunade, who was waiting on the other side.
"Want to grab a drink?"
Tsunade had been waiting patiently in the alley, without interrupting Sarutobi Ryo's conversation with Uchiha Mikoto.
Seeing his smile, she appeared genuinely happy.
Sarutobi Ryo's speech had swept away the years of sadness that had weighed on her heart.
Tsunade's positive feelings toward Sarutobi Ryo naturally grew stronger.
More importantly...
She had always felt that her Clan Members were overreacting.
The Uchiha clan's Ninja were strong.
But no matter how strong they were, they weren't as terrifying as people claimed.
Just a bunch of kids.
As one of the Sannin, Tsunade had her pride.
She believed she was one of the strongest in Konoha.
Only a few could match her.
From this position of strength, the idea of the Uchiha clan being dangerous seemed absurd.
What was so special about the Three-Tomoe Sharingan? Tsunade didn't care about it at all.
Tsunade certainly had the right to be proud.
None of the Three-Tomoe Sharingan Ninja were a match for her, and the difference in skill was significant.
So Tsunade didn't think the Uchiha clan posed any threat at all.
If the Senju clan had many experts like Tsunade, and if there was a chance of new ones constantly appearing, they probably wouldn't still be clinging to Senju Tobirama's ideas.
Unfortunately...
The Senju clan was a shadow of its former self.
They were, in essence, just ordinary people, and no matter how hard they tried, they could only watch the Uchiha's bloodline with envy and jealousy.
Sarutobi Ryo's actions, from Tsunade's point of view, simply encouraged her useless Senju Clan Member to work harder.
They shouldn't waste time on things that couldn't be discussed openly.
Instead, they should focus on improving themselves.
Yes.
For Tsunade, the problem was simple: "They just weren't working hard enough."
Sarutobi Ryo naturally wouldn't try to change her mind… this was a matter of bloodline and talent.
The two of them soon headed to an izakaya.
Jiraiya was already waiting at the entrance. He appeared to have dragged Orochimaru along as a companion.
Shizune, who had already ordered the meals, opened the curtain and invited them inside.
Sarutobi Ryo said that he would book another table, as he had other plans for the next few days.
After Sarutobi Ryo left, the Sannin sat down in a small private room.
Jiraiya was the first to congratulate Tsunade.
Her status had clearly risen.
In the future, she would have complete control over Konoha's Medical system.
This authority over medicine, which held the power of life and death, was sometimes more powerful than Ninjutsu research.
After all, who didn't get sick or injured?
And every Medical Ninja belonged to the Medical Team, which ultimately fell under Tsunade's authority.
It could also be said that Tsunade was directly responsible for everyone's safety.
The development of medicines and Medical Ninjutsu would undoubtedly require Tsunade's involvement in the Future.
Such great power was something even the Hokage couldn't match in some ways.
After all, the Hokage only managed things, but didn't directly participate, and the specific actions still had to be decided by Tsunade.
This was already a significant advantage.
"Hmph..."
Tsunade hummed, clearly pleased with her current situation.
Returning to the Village, reorganizing internal affairs, uniting with other countries, jointly negotiating with Iwagakure...
Everything seemed to be moving in a positive direction.
Everyone knew that the Third Shinobi World War was coming to an end.
What would follow were constant small skirmishes.
Large-scale wars wouldn't happen again, at least not for another ten or eight years.
That's great...
So, everything had worked out.
But what about her own problems?
Youth... was slipping away quickly, not waiting for anyone...
Mikoto, Inuzuka Tsume, these people were becoming Mothers for the second time...
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[T/N:
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