Like a Turtle Spinning in Place

"Clan Head Moriki, the daimyo's delegation is about to arrive."

"They're so slow. Even a visit takes them forever."

Senju Moriki had been resting by the Konoha Gate. Hearing his subordinate's report, he impatiently straightened his clothes and grumbled incessantly, making the subordinate beside him lower his head.

"Prepare to welcome them. Don't let the villagers or shinobi nearby disturb the daimyo's delegation."

After venting, Senju Moriki stood before the wide-open Konoha Gate and gazed at the delegation's carriage convoy, tiny as black specks in the distance. On the other side, merchants and villagers who had been waiting for ages to enter or leave the village dared not complain, though they were furious.

"Good day, Prince Kazuhiko."

"Good day, Princess Kaori."

Ignoring the attendants and officials accompanying them, Senju Moriki smiled at the young man and veiled girl who had drawn back the carriage curtain. There was a hint of genuine warmth on his face.

The daimyo of the Land of Fire and Konoha's Hokage were both lords of the Land of Fire. In terms of status, Senju Moriki felt a certain kinship with the two visiting royals.

"This is our first time in Konoha Hidden Village. I'm sorry to trouble you, Lord Moriki, but would you show us around?"

Minamoto Kazuhiko climbed down from the carriage. Gone was the imperious attitude he'd displayed at the Feudal Lord's Palace. The daimyo had personally impressed upon him the importance of this trip, which carried the weighty mission of maintaining stability in the Land of Fire. He didn't dare show the slightest negligence or slackness in his conduct.

He might be the heir to the Land of Fire, but plenty of younger brothers with powerful backing were watching him.

Recalling the report he'd read on Senju Moriki's personality, Minamoto Kazuhiko walked beside him with a genial smile.

"Having been governed by Lord Hashirama and Lord Tobirama, Konoha Hidden Village must be a place my younger sister and I will never want to leave. I'm sure we'll be captivated by it."

"I guarantee neither of you will be disappointed."

Senju Moriki was delighted by Minamoto Kazuhiko's words. He led the way at once, explaining all the sights and attractions of Konoha as they went.

He was especially proud of the Kage Rock, visible even from the village streets, with its stone faces of the two Hokage carved into it.

After a brief tour of Konoha's bustling main street, Senju Moriki arranged for the delegation to stay at the Konoha guesthouse.

At the guesthouse, he was somewhat curious about Princess Minamoto Kaori, who had remained silent and whose face he hadn't even seen. But Minamoto Kazuhiko took the initiative, and the two men chatted enthusiastically.

"Brother Moriki, it seems that under the Senju Clan's wise leadership, Konoha Hidden Village is flourishing and growing ever stronger."

Minamoto Kazuhiko's praise pleased Senju Moriki immensely. Then he sighed.

"It's a pity Lord Tobirama was killed by the scoundrels from the Land of Lightning. Otherwise, Konoha Hidden Village would surely have reached even greater heights."

Senju Moriki's expression shifted. Remembering Mito-sama's instructions, he didn't bare his heart to his newly sworn brother and awkwardly changed the subject.

"Uncle Tobirama may have fallen in battle, but the Senju of the Forest have not. Konoha will continue to prosper under Senju rule."

"So the Third Hokage will be you, Brother Moriki?"

Faced with Minamoto Kazuhiko's sincere, curious gaze, Senju Moriki remembered that his guest was the heir to the Land of Fire. Suddenly, he felt they had something in common: both of them were being held back by their parents.

He shook his head. "My mother will take the position of Third Hokage."

Then Senju Moriki stressed, "But the Fourth Hokage's position will definitely belong to me."

Minamoto Kazuhiko felt envious and resentful. As the only man in the Senju Clan Head's line, Senju Moriki naturally had the confidence to say that. But the Hokage Position wasn't hereditary like the daimyo's title.

The handsome young heir pretended to be surprised. "Mito-sama? But I heard the Uchiha—"

"The Uchiha have nothing to do with the Hokage Position!"

Minamoto Kazuhiko cursed inwardly as Senju Moriki rudely cut him off. His most important task was to reconcile the Uchiha and Senju, but judging by Senju Moriki's attitude, it would be difficult.

At the same time, he was irritated. He was the heir to the Land of Fire. Aside from the daimyo, who dared speak to him in that tone?

(I can't get angry now. I can find a chance to get back at him later. As long as I complete my mission, my position as heir will be as secure as a rock when I return.)

Recalling the daimyo's attitude before his departure, Minamoto Kazuhiko smoothly let the subject drop and asked about Mito Uzumaki instead.

Just as only the daimyo could decide the course of the Land of Fire, the Senju of the Forest still answered to Mito Uzumaki.

"My mother is visiting the injured and disabled shinobi of the Ninja Army. We'll arrange a meeting for tomorrow morning."

Senju Moriki had realized that his tone had been a little off, but he didn't think much of it. They'd already sworn brotherhood. How could anyone take such trivial things to heart?

"By the way, Prince Kazuhiko."

Senju Moriki had been chatting so happily with Minamoto Kazuhiko that he'd nearly forgotten the important business he'd arranged the night before.

"I'll host a welcoming banquet for you and the princess tonight. You'll have a chance to meet the Clan Heads of all the shinobi clans in Konoha."

Senju Moriki paused and added in a peculiar tone, "The Uchiha included."

"Will Mito-sama be there too?"

Senju Moriki didn't quite understand what Minamoto Kazuhiko meant, but he answered honestly. "That depends on whether my mother is free."

"Please make sure to invite Mito-sama, Brother Moriki."

"Mito-sama is a celebrated heroine. My younger sister has heard of her many times, and she's been begging me to come to Konoha Hidden Village so she could meet Mito-sama in person and see her for herself."

"Please, Brother Moriki."

Faced with Minamoto Kazuhiko's earnest request, Senju Moriki swallowed the words "you'll see her tomorrow anyway." He beamed and thumped his chest.

"Don't worry. I'll make sure Princess Kaori gets her wish."

"Thank you, Brother Moriki."

After seeing Senju Moriki agree so readily to everything, Minamoto Kazuhiko felt rather contemptuous of the man for using his sister's name. If they'd switched places, the ruthless Feudal Lord's Palace would have devoured Senju Moriki without leaving so much as a bone.

At the same time, he was secretly pleased. If he could meet Mito Uzumaki and Uchiha Shikata at the banquet, their interactions would reveal a great deal. He'd be better prepared for what lay ahead.

With the banquet arranged, Senju Moriki took his leave. Minamoto Kazuhiko thought for a moment, then summoned an attendant and instructed him to deliver the gifts he'd brought to the three great clans—the Uchiha, Senju, and Hyuga—and present them with formal letters of introduction.

"I hope everything goes smoothly."

Minamoto Kazuhiko opened the window and watched the attendant leave, worry churning in his eyes.

Meanwhile, after returning to the Senju Clan Compound, Senju Moriki hurried to his residence. He wanted to keep the Super God Mighty Pill on him. On the way, he ran into his wife, Minako Uzumaki—also known as Minako Senju.

The beautiful young woman was gentle and gracious, with a calm, unassuming nature. She wore a light-colored kimono suited for home. Tall and slender, she had red hair tied into a simple side ponytail that fell over her full chest, and clear, gentle eyes beneath her neat bangs.

"Moriki-kun..."

Senju Moriki ignored Minako Uzumaki. He didn't like the wife Mito Uzumaki had so carefully chosen for him. He especially disliked her perpetually serene expression and her slow, unhurried nature.

Whenever he looked at his wife, he felt that no matter how hard he tried, he was still like a turtle spinning in place. Faced with his wife's unhurried but exceptional nature, he was overcome by the sense that he was inferior. Senju Moriki detested that feeling.

As a result, his feelings toward Minako Uzumaki were mixed: affection always gave way to dislike.

Watching Senju Moriki walk away, Minako Uzumaki's eyes filled with disappointment. She bit her soft, rose-colored lip, keenly aware of how distant her husband had become.

It had been six years since she gave birth to Tsunade. The situation had grown worse with every passing year, but she didn't understand why.

"Moriki-kun, Minako feels lonely..."

The warm southern breeze lifted Minako Uzumaki's bangs and stirred ripples in her heart. She decided to follow her husband and find out what was wrong with Senju Moriki.

If he was having an affair...

Minako Uzumaki fell silent.

This chapter is to thank everyone for your feedback. I hope you'll share more of your thoughts and opinions. Sometimes, when I'm writing, I get carried away with my own ideas.

This is my first book, and I want to do everything I can to make it good.