Like a Turtle Spinning in Place

"Clan Head Senju Moriki, the Daimyo's envoy is about to arrive."

"They're so slow, even their visits are drawn out."

Senju Moriki, resting at the gates of Konohagakure, tidied his clothes with an impatient expression upon hearing his subordinate's report. He grumbled incessantly, causing the subordinate beside him to lower his head.

"Prepare to welcome them. Don't let the villagers and ninja nearby disturb the Daimyo's envoy."

After venting his frustration, Senju Moriki stood before the spacious Konohagakure gates, gazing at the envoy's caravan, a black speck in the distance. On the other side, merchants and villagers, who had been waiting to enter or leave the village, were holding back their anger.

"Greetings, Prince Kazuhiko."

"Greetings, Princess Kaori."

Ignoring the accompanying attendants and officials, Senju Moriki smiled as he looked at the youth and the veiled maiden who revealed themselves from within the carriage, his face showing genuine enthusiasm.

The Daimyo of the Land of Fire and the Hokage of Konohagakure were both rulers of the Land of Fire. In terms of status, Senju Moriki felt a strong sense of kinship with the two princes who had arrived.

"This is our first time visiting Konoha Hidden Village. Please lead the way, Lord Moriki."

Minamoto Kazuhiko dismounted from the carriage. Unlike his demeanor at the Daimyo's mansion, this trip was specifically entrusted to him by the Daimyo with the crucial mission of maintaining the stability of the Land of Fire. He dared not show any slackness in his conduct.

He was indeed the heir to the Land of Fire, but he had many influential younger brothers watching him.

Recalling the personality profile of Senju Moriki, Minamoto Kazuhiko walked beside him with a gentle attitude, a smile gracing his face that was as pleasant as a spring breeze.

"Having experienced Konoha Hidden Village under the governance of Lord Hashirama and Lord Tobirama, I am certain that my sister and I will be captivated and linger here."

"We will absolutely not disappoint the two princes."

Touched by Minamoto Kazuhiko's words, Senju Moriki immediately led the way, explaining the prosperity and attractions of Konohagakure along the route.

He was particularly proud of the Hokage Rock, whose statues of the two Hokage could be seen by looking up from anywhere in Konoha's outdoor spaces.

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

At the guesthouse, although he was somewhat curious about Princess Minamoto Kaori, whom he hadn't seen or heard speak, Minamoto Kazuhiko engaged in an enthusiastic conversation with him, intentionally steering the conversation.

"Brother Moriki, it seems that Konoha Hidden Village is flourishing under the correct governance of the Senju clan, developing on a path toward greater prosperity."

Minamoto Kazuhiko praised him, which greatly pleased Senju Moriki. He then sighed and added, "It's a shame Lord Tobirama was killed by scoundrels from the Land of Lightning. Otherwise, Konoha Hidden Village would have reached even greater heights."

Senju Moriki's expression changed slightly. Remembering Mito Uzumaki's teachings, he did not confide in his newfound brother and abruptly changed the subject.

"Uncle Tobirama died in battle, but the Senju of the Forest have not fallen. Konoha will continue to grow stronger under the governance of the Senju."

"So, the Third Hokage is you, Brother Moriki?"

Facing Minamoto Kazuhiko's sincere and curious gaze, and considering his status as the heir of the Land of Fire, Senju Moriki suddenly felt a sense of shared misfortune—both were being overshadowed by their parents.

He shook his head. "My mother will serve as the Third Hokage."

Then, Senju Moriki emphasized, "However, the position of Fourth Hokage will undoubtedly belong to me."

Minamoto Kazuhiko felt envious and jealous. As the only male heir of the Senju Clan Head's lineage, Senju Moriki naturally had the confidence to say such things. However, the position of Hokage was not a hereditary right like that of the Daimyo.

The heir, with his refined features, feigned surprise and exclaimed, "It's Lord Mito? But I heard the Uchiha..."

"The Uchiha have no part in the position of Hokage!"

Minamoto Kazuhiko inwardly lamented being so rudely interrupted by Senju Moriki. His primary mission was to mediate the conflict between the Uchiha and the Senju, and seeing Senju Moriki's attitude now, this task had become difficult.

At the same time, he felt indignant. He was the heir of the Land of Fire; who dared speak to him in such a tone, other than the Daimyo!

(I can't get angry now. I'll find an opportunity for revenge later. As long as the mission is completed, my position as heir will be truly secure once I return.)

Recalling the Daimyo's attitude before his departure, Minamoto Kazuhiko tactfully dropped the subject and inquired about Mito Uzumaki.

Just as the Daimyo decided the direction of the Land of Fire, the Senju of the Forest were also under Mito Uzumaki's command.

"My mother is visiting the wounded Ninja Army soldiers. The specific meeting time will be set for tomorrow morning."

Senju Moriki also realized his tone had been a bit off just now, but he didn't dwell on it. They were calling each other brothers now; such trivial matters wouldn't be taken to heart.

"Oh, right, Prince Kazuhiko."

Senju Moriki, who had been happily conversing with Minamoto Kazuhiko, almost forgot the important matter he had arranged the previous night.

"I will host a welcoming banquet for the two princes tonight. It will be a good opportunity for you to meet the Clan Heads of all the ninja clans in Konohagakure."

Senju Moriki paused and said with an unusual tone, "Including the Uchiha."

"Will Lord Mito be attending?"

Senju Moriki didn't quite understand Minamoto Kazuhiko's intention but replied truthfully, "That depends on whether Mother is available."

"Please, Brother Moriki, do invite Lord Mito."

"Lord Mito is a renowned heroine. My sister has heard of her great reputation for a long time. She begged me to come to Konoha Hidden Village this time, hoping to meet Lord Mito's heroic presence as soon as possible."

"Please, Brother Moriki."

Facing the solemn Minamoto Kazuhiko, Senju Moriki swallowed the words "You can meet her tomorrow" and beamed with joy, patting his chest.

"Don't worry, I will definitely fulfill Princess Kaori's request."

"Thank you, Brother Moriki."

After seeing Senju Moriki readily agree, Minamoto Kazuhiko, who was borrowing his sister's name, looked down on him. If they were in the same position, this man would have been completely devoured by the ruthless Daimyo's government long ago.

At the same time, he became secretly pleased. If he could meet Mito Uzumaki and Uchiha Shikata, the Clan Heads, at the banquet, their attitudes towards each other would explain more things and allow Minamoto Kazuhiko to be mentally prepared.

After arranging the banquet, Senju Moriki took his leave. Minamoto Kazuhiko pondered for a moment, then summoned a messenger. He arranged for the messenger to deliver the gifts he brought to the three great Daimyo families: Uchiha, Senju, and Hyuga, and presented formal visiting cards.

"I hope everything goes smoothly."

Opening the window of his room, Minamoto Kazuhiko watched the departing messenger, his eyes filled with worry.

Meanwhile, back at the Senju clan grounds, Senju Moriki returned to his residence with light steps. He intended to bring the Super God Mighty Pill with him. On his way, he encountered his wife—Minako Uzumaki, who could also be called Minako Senju.

This gentle, virtuous, and beautiful young woman, with a calm and steady temperament, was wearing a light-colored home kimono. She was tall and slender, with red hair tied into a single side ponytail that fell in front of her full chest. Beneath her neat bangs were a pair of clear, soft, and bright eyes.

"Moriki-kun..."

Senju Moriki ignored Minako Uzumaki. He didn't like the wife Mito Uzumaki had meticulously chosen for him, and he detested her perpetually serene and gentle face, as well as Minako Uzumaki's slow and mild personality.

Because whenever he looked at his wife, as her husband, he felt that despite his best efforts, he was like a turtle spinning in circles. Facing his unhurried yet incredibly accomplished wife, he felt a sense of defeat, a feeling of "I am not as good as others," which made Senju Moriki extremely disgusted.

This extended to his treatment of Minako Uzumaki, mixing affection with dislike.

Watching Senju Moriki's retreating figure, a hint of disappointment flashed in Minako Uzumaki's eyes. She bit her cherry-red lips lightly, acutely aware of her husband's distancing himself from her.

This situation had been ongoing for six years, ever since they had their daughter, Tsunade, and it had worsened each year. Yet, she didn't understand why.

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

The gentle southern breeze ruffled Minako Uzumaki's bangs and stirred ripples in her heart. She decided to follow her husband and investigate thoroughly what was wrong with Senju Moriki.

If he were having an affair...

Minako Uzumaki fell silent.

This chapter is to thank everyone for their suggestions. I hope you will all share more of your opinions and thoughts. Sometimes, when I'm writing, I get carried away.

This is my first book, so I have to find a way to write it well.