The sun was setting.
After talking with Natsuki, Uchiha Mikoto returned to the Konoha Military Police Force.
"How did it go?"
Uchiha Fugaku looked up when he saw her.
"It's settled."
Uchiha Mikoto answered at once. "The villagers will start voting tomorrow."
"Keep a close eye on things this week. We can't afford any mistakes."
Uchiha Fugaku's tone was cautionary.
"Yes, clan leader."
Uchiha Mikoto nodded, then hesitated.
"What is it?"
Uchiha Fugaku asked casually.
"Natsuki said something to me today."
Uchiha Mikoto thought for a moment before deciding to tell him.
"What did he say?"
Uchiha Fugaku looked puzzled.
"He said that if I wanted to work in the Hokage Building, he could help me."
Uchiha Mikoto told him exactly what Natsuki had said.
"Work in the Hokage Building?"
Uchiha Fugaku's eyes sharpened. "Did he say what kind of job?"
"No."
Uchiha Mikoto shook her head.
"Mikoto, you're one of the finest of our younger generation. An ordinary job would reflect poorly on the Uchiha Clan."
After a moment's thought, Uchiha Fugaku continued, "But if it's an important position, you can accept it."
"I understand, clan leader."
Uchiha Mikoto was taken aback.
"You can talk to Natsuki."
Uchiha Fugaku made his meaning clear. "Ask him to arrange an important position for you."
"Yes, clan leader."
Uchiha Mikoto wanted to say something, but she agreed in the end.
By nature, she had no desire to do that.
It would be like using their friendship to pressure Natsuki.
And they were only friends.
But she knew Uchiha Fugaku. Now that he had said it, he would not give her a chance to refuse.
"The Hokage Building is the center of power in Konoha."
Uchiha Fugaku spoke earnestly. "It's been a long time since a ninja of the Uchiha Clan set foot