Itachi lifted his teacup and took a sip.
His expression was calm.
But his tone carried a helpless sense of "I don't want it to be this way either, but that's how it is."
"Genya really can decide who becomes Hokage."
Sarada's gaze darted between Genya and Itachi several times.
Finally, it settled on Genya's face, with its dark circles under his eyes.
She remembered the expression her father sometimes wore when he mentioned Uncle Genya.
That complicated look, impossible to tell whether it was admiration or wariness.
She hadn't understood it then, but now she thought she understood a little.
"Wait, doesn't becoming Hokage require a vote from the Jonin? Doesn't the Daimyo have to appoint them? Doesn't it..."
Sarada counted on her fingers, her voice growing quieter and quieter.
Genya waved a hand.
"That's how it works in theory. But think about it. Hashirama listens to me, half the Jonin are Uchiha, and the Uchiha listen to me. As for the Daimyo, I just have to say the word."
He counted on his fingers, then stopped halfway through.
"Anyway, once I've decided, it's decided."
Sarada fell silent.
She looked down at the manga book that had fallen to the floor, bent over to pick it up, and dusted off the cover.
She turned back to the page she had been reading.
She couldn't take in a single word.
Only one thought remained in her head.
So Uncle Genya decides who becomes Hokage.
I have to tell Dad when I get home.
No, wait. Dad probably already knows.
Itachi watched Genya act as though all this were perfectly natural and sighed softly.
"So you came here today to persuade me to run for Hokage?"
Genya nodded.
"Yes."
"To keep Naruto from becoming Hokage?"
Genya nodded again.
"Yes."
Itachi lifted