As Yanbai spoke, he looked earnestly at Senju Nawaki.
Senju Nawaki wore a solemn expression. Clearly, he had taken the words to heart.
"Nawaki, the power you possess will determine how others treat you," Yanbai said, enunciating every word. "The strong need only strengthen themselves, and people will naturally take the initiative to maintain ties with them."
"Mikoto hasn't chosen you because you haven't worked hard enough, and you still lack the power."
"A handsome face is only a foot in the door. It can earn you points, but it isn't everything. You still need to become stronger."
Senju Nawaki sighed, lowering his head as he murmured, "I know, Grand-Grandaunt. I know..."
Before long, Senju Nawaki left the Hokage Office.
These days, Nawaki had stubbornly soldiered through a daily routine of beatings and healing.
Everyone in the world treated Yanbai with the utmost respect, and no one dared provoke him lightly. Nawaki alone seemed willful, yet enjoyed Yanbai's extraordinary tolerance.
Perhaps it was because of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju. Perhaps it was their family connection. Or perhaps... it was simply because Yanbai genuinely liked this good-for-nothing grandson of his.
But Senju Nawaki knew perfectly well.
This harmonious relationship had been bought by "paying extra."
Uchiha Mikoto, however, was not a shallow girl. She had not given in simply because Senju Nawaki was Yanbai's "favorite."
Uchiha Mikoto had not agreed to Senju Nawaki's request to date her. Instead, she focused on the career she had worked so hard to obtain.
Yanbai had established the "Wedding Services system," and Uchiha Mikoto dared not neglect her duties. She also loved the job. She worked hard, earned a high salary, and, even as a woman, gained the respect of most of her clansmen.
In the past, women in the various shinobi clans had