Uchiha Sasuke stood there, visibly moved. With a resolute expression, he declared, "Don't worry, Uncle. I will train harder than ever to become your most reliable right hand!"
To a true warrior, women are but a distraction, Sasuke thought. From this day forth, I will become the War God of the Uchiha, sweeping away all obstacles for my uncle.
Looking at the young, naive Sasuke, Raizen smiled with genuine relief. In the future, Sasuke might indeed become a powerhouse, but for now, he was nothing more than a brat who still smelled of his mother's milk.
Besides, Raizen knew Sasuke's character. The boy had zero interest in women; his entire world revolved around his Onii-chan. Relying on Sasuke to extend the Uchiha bloodline would be harder than reaching for the moon. In the original timeline, Sarada was only born because Sakura practically cornered him. No, Raizen realized he couldn't count on Sasuke for the "procreation" side of the clan's revival.
For the sake of this great cause, he would have to sacrifice his own essence and vitality alone.
"I look forward to the day you become my right hand, Sasuke. I believe in you," Raizen said, patting the boy's head. Dealing with kids required constant validation and encouragement to keep their spirits high.
"Yes, Uncle! I won't let you down!"
Feeling the weight of Raizen's expectations, Sasuke was practically radiating fighting spirit.
Raizen checked the time. "Hungry, Sasuke? Let me treat you to a feast."
Grumble—!
As soon as the question was asked, Sasuke's stomach gave an audible roar.
"Hahaha! Sounds like you're starving. Let's go! Your uncle is taking you for something delicious."
Raizen laughed heartily, taking Sasuke's small hand in his as they walked toward the Konoha commercial district.
As they walked, Sasuke looked up curiously. "Uncle Raizen, about that 'Seeking Heirs' mission... did you actually post it at the Mission Department?"
"I did. It shouldn't be long before people start knocking on our door," Raizen replied. He was confident. Under the lure of such heavy rewards, someone would eventually accept this long-term assignment. If the rewards were high enough, there was nothing people wouldn't do.
Sasuke fell into deep thought.
Seeking heirs... I must do everything I can to help Uncle. I can't let the entire burden of revitalizing the Uchiha fall on his shoulders. I might not be able to help with the 'child-bearing' part yet, but I can certainly help in other ways.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi stared at the mission scroll Raizen had filed. When he saw the payout amounts, even his seasoned eyes widened.
"This really is a 'heavy' reward..."
The numbers were staggering. Even a Hokage found them eye-catching; for a low-income civilian or Kunoichi, they were life-changing.
"Momoko," Hiruzen said, glancing at his assistant. "You're a woman. How do you view this 'Seeking Heirs' mission from Uchiha Raizen?"
"Ah?" Momoko blinked, caught off guard. She thought for a moment, then lowered her head shyly. "I... I think many would consider it. After all, Lord Raizen is so incredibly handsome..."
Hiruzen gave Momoko a meaningful look. He finally understood why she had been so distracted during work today. It seemed Raizen's proposal had struck a chord even in his own office.
It made sense. A clerical worker in the Hokage building earned maybe 40,000 Ryo a year. Given Momoko's status as a Genin, if she completed this mission, she would receive three million Ryo. That was enough to live a comfortable, worry-free life forever.
Hiruzen took a long drag of his pipe and sighed. "Indeed. Raizen is handsome, wealthy, and he controls all the Uchiha assets outside of Konoha. He's a billionaire. Now that only he and Sasuke remain, that entire fortune is theirs to spend as they wish."
He exhaled a cloud of smoke. "And he carries the Uchiha name—one of the Land of Fire's most prestigious families. Countless women would kill for the chance to marry into such a noble house."
The Hokage went quiet for a moment, then looked at Momoko. "Momoko, would you like a change of pace? A different kind of... assignment?"
"Lord Hokage? Where are you transferring me?" she asked, surprised.
"Momoko, you're still single, aren't you?"
"I am," she nodded, puzzled by the direction of the conversation.
Hiruzen let out a sorrowful sigh. "The Uchiha were once the pinnacle of Konoha's nobility. To see them reduced to just two people... it breaks my heart. To give Raizen a hand in revitalizing his clan, I was wondering if you'd be willing to accept his mission. You would be doing your part for the future of the village."
He sounded incredibly sincere, the very picture of a leader worried for his subordinates.
"Wh-What?!" Momoko's eyes went wide, her face flushing. "Lord Hokage, that... is that even allowed? No one has ever taken a mission like that before!"
In truth, her heart was racing with excitement, but her modesty held her back.
"Momoko, you like Raizen, don't you? If you act now, while the mission is still unknown to the public, you can gain the upper hand. You must realize there are many beautiful single women in this village. Once word gets out about the Uchiha's wealth and Raizen's looks, they will flood the Uchiha compound. When that happens, he might not notice you. You are beautiful, yes, but you are only a Genin."
Hiruzen leaned in, his voice fatherly. "Faced with many beautiful women, Raizen might naturally prefer those with higher ninja ranks. This is your chance, Momoko. If you miss it, you might regret it for the rest of your life."
"I... I understand, Lord Hokage." Momoko's gaze hardened with determination. "I'll do it!"
She bowed deeply to Hiruzen and hurried out of the office. She was done with being shy. For the sake of her own happiness—and her bank account—she would take this leap.
Hiruzen watched her leave with a calm expression.
He had initially thought about ordering her to act as a spy, but he decided against it. Spying was for professionals; a simple clerk like Momoko would likely slip up in front of an Uchiha, masters of Genjutsu.
By letting her go freely, he was showing Raizen "sincerity" without strings attached. He needed to win Raizen over to soothe the anxieties of the other clans. After the massacre he had permitted, he needed to rebuild trust.
"Uchiha Raizen... I've sent a beauty your way. Do not disappoint my trust in you."
Hiruzen was certain that a man so full of the "Will of Fire" would be moved to tears by this gesture.