"Setsuna?"
Upon learning that Setsuna had come to visit, Tanaka couldn't help but recall what had been said to him after the jonin exam.
The old Uchiha's intentions were obvious.
"Homon, escort Setsuna-sama and Mikoto inside."
In the past, Hizashi would have had to personally go out to greet them, but now he was the clan leader, with Tanaka backing him.
Regardless of rank or background, even when facing the Uchiha clan's second-in-command, he no longer had to lower himself, let alone be servile.
"Yes."
Seeing that Tanaka had no objections, Homon swiftly withdrew. Moments later, he returned—with two guests in tow.
There was no need to mention Setsuna. They had already met once at the Hokage Building. Still the same as ever—radiating a cold, somber aura.
As for the other person…
She had long, straight black hair, an exceptionally beautiful face, and an elegant figure. Though she wasn't as overwhelmingly endowed as Tsunade, at the very least, she was a solid D-tier among kunoichi.
Most importantly, compared to other Uchiha, she carried less of that aloof arrogance and more of an elegant, gentle demeanor.
A classic Uchiha female type. Every attribute maxed out.
Top-tier.
"Tanaka."
"Hizashi."
"Apologies for the sudden visit. I hope you can forgive the intrusion."
As soon as he entered, Setsuna spoke.
Despite being the Uchiha clan's second-in-command, beneath only the clan head, he had completely concealed his usual cold arrogance and was displaying a rather approachable demeanor.
"Setsuna, you're too polite. Your visit to the Hyūga clan is most welcome. Please, both of you, have a seat."
Hizashi gestured for them to take their seats.
At the same time, Natsu brought over two cups of hot tea along with a selection of different snacks.
Setsuna first handed over a gift to Natsu before immediately introducing his daughter to Tanaka. "This is my daughter."
"Tanaka, Hizashi-sama. It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Mikoto."
As soon as she sat down, Mikoto quickly stood up again to introduce herself, bowing politely to both Tanaka and Hizashi.
Her posture was graceful.
Her manners were impeccable.
A perfect display of the refined etiquette and upbringing of a noble bloodline.
"People in the shinobi world often say that the Hyūga clan produces the most beautiful women, while the Uchiha clan produces the most handsome men."
"But now that I see for myself, that saying isn't entirely accurate. The Uchiha also produce stunning beauties."
Hizashi glanced at Mikoto, observed her briefly, then spoke words of praise.
"Hizashi, you flatter me. Compared to the ladies of the Hyūga clan, Mikoto is at best of average beauty."
Unlike most Uchiha, despite possessing the Sharingan, Mikoto's personality didn't seem to be overly influenced by it.
No maniacal grins—just a reserved, gentle smile.
Every movement exuded the grace of a noblewoman.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Setsuna got straight to the point.
"Tanaka, I wasn't lying to you! Mikoto is quite… quite mature!"
"She's the same type as Lady Tsunade, ok, maybe just a bit smaller. And she's an Uchiha prodigy with a fully developed three-tomoe Sharingan."
Previously, at the jonin exam, with so many onlookers, Setsuna had kept his enthusiasm in check.
Now, with only Tanaka and Hizashi present, he let loose completely.
Tanaka: "..."
Hizashi: "..."
"Father." Seeing this, Mikoto's cheeks flushed slightly as she spoke with a hint of embarrassment in her tone.
Although she had already known about her father's intentions before coming here, seeing him acting like a doting father-in-law still made her feel a bit flustered.
"What do you think of Mikoto?" Setsuna ignored Mikoto's reaction and asked directly.
"Mikoto-nee? She's beautiful and talented. Even looking across all of Konoha, it would be difficult to find a kunoichi who could compare to her."
Faced with Setsuna's enthusiasm, Tanaka was slightly overwhelmed.
"That's good. Tanaka, Hizashi, I won't beat around the bush. I brought my daughter here today to discuss two matters with you both."
Setsuna took a sip of tea, his expression becoming serious.
"Please, go ahead."
Seeing his solemn demeanor, Hizashi also adopted a serious expression.
However, the next second, he was utterly stunned.
"The first matter concerns Tanaka."
"Back at the Hokage Building, I noticed that he seems to prefer partners who are a few years older than himself."
"Coincidentally, Mikoto is just slightly older than him. Though she may not match his genius, she has a gentle nature and would make an excellent match."
"So, I would like to propose that Mikoto marry Tanaka."
"What do you both think?"
Setsuna's words were utterly shocking.
"Ah, this—! I—I don't really have any objections. It's up to him."
Hizashi's eyes widened, and he nearly spilled his tea.
"What do you think, Tanaka?"
Having convinced the elder, Setsuna immediately turned his intense gaze toward Tanaka.
"Setsuna-sama, first of all, thank you for thinking so highly of me. But—I'm only 8 years old!"
Tanaka had to emphasize this point.
"That's not a problem."
"In the shinobi world, where deception and betrayal run rampant, feelings must be cultivated from an early age to ensure they remain strong and unbreakable."
"Mikoto has plenty of time to accompany you as you grow."
Setsuna's face remained completely calm and composed.
For a man who had dared to attempt a coup during the Second Hokage's era, things like shame and embarrassment were meaningless.
Moreover, he had personally witnessed Tanaka's talent and strength.
There was no need to mention anything else—just the fact that Tanaka had instantly defeated the ANBU captain with a single sword strike was enough for Setsuna to set aside the pride of the Uchiha clan.
"I think we should ask Mikoto-nee's opinion first."
Seeing that Setsuna was dead set on this idea, Tanaka could only shift the topic toward Mikoto.
To be honest, having an elder of the Uchiha clan personally offer his daughter to him was indeed a flattering and triumphant moment.
But this was the Naruto world. It was far more brutal than the One Piece world.
Before fully understanding the situation, even if Setsuna wanted to "gift" his daughter to him, Tanaka still had to decide whether he was willing to accept her.
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30 Advance chapters!
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