Was it some kind of personal fixation, or was he just trying to spite the Third Hokage?
Whatever the case, Uchiha Fugaku actually went ahead and named his youngest son Sasuke.
And he didn't just decide this on a whim—he personally visited the Third Hokage to get his approval before finalizing the name.
Uchiha Sasuke.
That name carried an unmistakable hint of mockery.
Why?
Because the Third Hokage's father was Sarutobi Sasuke.
Fugaku's message was clear:
"You spent decades suppressing the Uchiha? Fine. Now your father is my son."
Apparently, after Fugaku's little visit, the Third Hokage's mood was noticeably sour for several days.
"Sensei."
In the middle of a training session, both Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi immediately paused, standing at attention as soon as they spotted Takuya.
They didn't even take a moment to wipe the sweat from their brows.
These two had originally been under Uchiha Mikoto's guidance.
However, when Fugaku agreed to some of Tsunade's reform proposals, he made a counter-request of his own—he wanted the clan's two prodigies to study under Takuya.
For the sake of the village's future, Tsunade personally approached Takuya to discuss it.
The result?
Tsunade ended up completely exhausted, and Takuya gained two new disciples.
"Itachi, I'm surprised you're not at home looking after your brother today."
Hands behind his back, Takuya walked into the training grounds with a teasing smile.
Itachi's face instantly turned red.
All of Konoha knew that the Uchiha clan leader's eldest son, Itachi, was a complete little brother fanatic.
He was constantly carrying Sasuke around, doting on him more than their own father did.
Shisui chuckled, draping an arm around Itachi's shoulder.
"Man, I wish I had a little brother so I could spoil him like that."
Get lost.
Itachi shot him an irritated side-eye.
Unlike in the original timeline, where Shisui was more of an older brother figure, here the two were close friends.
That meant teasing was inevitable.
However, Sasuke was off-limits.
Anyone who made jokes at Sasuke's expense immediately became the target of Itachi's deadliest glare.
"Alright, take a seat. Today's lesson is about to begin."
Teaching talented disciples was so much easier—Takuya barely needed to guide them; they were proactive enough to figure things out on their own.
"Yes, Sensei!"
Without hesitation, both Shisui and Itachi sat down, not even bothering to brush the dirt from their clothes.
"Last time, we talked about the Uchiha integrating into the village. Today, we'll continue that discussion."
Takuya resumed his lesson.
"I'm sure you've both noticed how much things have changed for the Uchiha. The clan is no longer isolated from the village. But do you know why?"
"What do you think contributed to this shift? Was it Konoha's propaganda? The Uchiha's own changes? Or something else?"
The two fell into deep thought before giving their answers.
Shisui was the first to speak.
"Sensei, I think it's a combination of the village's public messaging and the Uchiha's willingness to change."
"Correct."
Takuya nodded approvingly.
"Konoha's propaganda plays a crucial role. Once the Uchiha started making efforts to integrate, the village stopped pushing negative narratives about them.
Over time, the villagers' perceptions naturally shifted.
Of course, that alone wouldn't have been enough. The Uchiha also had to prove themselves by making meaningful contributions to the village. Without merit, no amount of propaganda would have convinced people."
He glanced at them.
"Remember this—having a symbolic figure is essential, whether for a clan or for an entire village.
When people think of the Uchiha, they don't think of the whole clan. They think of specific individuals. Do you understand?"
Shisui clenched his fist, determination burning in his eyes.
"I understand, Sensei! I'll work hard to become that kind of figure for the clan and the village!"
"Good."
Takuya then turned to Itachi.
"And you, Itachi?"
Itachi, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up.
"Sensei, I think it also has to do with the Police Force and the Hokage's stance on the Uchiha."
Now that was an insightful answer.
Takuya couldn't help but sigh.
If only Kakashi had this level of awareness…
Shisui looked surprised. He hadn't expected Itachi to bring up something as controversial as the Police Force.
After all, for the Uchiha, that had always been a sensitive topic.
Yet Itachi didn't hesitate to address it.
"That's an excellent perspective."
Takuya clapped his hands together.
"The Police Force is an important institution in Konoha, but it's also a thankless one. No matter how well the Uchiha handled their duties, there were always complaints.
But… do you remember what happened when the Police Force started accepting non-Uchiha members?"
Itachi and Shisui exchanged glances.
The shift had been noticeable.
The moment the Police Force stopped being an Uchiha-only organization, the complaints against the clan dropped significantly.
Takuya continued.
"The Police Force's primary role is maintaining order—which means dealing with endless petty disputes. It's a job that naturally breeds resentment.
In the past, when only the Uchiha were in charge, all that resentment was directed solely at the Uchiha.
But once other clans and even civilian ninja joined the force, that burden was shared. The blame was no longer concentrated on just one group."
That… actually made a lot of sense.
Shisui and Itachi both nodded.
"It's normal for people to complain. When frustration is spread out, it no longer becomes a single clan's problem."
Takuya's expression turned serious.
"But there's an even deeper reason behind the Uchiha's improved standing—one that Itachi already touched on. And that's the Hokage."
They both looked at him attentively.
"The Hokage is a person. A person with emotions, personal biases, and preferences.
If the Hokage dislikes a certain group, no matter what they do, they'll never gain proper recognition.
The Third Hokage is the perfect example of this.
During his reign, no matter how much the Uchiha contributed, it was never enough."
Shisui shivered.
"Uh, Sensei… can we not talk about that topic?"
Itachi, however, seemed deep in thought.
"So… what you're saying, Sensei, is that I should aim to become Hokage?"
His words caught Shisui off guard.
But when he thought about it… it actually made sense.
It was a novel idea, but an intriguing one.
Takuya smiled, placing a hand on Itachi's shoulder.
"That would be a great goal. If you become Hokage, you'd be the first Uchiha to hold the title.
Of course, it won't be easy."
With Tsunade stepping down and Minato being pushed into the position, Itachi's chances of becoming Hokage in the near future were slim.
By the time Minato eventually retired, Itachi would probably be too old to run for the position.
An elderly Uchiha Hokage?
What was he supposed to be? Another Danzo?
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(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read the rest of the Chapter at Patreon com/ Emik01.
DO NOT FORGET POWER STONE AND CHATTING