The Future of Minato Namikaze is Promising
Uchiha Fugaku spoke with reasoned composure for the sake of the Uchiha Clan.
"If the Uchiha Clan's position remains unclear in this matter, incidents like this will only become more frequent in the future," he warned.
After stating that Uchiha Shisui was still too inexperienced to face Chi Yu directly, Fugaku continued, "Fourth Hokage, the Uchiha Clan is part of Konoha, and during the Third Shinobi World War, we made irrefutable contributions.
We have never asked for rewards—because as Konoha shinobi, it is our duty to fight. But the war only ended recently, and many of our clansmen laid down their lives.
To put it plainly, a significant number of Uchiha shinobi were used as cannon fodder in battles against the Hidden Mist, especially under Chi Yu's operations.
Whether or not Chi Yu specifically targeted us remains uncertain. However, the resentment among my clansmen is very real.
Given this grief and suspicion, I can understand your position, Fourth Hokage. But from my clan's perspective, this new decision is impossible to accept.
Therefore, I implore you to reconsider and revoke your order."
Uchiha Fugaku had little choice but to invoke their wartime service. He lacked other leverage.
Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, could understand Fugaku's frustration.
Though he bore the title of Hokage, many decisions were still influenced—or outright controlled—by the old guard: Hiruzen Sarutobi, now retired but still powerful; and the advisors Danzo Shimura, Homura Mitokado, and Koharu Utatane.
Despite his title, Minato's policies often needed Hiruzen's approval.
This made Minato's time as Hokage taxing and politically restrained.
For instance, he had originally opposed the creation of the new "Konoha Defense Force," a department intended to serve as a counterbalance to the Uchiha-dominated Military Police Force. But due to pressure from Danzo and Hiruzen, he had been forced to approve it.
Minato had also tried to prevent Chi Yu from being appointed its leader, but failed. In the end, he managed only to secure a nominal concession—appointing Uchiha Shisui as the deputy commander.
Minato understood how vital the Uchiha Clan had been during the war. He also knew it was a terrible time to introduce a new power structure that could be interpreted as distrust toward them.
But the decision had already passed through the Council. It could not be undone.
Minato faced Fugaku and spoke solemnly. "The establishment of the new department is final. It cannot be reversed.
Clan Leader Fugaku, I understand your concerns, and I recognize the friction between your clan and Chi Yu. That's why I have ordered my own Anbu to be integrated into the new department. Furthermore, those Anbu will report directly to Shisui.
There are matters in this village that even the Hokage cannot decide freely...
But I promise you: the future will improve for the Uchiha Clan. Clan Leader Fugaku—trust me."
Minato's gaze was earnest.
Uchiha Fugaku's expression faltered. He understood what Minato was implying: this was not Minato's will. The decision had been forced upon him by others—Danzo and Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Minato's promise, however, was personal. Though he lacked influence now, one day, when he held full control as Hokage, he would shift the village's stance.
In essence, Fugaku now faced a critical decision—whether to align the Uchiha Clan's future with that of Minato Namikaze.
He studied the young Hokage.
Minato was humble, calm, and intelligent. Though his demeanor was gentle, he possessed a steel-like willpower. Without it, he could never have led Konoha's forces to glory in the Third Shinobi War.
Fugaku had always thought highly of Minato. When Minato had first become Hokage and paid a formal visit to the Uchiha compound, Fugaku had welcomed him warmly and expressed his clan's desire to rebuild trust with the village.
And yet, this incident clearly demonstrated Minato's current political weakness.
Even so—Fugaku had no other choice.
Among Konoha's leadership, only Minato showed genuine goodwill toward the Uchiha.
His father, Masaki Uchiha, had once believed Hiruzen Sarutobi to be a benevolent Hokage. But that was a mistake. Hiruzen's so-called benevolence was rooted in political balance—he supported the Uchiha only when it suited the village's needs.
Fugaku did not believe for a moment that Chi Yu's wartime operations against the Uchiha were done without Hiruzen's knowledge or approval.
Taking a long breath, Fugaku steeled himself.
Tying the Uchiha Clan's future to Minato Namikaze seemed the only path forward.
Minato was still young and would serve as Hokage for many more years.
Danzo, Hiruzen, and the rest—they were already aging.
Minato Namikaze's future was bright.
Uchiha Fugaku finally replied, his tone solemn. "Fourth Hokage, I will comply—for your sake. From this day forward, our Uchiha Clan will stand behind your leadership. We will follow your orders without question.
In return, I ask that you remember this loyalty and protect the Uchiha Clan.
We will always be Konoha's Uchiha."
It was an official pledge of allegiance.
Minato's expression softened. He gave a rare, sincere smile.
"Thank you, Clan Leader Fugaku. I won't forget this. I'll take my leave now—please rest well."
Minato stood and prepared to depart.
Fugaku and Shisui both rose to see him out.
After the Fourth Hokage left, Fugaku turned to Shisui.
"Shisui. Come with me. We need to talk."
Shisui nodded quietly.
They sat facing each other on the tatami mats.
Fugaku studied his young subordinate carefully, then sighed.
"Shisui, I believe you already understand—the Konoha Defense Force was established to monitor and restrict our clan. Even as deputy leader, you will not be treated fairly within it."
Shisui met his gaze with unwavering resolve.
"I understand, but I'm prepared. The Fourth Hokage truly wants peace between our clan and the village. If I can help bridge that gap—even at personal cost—then I am willing to do so for the clan, and for Konoha."
Fugaku didn't smile.
Instead, he looked away, the weight of reality heavy on his shoulders.
There was no joy in sacrificing youth to navigate old grudges.