Chapter 9: The Third Hokage's Shadow, Tsunade's Disciple Plot — Nobuhiko Is Shaken
Uchiha Nobuhiko and Kokomi exchanged looks, then turned their gazes toward their son.
"Why, Tianyi?" Nobuhiko asked carefully. "What's your true reason for wanting to become Tsunade's disciple?"
Tianyi replied without hesitation:
"To gain access to all the medical texts in Konoha Hospital—and more importantly, to master Tsunade-sama's full body of medical ninjutsu, chakra control techniques, and combat methods."
"The body-strengthening technique I taught you earlier? That was only the first stage of a greater system I'm developing."
He sat up straight, voice steady and sharp.
"Once complete, this method could allow even average shinobi to reach Kage-level physique using body cultivation alone—without requiring elite chakra reserves or rare bloodlines."
"It's a system that could change the entire shinobi world."
Then, he calmly listed the four strategic benefits of becoming Tsunade's apprentice—access, political protection, clan alliance potential, and Hokage succession leverage.
Finally, with an almost playful grin, he added:
"And besides… if I become her student, and a direct descendant of the Hokage line, wouldn't becoming the next Hokage be much easier?"
"Hiss…"
Both Uchiha Nobuhiko and Kokomi inhaled sharply.
"You thought all of this through?" Nobuhiko asked, stunned.
"Who else would have thought it for me?" Tianyi said, tilting his head. "So, do you support me or not?"
Nobuhiko sighed, then smiled bitterly.
"I want to support you, but the reality is difficult. You already understand how Uchiha is treated in Konoha, don't you?"
Tianyi nodded.
"We've been excluded from the village's core power circle by the Third Hokage and Danzō. We're monitored, distrusted, and slandered—by both shinobi and civilians."
"Exactly," Nobuhiko said, visibly impressed. "That's why I said it's near impossible to become Tsunade's disciple. Neither I nor the clan has the leverage. And I doubt the Third would allow it."
"Father—" Tianyi's eyes flashed, "—you misunderstand."
"I've already crafted a plan."
"I don't need the clan to move mountains. I only need your cooperation in quietly spreading word about my skill in medical ninjutsu."
"Over the next few weeks, I'll intensify my studies with Mother to make this more believable."
Kokomi, stunned, nodded slowly.
"So you're going to draw attention deliberately?"
"Correct," Tianyi said. "But not just attention—calculated interest."
"When I enter the Ninja Academy next month, I'll subtly align myself with the Will of Fire. I'll display impressive chakra control and mild prodigy traits—but just enough to pique interest."
"The Third Hokage values idealistic, moldable talents. If he sees me as a genius Uchiha who can be indoctrinated, he'll want to pull me under his wing."
"And the best way for him to do that, without alarming the clan?"
"Let Tsunade, someone outside Uchiha politics, take me in as a disciple."
The room fell silent.
Nobuhiko and Kokomi stared at their son like they were seeing him for the first time.
"You… thought this up yourself?" Nobuhiko finally asked.
Tianyi shrugged.
"Just connecting dots. Between clan records, library data, and bits of your conversations… it wasn't hard."
For a moment, Nobuhiko's instincts screamed at him.
If this wasn't my son—I'd silence him right here.
He sees too clearly.
But he checked the security barrier, ensured Fugaku was still in the upstairs bath, and calmly activated another layer of isolation around the dining area.
Then, he met Tianyi's gaze.
"How confident are you?"
"Ninety percent."
Tianyi didn't even blink.
He wanted to say a hundred, but he held back—he needed his father to trust, not dismiss him as arrogant.
Nobuhiko exhaled slowly. His heartbeat had quickened.
"…Alright. Since you're this confident, I'll back you."
"I'll discreetly mobilize the clan and ensure that your 'genius in medical ninjutsu' reputation begins to spread… naturally."
"Let's pray it works."
"Because if it does—" he looked at his son with newfound fire, "—the future of the Uchiha… may change forever."
Years of increasing suppression by the Third Hokage and Danzō had left the Uchiha cornered and bitter. Nobuhiko had long since accepted that the best he could do was endure.
But Tianyi's calm, calculated plan… gave him hope.
Real hope.
"Just remember," Tianyi said seriously. "Let the Third discover me. Let others spread the rumors—not us."
"And when it happens… show anger. Uchiha must look like they're unhappy about it."
"That's how you make it believable."
Nobuhiko chuckled softly.
"You really are terrifying."
"Good," Tianyi replied. "That's what we need to survive in this village."