c92: Itachi's Rebellious Thoughts
It is worth mentioning that although the Sarutobi and Shimura clans were not on the same tier as the Senju or Uchiha during the height of the Warring States Period, they were still recognized as prominent mid-tier warrior clans known for discipline, strategy, and adaptability. Hiruzen Sarutobi was a genius born into such a clan, trained personally by the God of Shinobi, Senju Tobirama, alongside Danzō Shimura.
When Hashirama and Madara co-founded Konohagakure, the Sarutobi and Shimura clans were among the earliest clans to ally. Their swift allegiance gave the village legitimacy, which Hashirama and Madara appreciated. If they were minor clans, that response would have been overly enthusiastic but these two had enough clout to be seen as foundational pillars, just below the Senju and Uchiha.
"These are joyous times," Gen remarked. "It's just a pity I missed the birth."
"I'll go visit Aunt Mikoto tomorrow morning."
"Okay." Itachi smiled. "Mother will be very happy to know Brother Gen is visiting."
Uchiha Gen nodded slightly. "But you two didn't just drop by to talk about the baby, right?"
Shisui scratched his cheek. "Well, I heard you were back. It's been a while. Thought I'd come check in."
"Thanks. I appreciate it."
Gen leaned back slightly. "So, how's ANBU treating you?"
"Good," Shisui replied.
"But it's been what over half a year? You're still just a team leader?"
"Yeah… there aren't any open slots."
Gen's expression darkened. "You're the Hokage's handpicked Uchiha, an elite Jōnin, and a war hero yet they haven't promoted you?"
"That's insane."
"Meanwhile, I'm Deputy Chief of the Police Force and leading a full Jōnin division."
"Are you not fighting for it at all?"
Shisui was silent, unable to answer. His hesitation said enough.
"Who's running ANBU now?" Gen pressed. "Still Sarutobi Shinnōsuke and Biwako's niece?"
"Yes," Shisui admitted.
"Are they actively suppressing you?"
"No," Shisui replied. "I don't think so."
"Really?" Gen raised an eyebrow. "Is 'being busy' a sign of trust, or a form of suppression?"
Shisui scratched his head. "I mean… depends?"
Gen didn't let him off the hook. "It's suppression unless you're being groomed for advancement. Are you?"
"I've never failed a mission," Shisui admitted softly.
Uchiha Itachi, listening quietly, frowned. Even at his age, he understood: this was clearly suppression.
Gen spoke firmly. "Shisui, neither the clan nor the Hokage put you in ANBU without reason."
"The clan wants you to rack up achievements, elevate your status, and eventually stand as a candidate for Hokage."
"The Hokage placed you there to balance influence he needs an Uchiha loyalist within ANBU to help him hold sway over the organization."
"But if you don't assert yourself, how can either goal succeed?"
Shisui blinked. "So that's what they were aiming for…"
"But—" he hesitated.
"But what?" Gen asked.
"The current ANBU heads don't openly defy Lord Minato's orders," Shisui replied.
"That's in normal times," Gen said. "But what happens when the Third Hokage's intentions clash with the Fourth's?"
Shisui opened his mouth, then closed it. It was naive to think Shinnōsuke and his wife—both direct Sarutobi descendants would favor Minato over their own patriarch.
"The Third isn't Hokage anymore," Shisui said, half-heartedly.
"But he still holds sway," Gen countered. "Minato's tenure is short. His roots shallow. Hiruzen reigned for decades. His relationships run deep in every clan—Hyūga, Akimichi, Aburame. Even now, many view him as the village's moral center."
"The essence of power," Gen continued, "is not the seat you occupy but the number of people you can influence."
"Even a former Hokage can still manipulate policy, so long as his presence is strong enough."
"It's not that the Third can't move against Minato it's that he chooses not to… for now."
"If Minato falters, or loses Uchiha backing, the Third could take back control in a heartbeat."
"Your role in ANBU is to ensure that doesn't happen. You're both the clan's key and the Hokage's shield."
"And let's be honest Shinnōsuke and his wife do answer to the Third first. If a split ever happens, you need to be ready."
Shisui was speechless.
Even Itachi, who was casually nibbling sweets, looked up with admiration in his eyes. Gen's insight today had unraveled the real web of power in Konoha.
Shisui chuckled bitterly. "Gen… I get it now. I wish I had your political sense."
"Why didn't the clan head or Hokage just tell me all this from the start?"
Gen smirked.
"If leaders explained everything in plain terms, subordinates would stop being cautious."
"Ambiguity is one of the weapons of command. A good superior keeps intentions vague to test intuition."
"It's fine. What matters is you understand now. Do better moving forward."
"I will." Shisui clenched his fists.
They talked a while longer. Around 9 PM, the two left. Gen walked them out, then returned to his study.
—
At 10 AM the next morning, Gen Uchiha arrived at the clan head's house with two boxes of supplements chakra-restoring pills and high-grade nutrition pills from Uzushiogakure. Itachi opened the door and welcomed him inside.
"You didn't need to bring all this!" Mikoto said, cradling a bundled infant in her arms. She looked flustered but pleased.
Gen laughed. "If I showed up empty-handed, I'd be scolded for bad manners."
"The clan leader and Sister Mikoto have taken good care of me. This is the least I could do."
"Still, no need next time," she said softly.
"Itachi, help Gen with the boxes."
Handing off the gift, Gen stepped forward. "Is this Sasuke?"
"So cute."
Today, Mikoto wore a jet-black kimono blouse with a wide square collar, showing her graceful white neck and delicate collarbones. A simple black knee-length skirt completed the look. Her presence was calm and warm, infused with the air of new motherhood.
A faint milky scent mixed with the usual fragrance of lavender hung in the air.
"Would you like to hold him?" Mikoto asked, smiling.
"May I?"
"Of course. Support his neck and hips. He's still only two months."
"I understand."
Gen took Sasuke gently. The baby, staring at him with wide, dark eyes, looked dazed for a second then suddenly opened his mouth.
"Waaah—"
Startled, Gen quickly whistled. Mikoto stepped closer, and Sasuke calmed down at the sight of her. After a few hiccups, the baby broke into a happy giggle.
Gen and Mikoto both laughed.
From the other room, Itachi having stored the supplements watched the scene.
For a second, the words a perfect couple popped into his head.
Itachi quickly shook the thought away.
What am I thinking!?
Still, he couldn't help but compare: Gen's handsome, calm, and clever. Mikoto is beautiful and gentle. Together, they had an undeniable harmony.
Even though Fugaku was a strong shinobi and a decent man, he wasn't charming the way Gen was.
I hope Sasuke inherits Mom's looks, Itachi thought. Otherwise, it'll be hard to charm girls in the future.
Not that that was a problem yet though one little girl in the Academy had already given Itachi a flower…
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