Out on the training grounds, Uchiha Ryosuke snapped open his three-tomoe Sharingan, spirits high.
"Clan Head, I'll make the first move."
"Come," Fugaku said, his own three-tomoe Sharingan flaring to life. He wanted to see just how strong the boy really was.
Seeing Fugaku ready, Ryosuke lunged, launching a fierce assault.
Fugaku met him head-on.
The very first clash changed Fugaku's expression. The speed—blistering. The fists—crushing. He hadn't expected Ryosuke's taijutsu to be this strong—far beyond his estimates.
After several minutes, Fugaku felt that Ryosuke's momentum didn't flag at all, as if he didn't know fatigue. 'This won't do.' He seized an opening, leapt back to open distance, and flew through hand seals.
"Si–Wei–Shen–Hai–Wu–Yin!"
Chakra swelled; his chest expanded; then he spat a Great Fireball the size of a small hut straight at Ryosuke.
Ryosuke eyed the incoming blaze. The clan really did love Fire Release—and after trying it once, he liked it too. The [Great Fireball Technique] was as dazzling as it was stylish, perfectly in line with the Uchiha's vibe.
He mirrored the seals, drew up chakra, and exhaled a fireball matching Fugaku's in size.
Midair, the two fireballs collided; flames braided together, scorching the ground black.
Fugaku was shocked—Ryosuke's chakra reserves were tremendous. Otherwise he couldn't have produced a fireball like that. The boy's strength unquestionably earned his recognition. He still had genjutsu he hadn't used, but one look at that crimson Sharingan told him Ryosuke's ocular power wouldn't be low.
Ryosuke, for his part, was satisfied. With body and taijutsu alone he could suppress fighters above the half-Kage tier—perhaps even true Kage tiers. Add Eight Gates, and beating a Kage-class opponent would be a sure thing.
He smiled. "Clan Head, let's call it here for today. I'll head back."
Fugaku nodded. He still had a Mangekyō trump card unused—but from Yashiro he knew Ryosuke had Eight Gates as well, a forbidden art that certainly didn't lose to the Mangekyō. If they went all out, who knew who would win? And Ryosuke was much younger—the potential was far greater.
The next morning, Kakashi received the Third Hokage's order: find Uchiha Ryosuke and invite him to join ANBU.
He himself found the order puzzling. How would someone like Ryosuke possibly agree to serve directly under the Hokage? This wasn't Shisui or Itachi—the obedient type. Frankly, when Ryosuke had refused the Third's order to stay away from Naruto, Kakashi had felt the infamous Uchiha pride firsthand. In Konoha, the Hokage held supreme authority—who else pushed back so bluntly? Even Clan Head Fugaku probably wouldn't go that far.
Before long Kakashi reached the grove in the Uchiha compound where Ryosuke often trained. Sensing movement, he quickly found him mid-run.
Ryosuke, having sensed a presence, halted and looked over.
Kakashi again. 'What now?'
"What are you here for this time?"
Kakashi wouldn't have come on his own—this had to be on the Third's orders. So his display of strength had put him firmly on the leadership's radar. He'd have to tread carefully; even inside Konoha, those old schemers might make a move.
Kakashi stated it plainly. "The Third Hokage would like to invite you to join ANBU."
Ryosuke froze for a beat. 'Do I look that gullible? They think they can brainwash me into helping butcher my own clan?'
"I refuse."
Kakashi's expression didn't change; he'd expected that. "I'll report back to the Third."
He'd just turned when Ryosuke's voice came again: "Don't come to me with this sort of thing again."
Kakashi paused. So this Uchiha really didn't put the Hokage in his eyes at all. In other words, there was zero chance he'd ever join the Hokage's camp.
He hurried back to the Hokage Tower and delivered the message—down to that final line.
The Third kept his face schooled, but inside he seethed. No face given whatsoever. Most ninja considered an ANBU invitation an honor. But an Uchiha? They didn't care—evil clan indeed. And even if Ryosuke joined, who knew if he'd behave like obedient Itachi or Shisui?
Enough of that—more important business awaited. Konoha and the Hidden Cloud were preparing to negotiate peace and end the war. The Cloud envoys should already be on their way; the talks would be in Konoha, a sign of genuine intent.
He looked at Kakashi. "Spread the word about the Konoha–Cloud peace talks, and prepare to receive the Cloud delegation."
"Yes, Lord Third."
After Kakashi left, the Third reclined contentedly. Once the war ended, a long stretch of stability would return. The Uchiha shouldn't dare make trouble then. The credit for ending the war would, of course, be his. Time to put it properly into the textbooks and polish that shining image—cement the Hokage's seat.
That thought brought him to Danzō—both his best helper and his greatest rival, forever coveting the hat. Pity the man couldn't win hearts; with that reputation, how could he ever threaten the throne? His methods were far too extreme.