Uchiha Fugaku entered the room, led by Hyūga Hizashi. Everyone looked toward the doorway, only to discover that accompanying Fugaku was a young boy, Uchiha Itachi, who was about the same age as Hyūga Shinichi.
"Clan Head Fugaku, it is truly excellent that you could come."
"And this is..."
Hyūga Shinichi, as the host, greeted them with a smile, glancing at Itachi Uchiha next to Fugaku.
Fugaku had not come alone; he brought his eldest son, Uchiha Itachi. In Fugaku's view, this request to help investigate the assassination attempt on the Hyūga was not just a simple commissioned mission; it was a signal of goodwill from the Hyūga clan.
Large ninja clans like the Uchiha and Hyūga had their own defense forces, and these historically ancient clans were often proud. Incidents like the attempted assassination of a clan member were rarely entrusted to outsiders. The Hyūga requesting Uchiha's assistance was unusual.
Fugaku saw this as an opportunity to strengthen relations and, simultaneously, to pave the way for his genius son.
Fugaku deliberately brought Itachi along. Unlike the Hyūga clan's hereditary system, the Uchiha clan leader was often chosen through competition, consistent with the clan's values and the nature of their inherited Sharingan. Fugaku, as the current Uchiha clan head, naturally hoped the successor to his mantle would be his own child.
Fortunately, his eldest son possessed extraordinary talent, already exhibiting various ninja traits not seen in others at such a young age, earning him high expectations from Fugaku.
Involving the young Itachi in inter-clan exchanges at an early age would be highly beneficial for his future. Sometimes, a person's reputation within the clan was closely linked to the sophistication of their personal network.
Shinichi's question provided Fugaku a perfect opportunity to introduce his son in such a setting. After slightly bowing to the Third Hokage, Fugaku replied:
"This is my son, Uchiha Itachi."
"I wanted to bring him out to see the world."
"My apologies, Shinichi, for not mentioning this to your Hyūga clan beforehand."
"Also... I hadn't expected you to invite Lord Hiruzen as well."
While explaining, Fugaku offered a smile to Hiruzen. The Uchiha had, at one point, even tried to curry favor with Hiruzen Sarutobi to improve their isolated standing in the village.
Fugaku's second son's name, Sasuke, was a name Fugaku had specifically requested permission from Hiruzen to use, out of respect for Hiruzen's father. In ninja clan culture, this was considered one of the highest forms of respect.
However, the Uchiha's situation did not significantly change as a result. The truth was that Fugaku was too naive in this regard. Without providing tangible benefits to the person in power, why would they help the Uchiha? Would a mere, hollow title suffice?!
"Hee hee, I hadn't expected the Hyūga clan to invite the Uchiha, either."
Hiruzen chuckled, his expression devoid of any negative emotion. However, as he spoke, he subtly glanced at Hyūga Hizashi, who had returned to stand behind Shinichi. He suspected Hizashi was guiding the young Shinichi's actions.
"This younger brother of Hiashi's... cannot be underestimated!"
The Hyūga clan had violated one of Konoha's unwritten rules—the policy of isolating the Uchiha established by the Second Hokage. The general sentiment was that large ninja clans should avoid interaction, and a degree of competition was considered the most stable relationship for the village.
But now...
Hiruzen interpreted the Hyūga's actions as a sign that they were feeling desperate and seeking external help. He realized that certain individuals had pushed the Hyūga too hard. This assassination attempt on Shinichi had given the Hyūga an unprecedented sense of crisis. Seeking help from either him, the former Hokage, or the Uchiha was a result of the Hyūga actively seeking external intervention.
Internally sighing, Hiruzen Sarutobi lost the desire to linger.
"Shinichi, Hizashi."
"I have examined Hyūga Kazutaka's condition. Once I return, I will instruct the Anbu to begin their investigation, and I will personally review the scrolls to determine the origin of the Jutsu."
"You must closely monitor his condition. If anything else occurs, simply send someone to notify me."
"With Shin and Hiashi out of the village, as the former Hokage, I will do everything within my power to ensure the safety of the Hyūga clan within the village."
Hiruzen clearly had a strong suspicion about the culprit, but had no intention of informing Shinichi or the others.
At this moment, he just wanted to find Danzō quickly. He subtly sensed that the Hyūga were beginning to take desperate measures for their safety. If pushed further, he couldn't imagine what the Hyūga might do. Recalling Hiashi and Shin, and the forces on the battlefield? If they did that, Konoha would be in serious trouble.
"Thank you for your trouble, sir."
"Uncle, please escort the Third Hokage out."
Shinichi subtly sensed something. Just as Hiruzen was about to leave, Shinichi suddenly spoke:
"Also, Lord Third Hokage, I heard that Advisor Danzō has an Anbu subsidiary known as the Root, composed of the village's most elite ninja."
"Could you possibly facilitate a connection for our Hyūga clan? Could the Root ninja also help investigate this matter?"
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. If the assassin had no connection to Danzō, the Root ninja could become an asset for the Hyūga, and Danzō wouldn't likely pass up the opportunity to display his strength to the Hyūga. However, if Danzō was the mastermind... Heh heh, his reaction upon hearing this request would be very interesting.
Perhaps he would send people under this pretext to infiltrate the Hyūga compound? That would be fine, too. Under the Byakugan's scrutiny, it would be hard to tell who was truly monitoring whom.
If they caught him red-handed, they could immediately align with the Fourth Hokage and challenge Danzō! Minato Namikaze wouldn't want the advisors to wield a powerful military department like Root, constantly constraining him.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had reached the door, suddenly stopped. He slowly turned around, thought for a moment, and replied:
"Root ninjas are not specialized in escort or tracking. Root will not be deployed for this matter."
"Rest assured, the Hokage's direct Anbu will resolve this matter for you."
"With the Uchiha Military Police Force also involved, you have double protection and need not worry."
"I will be leaving now."
Hiruzen clearly had no intention of making the introduction for the Hyūga. He stepped out of the room. Hizashi quickly followed him, guiding Hiruzen and trying to smooth things over: "Lord Hokage, please don't mind him.
Shinichi is still a child." Hizashi managed a smile, but secretly admired his grand-nephew's tactics. In the past, the Hyūga clan's actions were too obedient and rigid, making them seem easy to manipulate.
As a powerful clan, the Hyūga sometimes needed to learn from the Uchiha—to be a little more assertive and unconventional to make others realize they were not to be trifled with. Of course, this had to be done in moderation.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's hurried departure eased Fugaku's reservations. With the Third Hokage present, some words had to be carefully chosen. Now, both he and Shinichi could speak frankly.
"Clan Head Fugaku, we are both dōjutsu clans from the same origin. When you have time, we should certainly interact more."
"Shisui-nii has been of great help during his mission in the Hyūga clan. I sincerely thank your Uchiha clan for your assistance here."
Hyūga Shinichi maintained a humble posture. On one hand, he was the junior, and on the other, his words, coming from his position, satisfied Fugaku's ego. Given the Hyūga clan's succession system, Shinichi becoming the clan head was practically guaranteed despite his young age. Such words from him made Fugaku beam with pleasure.
"Heh heh, that's too much, truly too much."
"Don't speak of gratitude for our help; it's unnecessary formality! Truly too unnecessary."
"We are all comrades in the same village. Mutual support is only right."
"Itachi is the same age as you. When he has free time, I'll have him visit the Hyūga compound more often. Also, he has a very good relationship with Shisui, and my son's talent is quite good. You should be able to get along well."
"Geniuses like you should interact frequently, encourage each other, and compete with one another. That will benefit your growth."
"Hmm..."
Fugaku unconsciously slipped into the role of a senior mentor. Realizing he had spoken too much, he quickly stopped and changed the subject:
"Oh, right, Shinichi, didn't you invite me to help investigate the assassin?"
"That is the real business. Tell me the details."
The groundwork laid by Fugaku's previous words was sufficient for the future development of the two clans' relationship. Shinichi smiled and nodded to Itachi, then instructed Keisuke to explain the events of the previous night to Fugaku in detail.
In Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi was not the only perceptive individual. Listening to Keisuke's account, Fugaku's expression became extremely serious, and he fell into deep thought. Itachi was still young and innocent. Not being a person who wore a child's disguise like Shinichi, seeing his father's solemn expression, he couldn't help but ask:
"Father, have you discovered something?"
He had a good impression of Shinichi. Firstly, they were rare peers, and secondly, he often heard Shinichi's name from Shisui. In Shisui's description, Shinichi was a person of outstanding talent who was also exceptionally hardworking and who bore the heavy responsibility of the clan at a young age.
He was someone Shisui even admired. By association, Uchiha Itachi, who admired Shisui, also held a very good impression of Shisui's highly praised friend, Hyūga Shinichi.
"Hmm?"
"Ah? Not yet."
"However, our Konoha Military Police Force will take this matter seriously. I will assign more personnel to reinforce patrols and vigilance around the Hyūga compound to absolutely prevent similar incidents from happening again!"
Fugaku had his own considerations. He lightly patted Itachi's head and stated solemnly.
"Then I'll leave it to Clan Head Fugaku."
"By the way, Itachi, would you be interested in staying at the Hyūga compound for a short while? I often hear Shisui mention you and have always wanted an opportunity to talk with you."
"Why don't you stay here for a while? Shisui is here too."
Shinichi asked Itachi with a smile. Initially, Itachi was calm, but upon hearing that Shisui was also present, he turned to look at his father, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.
After all... he was still a child. The boy simply wanted to stick close to his mentor, Shisui.
Fugaku naturally saw through his son's thoughts. He gently patted Itachi's head and encouraged him:
"You decide for yourself."
With Fugaku's tacit approval, Itachi was no longer shy. He bowed slightly to Shinichi and said, "Then I'll trouble you."
Seeing Itachi agree, a bright smile appeared on Shinichi's face.
With this boy staying at the Hyūga compound, Fugaku would surely put his heart and soul into the investigation!
If you want to read more, join my Patreon/kazama677
60+ advanced chapters available.
I will drop 1 bonus chapter for every 30 Power Stones.
Bonus chapter for every 20 reviews/comments