When Tifai finally came to her senses, all she felt was burning humiliation.
She had been defeated—utterly defeated—by a mere teenage Uchiha brat using genjutsu.
Damn it… just a Sharingan illusion, and yet it was this troublesome…
She could already imagine the gossip waiting for her back in Kumogakure. The thought alone made her scalp tingle. Face flushed, she quietly slipped behind A, doing her best to reduce her presence.
After losing the match, even the Fourth Raikage found it hard to remain in the Land of Rice Fields.
"Namikaze Minato," A said coldly, "we'll continue investigating Osayi's case. No matter what—you're still the prime suspect."
With that, he turned and left.
"Are we really just letting them go?" someone asked unwillingly.
"Senior Shinku," Minato replied calmly, "they have the Eight-Tails' jinchūriki. If we truly went to war, our losses would be far greater."
Minato laid out the reality for everyone present. Even if he could hold off the Fourth Raikage, Killer B would be impossible to restrain. Letting an Eight-Tails jinchūriki run rampant would spell catastrophe.
For now, both sides withdrawing under a ceasefire was the best possible outcome.
"Then, Commander Minato… what about the matter of Uchiha Ran awakening the three-tomoe Sharingan?"
The moment Sarutobi Shinku spoke up for Ran, everyone froze.
Since when had Shinku grown so close to an Uchiha?
Minato was also taken aback. In an instant, he understood Ran's situation—and why the boy had hidden his strength.
After a brief pause, Minato spoke clearly:
"Uchiha Ran fought a life-and-death battle for Konoha against Kumogakure. In the face of death, his Sharingan evolved into three tomoe, securing a decisive victory for the village. I will personally submit a commendation for him."
"Senior Shinku."
"Third Hokage-sama, that is the full report. To secure this victory, Uchiha Ran advanced the Sharingan he awakened at the time of his parents' death into the three-tomoe stage."
"I understand," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, pipe in hand, smoke curling lazily around him. "Minato—what do you think of this Uchiha boy?"
"I believe he's worth nurturing," Minato replied without hesitation. "He's a gentle, kind-hearted Uchiha. Very much like Obito."
"…Is that so?"
Hiruzen waved a hand, dismissing Minato.
From the report alone, Hiruzen could already tell—Uchiha Ran had been hiding his strength. Previously, he had likely already reached at least the two-tomoe stage.
"Was it the trauma of his parents' deaths…" Hiruzen murmured. "A talented child, then. We'll continue observing him. If things allow, perhaps we can have Orochimaru take him on as a student. Since Nawaki's death, Orochimaru hasn't accepted a disciple in a long time."
"Just as I thought—Uchiha brats are born evil. Tobirama-sensei was absolutely right."
In the dim underground halls of Root, Shimura Danzō slammed his cane heavily against the stone floor as he listened to the report.
"He even dared to put on an act right in front of me. Very good… very good indeed. That Uchiha brat already walks the path of death."
"Danzō-sama, should we—"
"No," Danzō interrupted. "Crow, he's still useful to us. Go test him. Recently, the Uchiha gatherings have become more frequent. Let him investigate what's really going on."
"Yes, Danzō-sama."
"Ran… I'm truly happy for you."
Uchiha Fugaku smiled warmly.
"Your parents would be proud to know you've reached this level."
Ever since the day Ran's parents died, Fugaku had sworn to compensate the boy. It was his decision that had placed them as guards—and he would shoulder that responsibility.
"And Ran," Fugaku continued, "now that you've awakened the three-tomoe Sharingan, it's time for you to enter the clan's decision-making circle. There have been many clan meetings lately—mainly to formally elect the clan head and the new leadership."
Ran blinked in surprise.
"Brother Fugaku… are you officially becoming clan head?"
"That's right," Fugaku nodded. "I've served as acting head for several years now. This time, the position will be fully formalized. As for you—I've already arranged your role."
Seeing the mysterious smile on Fugaku's face, Ran grew curious.
"Oh? What position did you have in mind for me?"
"Public Relations."
Fugaku's eyes shone with ambition.
"Your image among the villagers is excellent. I plan to establish a new department specifically for this. You'll be responsible for understanding every clan member—and projecting a positive image of the Uchiha to the outside world."
Looking at Fugaku's enthusiasm, Ran thought for a moment, then chose not to dampen his spirits.
Instead, he smiled and nodded along.
"Stop talking shop already," a gentle voice called out. "Fugaku, Ran—come try some fresh fruit."
"Yes," Fugaku answered, remaining seated as he waited for Uchiha Mikoto.
"Mikoto-neesan, let me do it," Ran said cheerfully, stepping forward. "You're eight months pregnant—you should be resting. You need to take care of little Itachi."
He took the fruit tray from her hands and set it down on the table.
"Fugaku!" Mikoto said worriedly. "Is it really right to place so much pressure on Ran at his age? He should be focusing on improving his strength, not getting involved in clan politics!"
"A woman's perspective," Fugaku said bluntly. "The Uchiha are already caught in a whirlpool. As our brother, Ran has no choice. Sooner or later, he'll be drawn in."
"Mikoto-neesan, don't worry," Ran said with a grin. "Once Brother Fugaku becomes clan head, I'll squeeze him dry and get a massive budget approved for the Public Relations Department."
"…You."
"All right," Fugaku said, standing up. "I still have matters to handle at the Police Force. You two stay home and talk."
As he reached the door, he paused.
"Ran—spend more time with Mikoto during this period. Clan matters are busy, and I can't always be here. Itachi will be born soon. Keep her company, don't let her overthink things."
Tap, tap, tap…
The sound of footsteps gradually faded.
Uchiha Fugaku—the man about to become clan head.
A man who dreamed of reviving the Uchiha.
Between family and clan… he chose the clan.
Perhaps—
That was what it meant to be clan head.
"He's gone again," Mikoto said softly, staring at Fugaku's retreating back. "Sometimes I wonder… if we weren't Uchiha, would he still be this busy?"
Ran looked at her distant gaze and smiled faintly.
"Mikoto-neesan," he said gently, "everyone has their own path to walk. Brother Fugaku chose his—and he's committed to it."
"Some things won't change just because we wish them to. Especially the relationship between the village and the Uchiha."
He poured her tea, eyes drifting toward the cherry blossoms falling in the courtyard.
"Sometimes… strength is simply more useful."
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