Under Hyuga Hizashi's guidance, Uchiha Fugaku stepped into the room. All eyes turned toward the door—and to everyone's surprise, there was a young boy beside Fugaku, roughly the same age as Hyuga Satoru.
"Clan Head Fugaku, it's an honor that you could come," Satoru said with a welcoming smile. "And this young one is…?"
Fugaku hadn't come alone. He'd brought along his eldest son, Uchiha Itachi.
In Fugaku's mind, assisting the Hyuga in investigating the recent assassination attempt wasn't merely a mission—it was a gesture of goodwill. For two major clans like the Uchiha and Hyuga, each with long histories and their own elite guard units, such matters were typically handled internally. Inviting another clan's aid was… highly unusual.
Thus, Fugaku regarded this as a rare diplomatic opportunity—one that could strengthen ties between the two great dojutsu clans. At the same time, he wanted to give his prodigious son some exposure to the political world.
Unlike the Hyuga, where succession followed a strict lineage system, leadership of the Uchiha was decided through internal competition—an ideal that fit both their proud temperament and the nature of the Sharingan itself.
As clan head, Fugaku naturally hoped his successor would be his own blood. Fortunately, his eldest son's talent was exceptional. Though still a child, Itachi had already shown remarkable composure, insight, and innate skill—traits that set him apart even among the gifted.
Introducing him among Konoha's influential circles would only benefit his future. After all, in a great clan, reputation and connections mattered nearly as much as strength.
Satoru's polite inquiry gave Fugaku the perfect opportunity for such an introduction. After bowing slightly toward the Third Hokage, Fugaku replied,
"This is my son, Uchiha Itachi. I thought I'd bring him along to broaden his horizons."
Then, with a courteous chuckle, he added, "Forgive me, Satoru. I didn't mention it in advance. And I must admit, I didn't expect Lord Hiruzen himself to be here today."
Fugaku turned and offered Hiruzen Sarutobi a warm smile. The Uchiha had long tried to mend their strained relationship with the village leadership—Fugaku in particular had once gone out of his way to curry favor with the Third Hokage.
Even the name of his younger son, Sasuke, was chosen with Hiruzen's blessing, as a tribute to Hiruzen's late father, Sarutobi Sasuke. In the culture of the ninja clans, that was considered a gesture of the highest respect.
But in truth, little had changed for the Uchiha. Their status in the village remained as isolated as ever.
Fugaku had been naïve. Titles and polite gestures meant little if they didn't serve the interests of those in power. Why would the ruling elite lift a finger for the Uchiha out of mere courtesy?
"Heh, I must say, I didn't expect the Hyuga to invite the Uchiha as well," Hiruzen remarked amiably. His tone was light, his expression unreadable—but his gaze quietly swept toward Hyuga Hizashi, who now stood respectfully behind Satoru.
"So… it was this younger brother of Hiashi's," Hiruzen thought to himself. "A shrewd man indeed."
The Hyuga had broken one of Konoha's long-standing unspoken rules—the policy set by the Second Hokage to keep the major clans isolated from one another, especially the Uchiha. The village's balance depended on those clans staying in quiet competition, not forming alliances.
But now…
To Hiruzen, this move signaled desperation. The Hyuga were seeking outside support. The recent assassination attempt had clearly shaken them. Whether reaching out to him, a former Hokage, or to the Uchiha, it was all a bid to secure allies.
He sighed inwardly. The old man no longer wished to linger here.
"Satoru, Hizashi," he said solemnly, "I've examined Hyuga Kazutaka's condition. I'll have the ANBU conduct a thorough investigation, and I'll personally look into the jutsu's origins. Keep a close watch on him—and if anything happens, notify me immediately."
"With Hiashi and Shin absent from the village, I'll do everything in my power to ensure the Hyuga remain safe within Konoha."
Though Hiruzen already had a clear suspect in mind, he chose not to reveal it. He wanted first to find Danzo—and stop this before it escalated further. If the Hyuga were pushed any harder, who knew what they might do next?
If they recalled Hiashi and the clan's elite from the front lines… the village could be thrown into chaos.
"Thank you for your concern, Lord Third."
Then Satoru suddenly spoke again, just as Hiruzen turned to leave.
"Ah, Lord Third—one more thing. I've heard that Advisor Danzo commands a branch of ANBU known as Root. They're said to be some of the most elite shinobi in the village."
"Do you think… you could perhaps help us establish contact? Maybe Root could assist in the investigation as well?"
The words were delivered with innocent sincerity—but beneath that calm exterior, Satoru's mind was already several steps ahead.
If the assassin had nothing to do with Danzo, then involving Root would simply make them allies in this search—and Danzo would never refuse an opportunity to show his worth before the Hyuga.
But if Danzo was behind it… then this suggestion would force his hand.
He might even send operatives into the Hyuga compound under the guise of "cooperation." And when that happened—well, with the Byakugan watching, who would be spying on whom?
If they caught Danzo's hand in the act, Satoru could bring the evidence directly to the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato—and together they could finally cut off Root's unchecked power.
Hiruzen paused mid-step, turned slightly, and after a long silence, replied:
"Root's shinobi aren't trained for protection or investigative work. There's no need to involve them."
"Rest assured, my personal ANBU will see this matter through. And with the Uchiha Police Force also providing security, you'll have nothing to worry about."
"I'll take my leave now."
He offered no further explanation and departed swiftly. Hizashi followed closely behind, smiling apologetically.
"Please don't mind him, Lord Third. Satoru is still young," Hizashi said tactfully—though inwardly, he couldn't help but admire his nephew's deft maneuvering.
The Hyuga had always been too proper, too compliant, and that meekness had only made them easier to pressure. Sometimes, a great clan had to show some teeth—just enough to remind others they were not to be trifled with.
With Hiruzen gone, Fugaku felt more at ease. The presence of the Third had kept him cautious; now, he could speak freely.
"Clan Head Fugaku," Satoru began with a polite smile, "our two families share the heritage of the dojutsu. When time allows, we should visit one another more often."
"Shisui's assistance during his time with us has been invaluable. On behalf of the Hyuga, I want to thank the Uchiha Clan sincerely."
Though still young, Satoru's words were deliberate—respectful, yet dignified. And coming from the Hyuga's future heir, it was a gesture that stroked Fugaku's pride just right.
"Haha, you're far too polite," Fugaku said, grinning. "There's no need for thanks—we're comrades of the same village. Helping one another is only natural."
"Itachi's about your age. I'll have him visit the Hyuga estate often. He's quite close to Shisui as well, and his talent's not too bad either."
"You young geniuses should spend more time together—learn from one another, compete, grow. That's how you'll both reach your fullest potential."
Fugaku chuckled, slipping unconsciously into the tone of an elder giving fatherly advice. Then he realized he was rambling and cleared his throat.
"Right—let's get to the real reason we're here. You wanted my help investigating the assassin. Tell me everything in detail."
Satoru nodded toward Keisuke, who began explaining the events of the previous night.
Fugaku listened in silence, his expression gradually hardening. Though young, he was far from foolish—and he could tell this was no ordinary incident.
Itachi, meanwhile, glanced between his father and Satoru, curiosity written across his face.
"Father, have you noticed something?" he asked earnestly.
He had already taken a liking to Satoru. Partly because they were peers, but mostly because he had heard Shisui speak of him often—with genuine admiration.
In Shisui's eyes, Satoru was a prodigy of both talent and discipline, a boy shouldering the weight of an entire clan with composure beyond his years.
Itachi respected Shisui deeply—so by extension, he admired Satoru as well.
"Hm?" Fugaku blinked, then shook his head lightly. "Not for now. But rest assured, the Uchiha Police Force will give this matter our full attention. I'll assign additional patrols around the Hyuga compound to ensure your safety."
"Then I must thank you, Clan Head Fugaku," Satoru said gratefully.
Turning to Itachi, he smiled warmly. "By the way, Itachi—would you like to stay with us for a while? I've often heard Shisui speak highly of you. I'd like a chance to get to know you myself."
"Besides, Shisui's here too."
At that, the normally composed Itachi's eyes brightened slightly. He glanced at his father, quietly hopeful.
After all, he was still a child—and Shisui was the older brother figure he looked up to most.
Fugaku caught the look and smiled faintly, resting a hand on his son's shoulder. "It's your choice," he said gently.
Taking that as approval, Itachi gave a polite bow. "Then… I'll be in your care."
Satoru's face lit up with a genuine smile.
Having the Uchiha prodigy under his roof—well, that guaranteed Fugaku's continued goodwill.
Everything was falling neatly into place.
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