Tifai only came back to her senses after everything was over—and the first thing she felt was overwhelming shame.
She didn't even know where to put her face anymore.
She had actually been defeated by a Uchiha brat barely in his teens… and by genjutsu, of all things.
Damn it…That cursed Sharingan illusion was way too troublesome…
Just imagining how this would turn into gossip once she returned to Kumogakure made her scalp tingle. With that thought, Tifai quietly retreated and hid herself behind Ay, wishing she could disappear entirely.
Because of the loss, even the Fourth Raikage found it hard to remain any longer in the Land of Fields.
"Minato Namikaze," Ay said coldly as he turned away, "we will continue investigating Osai's disappearance. And make no mistake—you are still our prime suspect."
With that, the Kumogakure forces withdrew.
"Are we really just going to let them leave?" someone asked, unwilling.
"Senior Kurenai," Minato replied calmly, "they have the Eight-Tails' jinchūriki. If this escalates into a full battle, our losses would be far greater."
Minato was simply stating the truth. If a war had broken out, even if he could hold Ay back, Killer B would be impossible to restrain. The Eight-Tails rampaging freely would have turned the battlefield into a massacre.
A ceasefire and mutual withdrawal was, under the circumstances, the best possible outcome.
"Then what about Uchiha Ran awakening the three-tomoe Sharingan…?" someone asked hesitantly.
All eyes turned toward Kurenai Yuhi, who had spoken up on Ran's behalf.
For a moment, everyone was stunned.
Since when had Kurenai become so close to an Uchiha?
Minato was also taken aback—but almost immediately, he understood. He could roughly guess why Ran had hidden his strength all this time.
After a brief silence, Minato spoke clearly:
"Uchiha Ran fought Kumogakure to the brink of death for Konoha. In that life-and-death struggle, his Sharingan evolved into the three-tomoe state, securing a crucial victory for the village. I will personally submit a commendation for him, Senior Kurenai."
Hokage's Office
"Third Hokage-sama, that is the full report," Minato concluded. "For the sake of this victory, Uchiha Ran elevated the Sharingan he awakened upon his parents' deaths to the three-tomoe state."
"I see…"Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a slow cloud of smoke from his pipe, eyes half-lidded. "Minato, what do you think of this Uchiha Ran?"
"I believe he's worth nurturing," Minato replied without hesitation. "He's a gentle, kind Uchiha—just like Obito was."
"Oh?"Hiruzen waved his hand, signaling Minato to step back.
From Minato's report, Hiruzen had already caught something important: Ran had clearly been hiding his strength. At the very least, he must have possessed a two-tomoe Sharingan long before this incident.
"So… trauma from his parents' deaths," Hiruzen murmured. "A talented child, no doubt. Let's observe him a little longer. If things align, perhaps Orochimaru could take him on as a student. Since Nawaki's death, Orochimaru hasn't accepted a disciple in a long time."
ROOT – Underground Base
"Hmph. I knew it. Uchiha brats are born evil."
In the dimly lit underground base, Danzō Shimura slammed his cane heavily against the stone floor.
"Tobirama-sensei was right all along. That little Uchiha dared to put on an act right in front of me last time… very good. Very good indeed. Uchiha Ran already has a path leading straight to death."
"Danzō-sama," a ROOT operative asked quietly, "should we—"
"No," Danzō interrupted. "Crow, he's still useful to us. Go test him. The Uchiha clan gatherings have been increasing lately. Have him investigate what's really going on."
"Yes, Danzō-sama."
Uchiha District
"Ran, I'm truly happy for you," Fugaku Uchiha said warmly. "Your parents would be proud if they knew how far you've come."
Ever since the day Ran's parents died, Fugaku had sworn to compensate the boy somehow. He believed their deaths were partly his responsibility—and he intended to shoulder that burden.
"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 frequent clan meetings lately—about formally electing the clan head and establishing the new leadership."
Ran froze for a moment before responding.
"Brother Fugaku… does that mean you're officially becoming clan head?"
"Yes," Fugaku nodded. "I've served as acting head for years. This time, I'll be formally confirmed. And I've already arranged a position for you."
Seeing the mysterious smile on Fugaku's face, Ran's curiosity was immediately piqued.
"Oh? What kind of role did you arrange for me?"
"Public Relations," Fugaku said confidently. "Ran, your image among the villagers is excellent. I plan to establish this department specifically for you. You'll familiarize yourself with every clan member—and present a positive image of the Uchiha to the outside world."
Looking at Fugaku's ambitious expression, Ran thought about it for a moment, then chose not to dampen his enthusiasm.
"Hey—stop talking shop already!"A gentle voice interrupted them."Fugaku! Ran! Come try some fresh fruit!"
"Mm," Fugaku responded, remaining seated, clearly waiting for Mikoto to bring it over.
"Mikoto-nee, let me," Ran said cheerfully, stepping forward. "You're eight months pregnant—you should be resting and taking care of little Itachi."
He took the fruit from Mikoto and placed it on the table with a grin.
"Fugaku," Mikoto said worriedly, "is it really right to put this much pressure on Ran at his age? I think he should be focusing on growing stronger, not getting dragged into clan politics."
"Women's sentiment," Fugaku said firmly. "The Uchiha clan is already a vortex. Ran is our younger brother—he has no choice. He'll be drawn into it eventually, whether we like it or not."
"Mikoto-nee, don't worry," Ran added lightly. "Once Brother Fugaku becomes clan head, I'll extort—ahem, negotiate—a massive budget for the PR department."
"…Ran."
"All right," Fugaku said, standing. "I have matters to handle at the Police Force. You two stay home and talk."
As he headed for the door, he paused.
"Ran, during this time, spend more time with Mikoto. Clan affairs are keeping me busy, and Itachi will be born soon. Keep her company—don't let her overthink things."
Tap. Tap. Tap.
The sound of Fugaku's footsteps faded down the corridor.
Uchiha Fugaku—the man about to become clan head, a man who dreamed of reviving the Uchiha—had chosen the clan over his family.
Perhaps… that was what it meant to be a clan head.
"He's gone again," Mikoto murmured softly, staring at Fugaku's retreating back. "He's always so busy… Sometimes I wonder—if we weren't Uchiha, would he still live like this?"
Seeing the distant look in her eyes, Ran smiled faintly and spoke with quiet meaning:
"Mikoto-nee, everyone has their own path to walk. Brother Fugaku chose his—and he's determined to see it through. Some things won't change just because we wish them to, especially the relationship between the village and the Uchiha. Sometimes… strength is more useful than ideals."
As he poured her tea, Ran looked out at the courtyard, where cherry blossoms drifted gently down in the spring breeze.