Chapter 38 - Chapter 38: An Uchiha Apology? Not Accepted.

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38.txt

Fugaku Uchiha believed reconciliation between Qianyu and the clan was impossible.

His father, Masaki Uchiha, the clan head, did not share that view.

Masaki possessed decent foresight for a clan leader. Yet, he still couldn't shake the habit of thinking from the position of Konoha's number one clan. In his mind, if the prestigious Uchiha extended an olive branch, Qianyu would have no reason to refuse.

Masaki rubbed his temples, mentally weighing Qianyu's value. The more he thought, the heavier that value became.

It wasn't about the boy's talent or strength. It was his identity.

A solid member of the Hokage's faction. Vigorously cultivated by Hiruzen Sarutobi himself. The disciple of one of the Sannin, Orochimaru.

The Uchiha were isolated. No one wanted to play with them, Hiruzen included. Beyond the Konoha Military Police, they were completely cut off from the village's power center.

If Qianyu rose to become a core figure for the Hokage… he could be a bridge. A link to Hiruzen. But the prerequisite was clear: Qianyu must hold no grudge against the clan. He must feel goodwill. Be willing to act for them.

Masaki thought for a long time. Fugaku did not interrupt. Knowing his father, Fugaku could guess the direction of his thoughts.

Finally, Masaki spoke. "Fugaku. Go to Orochimaru's base tomorrow. Find Qianyu. Take our Fire Release scrolls and the Sharingan application notes."

Fugaku sighed inwardly. Of course.

"Father," he said, trying to reason with the old man's lingering hopes. "You said it yourself. He can't return to the clan. What's the point?"

"The point," Masaki stated firmly, "is not to bring him back. He's gone. The point is to foster goodwill. To prevent hostility. If he continues on this path, he will become a core ninja of the Hokage's line. That is certain. And his blood will always be half Uchiha. Do you understand now?"

Fugaku understood. Making Qianyu feel goodwill toward the clan, however? That seemed… difficult. Years of enmity weren't erased by a couple of scrolls.

But he knew his father's temper. Once decided, there was no stopping him.

"I understand, Father."

Masaki nodded. "Good. You must also strive harder, Fugaku. Do not let yourself be surpassed by an outsider with only half our blood."

The words tasted like ash in Fugaku's mouth. He wanted to awaken his Sharingan. He didn't want to be outdone. But wanting didn't make it happen. There was no path for mere effort to follow.

…

The next day, Qianyu rose before dawn as usual.

Orochimaru still hadn't returned. But he'd said today was the day for the Ryūchi Cave contract. He'd be back.

Qianyu headed to the underground training ground. Two, three hours into his solo routine, he felt it—the perimeter barrier triggered.

Orochimaru had keyed him into the alert system. Visitors.

Qianyu grabbed a towel, wiping sweat from his face as he walked toward the entrance. "Looking for Sensei?" he muttered.

He stepped outside. His eyes narrowed immediately.

The familiar Uchiha fan. Qianyu leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, giving Fugaku a slow, appraising look.

"Tsk. You actually came." His voice was pure acid. "The mighty Uchiha. Hold a grudge, don't you? Last night's little incident, and you're on my doorstep by morning."

He tilted his head, mock-concerned. "But sending a kid to 'take me in'? Isn't that a bit inappropriate? Where's your precious Military Police? Shouldn't they be here to arrest the criminal who dared harm a noble Uchiha?"

Fugaku's face darkened. Kid? I'm the older one here!

He bowed slightly. "Qianyu. You misunderstand. I am here on behalf of the Uchiha clan to apologize for yesterday's… incident with Yuto and Kazuma."

Qianyu's brow twitched, then smoothed. His tone remained caustic. "Oh? An apology. How novel. When I first came to Konoha, your clansmen caused plenty of 'incidents' with me. Didn't see any apologies then. You're quicker now."

He gestured a thumb back toward the hidden base entrance. "Let me guess. Is it because of this?"

The meaning was clear. Orochimaru. And the weight behind Orochimaru—Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Fugaku's heart tightened. This kid was sharp. Difficult. Any hope of fostering goodwill was probably dead on arrival.

He got to the point. "The apology is sincere. These are the Uchiha clan's Fire Release techniques and Sharingan application notes. A gesture of our sincerity."

He tossed two scrolls forward.

Qianyu caught them. Hefted them in his hand. "Ah. So part of the apology is for my eye, too. I thought you might shamelessly try to drag me back into the clan now that I've awakened it. Glad to see you have some brains."

Fugaku's head dipped slightly, a faint flush on his cheeks. If not for the Uzumaki girl… his father might have done exactly that.

He bowed again. "Since you've accepted the Uchiha clan's apology, I will take my leave."

As Fugaku turned to go, Qianyu's voice stopped him cold.

"Wait."

Fugaku looked back, frowning.

"You're putting words in my mouth." Qianyu's voice was flat, deadly calm. "Did I say I accepted?"

Crackling electricity erupted around his hand holding the scrolls. The heat was instant, intense. The precious scrolls blackened, curled, and vanished into nothing.

Two piles of fine, dark ash drifted to the ground.

Qianyu met Fugaku's shocked gaze, his eyes hard, his words deliberate and final.

"Your Uchiha apology? I don't accept it."

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