Sarutobi Hiruzen often felt the weight of age pressing down on him.
"Fugaku," he began, his tone heavy, "what do the Uchiha think of Konoha? Let’s have an honest conversation—just the two of us."
Fugaku’s expression didn’t change. "Sarutobi, do you think the Uchiha have always coveted the Hokage’s seat?"
Hiruzen took a long drag from his pipe, silent. But the implication was clear—he believed no one was immune to the allure of power.
"To us Uchiha," Fugaku continued, voice steady and calm, "Konoha is our ho. You don’t treat your ho like a conquest. You protect it. You preserve it."
"How arrogant..." Hiruzen muttered. Fugaku’s words were not what he expected.
"Konoha belongs to everyone," the old Hokage insisted. "To every civilian and shinobi of this village. It isn’t the property of any one clan."
"Do you even believe that yourself, Sarutobi?" Fugaku’s voice sharpened. "How much has the Sarutobi clan expanded under your leadership? How many innocent villagers did Danzo murder in secret while leading Root? And what about your so-called genius student, Orochimaru? What pushed him to beco a traitor?"
Hiruzen’s expression darkened, but he didn’t interrupt.
"The Shimura clan was once a minor clan. Look at them now. And the families behind Koharu and Homura? They’re all swimming in power and wealth. You so-called ’vested interests’ have drained Konoha dry—yet the Uchiha have been pushed aside."
Fugaku’s voice thundered now. "You’re the arrogant one, Sarutobi!"
Hiruzen remained calm in the face of the accusation. "And you think the Uchiha would be any different if they took power? That you wouldn’t fall into the sa traps?"
Fugaku chuckled coldly. "Do you even know why Lord Xiuyu and Lord Madara never truly contested Hashirama for the Hokage title? Do you really think they weren’t strong enough?"
He leaned forward, eyes piercing. "No. It’s because, for the Uchiha, strength is what matters. The title of Hokage? Just a decoration. Real power lies in ability, not position. All your politics, Sarutobi—they’re just distractions."
The two sat for a long ti in silence after that.
Eventually, Hiruzen spoke again, voice weary. "I’ll hand the Hokage seat to the Uchiha. I’m old. Tired. Perhaps your clan can guide Konoha into the future."
But Fugaku rely smiled and shook his head.
"Old man, hold onto it a little longer. We’re not ready to take that step—at least not yet. I just received instruction from Xiu Yu’s clone. I need ti to understand it thoroughly."
Sarutobi Hiruzen was left stunned, not expecting to be turned down.
"Fine," he finally muttered. "Then let it be known—the Root division will be officially disbanded. For the upcoming negotiations with the Raikage, the Uchiha will represent Konoha."
This year, everyone in Konoha seed satisfied—except Kumogakure. After paying a massive ransom, they finally recovered their two Jinchuriki. But what truly grated on the Raikage was that he had to negotiate with the Uchiha—the very clan that had defeated him.
Still, the Raikage had no choice. He had lost. And worse, the Land of Earth had begun mobilizing troops near the borders. If negotiations failed, Ōnoki would surely attack, and history reminded them that it was the Iwagakure shinobi who had killed the Third Raikage. Hatred between them still festered.
So, peace returned—at least for now.
---
Eleven Years Later
On the cliffs of Hokage Rock, a new face had been carved beside Sarutobi Hiruzen’s—Uchiha Fugaku, the first Hokage to bear the Uchiha na.
His rise had co through the strong recomndation of Sarutobi Hiruzen and unanimous approval from the Ino-Shika-Cho and other major clans.
anwhile, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado had been quietly removed from power—thanks to Hiruzen himself. They had clashed with the Third Hokage when he tried to cut their influence, but Hiruzen had been resolute. He knew Fugaku’s temperant—had those two stayed, they would’ve been exposed and likely executed for corruption.
And Fugaku didn’t hesitate once in office. He swiftly executed several particularly corrupt officials, sending shockwaves through the village.
That’s when Koharu and Homura finally understood—Sarutobi had saved their lives.
Under Fugaku’s leadership, Konoha blood like a village reborn. A sense of vigor and drive swept through the streets. While Fugaku maintained executive power, he offloaded most bureaucratic duties onto Nara Shikaku.
The Nara clan, Konoha’s traditional think tank, was a natural choice—but Shikaku himself was less than thrilled.
He disliked politics. He didn’t fully trust the Uchiha and wasn’t sure if Fugaku’s offer was sincere... or a test. Plus, paperwork? Way too troubleso.
"Shikaku," Fugaku said one day in his office, voice relaxed but firm, "I’m not Sarutobi Hiruzen. If I’ve asked for your help, it ans I trust you—and the Nara clan. So no need to be so uptight."
Shikaku sighed. "But Lord Hokage, it’s just... all this paperwork is a pain."
Fugaku smirked. "I heard your son, Shikamaru, is graduating today. Concerned about who’ll be his teacher? Think Asuma’s a bit lacking?"
Shikaku blinked. "Asuma may not be Hiruzen’s equal, but he’s still a respected jōnin..."
"Relax," Fugaku cut in. "Here’s the deal. You handle the village’s bureaucratic work, and I’ll assign Uchiha Itachi to guide your son. What do you think?"
Shikaku paused. That was tempting. Itachi was a prodigy, elite jōnin with a keen mind and solid principles.
"Deal," he said, knowing full well he’d just been "sold out" by the previous Hokage.
---
That night, Shikaku finally returned ho well past dark.
"You’re late again," Yoshino said, arms crossed. "Are you the Hokage’s assistant or the Hokage himself? I saw Fugaku strolling down the street with Mikoto earlier. Who’s working harder—you or him?"
Normally, Yoshino would’ve exploded, but tonight, seeing how exhausted Shikaku looked, she restrained herself.
"There’s nothing I can do," Shikaku groaned, slumping as he removed his sandals. "Fugaku dumped all the grunt work on . He’s living the easy life, and I’m the one suffering."
"Is the Uchiha clan really this casual about holding the Hokage title for the first ti?" Yoshino asked, puzzled. "You’d think he’d be more cautious. What if sothing goes wrong while you’re doing all the work?"
----------------------
"Fugaku really has guts. Honestly, he’s braver than Sarutobi right now," Nara Shikaku said, shaking his head with a rare hint of admiration. "I didn’t expect the Uchiha clan to maintain their dominance for so long. You don’t realize how powerful they are until you get involved with them."
"So you’re working for Fugaku for free now?" Nara Yoshino rolled her eyes.
"I had no choice. He found my weak spot—he promised that Shikamaru’s jonin instructor would be Uchiha Itachi."
"Wait, that Uchiha Itachi? Fugaku’s eldest son?" Yoshino’s expression lit up with surprise.
"Yeah, that’s the one."
"Well, then that’s that." Yoshino’s tone did a complete 180. "If the Hokage trusts you with such an important mission, you’d better do your best. It’s a sign he’s grooming you."
"Wife, that’s not what you were saying a minute ago..."
With his wife’s "full support," Nara Shikaku beca a very busy man. Fugaku handled only the big picture—everything else was left to Shikaku.
---
Training Ground — Uchiha Compound
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"
"Wind Style: Wind Cutting Technique!"
Sasuke’s massive fireball surged forward, only to be sliced cleanly in half by Naruto’s wind technique.
"Alright, Naruto, Sasuke—co eat!" Mikoto called, watching the two boys with a soft smile. Watching them grow together all these years had filled her with joy. Aside from his eye-catching blond hair and surna, Naruto had grown up as a proper Uchiha.
Both Mikoto and Fugaku had raised him like their own. With proper care and nutrition, Naruto was no longer the scrawny kid he once was. He and Sasuke had always had a strong bond—even if they bickered and fought every few days.
Because he lived under the constant influence of the Mangekyō Sharingan, the Nine-Tails sealed inside him had never acted up. Naruto’s life was nothing like the one he lived in the original tiline. With Fugaku’s occasional guidance, his foundation—especially in taijutsu—was rock solid.
---
"Naruto, today’s graduation. Don’t embarrass in front of the instructor," Sasuke warned, folding his arms.
"Tch! You’re the one holding back!"
"Alright, you two. Eat your breakfast and don’t be late. You want to make a good first impression on your jonin instructor," Mikoto said warmly.
"Yeah, yeah. We know, Mom." Naruto responded without hesitation.
Even though he’d learned long ago who his real parents were, Naruto still called Mikoto Mom. And Mikoto couldn’t be happier. Kushina had been her dear friend, and raising Naruto had always been a wish close to her heart.
---
Ninja Academy — Graduation Day
The classroom buzzed with energy as the graduates waited for their instructors to arrive.
"Nara Shikamaru, Yamanaka Ino, Akimichi Chōji—follow ," a calm voice said.
"Big brother?!" Naruto and Sasuke blinked in surprise. It was none other than Uchiha Itachi, standing at the classroom door in full jonin gear.
"We’ll catch up later," Itachi said coolly. "You three, co with ."
"What a hottie!" Ino swooned. "So this is Sasuke’s big brother? Ugh, why are they all so handso?! It’s so hard to choose!"
"Hey! Ino, that was out loud!" Chōji groaned mid-chip crunch.
"This is such a drag..." Shikamaru muttered. He’d already been warned by his mom that their jonin was Uchiha Itachi. He knew Itachi was not just strong, but also strict—a nightmare for soone like him who just wanted a peaceful life.
---
"Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, Uzumaki Karin—follow ."
"Brother Shisui?!" the three shouted in unison.
Shisui sighed and pulled off his mask. "Yeah, it’s . Co on, gather at Training Ground 8."
The trio arrived quickly.
"Let’s get the intros out of the way," Shisui said. "I’m Uchiha Shisui, your jonin instructor. Looks like you all know already. Do you still want to introduce yourselves?"
"No need," Naruto shrugged. Karin was the only one who didn’t know the other two well, but Naruto and Sasuke had grown up like siblings.
"Alright," Shisui nodded. "We’ll skip the warm-up and go straight to the test. You three will team up and attack —with intent to kill. Don’t worry about holding back. I can take it."
"Wait a sec! Sasuke, didn’t you say it was supposed to be a bell test?!" Naruto shouted.
"I thought it was! Everyone else gets the bell test! How was I supposed to know Shisui wouldn’t follow the rules?!"
"You two are not being subtle at all." Karin sighed. "Are these really the top two students of our class? Seriously?"
Shisui pinched the bridge of his nose. "Alright, enough chatter. I’ll give you three minutes to get ready. If you don’t impress , we’ll have problems."
The mont he finished speaking, Naruto and Sasuke charged without hesitation.
"Hey! Don’t you guys think before you act?!"
"There’s no ti to waste in life! You move, or you lose!" Naruto yelled, throwing a flying kick. Sasuke hurled shuriken from all angles.
To their credit, their coordination was impressive for fresh genin. Their shuriken technique and taijutsu were top-tier among their peers—but against Shisui, it ant nothing. With a single step, he vanished and dodged everything with ease.
"You’re not facing just anyone. You’re facing Shisui of the Body Flicker!"
Shisui reappeared behind them with a clone and kicked both Naruto and Sasuke into the air.
A sudden glint of red flashed in the sky. Chakra chains extended outward, catching both boys mid-air before they hit the ground.
Uzumaki Karin had activated the Uzumaki clan’s secret technique—the Adamantine Sealing Chains.
Even though it wasn’t strong enough to restrain Shisui, it was more than enough to catch the falling idiots.
"Well done, Karin. You’ve awakened the Adamantine Sealing Chains so early. As expected of the Uzumaki clan’s little genius," Shisui praised.
"Hmph. Another Uzumaki brat... another Uchiha brat... annoying," the Nine-Tails grumbled deep inside Naruto’s seal, turning over and going back to sleep.
---
"Oi, Naruto—what’s with that face?" Sasuke frowned.
"I dunno... I just felt this weird heat in my stomach. Like sothing’s off."
"Focus!" Karin snapped. "We’re in the middle of a test!"
But Shisui had noticed it too. For the briefest second, Naruto’s chakra spiked—wild and unstable.
The Nine-Tails, huh... Shisui narrowed his eyes. Looks like it’s ti I start training Naruto for real.
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