Fugaku imdiately convened a clan eting upon his return.
In the Uchiha council chamber, he sat in the center, surrounded by the clan's key figures. The young man was learning to adopt a stern expression like his older brother, though traces of naivety still lingered.
"Today, Lord Third summoned , attempting to ddle in the affairs of the Uchiha Konoha Military Police Force," Fugaku announced. His tone was sharp, betraying his frustration. "What are your thoughts on this matter?"
The Konoha Military Police Force was deeply entwined with the Uchiha's identity. To most of the clan, it was their own domain, not to be encroached upon by outsiders. Fugaku's reaction earlier had been swift and resolute, but he had since allowed himself to be persuaded by Kawakaze to consult the clan first. Sotis, it was wiser to gauge sentint rather than act unilaterally—a lesson imparted by his uncle.
"I object!" an elder declared indignantly, his emotions evident on his face.
"I disagree as well."
"I disagree," another voice echoed firmly.
...
Led by the two elders, most of the clan mbers voiced their opposition, while a few remained silent, unwilling or unsure of how to respond.
"Quiet!" Fugaku roared, his commanding voice echoing through the hall. His dark, piercing gaze swept across the room, silencing the crowd instantly. The reaction brought him a asure of satisfaction—his authority was growing stronger with each passing day.
"I also disagree," Fugaku began, his tone steady. "But I want to know—why do you all oppose it?" His question was rhetorical but deliberate, probing the depth of their reasoning.
"The Konoha Military Police Force has been led by our Uchiha Clan since the era of the Second Hokage," he continued, his words resolute. "Now, he wants to install soone within it at his whim. I don't accept it."
One voice from the crowd chid in, filled with indignation but little thought: "This is unacceptable!" The sentint was raw and instinctive, reflecting a re subconscious rejection.
Another spoke, sharper and more calculated: "The Konoha Military Police Force is the last of our Uchiha Clan's rights. If it is eroded any further, what position will our clan hold in the village?" This one had a clearer grasp of the stakes, though their reasoning still lacked depth.
Fugaku listened patiently for a while but heard no words of foresight. He sighed. No wonder his uncle had struggled so hard for so long without getting them to listen.
"We have commanded the Konoha Military Police Force for so many years, but what status do we have?" Fugaku's question hung heavily in the air.
Soone opened their mouth to respond but quickly closed it, seemingly unsure of what to say. The reality was undeniable—the core of the village had never included the na of the Uchiha Clan.
"No comnts?" Fugaku pressed. "We've been supporting the Konoha Military Police Force with our own money for so many years. What benefits have we received?"
This second question left the clan mbers at a loss. They exchanged uneasy glances, unable to refute the truth. Over the years, the Konoha Military Police Force had been little more than a drain on their resources.
"Still no comnts?" Fugaku's voice sharpened. "If we allow them to put their own people in, I can ask for subsidies. Would it not be a good thing if we let those people handle the dirty work?"
At last, Fugaku revealed his ultimate goal, watching his clan mbers closely for their reactions.
The chamber erupted into chaos. Voices rose, overlapping in heated debate. Fugaku had expected this; for an issue of this magnitude, such a reaction was inevitable.
The arguing intensified, and the hall beca clearly divided into two camps. One side stood firmly against allowing the Third Hokage to interfere with the Konoha Military Police Force, while the other agreed with Fugaku's perspective, believing it might not be a bad thing for the Uchiha.
"Stop."
Fugaku saw that the argunt was nearing its peak and called for a tily stop, concerned that if it continued, it might escalate into a physical confrontation. The hall instantly fell silent. The last ti Fugaku had used the Mangekyō Sharingan to intimidate everyone, its lingering effect was still evident.
"I won't waste ti with more nonsense. The majority rules," he declared. "Those in favor stand on the right, those opposed stand on the left."
A slight smirk appeared on Fugaku's face. He had already estimated the numbers during the argunt. This vote was rely procedural; if objections had outnumbered support, he would have had to rely on his authority as Clan Head to push it through.
The Uchiha clan mbers stood and quickly separated into two groups, aligning themselves to the left and right. Without needing a formal count, it was clear at a glance that the right side, in favor, held the majority.
"No need to say anything more," Fugaku interrupted a clan mber on the left who seed poised to speak. "It's settled, then. Replace the key personnel with smart and capable individuals. If anything goes wrong, you will be held responsible."
This was also an opportunity for Fugaku to ensure that the team, long plagued by favoritism, was led by competent individuals rather than those who had gotten in through connections.
"Yes, Clan Head," the clan mbers responded.
"That's enough. Everyone can leave now," Fugaku said as he rose and exited the hall with asured steps. He had no intention of eting Hiruzen right away. He preferred to wait until they sought him out, giving him leverage to negotiate better terms.
Returning to his residence, Fugaku imdiately summoned Midori. He had been monitoring progress on an important matter that Kawakaze had entrusted him with.
"How is it progressing?" Fugaku asked as Midori approached.
"As instructed, we've sent people out in disguise to spread the word," Midori reported, bowing respectfully. "To avoid drawing attention, we're using only a small number of people. It will take so ti before the effects beco visible."
"Thank you for handling this discreetly," Fugaku said, standing and patting Midori on the shoulder. He knew that if this operation were discovered, it would render the effort aningless. The goal was to spread the information subtly; once it gained traction, even Hiruzen would struggle to suppress it.
"It is my duty," Midori replied quietly before turning to leave.
Fugaku paced to the courtyard, gazing at the sky. In his mind, he could see his uncle's approving smile. He would not let his uncle down.
...
Konohagakure, an inconspicuous fruit shop.
The owner, a lean man, greeted a few regular custors with a smile before turning and heading into the back room. Inside, three dark-skinned n were sitting and eating.
"My lords, this is the route she takes ho from school," the owner said, handing over a map of Konohagakure. The map clearly marked a route from the Ninja Academy to the Senju mansion. If Kushina saw it, she would recognize it as the exact path she took ho from school.
"Well done. Find a way to retreat as soon as possible."
"We're ready to go now."
One of the large n took the map, glanced at it briefly, and tucked it into his bosom. These three were the ninjas sent by Kumogakure to kidnap Kushina.
"For the sake of the village, my safety is not a concern," the shop owner said with an indifferent smile. It was no wonder he had managed to infiltrate Konoha for so many years. His dedication was unmatched.
"Take care," the three Kumo ninjas said as they stood and left. The longer they stayed, the more dangerous their position would beco.
The shop owner watched them leave before returning to the stall. With a practiced smile, he resud trying to attract custors, as if nothing had happened.
At the Ninja Academy, Kushina sat quietly in the classroom. She slumped over her desk in boredom, occasionally playing with her long, crimson hair.
On the podium, the teacher was explaining the key points of ninjutsu. This year, all the students would face their graduation exams.
"Kushina, are you not paying attention again?"
A piece of chalk flew with precision, hitting her squarely on the head.
"Ouch!" she cried out, rubbing the spot with her hand.
"Sensei, I know everything you're saying!" she retorted, glaring at the teacher in frustration.
"If you're so skilled, why didn't you graduate early like Minato? He's already been to war."
The teacher's comparison left her montarily flustered. Minato was the one person she could never outshine in an argunt.
"I'll listen, okay?" she said with a slight, defiant smile, feeling oddly proud despite being scolded.
"That's more like it," the teacher replied, resuming the lesson. "I can't even handle a little girl like you."
...
With the bell signaling the end of class, the day's lessons were over.
Kushina walked out of the classroom with small, happy steps. Ever since she had earned the nickna "Red-Hot Habanero" at school, no one dared to walk with her after classes. She strolled ho alone, completely unaware that danger had already surrounded her.
Three Kumo Ninja had been waiting in ambush along her route for a long ti.
Her thoughts wandered as she walked, considering which barbecue restaurant to visit with Minato and the others and wondering if Minato would look even more handso today than he did yesterday. She had walked this road for years and could navigate it with her eyes closed.
There was a deep alley along the way. In the past, Minato would secretly follow her whenever she walked through it, afraid she might encounter danger. It was a small secret he had confessed to her when he revealed his feelings. Now, whenever Kushina walked down this alley, it brought a smile to her face, one that ca straight from her heart.
"Get ready. She's here," one of the Kumo Ninja whispered.
The three held back their impatience, waiting for the perfect mont to take her down swiftly. They made no noise, knowing that discovery in Konoha would an no escape.
"Good," two of them replied softly in unison.
Kushina, entirely unaware of the looming threat, walked into the alley without a hint of caution, hopping along like a carefree, crimson-haired bunny.
"Attack!"
The word reached her ears too late. She had no ti to react before three black figures rushed toward her.
A sharp pain struck the back of her neck, and everything went dark.
"Go," one of the Kumo Ninja said as he caught the unconscious Kushina. The three figures left the alley swiftly, leaving no trace of a struggle behind.
Following their prearranged escape route, they entered the forest and moved quickly toward the outskirts of Konohagakure.
anwhile, at the Senju mansion, Minato and the others were still chatting, completely unaware of what had just transpired.
"Why isn't Kushina back yet?"
"I'm hungry."
Nawaki Senju glanced at the sky. At this ti, Kushina should have already been ho.
"She should be ho soon," Minato replied, though he didn't sound very certain. After all, he didn't live at the Senju mansion and wasn't as familiar with Kushina's routine as Nawaki.
"Why don't we go pick her up and then head straight to the barbecue restaurant?" Misaki suggested after a mont's thought.
"Okay."
"Okay."
Nawaki and Minato agreed, and the three left the Senju mansion, heading toward the school.
As they walked through the alley, Minato was in a cheerful mood. "Back when we were at school, I was always worried Kushina would get bullied by her classmates on her way ho, so I'd secretly follow her. I saw her get into fights with them so many tis, but she never lost."
Minato smiled wryly, rembering those days. He hadn't wanted to fight his classmates, so he had just stood by and watched. When he eventually told Kushina about it, she had beaten him up for not helping her.
"Anyone who dares to hit Misaki, I'll beat them to death," Nawaki declared, his tone serious. His words made Misaki's heart feel warm.
"That was dumb of ," Minato admitted. "If sothing like that happened now, I'd definitely step in." He scratched his head awkwardly, feeling embarrassed by his past behavior.
When they were almost at the school and still hadn't run into Kushina, a sense of unease began to creep in.
"Kushina... Could sothing have happened to her?" Nawaki asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. He found it hard to imagine anyone daring to abduct soone so brazenly in Konohagakure.
"I should have left a Flying Thunder God seal on her," Minato muttered, looking devastated. Frustrated, he pounded his thigh in anger.
"Hurry and go find Sensei!" Minato instructed, his concern mounting. Nawaki didn't want to leave Misaki alone, so he decided to take her to the hospital to find Tsunade while Minato went to seek out Kawakaze.
Reviews
All reviews (0)