Naruto: The Fifth Hokage [13]

Chapter 13: Late Night Visit

After leaving the Yamanaka's flower shop, Makoto returned to the Uchiha clan's territory. However, instead of heading home, he made his way to Fugaku's resident.

Fugaku was somewhat surprised by Makoto's late-night visit but still invited him inside. After Mikoto served them tea, she quietly excused herself, leaving the two men alone in the living room.

Fugaku studied the young man before him—the one who had forcibly taken his position as clan leader. Yet, there was no resentment in his heart. In truth, he had long hoped that someone capable would take over the Uchiha's burdens.

Since assuming leadership, Makoto had swiftly unified the clan, quelling the voices that once clamored for armed rebellion. The skill with which he had done so was nothing short of impressive.

"Makoto, as you instructed, the Security Department has posted recruitment notices for civilian ninjas," Fugaku began. "However, most remain hesitant. Only a handful have signed up so far, all of them fresh Genin."

"That's fine," Makoto said, sipping his tea. "For tasks like catching thieves and managing street patrols, Genin are more than sufficient. Besides, once word spreads about the clan providing ninjutsu training, more will come."

"That may be true, but I've done the calculations," Fugaku said with a frown. "At the current rate of spending, the clan's funds will only last three months. If we continue, we'll have to start selling off ancestral property."

"I told you not to worry about money," Makoto replied, setting his cup down. "The funds have already been secured. Someone will deliver them in a few days."

Fugaku raised an eyebrow. "Then what brings you here tonight?" He couldn't believe Makoto had come just for tea.

"It's about Itachi."

Fugaku sighed. "I heard about the commotion at the Shimura compound. I was too hasty in sending him to the Anbu."

"It wasn't a mistake to send him," Makoto admitted. "But throwing him onto the battlefield so early—that was the real error."

Fugaku's expression darkened. "You think so?"

"Itachi is intelligent—too intelligent. You exposed him to the darkness of the world before he had the wisdom to process it. He loves to analyze things, but without enough knowledge to support his conclusions, his thoughts become dangerous. As a wise man once said: 'Learning without thinking is useless; thinking without learning is dangerous.'"

Fugaku fell silent for a moment before calling out toward the closed door. "If you're listening, come in."

The door slid open, and Itachi stepped inside, still clad in his Anbu uniform.

"Father. Clan Leader," Itachi greeted with a respectful bow.

"There's no need for formalities when we're off duty," Makoto said, waving a hand.

"Makoto-san," Itachi acknowledged.

"You heard what was said just now, didn't you?" Fugaku asked.

Itachi lowered his head, saying nothing.

Fugaku sighed. He had never been skilled at communicating with his son. Itachi's values had already solidified—mere words wouldn't change him now.

"Makoto-san, I have a question," Itachi suddenly spoke.

"Go ahead."

"If one day, the clan and the village come into conflict… what will you do?" Itachi's gaze locked onto Makoto's.

"As long as I'm here, that day will never come."

"What if it does?" Itachi pressed.

"Itachi, that's enough," Fugaku snapped, his voice low and warning.

Makoto, however, remained calm. "When I was nine, the village sent me to war. It was my clan's bloodline that kept me alive. That's something I will never forget."

"If it comes to that, I will do everything in my power to stop you," Itachi declared.

"You are too presumptuous," Fugaku growled, his patience wearing thin. He had suspected his son's loyalties had shifted, but to hear him speak so directly against the clan was infuriating.

"It's fine," Makoto said, placing a hand on Fugaku's shoulder before turning back to Itachi. "You are talented, Itachi. One day, you will awaken the same eyes as me. But you cannot fight against the tides of history. Perhaps you do not yet understand what I mean by that. But when you do, you will no longer be troubled by this dilemma."

With that, Makoto stood. "Fugaku, I won't take up more of your time. I leave the Security Department in your care."

Fugaku nodded, though his expression remained tense.

Makoto left the mansion and returned to his small home. His new residence, built for the clan leader, was still under construction, so for now, he had to make do with his modest quarters.

Lighting a small lamp, he took out his treasured chakra blade, Kaminari, and began his nightly maintenance routine. The entire sword was crafted from chakra metal, and every ryo he had saved over the years had gone into its creation.

As he polished the blade, Makoto suddenly spoke. "Since you're here, why not show yourself?"

Silence.

"I don't know if my sword will kill you," he continued, smiling faintly as sparks of lightning danced along the blade. "But if we fight, you'll have to compensate me for the cost of this house."

A shadow flickered. A figure dropped from the ceiling beams—silver-haired, masked, with his forehead protector pulled down at an angle to conceal his left eye.

Kakashi.

"It turns out to be you, Kakashi-senpai," Makoto said, sheathing his sword. "I thought you'd wait a while before visiting me again."

Kakashi said nothing.

Makoto gestured to the opposite side of the table. "Sit."

As Kakashi settled in, Makoto set out a row of tea cups, quietly boiling water. The night stretched on, filled with unspoken tensions and the scent of freshly brewed tea.