38. Uchiha’s Apology, I Don’t Accept It

Uchiha Fugaku believed that reconciliation between the Uchiha clan and Sora was impossible.

However, Uchiha Masaki did not share his son's pessimism.

As the head of the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Masaki had a broader perspective on the situation. Even so, his thinking often reverted to viewing matters from the standpoint of the Uchiha clan as Konoha's premier shinobi family.

Uchiha Masaki firmly believed that as the strongest clan in Konoha, if the Uchiha extended an olive branch to Sora, there would be no reason for him to refuse.

Sitting in his study, Uchiha Masaki rubbed his temples, repeatedly weighing Sora's value to the Uchiha clan in his mind. The more he considered it, the more convinced he became that Sora was invaluable—not because of his talent or strength, but because of his identity.

Sora was a legitimate member of the Hokage faction. He had been mentored by Sarutobi Hiruzen himself and was a disciple of Orochimaru, one of the Sannin.

Currently, the Uchiha clan is completely isolated from Konoha's power structure. Their only remaining influence lay within the Konoha Military Police Force, which was separate from the central authority of the village. No one, not even Sarutobi Hiruzen, was willing to include the Uchiha in the village's decision-making processes.

Uchiha Masaki believed that if Sora became a core figure within the Hokage faction, the Uchiha might be able to use him as a bridge to re-establish communication with Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Of course, this plan depended on several key factors: Sora could not harbour any resentment toward the Uchiha, he needed to have a favourable impression of the clan, and he had to be willing to cooperate with them.

Uchiha Masaki thought deeply about this for a long time, and Uchiha Fugaku, standing nearby, did not disturb his father. Based on his understanding of Masaki, Fugaku had already deduced the general outline of his father's thoughts.

After a lengthy silence, Uchiha Masaki finally spoke. "Fugaku, tomorrow, I want you to visit Orochimaru's base and meet with Sora. Take with you a scroll containing our clan's Fire Style techniques and a detailed guide on the use of the Sharingan."

Uchiha Fugaku let out a barely perceptible sigh.

Just as I thought, he mused to himself.

He turned to his father and asked calmly, "Father, didn't you just say that it's impossible for Sora to return to the Uchiha clan? Does this plan even make sense?"

Masaki's gaze sharpened, and he replied firmly, "It does make sense. I have no intention of bringing Sora back to us—he cannot return. My goal is simply to ensure that he develops a favourable impression of the Uchiha and avoids becoming hostile toward us.

"Fugaku, if Sora continues to grow as he has, it's almost certain he will become a key figure in the Hokage faction. And no matter where he stands, half of his blood will always be Uchiha. Surely you understand my reasoning now."

Fugaku remained silent, but inwardly, he acknowledged the logic behind his father's words.

Still, he felt it would be difficult to make Sora think favourably of the Uchiha after years of tension and estrangement. A single Fire Style scroll and a guide to the Sharingan wouldn't be enough to erase such deep-seated grudges.

But Fugaku also knew his father's temperament. Once Masaki had made up his mind, there was no changing it.

Resigned, Fugaku nodded. "I understand, Father."

Masaki returned the nod. "Good. Fugaku, I expect you to give this your all. Don't let yourself be outdone by a foreigner with only half of Uchiha blood."

Hearing this, Fugaku felt a pang of bitterness. Of course, he didn't want to be overshadowed by Sora, who carried only half the Uchiha lineage. But what could he do when his own Sharingan refused to awaken?

The Sharingan is not something that can be awakened through sheer hard work. No matter how much effort one puts in, there isn't even a clear direction to achieve it.

The next day.

Sora woke up before dawn, as he usually did. Orochimaru still hadn't returned.

However, Orochimaru had mentioned that he would take Sora to Ryūchi Cave today to sign a summoning contract, so it was likely he'd be back soon.

Without waiting, Sora headed to the underground base's training grounds to begin his daily routine. For two to three hours, he trained alone, diligently honing his skills.

Suddenly, he felt a disturbance—the barrier surrounding the base had been triggered.

Orochimaru had set up this barrier to alert him to any intrusions, and for convenience, he had given Sora permission to sense it as well.

Wiping the sweat from his brow with a towel, Sora walked toward the base entrance, muttering to himself, "Did someone come looking for Lord Orochimaru?"

When he stepped outside, his sharp gaze immediately fell on a figure wearing a familiar crest. The red-and-white fan of the Uchiha clan emblazoned on the visitor's clothing made Sora narrow his eyes.

Leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed, Sora regarded Uchiha Fugaku with a mocking expression. His voice dripped with sarcasm as he said, "Tsk, you actually came. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised—this is exactly the kind of thing I'd expect from the Uchiha clan. Always so quick to retaliate for a grudge."

He let out a small chuckle and continued, "Couldn't wait even a day, huh? You're already at my doorstep this morning. But... if you've come to capture me, isn't it a bit inappropriate for a kid like you to come alone? Where's the rest of your Konoha Military Police Force? Shouldn't they be the ones arresting me for harming the noble Uchiha?"

Fugaku's expression darkened at Sora's biting words.

Kid? He scoffed inwardly. Sora was clearly younger than him yet had the audacity to call him a brat.

Taking a step forward, Fugaku replied, "Sora, you've misunderstood. I'm not here to fight. On behalf of the Uchiha clan, I've come to apologize for the trouble Yuuto and Kazuma caused you yesterday."

Sora raised an eyebrow, momentarily surprised by the apology. However, his expression quickly returned to one of amusement, and his tone remained sharp.

"Oh? Funny. When I first came to Konoha, I was harassed by Uchiha members left and right, and I don't recall anyone apologizing back then. But now, you're here awfully fast. Let me guess—does it have something to do with this?"

He gestured toward the base behind him.

The underground base belonged to Orochimaru, and it didn't take much to connect the dots. It was obvious that the apology wasn't out of goodwill but rather fear of the influence behind Orochimaru.

Orochimaru alone might not have been enough to force an apology from the proud Uchiha clan, but the man backing Orochimaru—Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage—certainly carried the necessary weight.

Fugaku's heart sank. He realized that the boy standing before him, despite being younger, was shrewd and perceptive—far more difficult to deal with than he had anticipated.

Pushing aside his frustration, Fugaku decided to get straight to the point. "Sora, our apology is sincere. As a gesture of goodwill, here are two scrolls—one detailing our clan's Fire Style ninjutsu techniques and the other a guide to using the Sharingan effectively."

He tossed the scrolls toward Sora.

Sora caught them effortlessly, weighing them in his hands. His lips curled into a sly grin as he said, "So part of this apology is about my Sharingan, huh? Honestly, I thought you'd show up demanding I return to the Uchiha clan. Glad to see you're not completely brainless."

Fugaku's cheeks reddened slightly, a mix of embarrassment and frustration. If it hadn't been for Uzumaki Kushina's influence, his father, Uchiha Masaki, might very well have tried to coerce Sora into returning to the clan.

Still, Fugaku bowed politely and said, "Since you've accepted the apology from the Uchiha clan, I'll take my leave now."

He turned to leave, but before he could take a step, Sora's voice stopped him.

"Wait."

Fugaku froze and turned back to face Sora, frowning in confusion.

"Don't you think you're assuming too much?" Sora said, his tone now sharp and icy. "When exactly did I say I accepted your apology?"

Fugaku's eyes narrowed, trying to decipher Sora's intent.

What Sora did next, however, left him stunned—and furious.

Holding the scrolls in his hands, Sora channelled Lightning Release, and sparks of electricity surged around him. Within moments, the heat generated by the technique ignited the scrolls, reducing them to ashes.

Sora let the ashes fall to the ground and stared directly at Fugaku, his tone venomous as he declared, "I don't accept your Uchiha apology!"

----------------

You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion