CHAPTER 20

c20: Gradually Taller Image

In the living room outside, Uchiha Mikoto was sitting quietly, playing with young Itachi, who was already showing glimpses of his sharp mind. When they heard Uchiha Fugaku's rare laughter and approving words from the reception room, they exchanged surprised glances.

In their memories, Fugaku was a dignified, steady, solemn man, seldom smiling, and always embodying the stern pride of a clan head.

Now, hearing such uncharacteristic laughter, Mikoto and Itachi couldn't help but be curious.

What had he heard that caused such a transformation in his usually stoic demeanor?

For a moment, Uchiha Mikoto and young Itachi were filled with deep curiosity.

Inside the reception room, Uchiha Gen responded with a polite smile, though inwardly, he was puzzled. Was what he said truly that groundbreaking?

Ah… in this world, Konoha and even the entire shinobi world lacked any formal political or historical education.

For Gen, who in his previous life had some grounding in history and politics, navigating this environment felt like playing chess against opponents who only knew how to move pawns.

As the saying goes, "By examining history, one can discern the rise and fall of a nation. By studying the past, one becomes wise."

No wonder the shinobi, who focused solely on missions and jutsu, were so easily manipulated by the self-taught political operatives of Konoha's leadership, losing sight of the bigger picture.

Basic education was woefully lacking here...

And it was curious that this world seemed to have no structured history only scattered fragments of knowledge passed down through oral tradition or guarded in secret scrolls.

Could it be that Black Zetsu had been subtly erasing or distorting history to ensure the long arc of his machinations?

"By the way, Gen," Fugaku's voice cut through his musings. "I have a question."

"Minato Jōnin can indeed use the Sharingan as a stepping stone to build rapport," Fugaku said, voice regaining its gravity. "But what about Orochimaru-sama?"

Without an appropriate opportunity, words alone couldn't forge a reliable alliance. Even if they managed to open talks, the resulting relationship would likely be fragile and transactional.

"Young Patriarch, rest assured," Gen said, his tone confident and precise. "I've already identified an opportunity."

"During my time on the Kumogakure front, I observed that Orochimaru-sama is deeply obsessed with the study of all forms of ninjutsu summoning, curse marks, forbidden jutsu you name it."

"Research of that magnitude demands vast resources, and we, the Uchiha clan, are not lacking in wealth or rare resources."

"This gives us leverage," he explained. "We could approach Orochimaru with a proposal: offer him generous funding and support in exchange for him taking an Uchiha prodigy as his personal disciple."

"In this way, we ensure that no matter whether Minato or Orochimaru becomes Hokage, the Uchiha will have loyal representation on both sides. No one who ascends to power would dare treat our clan poorly. The situation will be far more favorable than our current standing."

"What do you think, Young Patriarch?"

Indeed, as one of the most powerful and prestigious clans in the shinobi world, the Uchiha had the right to hedge their bets. After all, they had numerous jōnin, and the jōnin council's vote of confidence was a necessary step in the Hokage selection process.

Beyond that, the Uchiha weren't merely a clan of shinobi.they were nobility recognized by the Daimyō of the Land of Fire. Their influence extended beyond Konoha's walls and into the country's politics.

True, the Hyūga clan also had noble status, but other clans rarely wielded such overt political sway.

Yet, because shinobi were trained from childhood to value loyalty, strength, and directness over subtlety, many found it difficult to grasp, let alone implement, such "shameless" but practical tactics.

Fugaku pondered for a moment, then laughed again, a deep and satisfied chuckle. "Haha, excellent, excellent."

In the living room, Uchiha Mikoto and young Itachi exchanged yet another glance, then turned their gazes together toward the reception room door.

They were increasingly curious about the conversation inside.

"I didn't expect you had already thought this far ahead," Fugaku said, his voice brimming with rare admiration. "We Uchiha have no shortage of powerful fighters or even geniuses. What we sorely lack are minds like yours, Gen people with political wisdom and strategic foresight."

"You're also well aware of the temperament of our clansmen it truly gives me a headache..."

Indeed, the ordinary Uchiha members and those without the Sharingan were relatively reasonable. However, those who had awakened their dōjutsu often developed a dangerous combination of arrogance, pride, and duplicity.

At best, they became haughty and difficult to manage; at worst, they were outright scornful, quick to take offense, and blind to political nuance.

The former category was manageable, similar to how Sasuke had been in his early years proud but fundamentally good-hearted.

The latter, however, was almost impossible to correct. Their personalities had solidified around a core of entitlement, making them resistant to change and highly combustible in delicate situations.

Gen Uchiha, sensing the conversation drifting into delicate territory, smoothly redirected. "Young Patriarch, I have a somewhat presumptuous request."

Fugaku's expression softened. "You're welcome to speak your mind. What is it?"

"If I fail to become Minato-senpai's disciple, I hope the young patriarch will recommend me to Lord Orochimaru as a disciple," Uchiha Gen requested, his tone earnest yet composed.

"Very well. That's a reasonable request," Uchiha Fugaku replied, nodding.

When it came to recommending a disciple to a potential future Hokage, his first choice was undoubtedly his eldest son, Itachi, whose genius was already recognized even by Shisui and others. Gen, who had proposed this shrewd idea of hedging Uchiha's bets, was the second choice. Shisui, though talented, was the third option.

As for the other clansmen? Unless all three were rejected outright, recommending anyone else was out of the question.

If the Uchiha were to offer up a "good seedling," it had to be someone exceptional. Recommending someone average would not only be a wasted opportunity but could also diminish the clan's reputation.

"Thank you very much, young patriarch," Gen bowed slightly in gratitude.

"You're welcome. You've earned it."

"By the way," Fugaku added, "why don't you stay for dinner tonight?"

Hmm? It was only half-past two in the afternoon. Wasn't that a bit early for dinner? Did Fugaku mean to extend the conversation throughout the afternoon?

Ah, damn… today was supposed to be my day off. I'll have to resume intense training tomorrow.

"It would be my pleasure," Gen replied politely.

Since this was the first time Uchiha Fugaku personally invited him, it would have been inappropriate to refuse.

Thus, Uchiha Gen accompanied Fugaku for the rest of the afternoon, engaging in strategic discussions in the traditional Uchiha reception room, adorned with family crests and historical scrolls. Thankfully, they weren't required to sit seiza-style for the entire duration, or Gen might have found it unbearable…

Regarding Mikoto's cooking skills, Gen found them satisfactory, though not as refined as his own.

After Gen returned home, Uchiha Mikoto, who had been managing the household and quietly observing the day's events, finally couldn't suppress her curiosity and asked Fugaku about what had transpired during the afternoon.

Ordinarily, Mikoto wouldn't inquire into clan affairs, respecting her husband's position and authority. However, Fugaku's unusually animated laughter and approving tone earlier that day were so out of character that she couldn't help but ask.

Fugaku, understanding that Mikoto had always been his confidant and supporter, didn't hide anything from her. He explained Gen's proposal in detail.

Mikoto's eyes sparkled with admiration as she listened.

Is this truly the thought process of a thirteen-year-old?

A prodigy not only in ninjutsu but also in diplomacy and strategy!

From that day onward, Fugaku and Mikoto frequently mentioned Uchiha Gen in front of young Itachi, urging him to learn from Gen's example.

Over time, Uchiha Gen became the "other child" Itachi was often compared to an image of capability and wisdom etched deeply into his young mind.

…

To ensure the smooth execution of Gen's strategy, Uchiha Fugaku penned a letter to his father, the clan head, who was stationed at the front lines in Kirigakure, overseeing operations against the Hidden Mist.

Upon receiving Fugaku's letter, the clan head agreed with Gen's plan and instructed Fugaku to focus on nurturing Gen's potential. As a precaution, he also devised a way to recall Uchiha Shisui to Konoha.

This was a contingency plan: if one of the two Gen or Itachi—was rejected as a disciple, Shisui would be the backup candidate. It was a safety net to avoid being left without any representation at all.

Once Shisui returned to the village, Fugaku asked Mikoto to personally invite Uzumaki Kushina and Namikaze Minato for a casual visit.

Given Mikoto's longstanding friendship with Kushina both women having strong bonds and shared histories it was natural for her to extend such an invitation. Her approach was neither conspicuous nor likely to be refused.

As expected, Minato and Kushina agreed and attended the dinner.

In front of Minato, Uchiha Fugaku's usual stern and reserved demeanor softened. His posture became more relaxed, his smile warm and respectful, and his tone gentler as if he were an entirely different man from the one who commanded respect from his clan members.

This shift wasn't merely because Minato was a Hokage candidate. It was also due to Minato's exceptional strength and reputation.

In the ninja world, respect was often granted based on strength, not just status.

Thus, one shouldn't believe anyone's excuse of "having that kind of personality." Whether man or woman, personality is often a mask worn depending on the company they keep.

In relationships shinobi or civilian if someone claims to be "just like that," it's often wise to take it with a grain of salt.

After dinner, Mikoto and young Itachi accompanied Kushina for a walk, catching up on family matters and reminiscing.

Meanwhile, Fugaku took Minato into the reception room for tea and a private discussion.

Fugaku waited for the right moment to broach the subject both men aware of the delicate situation involving Kakashi's implanted Sharingan.

In truth, Minato had come prepared to discuss this matter as well. Both parties were aligned in their objectives, though it remained uncertain whether they could reach a mutually satisfactory resolution.

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