CHAPTER 19

"Kakashi," Fugaku began, his tone calm but firm, "your talent for genjutsu isn't as strong as Haneda's, but your mastery of ninjutsu is exceptional."

"I suggest you don't waste too much time on illusions. Just learn the basics—how to recognize them, how to break them. For that, you can come to me anytime."

He paused briefly, then added,

"For everything else, you should learn from your father—Hatake Sakumo. He's… truly one of the strongest men in this village."

"Yes," Kakashi replied seriously, his youthful face composed. "I understand. Thank you, Fugaku-senpai."

Fugaku nodded slightly before turning to both boys, pointing out the mistakes they had made during training.

---

Later That Afternoon – Uchiha Patriarch's Home

After dismissing the two children, Fugaku slid the door open, removed his sandals, and stepped inside the traditional tatami room.

"How did the lesson go, Fugaku?" his father's calm voice broke the silence.

The Uchiha clan leader stood near a low table, watering a pot of orchids. He set the kettle down and looked up at his son with expectant eyes.

"Father… you already know?" Fugaku asked, a flicker of surprise crossing his stern face.

"Of course." The clan head's tone was dry. "Sakumo's son stepped into Uchiha territory today. Did you think no one would report it?"

He motioned for Fugaku to sit. "So? How was it, teaching Haneda and Kakashi?"

Fugaku considered his words before answering.

"Haneda was lively—talked a lot. Kakashi… quiet, very calm."

The patriarch's brow twitched. That's not what I asked for.

"Show me."

"Through genjutsu?" Fugaku confirmed.

The clan leader nodded once.

Fugaku's eyes bled crimson. Three tomoe spun, and in an instant, the illusion linked.

---

Shared Memory – The Training Scene

The forest clearing appeared—Fugaku practicing with kunai and shuriken. Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out:

"Brother Fugaku, I'm here!"

Haneda strode in, Kakashi at his side. The two boys walked so closely they might have been brothers.

"It's Haneda," Fugaku muttered under his breath, irritation flickering across his face.

The clan leader, observing silently through the link, felt his jaw tighten. Why are you annoyed? That boy is giving you an opportunity, and you look like someone owes you money.

Haneda smiled brightly.

"Yes, it's me. I brought a classmate—Lord Sakumo's child."

The patriarch's fingers twitched with barely contained fury. Smile, Fugaku. At least pretend you understand politics.

Instead, Fugaku jumped down from the tree branch with a stiff, expressionless face.

"Ahem. Haneda, you're here to ask about ninjutsu?"

The clan leader's eye twitched so hard he almost tore the genjutsu apart.

You sound like a bureaucrat reading a script. Haneda just handed you White Fang's son, and you're giving him all the warmth of a funeral.

Inside the illusion, Haneda coughed lightly, still smiling.

"Brother Fugaku, I had some trouble training Shadow Clones, and you came to mind first."

Then he gestured to Kakashi.

"This is my friend, Hatake Kakashi—the top student in his class."

The patriarch's irritation simmered, then cooled slightly. Smart boy. Drops Kakashi's name, reinforces the connection, and praises him without overdoing it. That's how you build alliances.

Meanwhile, Fugaku stood there like a tree stump.

"I see…" he said flatly. "Kakashi, the Hatake clan excels at kenjutsu. Our Uchiha have swordsmen too, but I'm not skilled in that field, so I can't teach you."

The patriarch almost snapped the genjutsu right there.

CAN'T teach him?! You imbecile! Haneda practically carved a golden bridge for you, and you're busy burning it down!

If the illusion had sound, the clan leader's roar would have shattered the mountains. Instead, his knuckles whitened in real life as he gripped his knee under the table.

Then Haneda, bless that clever boy, saved the situation again.

"Kakashi's also excellent at ninjutsu. Brother Fugaku, aren't you good with fire and genjutsu? Why not teach us some of that?"

Finally, Fugaku nodded.

"…Fine. I'm skilled in Fire Release and illusions. Give me a moment to choose the right techniques."

The patriarch nearly sagged in relief.

Thank the ancestors. If he had refused again, I'd have personally knocked him through a wall.

---

Back in reality, Fugaku broke the link. His clear, calm eyes met his father's—and saw only a storm.

The clan leader inhaled slowly.

"Fugaku. Do you know why Haneda first mentioned Shadow Clones, then shifted to fire and genjutsu?"

"…Because I'm better at those?" Fugaku guessed.

"That's ONE reason. But the main point—" the patriarch leaned forward, his tone turning icy, "—was to give you an excuse to connect with Kakashi."

Blank confusion lingered in Fugaku's gaze.

The patriarch pressed on, voice sharp as a kunai.

"Kakashi's father is Hatake Sakumo—Konoha's White Fang. The man feared across nations. As strong as any Kage."

Fugaku blinked once. "…Haneda and Kakashi seem close. They're trustworthy friends."

The patriarch's veins bulged.

"TRUSTWORTHY—?! You thick-headed fool! This isn't about friendship. This is POLITICS."

He slammed his palm on the tatami.

"Since Lord Hashirama's death, the Uchiha have been under Hokage suppression—first by Tobirama, now by Hiruzen. The power structure favors the Hokage faction. Tsunade is disillusioned. Jiraiya avoids politics. The only pillar left is Orochimaru—and a few aging elders."

His voice dropped to a low, lethal rumble.

"The strongest shinobi outside that circle is Hatake Sakumo. If the Uchiha ever want breathing room, we need allies with influence—and power. Haneda understands this. Why don't YOU?"

Fugaku lowered his head, silent.

The patriarch's glare softened slightly.

"…Our clan needs strength, Fugaku. But strength without strategy? That's suicide. Remember that."