"Indeed."
Itachi nodded solemnly. "Because of the last mission, Tenma, Shinko, and Minazuki-sensei have all become people I deeply value."
Yun's lips curved into a faint smile. "Ever since Tsunade-sama—one of the Legendary Sannin—proposed the inclusion of a medical-nin, mostly females, in every ninja squad, it's become customary in Konoha. And the Uchiha…"
He trailed off, leaving the implication hanging in the air.
Shisui chuckled awkwardly, scratching his head, while Itachi's expression grew slightly embarrassed. Everyone in the clan knew—Uchiha women were famously talented and striking. Even those with average appearances often became popular in the Academy due to their strength or intellect.
And in a mixed squad, a voice to speak up for the clan could be formed naturally.
…
As night fell, just before parting ways, Itachi turned back toward his two clansmen, his voice steady.
"I want to apply for leave the day after tomorrow. Please take me with you to the clan meeting."
There was no hesitation in his eyes—only resolve.
Shisui glanced at Yun, silently asking his opinion.
*Exhale…*
Yun let out a slow breath, his expression unreadable. "To be honest… the greatest threat to the Uchiha disappeared by accident. And with only three-tomoe Sharingan, Itachi, you won't be able to contribute too much during the meeting."
He paused, then turned to Shisui.
"Take him with you."
Yun blinked, surprised by the sudden shift. "You sure?"
Shisui nodded with a soft smile. "Some of what the Third Hokage said that night was true—we must believe in the next generation. Just like I've always believed in you, Yun."
Yun didn't argue.
After a thoughtful moment, he turned to Itachi. "Alright, come with us. But let me be clear—if something happens, I won't be able to protect you."
Itachi nodded confidently. "It won't be necessary."
…
High atop the Hokage Monument, beneath a blanket of stars.
"About the Hyuga—what kind of opportunity are we waiting for?"
The wind blew gently as Yun stood, gazing out over the sleeping village. "Do you remember what Uzumaki Sora said? Kirigakure made excellent use of the Byakugan they got. And now… it seems Kumogakure has some interest too."
Shisui furrowed his brows. "Kumo? You mean their past attempts to get their hands on Hyuga?"
Yun shook his head. "Possibly more than just that. I spoke with Tokuma earlier and got two pieces of information. First, the current clan head, Hiashi, has a twin brother—Hizashi—from the branch family. And it seems Hiashi places great trust in him."
Shisui's expression darkened.
"The branch members have the Caged Bird Seal." Yun continued. "If activated, it destroys the Byakugan upon death. They live with their freedom shackled."
Shisui crossed his arms, pondering. "If Kumogakure wants the Byakugan, targeting the main family makes more sense. But they rarely leave the village. So...?"
Realization dawned in Shisui's eyes.
"Exactly." Yun said. "You've been close to the Fourth Hokage, right? So maybe you've picked up some intel. I won't press for answers—but know this: opportunities like these, to align the Hyuga with us, don't come often."
The meaning was layered, but Shisui understood.
More than a year ago, Kumogakure had floated the idea of an alliance with Konoha. But no formal envoys had ever arrived.
Yun's guess was bold, but plausible.
"Still," Yun added, "the more immediate concern is the clan meeting."
With that, he waved his hand—and in a flicker, vanished from the Shadow Rock.
…
In another part of the forest, under the veil of darkness, Uzumaki Sora—one of Yun's clones—pored over a scroll with intense focus.
Wood Style ∙ Domed Wall Jutsu — Rat → Dog → Tiger
Wood Style ∙ Wood Clone — Tiger → Dog → Snake
The scrolls retrieved from Root had yielded several Wood-style techniques, including some rumored to descend from the Hashirama's Secret Jutsus.
'But…'
Where was Deep Forest Emergence? Where was the Wood Golem Jutsu? Where was Sage Art ∙ Wood Style ∙ Shinsu Senju, Veritable 1000-Armed Kan'on?
'Should I just go for Clap clap like Senju Hashirama?'
'What a joke.'
A faint rustle behind him made Sora snap the scroll shut.
"If it weren't for Kushina's sensory skills." came a calm voice, "I might not have found you this close to Konoha."
Sora turned with a grin. "You came to fight, Namikaze Minato? Didn't expect you to bring your wife along."
Beside the Fourth Hokage, Kushina stared at Sora, curiosity brimming in her eyes.
So—was this a reunion? A confrontation?
Minato shook his head. "After we returned that night, Kushina said she didn't sense any malice from you."
"But you were too reckless." he added. "Danzo's death has closed the door on your entry into Konoha. If the Uzumaki clan had returned under my guidance as Fourth Hokage, it could have been seamless."
Sora shrugged. "I never planned to join Konoha. Flying Thunder God is more than enough to help me eat well and stay free."
Minato smiled faintly. "Fair. But the remaining Uzumaki are in Konoha."
Then, Kushina stepped forward.
"Can you… tell me your parents' names? Or your grandparents?"
That hit a nerve.
Sora froze. How could a fabricated identity have real names?
Report to the Uchiha?
But Kushina quickly shook her head. "You and I were both abandoned once. If you don't know, it doesn't matter."
"When Grandma Mito passed, her greatest regret was the Uzumaki clan's exile. Minato's the Hokage now. The Uzumaki's Fūinjutsu, paired with the Erasing Face Technique, could give you a new start."
Sora blinked.
Return to Konoha? When his real body was already there? Just to watch himself?
No thanks.
And despite the hopeful look on both their faces, there was something off—a hint of calculation in their smiles. Fox tails, figuratively speaking.
The Fourth Hokage had clearly made a decision.
"There's no way I'm locking myself up in Konoha." Sora replied flatly. "I'm not that dumb."
"But—" he turned to Kushina, eyes glinting, "—if you want to find the Uzumaki clan, how about a trade?"
"…!"
Minato stepped forward quickly. "You know where they are?"
Sora nodded. "I do. But this time, I'm not trading with you. I want Kushina to trade."
Minato frowned. "Outside the contract space? How?"
Sora shook his head. "You'll have to wait a year. After that, I'll deliver the info through the proper channel."
He turned to Kushina. "Is that acceptable?"
She didn't hesitate. "Yes."
And just like that, the space rippled—and the Sora clone vanished into thin air.
…
Back in the forest, Kushina folded her arms thoughtfully.
"He probably wants access to the clan's fūinjutsu."
Minato said.
"He's Uzumaki. Isn't it his birthright?"
"But…"
"I didn't sense any malice." Kushina whispered. "I think that deal was more of a test."
She looked at her husband. "It would be nice if… he came to help us."
*****
Support me on my pat reon and gain early access to my creations.
https://www.pat reon.com/RroY28 (remove the space)
You can access up to 30 advanced chapters.