At the Guard Department, Uchiha Fugaku, disguised as one of his spore clones, entered the building unnoticed. He absorbed the clone, retrieving its memories from the past few days.
Then, he retrieved a sealing scroll and unsealed the body of the White Zetsu clone.
"Corpse Melting—"
A chilling sensation coursed through his body as he refined the corpse, absorbing its properties.
After a moment, the process was complete. He activated his Wood Release, sensing a slight improvement in his ability, though it wasn't a significant boost.
After all, this was only one White Zetsu corpse, and the trace amounts of Hashirama's cells contained within it were weak.
However, this was just the beginning.
There would be more White Zetsu bodies to collect in the future. Given enough time, his Wood Release would undoubtedly grow stronger. Eventually, reaching the level of Hashirama Senju might not be impossible.
Leaving the Guard Department, he made his way back to the Uchiha clan compound.
On the way, he encountered Uchiha Mikoto, who was also returning home.
She was holding Sasuke's hand, walking lightly, a clear sign that she was in high spirits.
"Something good happened?" Fugaku asked with a smile.
"I visited Naruto today. I bought him some new clothes and helped him tidy up his place." Mikoto's voice carried warmth.
Ever since she received permission from the Third Hokage, she had frequently visited Uzumaki Naruto.
For years, guilt had weighed on her heart. As the best friend of Uzumaki Kushina, she had wanted to care for her son, but the Third Hokage's orders had prevented her from doing so.
Now, she could finally make amends.
"I see." Fugaku nodded.
Perhaps the Third Hokage believed he intended to use Mikoto to manipulate Naruto, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.
But that wasn't his goal at all.
What mattered most to him was Mikoto's happiness. As long as she was content, that was enough for him.
As for Naruto, he didn't feel the need to control him.
Naruto's greatest desire was to become Hokage. With such ambition, he didn't require external manipulation. Once Fugaku overthrew the Third Hokage's regime and took power himself, Naruto, as a citizen of Konoha, would naturally serve under him.
There would be no need for coercion.
"Sasuke went with you?" Fugaku asked. "How did they get along?"
"No," Mikoto sighed, shaking her head. "They seem to be natural enemies. They just don't get along at all."
Fugaku chuckled.
One was the reincarnation of Indra's chakra, the other of Asura's. It was only natural that they clashed.
The three of them returned home together, chatting along the way.
For a brief moment, Fugaku thought to himself that a peaceful life like this wouldn't be so bad.
But such simplicity wasn't an option.
Inside Konoha, starting from the reign of the Second Hokage, the ruling class had steadily isolated and oppressed the Uchiha clan, stripping them of their rights and influence.
If the Uchiha did nothing, they would eventually be erased from existence.
Outside Konoha, the Akatsuki organization was orchestrating a plot that could plunge the entire world into chaos.
If left unchecked, their plan would lead to unimaginable destruction, making any sense of normalcy impossible.
A few days later, Fugaku received a message from the secret base.
The practice sessions for the barrier ninjutsu and coordinated attacks had reached completion. The next phase of the plan was ready.
"It's time to add the final fuel to the fire."
A sneer formed on his lips.
His previous actions—contacting Naruto and forcing the Third Hokage to concede—had undoubtedly infuriated the village leader.
Now, he was going to push the Third Hokage even further, forcing his hand and ensuring that Uchiha Shisui would be deployed.
During dinner that evening, Fugaku sat with Mikoto, Itachi, and Sasuke.
Amidst their meal, he spoke casually.
"I'll be leaving the village tomorrow."
Mikoto, surprised, looked up. "Why so suddenly?"
Even though Itachi appeared focused on eating, Fugaku could tell he was listening closely.
"I received an invitation from a family in the Daimyo's province," Fugaku explained.
"I see." Mikoto nodded in understanding.
As a powerful clan, the Uchiha had connections to various noble families, both inside and outside Konoha.
It wasn't unusual for the clan leader to visit allied families to maintain relations.
"The Daimyo's province?" Itachi's expression darkened slightly.
The Daimyo's province—home to the feudal lord and high-ranking officials of the Fire Nation.
Was his father truly going there just for an invitation?
Or was there another motive?
Should he inform the Hokage?
After dinner, Itachi put on his ninja uniform.
He had made his decision.
He would report this to the Third Hokage immediately.
"Itachi, it's late. Are you heading out?" Mikoto asked as she noticed him at the door.
"Yes, I have a mission tonight," Itachi responded.
Changing into his shoes, he stepped out and disappeared into the night.
Inside the house, Fugaku's eyes narrowed.
He hadn't needed to confirm it—he already knew.
Itachi was going straight to the Third Hokage to report his departure.
With such a spy within the family, every move he made was being fed back to the Hokage.
But this time, it was exactly what he wanted.
He had deliberately mentioned his plans at the dinner table, knowing Itachi would report it.
This was all part of the trap.
Upon arriving at the Sarutobi clan compound, Itachi requested an audience with the Third Hokage.
"Itachi, coming to see me so late—is there something urgent?" The Hokage's expression was warm and grandfatherly, his voice filled with kindness.
"Yes, Hokage-sama," Itachi answered seriously.
"My father has received an invitation from a family and will be leaving for the Daimyo's province tomorrow."
The Third Hokage's brow furrowed.
The Daimyo's province.
A crucial location within the Fire Nation, home to the country's governing elite, and most importantly, the Daimyo himself.
Uchiha Fugaku was planning to travel there.
The Hokage's instincts immediately flared with alarm.
Given the Uchiha clan's growing opposition, Fugaku's actions had become increasingly suspicious.
And now, he was leaving for the Daimyo's province?
Suddenly, a chilling thought struck him.
"Could Uchiha Fugaku be planning to assassinate the Daimyo?"
(End of this chapter)
Want to read 70 more chapters check out my patreon!!!
https://www.patreon.com/john_smith_
Every 300 Power Stones+1 (5 ⭐ Review) = 1 Chapter+1Chapter