Sarutobi Ryo decided to adopt Uchiha Itachi as his son for a big reason: he wanted to finally fix the problems that had always plagued the Uchiha clan.
Uchiha Obito's return gave him the perfect chance.
People used to think the Uchiha clan was evil. But now, because Obito had the power of Wood Release, their reputation was slowly getting better.
Plus, Uchiha Fugaku had died protecting the front lines alongside the Third Raikage, which showed everyone that the Uchiha clan wasn't all bad.
So, Sarutobi Ryo thought this was the right time to make his move. He believed that adopting Itachi would help change how the village saw the Uchiha clan for good.
"Think about it," Sarutobi Ryo said, explaining the benefits. "If Itachi becomes my adopted son, he'll have every right to join the Anbu."
Since the village was founded, the Uchiha clan had been stuck in their little corner, working as the Military Police Force.
They weren't allowed to be involved in other important areas of the village.
The leaders of Konoha had always kept the Uchiha clan at arm's length, not wanting them to have too much power.
But if Itachi joined the Anbu, things could change.
And Sarutobi Ryo saw this as just the beginning.
"I've said it before, Itachi has the talent to become Hokage," he added.
Maybe, just maybe, the Uchiha clan could finally have their own Hokage.
Uchiha Mikoto understood the potential benefits.
But she was torn.
Should she support Namikaze Minato and Obito, or should she trust Sarutobi Ryo?
If Fugaku were still alive, she would know what to do.
Uchiha Mikoto was a traditional woman, and she always followed her husband's lead.
But now that Uchiha Fugaku was gone, she didn't know what to do.
"Madam Mikoto, what's holding you back?" Sarutobi Ryo asked, his voice a little louder.
"This isn't just good for Itachi, it's good for the entire Uchiha clan. It's even good for you."
If Itachi became his adopted son and rose through the ranks, Uchiha Mikoto would also gain respect and recognition.
Why was she still hesitating?
If she chose to support Namikaze Minato and Obito, what would she get?
Did she really believe that Obito could use the First Hokage's Wood Release power effectively?
Just then, the door opened.
They both looked to see Itachi walking in.
He was wearing a black outfit, and he seemed more grown up than before.
Going through so much at such a young age was changing him, making him different from the Itachi in the stories.
"Mother... Young Master Ryo..." Itachi greeted them. He knew right away that Young Master Ryo was there to talk about the Hokage election.
"Itachi, there's something I want to discuss with you," Sarutobi Ryo said, explaining his plan.
When Sarutobi Ryo said he wanted to adopt Itachi, Itachi looked at his mother.
He would follow her lead on this.
The Uchiha Fugaku family had strong rules.
Young Itachi still followed his father's teachings in his heart.
Now that his father was gone, he would listen to his mother.
At the same time, Itachi thought about what Sarutobi Ryo was saying.
He quickly understood the situation.
"Itachi, what do you think?" Uchiha Mikoto asked. She hadn't made up her mind, so she wanted to hear her son's opinion.
"I heard that Obito has the power of the First Hokage," Itachi said, looking at Sarutobi Ryo.
He was sharing what he had heard while he was out.
Whether he knew about Uchiha Madara was another story.
Itachi was trying to figure out Sarutobi Ryo.
Which side was stronger? This side... or the Golden Flash's side?
It's only natural to want to be on the winning team.
Sarutobi Ryo nodded and told Itachi everything, explaining the good and bad sides of each option.
He talked about Uchiha Obito, Uchiha Madara, Namikaze Minato, and others.
Itachi listened carefully, and his thoughts began to change.
Then, Sarutobi Ryo told Itachi the truth about how the Uchiha clan had been treated unfairly.
This was why Uchiha Fugaku had wanted to send Itachi to the battlefield.
"The Second Hokage was against the Uchiha," Sarutobi Ryo said seriously.
This shocking truth surprised Itachi.
"Your father, the other Uchiha ninja, even your mother, have all faced discrimination and unfair treatment."
"..."
Uchiha Mikoto nodded, confirming what Sarutobi Ryo said.
The Itachi in the original story...
You could say he fully embraced the Will of Fire.
Even after experiencing the harsh reality of the Will of Fire, he stayed true to it and didn't become a traitor.
This was because his beliefs were so deeply rooted that he couldn't change them.
But in this world, Itachi was still young and hadn't even started at the Ninja Academy.
Telling him these things now would help him grow and see the world more clearly.
"To change the future of the Uchiha clan, we need your talent and power," Sarutobi Ryo said.
Not many ninja could change the Uchiha clan's fate.
Uchiha Obito was one, and you are another.
"The future of the clan rests on your shoulders."
Should the Uchiha clan continue to be treated unfairly?
Or should they change things and prove that an Uchiha could become Hokage?
Would he do it himself, or would he put his faith in Uchiha Obito and the others?
For Itachi, whose dream since childhood was to become Hokage, this was an easy choice.
"Mother, I want to recognize Young Master Ryo as my Adoptive Father," Itachi said, looking at his mother Mikoto. He wanted to walk the true path of the Will of Fire.
Hearing her son's answer, Uchiha Mikoto understood.
Sarutobi Ryo was happy to gain an adopted son, and he smiled slightly.
He would change the tragic fate of the Uchiha clan.
"Then, tomorrow, I will be waiting for Itachi," Sarutobi Ryo said, standing up to leave.
Today was the last day of the wake.
Tomorrow would be a better time.
Sarutobi Ryo left quickly.
"Itachi..."
Mikoto looked away from the entrance.
She looked at her son, her eyes filled with relief.
She felt like she had completed her mission.
"Now that you've made your choice, you must follow Young Master Ryo closely in the future. Your adoptive father, understand?"
Her mother's gentle voice made Itachi feel a little strange.
But he didn't understand the determination in Mikoto's eyes.
"Yes," Itachi nodded.
After he left, Uchiha Mikoto looked at the memorial portrait of her late husband in the living room.
Memories flooded her mind.
Finally, Uchiha Mikoto made the decision she had made long ago.
With the important matter settled and Itachi's future decided, she had no reason to keep living.
It was time... to join Fugaku.
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[T/N:
Final Total Power Stone Collection : 213 PS
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