At the Konoha Police Department, Uchiha Fugaku—using a disguise—entered unnoticed and absorbed the Spore Clone stationed there, retrieving i
At the Konoha Police Department, Uchiha Fugaku—using a disguise—entered unnoticed and absorbed the Spore Clone stationed there, retrieving its recent memories.
Then, he took out a sealing scroll and released the body of the White Zetsu.
"Corpse refinement—"
As he refined the White Zetsu's corpse, a cool sensation spread through his body.
Moments later, the process was complete. He performed Wood Release ninjutsu and noticed that his Wood Release Kekkei Genkai had slightly improved—though only marginally.
After all, it was only one White Zetsu corpse, and the amount of Wood Release chakra it contained was very low.
Still, he was confident he would acquire more in the future. Over time, the accumulation of White Zetsu corpses would strengthen his Wood Release to the point it might one day rival that of Hashirama Senju.
Leaving the police department, he made his way back to the Uchiha compound.
On the way, he ran into Uchiha Mikoto, who was also on her way home. She held little Sasuke's hand and walked with a light, cheerful step—clearly in a good mood.
"Did something good happen?"
Fugaku smiled as he asked.
"I dropped by little Naruto's place, bought him some new clothes, and helped tidy up a bit," Mikoto replied with a warm smile.
Ever since gaining permission from the Third Hokage, she had been visiting Naruto regularly.
Naruto was the orphaned child of her close friend, Kushina Uzumaki. For years, she'd felt deep guilt at being unable to care for him due to the Third Hokage's restrictions. But now, she could finally make amends.
"I see," Fugaku nodded with a smile.
The Hokage probably believed he was using Mikoto as a way to draw the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki—Naruto Uzumaki—under his influence.
But that wasn't his true motive.
What mattered most to him was Mikoto's happiness. If helping Naruto brought her joy, that was what truly pleased him.
As for controlling Naruto, Fugaku didn't see the need.
Naruto had an unwavering dream of becoming Hokage. For someone like that, manipulation wasn't necessary.
All Fugaku needed to do was carry out his plan to overthrow the Third Hokage and become the new Hokage himself—Konoha's new leader.
Once he held power, Naruto, as part of the village, would naturally serve his cause. There'd be no need for underhanded control.
"Did Sasuke go too? How did they get along?"
"Not well. Those two are like born rivals—can't get along at all," Mikoto sighed, shaking her head helplessly.
"Haha."
Fugaku chuckled.
One was the reincarnation of Indra's chakra, and the other of Asura's—they were destined to be rivals. It was no surprise they didn't get along.
The three of them shared a light-hearted walk home.
Fugaku couldn't help but think—a life like this isn't so bad.
Unfortunately, such peaceful days were not permitted by the world they lived in.
Within Konoha, starting with the Second Hokage, the ruling elite had long suppressed and marginalized the Uchiha Clan. Their rights and influence were stripped away time and again.
If the Uchiha didn't resist, their eventual fate would be extinction.
Outside the village, the Akatsuki were secretly plotting something that could upend the entire shinobi world.
If left unchecked, the world would descend into chaos—and this peaceful life would vanish.
A few days later, Fugaku received word from the secret base:
The training of barrier and joint attack techniques had reached maturity. The next phase of the plan could now begin.
"Time to add the final spark," Fugaku muttered coldly, a chilling smile on his face.
Privately approaching Naruto, the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki, and forcing the Third Hokage to allow Mikoto to contact him had surely provoked the Hokage.
Now, Fugaku planned to provoke him further—just enough to force his hand and make him dispatch Uchiha Shisui.
That was the true goal: to draw Shisui out.
That evening, Fugaku, Mikoto, Itachi, and Sasuke sat down for dinner.
During the meal, Fugaku turned to Mikoto and said,
"I'll be leaving the village tomorrow."
"So suddenly? Why are you leaving?"
Mikoto looked surprised and asked with concern.
Though Itachi didn't look up, his ears were clearly tuned into the conversation.
He was paying close attention.
"I've been invited by a certain family—heading to the Daimyō's residence," Fugaku said calmly.
"I see," Mikoto nodded in understanding.
As a prominent clan, the Uchiha had connections beyond the village. As clan head, Fugaku sometimes visited these families personally—or sent someone in his place to maintain relations.
"The Daimyō's residence?"
Itachi's alertness spiked.
The residence of the Land of Fire's Daimyō was where many government officials lived—it was a center of national power.
Fugaku going there... Could it really be just a routine visit?
Or was there another motive?
Should he report this to the Hokage?
Later that night, Itachi quietly donned his ninja gear. He had made his decision: he would report this to the Third Hokage immediately.
"Itachi, going out so late?"
Mikoto asked as she saw him preparing to leave.
"Yes, I've got a mission—I won't be home tonight," Itachi replied, putting on his shoes at the door and stepping outside.
From within, Fugaku heard the exchange. His expression turned slightly cold.
He could easily guess that Itachi was heading out to inform the Third Hokage about his upcoming trip.
With someone like Itachi acting as an internal informant, any move Fugaku made would quickly reach the Hokage's ears.
But that was fine—this time, Fugaku wanted the Hokage to know.
In fact, he had deliberately brought it up at the dinner table just so Itachi would pass the message along.
Wearing his ANBU mask, Itachi arrived at the Sarutobi residence and met with the Third Hokage.
"Itachi, what brings you here so late?"
The Hokage smiled kindly, like a grandfather addressing a favored grandson.
"Yes, Hokage-sama," Itachi bowed respectfully, then reported,
"My father received an invitation from a clan and is planning to leave the village tomorrow to visit the Daimyō's residence."
"The Daimyō's residence?"
The Hokage's brows furrowed slightly.
That was no ordinary destination—it housed high-ranking officials and, more importantly, the Daimyō himself.
Fugaku's intent to go there instantly set off alarms in Hiruzen's mind.
Recently, the Uchiha—led by Fugaku—had been openly defying his authority. He highly doubted that this trip was as simple as a courtesy visit.
Suddenly, his eyes widened as a chilling thought struck him.
"Could it be... is Uchiha Fugaku planning to assassinate the Daimyō?"