Bang!
"Chief Fugaku, you have to believe in Obito's strength!"
At this critical moment, Kakashi, who had been watching closely, immediately stepped forward and grabbed Fugaku's shoulder, his tone firm and urgent.
He knew how vital it was for Obito to leave a lasting impression on the clan during this battle. If Fugaku intervened and stole the spotlight, it would undermine everything they were trying to achieve.
"Kakashi!"
Fugaku turned sharply, glaring at him. A strange pattern flickered in his Sharingan. But in the next second, his tense expression relaxed.
Around them, the Uchiha who noticed the commotion were shocked—not only by Fugaku's exclamation but by the Kiri ninja's crazed assault.
And then it happened—all the water bullets passed through Obito's body without leaving a single scratch.
"Oh my god, is that really Obito?"
"How did he do that?!"
"Did he just kill the leader of the Ghost Lantern Clan?!"
Cries of astonishment rippled through the Uchiha ranks. Their momentary disbelief turned into fervent cheers. Taking advantage of the enemy's dropped morale, the Uchiha launched a fierce counterattack.
Those elite clansmen who had previously attended the council meeting struck down stunned Mist Shinobi with lightning speed. After freeing themselves, they helped their fellow clansmen and spread the word of Obito's incredible feat.
Soon, every Uchiha on the battlefield knew the news—Obito had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan and slain the Fourth Mizukage!
A wave of excitement and admiration surged through the clan like wildfire.
In that moment, Obito's near-invincible image became seared into the hearts of the Uchiha.
Uchiha Obito, the number one in the clan!
This—this is exactly the result Kakashi had hoped for.
Seeing the reaction of the Uchiha, Kakashi nodded in satisfaction and let go of Fugaku's shoulder.
No matter how impressive past accomplishments may sound, they were only stories without proof—lacking any emotional impact. But this was different.
Obito's raw display of power, combined with the legend of defeating a Mizukage, would undoubtedly earn him immense prestige among the Uchiha, a clan that revered strength above all else.
When the war was over and the dust had settled, Obito's newfound reputation and Fugaku's support would ensure that Minato wouldn't stand alone when he took office as Hokage.
After all, a Hokage without real power was like a chef with no ingredients. No matter how skilled, he would have no way to showcase his abilities.
And why would the Hokage lack power?
Because, in Kakashi's eyes, Minato-sensei—chosen by Sarutobi Hiruzen—would never be allowed to freely govern under the shadow of the Konoha F4.
Minato came from a commoner background. With no clan backing him, his only choices were to wait patiently for the Konoha F4 to retire, or to start a political struggle.
But Kakashi had no desire to see his teacher shackled or helpless.
For both Minato's sake and Obito's dream of becoming Hokage, Kakashi needed Obito to become strong, influential, and irreplaceable in the Uchiha clan as soon as possible.
Only then could the village unite under a new regime—one centered around Minato.
Only then could Konoha truly be prepared for the looming threats of the future.
As for why Kakashi himself didn't want to be Hokage...
Well, that answer was simple.
With power came responsibility. The greater the power, the heavier the burden.
Kakashi didn't love Konoha enough to carry such a load. His loyalty lay not with the village as a whole, but with his comrades—the ones who genuinely cared about him.
He wasn't ready to dedicate his life to a system he didn't believe in.
Besides, being Hokage would only interfere with his training.
Kakashi's future enemies were no small fry—Pain, Six Paths Madara, Ōtsutsuki Kaguya.
How could he afford to be bogged down with administrative duties when monsters of that scale existed?
Even if they survived all that, wouldn't it be better to travel the world with Rin afterward and enjoy a peaceful life?
Just look at Naruto—the Seventh Hokage.
He had Hinata, a sweet, gentle wife... yet he spent all day buried under paperwork. Just the thought of it made Kakashi lose interest entirely.
At that moment, Fugaku turned to him, eyeing him meaningfully.
"Kakashi... you did that on purpose."
He wasn't a fool. As the head of the Uchiha clan, he saw through Kakashi's motives in an instant.
Kakashi smiled sheepishly, scratching his nose.
"Heh, Chief Fugaku, what do you think? Is Obito qualified to be the deputy chief of the Guard?"
Fugaku gave him a long look, then rolled his eyes.
"You're still so young, but your ambitions are big."
Despite his words, he wasn't opposed to the idea.
After all, he'd already had similar thoughts after hearing about Obito's recent exploits. And since Kakashi was Minato's student and Obito's comrade, it made sense he'd want to help.
"Of course he's qualified," Fugaku finally said, "But you'll have to wait until Minato's position is confirmed."
The hint was obvious.
Kakashi caught it immediately and grinned.
"I get it, I get it."
"Honestly, I was going to bring it up even if you didn't."
"To be frank, I don't want Obito getting too involved in politics so early. His potential is huge. Right now, he should be focused solely on strengthening himself."
"Even if he becomes deputy chief, I hope he can remain hands-off. Let him go on missions with us, keep training, and keep growing stronger."
Fugaku raised an eyebrow.
"You mean... you don't think he's strong enough yet?"
"Exactly," Kakashi replied, his tone unexpectedly serious.
"He's strong now, sure—but not strong enough."
Then, as if lightening the mood, Kakashi's signature half-smile returned.
"Don't you think that with his talent, Obito might become as powerful as... say, Uchiha Madara?"
That name instantly wiped the smile off Fugaku's face.
He went silent, deep in thought.
If Obito could really grow to Madara's level...
No. Even if he reached just close to Madara's power, the Uchiha would rise like never before.
Fugaku had been observing Obito ever since he joined Minato's team. He'd often asked Minato about the boy and heard of his growth.
Obito was kind, enthusiastic, and sunny.
Naive, yes—but he treated everyone with equal respect. He didn't look down on others simply because he was an Uchiha.
If that kind of child could grow into a legend...
Then perhaps, just perhaps, the next Hokage would truly come from the Uchiha.
Fugaku clenched his fists.
He'd made up his mind.
"I understand," he said at last. "I'll consider your request. But for now, we're still in battle."
"Let's finish this war first—then we can talk about the future."
His voice was low but full of resolve. His eyes burned with fighting spirit.
Because right now—at this very moment—he saw hope for the Uchiha clan.
Kakashi nodded, equally serious.
He knew building something like this couldn't be rushed. One step at a time.
"Yeah," he said quietly. "Let's fight."