Hidden Leaf Village — in the sealed chamber of the Hokage Office's secret emergency contact point.
Three Shadow Clones, seated side by side in perfect stillness, were now the sole occupants of the chamber. One clone from Naruto, one from Fugaku, and one from Hiashi had just dissipated, each carrying back critical intel to their respective originals. The remaining clones were now more than mere copies—they held the full consciousness of their users, enabling a direct and real-time council between the village's key figures.
Poof!
Poof!
Two more clones, one each from Fugaku and Hiashi, vanished. The remaining clones of the two clan leaders—positioned at the head of the assembly—opened their eyes simultaneously. They exchanged a silent glance before turning to the figure who had been patiently awaiting them: Naruto's clone.
"So? Fugaku-ojisan? Hiashi-ojisan?"
Seeing their attention shift to him, Naruto's clone understood that they had likely followed through with his proposal to bolster the village's defenses. But with this being their first time facing unknown, foreign enemies, he couldn't help but double-check, anxiety creeping into his voice.
"Is everything ready?"
"It's mostly in place. Just a bit more time before full deployment."
Hiashi's answer was measured, but the warmth in his eyes was unmistakable. Despite Naruto being roughly the same age as his daughter, his maturity and repeated merits had earned Hiashi's growing admiration. At that moment, he looked at the boy not as a mere Genin—but almost like a son-in-law, not that he'd ever say it aloud.
"Thanks to the Byakugan, nearly all of our Hyuga clan can function as sensory ninja. The moment they cross into the village, we'll notice even the slightest disturbance."
His words carried more than just logistics. For the first time, Hiashi referred to the Hyuga as "our clan" rather than "my clan" when speaking to Naruto—a subtle but meaningful gesture of acknowledgment.
"Thank you, Hiashi-ojisan! With your clan on surveillance, it's practically a perfect net. No one's getting in."
Naruto smiled and gave an appreciative nod, but he was too distracted by his lingering unease to catch the hidden approval in Hiashi's phrasing. After offering his thanks, he turned toward Fugaku.
"Fugaku-ojisan, how are things on your side?"
"...That's it? No reaction?" Hiashi blinked, caught off guard by Naruto's seamless shift in attention. "Did I misread that? Don't tell me... this brat doesn't even realize I just acknowledged him as my future son-in-law?"
Hiashi let out a quiet sigh, finally catching the focused worry in Naruto's expression. He wasn't being oblivious—he was genuinely concerned with the village's safety. Hiashi could only chuckle softly, shaking his head.
'This kid… well, I suppose we'll just wait and see. They're still young, after all.'
Of course, years later, when Naruto looked back and realized what Hiashi had actually said in that moment—and how he'd completely missed the implication—he'd regret it so hard he'd want to punch himself.
"Of course. Everything's set," Fugaku replied confidently. "The patrols I deployed are elite—each one at least has a Two-Tomoe Sharingan. Our clan's visual prowess will see through any Transformation Jutsu or Genjutsu in an instant. Don't worry."
Having just finished syncing with his other clone's memories, Fugaku nodded at Naruto with an easy smile and offered a reassuring thumbs-up.
"Heh. You really are something, Naruto. You were the first to spot Orochimaru's invasion last night and these intruders today. Not bad, kid."
Two men, normally stern and difficult to approach—Fugaku and Hiashi—both wore faint smiles as they looked at Naruto. Alongside the Third Hokage, who already treated Naruto like his own grandson, it was becoming more and more apparent: Naruto was rapidly earning his place as the village's favorite.
"I see... whew, that's a relief. Thanks again, Fugaku-ojisan... and to everyone else too."
Naruto exhaled, visibly relaxing at Fugaku's confident tone. Scratching his head sheepishly, he added with a hint of guilt:
"It's just... my dad's notes said that keeping the Sharingan constantly activated puts a serious strain on the user. And the damage isn't easy to reverse…"
Of course, Minato never left behind anything about the Sharingan. He'd passed away along with Kushina during Kurama's rampage. Naruto had learned all this through reading the original manga—from observing Sasuke and Itachi, and the lore provided by official materials.
But rather than say outright that he'd somehow figured out the secrets of the Uchiha Clan's most guarded ability on his own, Naruto figured it was safer to just... blame Dad. Minato was already carrying the blame for a lot of things, anyway. What was one more?
Fugaku, hearing Naruto speak so accurately about the Sharingan's drawbacks, tensed slightly at first. But when Naruto openly stated his "source" of information, Fugaku relaxed. The boy was being honest, and more importantly, trusting. And Naruto had risked his life dismantling Root and eliminating Danzo—Fugaku couldn't imagine him having ill intent toward the Uchiha.
"Hmph. So Minato knew that much, huh... Well, no need to worry, kid."
With that, Fugaku reached out and gently rubbed Naruto's head. He smiled—a soft, rare thing from the clan head.
"If they're just using the Sharingan to spot transformations or Genjutsu, the drain is minimal. Besides, since there are four enemies, I've deployed our forces in teams. They'll take turns, rotating usage and resting. There's no real risk of exhaustion."
Of course, this wasn't entirely true. Fugaku was playing it smart. His words weren't just to calm Naruto—they were also subtly aimed at Hiashi.
Even if things between the Uchiha and Hyuga had improved thanks to Naruto and the Third Hokage's mediation, Fugaku never forgot the rule: in politics, there are no eternal allies—only eternal interests. That's why he downplayed the weakness of the Sharingan. If Hiashi—or anyone else—realized it couldn't be sustained in long engagements, they might one day use that knowledge against them.
"I see... Hehe, that's perfect, then! If we're sure they'll enter the village, we don't need to waste resources searching for them. We just wait and let them walk into our net."
Naruto, sharp as ever, caught the double meaning in Fugaku's words but didn't call attention to it. Instead, he leaned into the head rub with a grin and continued casually, voice light but his eyes glittering with thought.
"Say, Fugaku-ojisan... if keeping the Sharingan active isn't such a big deal... could I ask a favor?"
Fugaku blinked. For a moment, he thought Naruto was hinting at something more personal—maybe he wanted a pair of Sharingan for himself?
If anyone else had made such a request—anyone—Fugaku would've refused on the spot. But Naruto had earned so much goodwill. If he did want the Sharingan, Fugaku would seriously consider it. He even had preserved eyes from deceased clan members—he could give Naruto a perfect pair of fully-matured Sharingan.
"Hm? A favor? Don't tell me... you've set your sights on the Uchiha's eyes?"
He smiled teasingly, but with no real malice. In fact, he started to gently explain, in case Naruto really was tempted.
"Sorry, kid, but it's not that simple. Sharingan puts a huge strain on anyone who's not Uchiha. You're still young. Better to focus on your training. Sure, the Sharingan is powerful, but if you get it too early, it'll slow you down—just look at White Fang's son, Kakashi."
Naruto blinked in surprise, then warmed at the unexpected kindness behind the warning. For someone so strict about protecting his clan's secrets, this willingness to even consider such a gift said a lot.
"...Ah! No, no! I know all that, Fugaku-ojisan! That's not what I wanted to ask!"
His smile bloomed brighter. Raising a finger, he pointed to his own eyes.
"These eyes... they were a gift from my mom and dad when I was born. Maybe they're not as special as the Sharingan, but they're mine. They're a bond between me and them. So I think... I'll stick with what I've got, dattebayo!"
And he meant it. The cells from Hashirama, the offer of Sharingan—none of it swayed him. Because everything about this body—his eyes, his habits, even the goofy dattebayo—were parts of Minato and Kushina's legacy. He wouldn't trade that for power.
Fugaku, at first, bristled—he thought Naruto was rejecting the Sharingan outright. But then he saw the boy's expression, the sincerity in his blue eyes, the shadow of a certain friend from long ago... and softened.
"I see... you've really thought this through. But just know—most people would kill for a pair of Sharingan. Don't come crying to me later if you regret it!"
"Not a chance! Sorry, Fugaku-ojisan, but I think these are the best eyes in the world!"
"Hahaha! You stubborn brat… Alright, then. So what do you want me to help with?"
Seeing Naruto's proud, puffed-up response, Fugaku didn't feel annoyance anymore—only deep, quiet pride. He paused briefly, then resolved silently: no matter what Naruto asked next, he would help.
"Well... actually, it's not for me. It's for someone else. And you mentioned him just now, too."
Naruto watched Fugaku closely. When he saw that glint of interest, he pressed on.
"Hm? I mentioned him? Come on, kid, quit the riddles. Just tell me."
"Hehe, I knew you'd say yes! You're the best, Fugaku-ojisan!"
Naruto grinned ear-to-ear, then spoke with purpose.
"Remember what you said about how the Sharingan burdens the body? I want your help... to reduce that burden for my dad's student—Hatake Kakashi."
That was it. Naruto's true goal.
Whether it was for the sake of Little Uchiha Fan and his future Chidori training, or just Naruto's long-running mission to rewrite tragic fates—he wanted to help Kakashi.
Because even with all the strain and the limits of his eye, Kakashi still became the Copy Ninja, a legend. But if that weight could be lifted—if Kakashi could fight unshackled by the Sharingan's toll—then Naruto believed Kakashi could become something more.
And that… that could change everything.