Near midday, Eiya returned to Uchiha Fugaku's residence.
The courtyard was quiet. Sunlight slipped past the eaves, scattering dappled shadows across the ground.
The wooden shōji slid open with a soft creak. A faint fragrance of tea mingled with the scent of sandalwood.
To Eiya's surprise, Fugaku was not seated in his usual place of authority. He was kneeling by a tea tray, personally brewing. White steam curled from a celadon kettle as he watched the liquor with downcast eyes, as if waiting.
"You're here. Sit." Fugaku's voice was unhurried.
He did not look up. The tone was steady, but less distant than usual.
Eiya sat on the cushion opposite him.
Fugaku pushed a freshly poured cup across the tatami. The tea was a clear green, heat misting the rim.
Only then did he lift his gaze, a flicker of approval passing through his eyes.
He sipped first and spoke. "They've told me."
He set the cup down. "I hear you took quite a few rumor-mongers."
"Eiya, you did well."
Eiya nodded. "As an Uchiha, I can't watch others slander us. Guarding the clan's name is our duty."
"And it was a group effort. Without the Police Force, it wouldn't have gone so smoothly."
Fugaku waved away the modesty. "No need. A pity I wasn't there. I would have liked to discipline those troublemakers myself."
Eiya raised his cup and took a sip, smiling. "Clan Head Fugaku works day and night for everyone. We see it and remember it."
"But you needn't shoulder everything. At times, let trusted clansmen share the load."
Fugaku shook his head, a trace of fatigue crossing his brow. He sighed softly.
"To tell the truth, there are too few in the clan who have both strength and a steady hand like you," he said, voice low with genuine regret. His eyes fixed on Eiya again, suddenly serious. "So—are you willing to play a greater role within ANBU for the clan's sake?"
Eiya's heart stirred. He heard the subtext clearly. Fugaku wanted him as a key piece within the Hokage's own power.
Exactly what Eiya wanted. Light flashed in his eyes. He smiled. "I already am, aren't I?"
"And let me give you this. After digging, I can confirm these rumors came from Konoha's upper echelons."
Fugaku's face darkened. His hand paused with the cup, expression growing heavy.
Eiya took another calm sip. "The Hokage let me run this purge not out of sympathy for the Uchiha, but because he's displeased with Danzō's freelancing. This move was a check on Danzō, nothing more."
Shock flitted through Fugaku's eyes. "So that's it. Danzō—what is he trying to do?"
Eiya leaned forward, lowering his voice. "He sees us as the village's greatest threat."
Silence filled the room. Only the scent of tea rose and lingered.
Fugaku said nothing, brows knit tight.
Watching him waver, Eiya continued. "I know what you're thinking, but in my current position, it's impossible."
"Danzō is a village elder. I can't go around the Hokage to confront him head-on, and Root doesn't play by the same rules as ANBU."
Fugaku nodded slowly, a complex look in his eyes. "I understand your constraints. Don't worry. Unless we have no choice, the clan won't ask you to do something that reckless."
"You're not alone, either. Itachi can be a reliable ally…"
Eiya only smiled and shook his head.
Fugaku frowned slightly, let it pass, and changed tack. "Then what do you plan next?"
"Same as before. I have too few levers. To do more, I need to climb faster."
Fugaku thought for a moment. His brow eased as he came to a decision. "Then from today, you will serve as Special Adviser to the Police Force. The post is not public, but you have full authority to involve yourself in any Police matter."
"All intelligence and personnel files are open to you."
"I'll also inform Yashiro and the others that when it concerns Uchiha and the village, they're to follow your direction."
Eiya nodded inwardly. This was what he'd been waiting for. Not money or techniques, but a channel into real power at the clan's core.
He looked Fugaku in the eye. "Thank you for your trust. I'll wield it carefully."
"Everything I do will put the clan first. I won't let you down."
Satisfaction flickered in Fugaku's gaze. He finished his tea in one draught. When the cup touched down, his customary composure had returned.
Soft steps sounded beyond the shōji. Mikoto's gentle voice followed. "Fugaku, lunch is ready."
Eiya rose at once. "It's getting late. Please excuse me."
Fugaku gestured. "No need to be formal. Stay and eat."
…
Eiya followed to the dining room.
The table was already set with delicate dishes, colors bright, aromas rich. Heat curled up from bowls and plates, making mouths water.
Young Sasuke sat properly at his place, dark eyes curious about this sudden "senior" from the clan.
Uchiha Mikoto, in a simple kimono, was leaning to set the last place. Her movements were soft and graceful, her profile serene.
Seeing Eiya come in with Fugaku, she smiled warmly. "Eiya, please sit. Just home cooking. I hope it suits you."
Eiya smiled back. "Thank you for the trouble, Lady Mikoto."
She shook her head, amused. "Not at all. You solved a great problem for the clan so quickly. You're the one who worked hard."
She glanced playfully at her husband. "Fugaku fretted all night over it."
Fugaku, about to sit, coughed twice to cover his embarrassment.
Mikoto laughed behind her hand. "Here, try this. See if you like it."
Eiya did. The flavors were bright and clean, lingering on the tongue. He nodded. "Your cooking is superb. Even a restaurant chef might not match it."
Mikoto's eyes warmed. "You flatter me."
Eiya set his chopsticks down and changed the subject. "By the way, during the operation today, Itachi performed excellently. Captain Kakashi praised his calm decisiveness more than once. A rare talent."
Worry brightened from Mikoto's eyes into relief. "Really? That child keeps everything inside. I'm just glad he isn't causing trouble in ANBU."
Eiya nodded. "He's very capable. As comrades, I'll watch his back. It's just…"
Fugaku's expression tightened. He set down his bowl. "Just what?"
Eiya sighed softly and lowered his voice. "ANBU missions can be oppressive. Heavy responsibility. Itachi speaks little, and sometimes his thinking is hard to read."
Fugaku's brow furrowed. His face grew solemn. "I see. I'll find time to speak with him."
A shadow of concern crossed Mikoto's eyes. "He's been like that since he was small…"
She looked to Eiya, earnest. "Please look after him in ANBU."
"Of course," Eiya said. "We're Uchiha. Supporting each other is our duty."
Fugaku ate in silence, his gaze drifting between Eiya and Mikoto, pausing with a thoughtful look.
Outwardly hard when dealing beyond the clan, yet composed and proper within, caring for Itachi. Perhaps, he thought, I misjudged him before.