Konoha Border Camp.
When Yoru returned from Orochimaru's hidden laboratory, he found Uchiha Fugaku waiting for him. The Clan Head had come to the front for two reasons: to expose his eldest son to real warfare, and to personally oversee the elite squad deployed alongside him.
Inside the dimly lit command tent, Yoru and Fugaku sat opposite each other.Fugaku's posture was rigid, formal—the kind of discipline drilled into clan heirs from birth—while Yoru let a subtle weariness linger across his expression.
"Yoru," Fugaku said, frowning. "Any progress?"
The Uchiha had poured considerable resources into this alliance within a mere three months. Orochimaru accepting Yoru as a disciple had been promising, but Fugaku wanted clarity—proof that supporting the Sannin would secure the clan's political recovery.
Yoru lowered his gaze, taking a controlled breath."Clan Head… Orochimaru-sensei commands the border in the open, but in private he conducts an extremely sensitive research assignment for the village. And—"He hesitated, letting tension build.
Fugaku's voice deepened. "Speak freely. Only you, I, Shisui, and a few elders know of this. The clan will not interfere with Konoha's confidential operations."
That part was true. The Uchiha no longer had the luxury of investigating village secrets. Survival came first.
Yoru continued quietly."Based on what sensei revealed… Konoha's leadership still fears the Uchiha. Especially Danzo of Root, and even the Third Hokage himself."
Fugaku's breath sharpened.
"Orochimaru-sensei said that because the village dreads another Nine-Tails incident, the Hokage outwardly maintains peace while Danzo works in the shadows to marginalize the clan. And… Root has already begun preparing to restart the Wood Release experiments."
The tent seemed to freeze.
Fugaku's eyes hardened, fury roaring beneath the surface."So they truly see us as a threat. Even now."
Wood Release had always been designed to counter the Sharingan—to neutralize Uchiha control over tailed beasts. For the village to revive that project meant they still intended to keep the clan on a leash.
Yoru kept his expression carefully neutral.Inside, relief flickered. Fugaku had taken the bait exactly as intended.
"And," Yoru added, "ever since I became Orochimaru-sensei's disciple, certain officials have pressured him. Funding has been cut again."
Fugaku nodded sharply. That, he believed easily.Danzo never tolerated anyone he couldn't control.
"Tell Orochimaru this," Fugaku said, voice cold. "The Uchiha will triple our support. If the village attempts to hinder him, we will compensate."
Yoru bowed his head, hiding the triumph burning under his ribs.Dangerous? Absolutely.But this was the payoff he'd gambled for.
"Sensei trusts the Uchiha," Yoru replied smoothly.
Lies slid from his tongue like water, but none of it weighed on him.The clan needed leverage. Waiting for Konoha to show mercy had already cost too much.
Fugaku exhaled, tension easing. "Good. The clan owes you much. Our elite squad will remain under Orochimaru's command. Tekka is here as well—contact him or Shisui if you require covert support."
Tekka—one of the clan's reliable jōnin and a close relative of Fugaku.Yoru nodded respectfully.
"Clan Head, everything I do is for the Uchiha."
He leaned forward, lowering his voice.
"Orochimaru-sensei warned me: Danzo is watching our clan, the Hyūga, and even Orochimaru himself. He is displeased that these factions are cooperating."
Fugaku's expression soured. "Danzo is always displeased when people refuse to kneel."
He wasn't wrong. After Minato's death, many clans had drifted away from Orochimaru. Hyūga and Uchiha remained the only major groups still aligned with him.
Fugaku continued, "I'll return to the village soon with our main forces. Itachi will stay. Yoru, Shisui—guide him. He learns quickly."
Yoru straightened, real resolve burning through this time.
"Yes, Clan Head. I'll take responsibility."
Itachi was six. Still malleable. Still uncertain.Not yet indoctrinated.This was the perfect moment to steer him away from the path that would one day hollow him out.
Fugaku studied Yoru's exhausted but determined face, and his features softened.
"You've done more than enough. Success or failure, the clan will not forget."
As Yoru bowed, he grinned inwardly.
The Clan Head's playing every angle he can. A true Uchiha.And I'll make sure we survive long enough to see the payoff.