Chapter 53: Warnings and Hopes
The first recipients of the Sublimation Elixir were naturally the clan's most powerful jonin. The gifted children of the next generation would follow. As the son of the clan head, a recognized prodigy who had already been to the battlefield with Fugaku, Uchiha Itachi's talent was exceptional, even among Konoha's new generation. He naturally secured a place in the regimen.
Uchiha Fugaku intended to cultivate his gifted son meticulously from the earliest age. His ambition was to guide Itachi to become a viable candidate for Hokage in the future. Fugaku believed his son possessed that latent potential.
He was deep in these contemplations when a knock sounded at his door.
Opening it, he found Uchiha Akira.
"An unexpected visitor!" Fugaku greeted with a smile. "Akira, to what do I owe the pleasure? I thought you were buried in fuinjutsu studies."
Uchiha Akira returned the smile. "A matter came to mind that I felt necessary to discuss with you, Clan Head. To exchange perspectives."
Hearing the serious tone, Fugaku's expression sobered. He led Akira into his study. "What matter is worth a personal visit?"
"It concerns the Hokage," Akira stated.
"The Hokage?" Fugaku looked puzzled.
"I've heard the Fourth Hokage's wife is expecting?" Akira asked.
"Yes, she is. Is there an issue?" Fugaku confirmed. Uzumaki Kushina's pregnancy was no secret to Konoha's upper echelons or the intelligence networks of other villages.
"I've also heard that a Jinchuriki's seal weakens significantly during childbirth," Akira continued.
"That is the established theory," Fugaku nodded, his brow furrowing. "Akira, do not entertain reckless ideas."
"Don't worry," Akira waved a dismissive hand. "My concern is that others might seek to exploit that moment of vulnerability. I came to suggest you advise Lord Hokage. The exact timing of Lady Kushina's delivery should be kept on a strictly need-to-know basis to prevent... accidents."
For Uchiha Akira, a living Namikaze Minato was far more advantageous. With Minato leading the village, dealing with threats like Danzo or Akatsuki would be simpler. Akira could focus on his own development with the Hokage as a shield.
"You suspect this 'Uchiha Madara' would strike then?" Fugaku's voice turned grave.
"Precisely," Akira affirmed. "While he may not be the real Madara, his connection is undeniable. Uchiha Madara's hatred for Konoha is legendary. Were it not for the First Hokage, the village would have been razed. It's entirely plausible his successor inherited that vendetta. We must be cautious. If he were to seize that moment and release the Nine-Tails, the consequences would be catastrophic."
"Agreed," Fugaku stated firmly. "The Nine-Tails' power is too great. Once loose, containing it would be a nightmare." He made a decision. "I will speak with Minato about this tomorrow. We cannot afford complacency."
This was the extent of what Akira could currently do for Minato. Having no personal relationship with the Hokage, a direct warning from him would be inappropriate. He had to rely on Fugaku as an intermediary. He could only hope Minato would heed the advice, tighten security around the birth, and thwart Uchiha Obito's plans.
I hope it's enough, Akira sighed inwardly. He wasn't confident the delivery time could be kept truly secret. White Zetsu's infiltration abilities were supreme, undetectable by normal means. They moved through Konoha as if it were their own.
I've given the warning I can. Now, I must prepare for the worst-case scenario.
As Akira wrestled with these thoughts, Fugaku shifted the topic. "Akira, what is your assessment of my son, Itachi?"
Akira refocused. "Itachi is undoubtedly a genuine prodigy."
Fugaku studied him. "I intend for the boy to become Minato's apprentice. What is your opinion?"
Akira stroked his chin. If Uchiha Itachi succeeded in becoming Minato's student, it would be a tremendous boon for the clan—assuming, of course, the Nine-Tails incident was averted or successfully managed. An Uchiha as the Hokage's disciple would pave the way for the clan to be seen as "Hokage's clan," giving Itachi the foundational credibility to run for the office himself in the future. To become Hokage, one needed to be part of the Hokage's lineage, either by blood or mentorship. Otherwise, the odds were steep, barring some cataclysmic shift in Konoha's power structure that forced the title onto an outsider—such as the emergence of a shinobi with power rivaling Madara or Hashirama, coupled with monumental achievements.
"Becoming the Hokage's apprentice would undoubtedly be a positive development," Akira concluded.
"I believe Minato's chances of accepting him are quite high," Fugaku said, confidence evident. He had absolute faith in Itachi's abilities. Whether in ninjutsu, genjutsu, or taijutsu, Itachi learned with frightening speed. In terms of sheer shinobi aptitude, he was the most gifted individual Fugaku had ever seen. He doubted Minato would refuse such a pupil. Furthermore, the close friendship between his wife, Mikoto, and Uzumaki Kushina provided another layer of social leverage.
However, he didn't plan to broach the subject with Minato immediately. Itachi was still young, with a year or two before the Academy. Even if Minato agreed, the formal apprenticeship would likely begin after graduation.
"I plan to wait until Minato's own child is born before raising the matter," Fugaku explained, a note of anticipation in his voice. "By then, Itachi will be nearly school-age. I intend to have him graduate early and become Minato's apprentice as soon as possible."
Regarding Fugaku's plan, Akira could only offer silent wishes for its success. Given the current political climate in Konoha, the probability seemed favorable. Even if the Nine-Tails incident occurred, Konoha's current combined strength was more than capable of suppressing the beast.
Later that day, Uchiha Fugaku went to the Hokage Building. He sought out Namikaze Minato and relayed Uchiha Akira's warning.
(End of Chapter)
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