At the border of the Land of Fire.
Clad in deep green, Uchiha Fugaku calmly caught a kunai that shot from the shadows. Without missing a beat, he slapped an explosive tag onto it and hurled it back.
Boom! The blast echoed through the trees, mingling with a chorus of pained screams, as Fugaku strolled out of the forest, yawning.
With his mind attuned to the unique formula of his teacher's Heavenly Transfer Technique, Fugaku headed west.
The morning slipped by in a blur.
By the time the sun was high overhead, Fugaku had found Jiraiya's little hideout—just in time for lunch.
He plopped down at the table beside Jiraiya, a cheeky grin on his face.
"Uncle Jiraiya, Sensei told me to bring the juniors back to the village."
"Let's leave first thing tomorrow," Jiraiya replied, clapping Fugaku on the shoulder with a smile.
"If we get an early start and keep up the pace, we'll be home by nightfall—might even make it in time for dinner."
Fugaku nodded obediently, his usual village swagger nowhere to be seen.
"Whatever you say, Uncle. I've got nothing but free time anyway."
Jiraiya looked pleased.
That Rinjin guy was a bit of a loose cannon, but he'd managed to raise a pretty polite student.
And more importantly, Jiraiya was hoping to get a sense of the village's current state from Fugaku.
Nearby, Shikaku eyed this slightly-older senior with open envy.
The words "nothing but free time" sounded to him like the art of slacking off mastered!
The future suddenly seemed full of hope.
...
After a hearty lunch, Jiraiya called off the afternoon's training. Everyone lounged around the base, chatting and relaxing.
"Fugaku, how are things back in the village?" Jiraiya asked, sitting cross-legged at the table.
"Not much has changed," Fugaku replied. "Except it looks like the east side of Hokage Rock is about to get demolished. Sensei's planning to snatch up that land."
Jiraiya's mouth twitched almost imperceptibly.
I just complimented you on your manners before lunch, and now you're already getting cheeky?
"I mean, anything major happen in the village?"
"Oh, yeah!" Fugaku nodded.
"Tsunade-sensei's little brother, Nawaki, died."
The words had barely left his mouth before Jiraiya grabbed him by the shoulder, eyes wide with worry.
"How did he die? Where's Tsunade?"
"Uh... I don't know how he died. But Sensei went back. When I left, Tsunade-sensei was so overcome with grief she fainted."
Jiraiya frowned deeply and shot to his feet. He wanted to rush home right then and there.
But when he caught the confused stares of Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan, he stopped himself.
Those three had learned the basics of being ninja, but their actual strength was still lacking. Surviving in these chaotic times wouldn't be easy.
Most importantly, Jiraiya felt he hadn't yet fully passed on his beliefs to Nagato, the child of destiny.
With a long, silent sigh, Jiraiya sat back down.
"What about Orochimaru? How could he let Nawaki die?"
Fugaku shook his head.
"Uncle, don't make it hard for me. I don't have access to that kind of info. Just my Uchiha name alone keeps me out of the loop on stuff like that."
True enough.
Jiraiya nodded inwardly. Knowing that Rinjin was already back eased his worries a little.
As Jiraiya fell silent, Shikaku sidled up to Fugaku, lowering his voice.
"Fugaku-senpai, did Sensei go back because of Tsunade-sama's situation?"
Fugaku nodded, confirming it.
"So... what about us—"
Fugaku held up a hand, cutting him off.
"Shikaku—mind if I call you that?"
"Yeah!"
"Good. Shikaku, we're all Sensei's students. No need to be shy—just ask whatever's on your mind."
The warmth in Fugaku's tone made Shikaku's heart swell.
Senpai's so down-to-earth! Not a hint of Uchiha arrogance!
Feeling emboldened, Shikaku leaned closer, grinning sheepishly.
"Um, Senpai, what do you do in the village?"
"I'm a squad leader in the Konoha Police Force."
"Is it a cushy job?"
"Not bad. My district's been rated the safest in the village two years running."
Fugaku's tone carried a trace of smug pride.
Shikaku's eyes lit up.
"Senpai, when we get back, can I tag along with you?"
Fugaku glanced at the grinning Shikaku and instantly saw through him. Years of dealing with old foxes had honed his instincts.
This one's lazy for sure!
But Rinjin had always taught him—everyone has the right to choose their own path. Don't interfere unless you have to.
After a moment's thought, Fugaku shook his head.
For most people, this would be tricky, but for someone nobody dared to mess with, it was easy.
Still, dragging a Nara kid into the vortex that was the Konoha Police Force? Not a good idea.
"For something like that, you'd need your father's permission. At most, I can get the Uchiha clan leader to sign off."
Shikaku's face fell instantly.
Get Dad to agree? Not a chance!
I might as well just stage a coup and take over the Nara clan!
While the two whispered, Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan huddled together nearby, stealing glances at Fugaku.
"So that's the famous Uchiha guy?"
"He doesn't look that tough."
"You can't judge by appearances..."
Just as they were muttering, Fugaku suddenly turned to look at them.
A split second later, his Sharingan flared to life—blood-red, with three tomoe spinning at high speed.
In that instant, he caught a glimpse of something extraordinary.
Without betraying any emotion, Fugaku turned away, but his brows furrowed hard, and his mind reeled.
Holy crap—what was that? Circles and dots?
The legendary Sage Eyes?! The Rinnegan?!
Uncle Jiraiya picked up a little sage?!
No wonder I kept feeling something strange watching me—it was the Rinnegan!
Pushing aside the lazy Shikaku, Fugaku scooted over to Jiraiya's side.
"Uncle..."
"Uncle!"
He called softly several times before Jiraiya snapped out of his thoughts, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
"What is it?"
Fugaku leaned in, whispering like a conspirator.
"Uncle, about your red-haired student's eyes..."
Jiraiya stiffened instinctively, then turned to Fugaku, his expression growing serious.
"You noticed?"
Fugaku nodded slightly, ignoring Jiraiya's gravity and continuing in a low voice,
"Uncle, you'd better be careful. Sensei told us that thing is seriously freaky—it can drain its owner dry in no time."
"Huh? I've never heard that before."
Fugaku scratched his head, grinning.
"Rie told me. Seems like she's got one too."
"..."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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