The Third Hokage sat behind his desk, listening carefully as Uchiha Yang explained his newly developed ninjutsu. After a moment of contemplation, Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up, formed a shadow clone, and turned to Uchiha Nobunaga.
"Have the boy accompany my clone to the training ground," he instructed. "We need to test the power of these jutsu to assign them a proper ranking."
Understanding the Hokage's intent, Uchiha Nobunaga turned to Yang. "Xiaoyang, go to the training ground and demonstrate your techniques. Once this is done, you'll officially be part of the Guard Force."
After Uchiha Yang left, Hiruzen exhaled a puff of smoke from his pipe and spoke solemnly. "This series of techniques can be considered a secret art—worthy of being a family heirloom. The Uchiha clan has made a great sacrifice for the village by contributing these techniques. On behalf of Konoha, I sincerely thank you for your clan's generosity. Since Uchiha has shown its trust in the village, Konoha will reciprocate with sincerity."
Nobunaga nodded. "Lord Hokage, the Uchiha are an inseparable part of Konoha—there is no doubt about that. Misunderstandings may have existed in the past, but we believe that, in time, they can be resolved.
"With that in mind, I have a request: My nephew, Uchiha Fugaku, is about to graduate. I heard that this year, Jiraiya-sama will be leading a new genin squad. I hope that Fugaku can join his team. To have the young heir of the Uchiha clan study under a disciple of the Third Hokage would be a remarkable symbol of unity between our clan and the village."
Hiruzen tapped his pipe against the ashtray and exhaled thoughtfully. "That's an interesting proposition… I see no issue with it. It will be an honor for Jiraiya to mentor an Uchiha student. Don't worry—I'll inform him myself." He glanced toward the training grounds. "Also, I've heard about Uchiha Yang's recent achievements. Not only has he mastered the Sharingan's three-tomoe stage, but his combat ability is exceptional. In recognition of his contributions, I am hereby promoting him to Tokubetsu Jōnin."
Both men exchanged polite words of gratitude before Nobunaga left.
Once he was gone, the Third Hokage turned serious. "Summon Elder Mitokado and Jiraiya," he ordered.
An Anbu member standing in the shadows nodded and swiftly disappeared.
Before long, Mitokado Homura arrived. The moment he stepped into the room, the weight of old regrets seemed to press down on the atmosphere. Sarutobi could feel it, too—the unspoken burdens they had carried for years.
Then, in typical fashion, Jiraiya crashed in through the window, shattering the tension. The two elders exchanged glances. Without speaking, they both understood the same thought: There's always another force at work behind the scenes… and we all know who that is.
Sarutobi got straight to the point. "The Uchiha patriarch visited earlier. He presented a set of clan-exclusive techniques—the Chidori series. I personally evaluated them, and every single one is at least A-rank. The potential behind these jutsu is immense."
Jiraiya raised an eyebrow but remained silent.
"The Uchiha also made a request," Hiruzen continued. "They want you to take Uchiha Fugaku, their young clan head, as a student. I know you've already chosen Namikaze Minato as your disciple, but adding Fugaku would send a powerful message: It would demonstrate that the Uchiha still seek integration with Konoha."
Mitokado Homura nodded. "This is a rare opportunity. For decades, the gap between Uchiha and the village has widened. The Second Hokage attempted to address this, but his efforts fell short. Perhaps, by investing in the younger generation, we can finally change the trajectory of this relationship."
Jiraiya took a deep breath, processing the implications. He had always known about the tension between the Uchiha and Konoha's leadership. If left unchecked, it could become a disaster in the future. The Uchiha had made multiple attempts to assimilate into Konoha, but distrust among the higher-ups had always stifled their efforts.
If he, a student of the Third Hokage, could mentor an Uchiha heir, it might create a lasting bridge between the two sides.
Jiraiya exhaled sharply and nodded. "I understand. I'll train him properly. I won't let him stray from the right path."
---
At the academy, a senior instructor began calling out names.
"Team 7: Namikaze Minato, Uchiha Fugaku, and Aburame Shibi. Your Jōnin instructor will be… Jiraiya."
A young man with wild, spiky white hair and a mischievous grin entered the room. "Alright, brats! Let's head out."
After arriving at Training Ground Seven, Jiraiya clapped his hands. "Before we get started, introduce yourselves! I'll go first:
"My name is Jiraiya! I like beautiful women. My favorite foods are perilla garlic and fried chicken. I hate kiwis and baked macaroni. My hobbies? Research for my writing. As for my dream… I want to train the Child of Prophecy who will bring peace to the ninja world!"
Uchiha Fugaku barely restrained himself from rolling his eyes. If my brother hadn't told me how strong this guy is, I'd think he was an idiot…
"I'll go first," Minato volunteered with a bright smile. "I'm Namikaze Minato! I love Ichiraku Ramen, and I hate broccoli. My hobby is training, and my dream is to become Hokage!"
Jiraiya gave him a thumbs-up. "That's a great dream!"
Next, Shibi adjusted his sunglasses and spoke calmly. "I am Aburame Shibi. I like insects and leafy greens. I dislike birds and anything that preys on bugs. My dream is to breed the strongest kikaichū in Aburame history."
Finally, Fugaku stepped forward. "I am Uchiha Fugaku. I enjoy training with my brother. I like barbecue, but I can't stand dango. My hobbies are lightning-style jutsu and kenjutsu. My dream is to restore the glory of the Uchiha clan."
Jiraiya grinned. "Alright! Team 7 is officially formed! Let's grab a meal together."
Just then, a figure approached—the Uchiha crest visible on the back of his Jōnin uniform.
Fugaku immediately brightened. "That's my brother! He just got promoted to Tokubetsu Jōnin and is a deputy captain in the Uchiha Police Force. He's a genius with ninjutsu and swordsmanship—the strongest Uchiha of his generation!"
Uchiha Yang greeted them with a nod. "Hello. I'm Fugaku's older brother, Uchiha Yang. I wanted to congratulate your team's formation with a small gift."
He handed Minato a scroll. "We've met before, and I noticed you lack a single, decisive attack technique. This is a jutsu I developed—'Moon Piercer.' If you need help mastering it, ask your teacher or come find me."
Then, he turned to Shibi. "I didn't know who my brother's teammates would be, but taijutsu is the foundation of all combat. These scrolls contain some of my personal training methods. Your kikaichū will be stronger if your physical endurance improves."
Finally, he unstrapped the sword from his back and handed it to Fugaku. "This was given to me by my mentor. Now, it's yours. Take care of it—it will be your partner in battle."
Jiraiya scratched his head. "Geez, you're really spoiling them. Why don't you join us for dinner?"
Yang smirked. "Maybe another time. I have a mission to prepare for."
Fugaku nodded. "Be safe, brother."
Yang ruffled his hair. "You too. Train hard." Then, with a final nod to the team, he vanished.