Chapter 10: The Value of a Sword
After their conversation, Uchiha Fugaku's gaze drifted to the four distinctive swords resting against the tent wall: the twin-bladed Hiramekarei, the massive Kubikiribōchō, the long blade Nuibari, and the heavy axe-hammer Kabutowari. Their owners had fallen to Akira, making them his rightful spoils of war.
Akira noticed Fugaku's lingering look and the unspoken hesitation on his face. "Clan Head," he began, "do you have a need for these swords?"
Hearing Akira broach the subject, Fugaku let out a small, relieved breath. These were not ordinary blades; each one was a tool that could forge an elite jonin. With the war winding down and Kirigakure's defeat imminent after the loss of the Seven Swordsmen and the arrival of Minato, the Mist would inevitably seek to reclaim these symbols of their power. Their political value was significant.
The Uchiha clan was now fully invested in supporting Namikaze Minato's bid for Hokage. Strengthening his position with such bargaining chips was a priority.
"Akira," Fugaku began, choosing his words carefully, "I believe you've heard the rumors. After this war, the Third Hokage intends to step down. A new Hokage will be chosen."
"I've heard the talk from the higher-ups," Akira nodded. "Are we placing our bet on the Yellow Flash?"
"We are," Fugaku confirmed, his voice low and serious. "Orochimaru is one of the Legendary Sannin. He already commands a large faction of followers. Our support for him would be merely an addition, likely taken for granted. Namikaze Minato is a rising star. His foundation in Konoha is shallower. Our clan's backing would be a crucial asset for him—a true partnership of mutual benefit."
A faint, strategic smile touched Fugaku's lips. "Orochimaru's reputation is formidable, but since Minato turned the tide against Iwa and Kumo, the name 'Yellow Flash' carries more immediate, tangible weight on the global stage. His deterrent power in wartime surpasses even the Sannin's fame." He concluded, "And while Orochimaru is powerful, his… personal appeal is lacking. I do not believe he will win the succession this time."
Akira nodded in agreement. "Orochimaru's aura is cold. In contrast, Minato is like a warm sun. After a long war, Konoha's people will need that light to guide their recovery."
His eyes shifted back to the four swords. "If these can add weight to our clan's support, then take them, Clan Head. A future Hokage is a worthy investment."
Uchiha Fugaku's smile returned, genuine this time, before turning solemn once more. "Akira, I will not let this sacrifice go unrewarded. I will secure one or two ninjutsu from the Scroll of Seals for you."
The value of the four swords, each a masterpiece that could create a jonin, far exceeded that of a couple of jutsu, even forbidden ones. The techniques within the Scroll were notoriously difficult to master—the Flying Thunder God created Minato's legend; the Spirit Transformation Technique was Kato Dan's legacy. But Akira wasn't overly concerned about the exchange. Some things held value beyond immediate power.
"Will we have to wait until the Yellow Flash is officially in office?" Akira asked. The year was Konoha 50. After the war's end, Minato's ascension would be swift. He could be patient.
"We will," Fugaku confirmed with a nod. "The Third Hokage has grown… cautious with age. These matters require patience."
"I have patience to spare, Clan Head," Akira assured him.
"By the way," Akira added, shifting topics, "any progress on the stolen Hyuga Byakugan?"
Fugaku chuckled, a hint of schadenfreude in the sound. "Progress? The Kirigakure operatives were like ghosts. Our trackers found nothing. It's as if they vanished. I suspect that Byakugan is lost for good to the Hyuga." The smile on his face was unmistakably pleased.
Hearing this, Akira allowed himself a small, internal smile. The Byakugan was safe in his possession. As a traveler with knowledge of this world's treasures, collecting such a potent dojutsu was an instinct he saw no reason to fight.
With Akira's consent, Uchiha Fugaku gathered the four legendary blades—Hiramekarei, Kubikiribōchō, Nuibari, and Kabutowari—and made his way to Namikaze Minato's command tent.
The news of the near-total annihilation of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen spread across the frontline like wildfire, then to the villages beyond. The shinobi world was stunned to learn that six of these legendary warriors had been eliminated by a teenage Uchiha and a Konoha genin.
Overnight, the fame of Uchiha Akira and Might Dai exploded, reaching the ears of all Five Great Nations.
Akira's feat, while astounding, was somehow filed under 'expected' for an Uchiha. The clan had produced many powerhouses during this war: Clan Head Fugaku with his "Wicked Eye" epithet, and the terrifying "Shisui of the Body Flicker." Another prodigy like Akira seemed almost par for the course.
But Might Dai's story was different. When his details were dug up—a perpetual genin, a taijutsu specialist with no ninjutsu or genjutsu to speak of—who had then erupted with enough power to obliterate two elite jonin in two moves… that defied understanding. It became the talk of every village.
On the battlefield, the tide had turned decisively. With Namikaze Minato's presence and the crushing blow to Kirigakure's morale and elite forces, Konoha's advance became a rout. Defeat for the Mist was now inevitable.
With the fighting lull, Akira was granted two rare days of rest.
On the third day, Uchiha Fugaku found him with a new assignment.
"Your next mission is to escort a convoy of wounded back to Konoha for proper treatment," Fugaku explained. Field hospitals could only do so much; many soldiers needed the village's full medical facilities.
As an afterthought, a satisfied look on his face, Fugaku added, "Oh, and I spoke with Minato. After his inauguration, he has agreed to grant you access to the Scroll of Seals. You will be permitted to select any two ninjutsu to learn."
"Thank you, Clan Head," Akira said, a note of genuine appreciation in his voice. This was better than he'd anticipated—any two techniques. The Scroll contained wonders like the Flying Thunder God, but also deceptively simple yet forbidden arts like the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique. The choice would require serious consideration.
(End of Chapter)
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