"Have you calmed down?" Minato asked, his voice carrying genuine concern as he studied the young man before him.
Looking into Sasuke's eyes, he felt a shock of recognition at what he saw there. The gleam in those dark depths spoke to someone whose perspective had been fundamentally altered by recent events, whose understanding of the world had been forced to evolve far beyond what should have been expected of someone his age.
After enduring such tremendous psychological trauma, Sasuke was displaying neither the consuming hatred nor the emotional breakdown that might have been anticipated. Instead, there was something else entirely in his expression—a desire for understanding that transcended personal grievances and reached toward deeper truths about the nature of leadership and sacrifice.
Over the years since becoming Hokage, Minato had been carefully observing Sasuke's development, noting his growing skills, his evolving personality, and his potential for future greatness. But even with all his preparation and analysis, he had not expected this particular reaction to the revelation of such extensive manipulation.
The young man standing before him had somehow managed to process the shock of learning that his entire family had conspired to subject him to artificial trauma, and rather than responding with fury or despair, he was seeking to understand the strategic necessities that had made such actions seem justified.
Since Sasuke was demonstrating willingness to listen to explanations rather than simply reacting with emotion, this might indeed represent the best possible outcome from what had been an extremely risky psychological operation.
"It's not appropriate to discuss such matters here," Minato observed, his gaze shifting to encompass the ANBU operatives who remained positioned around the courtyard.
This particular conversation involved information that was classified at the highest levels of village security. Even his own elite guards, despite their proven loyalty and discretion, could not be permitted to overhear details that could reshape their understanding of Konoha's long-term strategic planning.
"Shisui, please escort everyone else away from this area," Uchiha Yoruki instructed with the authority of someone whose position within the clan hierarchy commanded immediate obedience.
Shisui nodded his acknowledgment and began the process of organizing the ANBU withdrawal. His movements were efficient and professional, but there was something in his expression that suggested he understood the gravity of whatever discussion was about to take place.
As the operatives departed, Minato turned his attention to Fugaku with the kind of respectful concern that acknowledged both the clan leader's sacrifice and the physical toll of what he had endured.
"Fugaku, how are you feeling?" he inquired, his voice carrying genuine worry for someone who had placed his trust in experimental techniques whose long-term effects remained uncertain.
"I'll recover without complications," Fugaku replied, though his voice carried the strain of someone whose body was still dealing with the aftermath of chakra suppression on such a comprehensive scale.
The drug that Tsunade had developed to create the appearance of death was indeed effective, but any technique that could completely shut down the body's natural energy systems inevitably carried significant side effects. The complete suppression of chakra that had made the deception possible also meant that his recovery would require considerable time and care.
"Then perhaps we should move to a more secure location for this discussion," Minato suggested, his tone making it clear that this was both a request and a recognition of Fugaku's authority within his own clan's territories.
"Agreed," Fugaku responded immediately, understanding that the sensitivity of what they needed to discuss required privacy that could only be guaranteed in specific locations.
He looked toward Mikoto, who stood beside Sasuke with the patient grace that had always characterized her approach to family responsibilities. "We'll return soon," he promised, his words carrying both affection and an acknowledgment that she would be excluded from whatever conversation was about to take place.
"Understood," Mikoto replied with a gentle smile that spoke to years of accepting that certain aspects of clan and village leadership required discussions that could not include everyone.
She turned her attention to Sasuke, offering him the kind of warm, maternal expression that had always been able to provide comfort regardless of circumstances. "I'll prepare dinner and wait for both of you to come home."
Sasuke's response was noticeably stiffer than usual, his nod carrying a formality that suggested the evening's revelations had affected his ability to simply accept the normal rhythms of family life. The knowledge that even his mother had been complicit in the elaborate deception was clearly still being processed.
WHOOSH!
Tremendous chakra suddenly erupted from Minato's body with an intensity that made the very air around him seem to thicken and pulse with contained energy. The power that surrounded him was unlike anything that could be achieved through conventional chakra enhancement—it was the manifestation of abilities that operated according to principles that most ninja would never even glimpse.
A solid azure light film formed across his body's surface, the energy so concentrated and controlled that it appeared almost metallic in its density and brilliance. The display was both beautiful and intimidating, representing power that could reshape battlefields with casual effort.
"What incredible chakra!" Sasuke breathed, his pupils contracting as he felt the full weight of Minato's power at close range.
Despite his recent awakening of the Mangekyō Sharingan and his growing understanding of supernatural abilities, the sheer magnitude of energy being displayed was sufficient to remind him that his own advancement was still in its earliest stages.
Several chakra constructs in the shape of clawed appendages extended from Minato's back, moving with the fluid precision of natural limbs despite being composed entirely of energy. Each construct reached out to grasp one of the individuals present in the courtyard, carefully avoiding Mikoto while encompassing everyone else in their ethereal grip.
Sasuke felt a moment of surprise as the chakra claw settled around his shoulder. The sensation was unlike anything he had ever experienced—not painful or threatening, but carrying an alien quality that spoke to energy manipulation on a scale that transcended normal understanding.
Swish!
In less than a heartbeat, the entire group vanished from the courtyard, leaving Mikoto standing alone in the space that had just been filled with the evidence of supernatural transportation.
WHOOSH!
Sasuke experienced a moment of complete darkness as space itself seemed to fold around them, then suddenly found himself surrounded by flickering candlelight that cast dancing shadows across ancient stone walls.
When his vision cleared and he was able to process his new surroundings, his shock was immediate and profound.
"This is... Naka Shrine?" The words escaped his lips as he recognized the sacred space that held such significance within Uchiha clan tradition.
After confirming where Minato had brought them, Sasuke's gaze immediately shifted to his father, his expression showing a mixture of confusion and growing alarm.
"Father, what's the meaning of this?" he demanded, his voice trembling with implications that he was only beginning to understand. "Isn't Naka Shrine one of the most important sacred places for our clan? Why would..."
The questions died in his throat as the full implications of their presence here began to sink in. Sasuke understood enough about Minato's Flying Thunder God technique to know that it required specially prepared markers to enable instantaneous transportation. The fact that the Fourth Hokage could bring them to this location without preparation meant that his seal had been placed somewhere within the shrine itself.
Naka Shrine represented the spiritual heart of the Uchiha clan, a place where their most sacred traditions and deepest secrets were preserved. For an outsider—even the Hokage—to have access to such a location would normally be considered an unthinkable violation of clan autonomy and religious sanctity.
Yet his father's expression showed no surprise or outrage at their presence here. Instead, Fugaku appeared to be completely comfortable with the situation, as if this use of their most sacred space had been not just permitted but actively planned.
"Father... you actually allowed this?" Sasuke asked, his voice barely above a whisper as he struggled to process the implications of what he was discovering.
"Sasuke, I understand that you have many questions and concerns," Fugaku began, his voice carrying the weight of someone who had wrestled with impossible decisions and found ways to move forward despite the costs involved.
"But as Itachi explained to you earlier, if Konohagakure itself ceases to exist, then the Uchiha name would lose all meaning and purpose for its existence."
The statement was delivered with the kind of fundamental certainty that spoke to someone whose worldview had been shaped by harsh realities that most people never had to confront. Fugaku's words carried implications that went far beyond simple political allegiance.
Sasuke found himself struggling to process his father's attitude and the philosophical framework it represented. His expression shifted through confusion, shock, and dawning understanding as he spoke.
"So you're telling me that even as the head of the Uchiha clan, Father has chosen to side with the village leadership over clan interests?" he asked, his voice carrying the kind of disbelief that came from having fundamental assumptions challenged.
Fugaku shook his head with the patient expression of someone correcting a well-intentioned but incomplete understanding.
"It's not a matter of choosing sides between competing factions," he explained carefully. "The reality is that the Uchiha clan and the village leadership are now working together toward common objectives. We have become partners rather than rivals."
"It's actually like that..." Sasuke murmured, his mind racing to reconstruct his understanding of clan politics and village dynamics in light of this revelation.
His gaze shifted to Minato, taking on the kind of penetrating intensity that suggested someone whose perspective had been fundamentally altered by recent events.
"Since my father, as head of the Uchiha clan, has placed such tremendous trust in the village leadership," he said, his voice carrying a weight that belied his years, "why would you, as Hokage, continue to follow the policies of previous administrations that treated the Uchiha with suspicion and hostility?"
"When you first assumed the position of Hokage, wasn't your stated philosophy very different from this approach?"
The question was delivered with the kind of directness that cut through political niceties to address fundamental contradictions in policy and behavior. Sasuke's tone suggested someone who had moved beyond accepting simple explanations and was demanding answers that addressed deeper questions about leadership and trust.
"Sasuke, you have misunderstood Lord Hokage's intentions," Itachi interjected, speaking for the first time since they had arrived at the shrine.
His voice carried the calm authority of someone whose position within both clan and village hierarchies gave him unique insight into the complexities of the situation they were all navigating.
Uchiha Yoruki added his own perspective with the bluntness that had always characterized his approach to complicated political situations.
"Young man, if the Hokage truly maintained the prejudices against the Uchiha that characterized previous administrations, do you think the current situation would be possible?"
"We did indeed orchestrate certain events to trigger the awakening of your Mangekyō Sharingan, but that doesn't change the fact that some clan members do harbor extreme ideas and make inflammatory statements."
"While I acknowledge that some of our clan members' rhetoric has been harsh," Sasuke replied with the kind of measured thoughtfulness that showed his political understanding was developing rapidly, "I don't believe there's anything fundamentally wrong with their underlying perspective."
"This village should not belong exclusively to any single faction or group."
He stared directly at Minato as he expressed these thoughts, demonstrating a boldness that suggested he was no longer intimidated by authority figures regardless of their reputation or position.
"You're absolutely correct about that," Minato responded with a frankness that clearly surprised Sasuke.
The young Uchiha had expected defensiveness or political maneuvering, but instead found himself facing someone who was willing to acknowledge valid criticisms without defensiveness or attempts at justification.
"So as Hokage, how do you plan to address this systemic problem?" Sasuke continued, his questioning taking on the rhythm of someone conducting a genuine policy discussion rather than simply venting emotional frustrations.
Minato's expression became somewhat embarrassed as he considered how to respond honestly without creating unrealistic expectations.
"Sasuke, you're no longer a child, so you understand that even the Hokage cannot make unilateral decisions that override the entire political structure of the village," he explained with the kind of patient realism that acknowledged the constraints of democratic leadership.
"I cannot restore the Uchiha clan to their former status and influence within a short timeframe. Such changes require consensus-building and gradual shifts in public opinion that take years or even decades to accomplish."
"Of course I understand those limitations," Sasuke replied, his voice carrying a heaviness that suggested disappointment despite his intellectual acceptance of political realities. "But I could also interpret that explanation as a sophisticated excuse for maintaining the status quo."
"Although I may not be able to achieve such fundamental changes," Minato continued, his expression shifting to something approaching hope as he studied Sasuke's face, "you and others of the next generation may be able to realize this dream."
As he spoke these words, Minato found himself genuinely impressed by the maturity and thoughtfulness that Sasuke was displaying. The young man was demonstrating independent thinking and political sophistication that went far beyond what might have been expected from someone his age.
Sasuke could sense the sincerity in Minato's expression and tone, but the evening's revelations had taught him to be cautious about accepting even apparently genuine statements at face value.
"So you went to considerable trouble to bring me to this sacred place," he observed with the kind of analytical detachment that suggested he was treating this as a strategic discussion rather than a personal conversation. "What exactly do you want to tell me?"
"You must have heard the name Uchiha Madara," Minato began, his tone shifting to carry the weight of historical significance.
Sasuke didn't understand why the Fourth Hokage was suddenly invoking that legendary figure, but he certainly recognized the name that had been passed down through generations of clan history as representing both the pinnacle of Uchiha achievement and the source of their greatest tragedy.
"You mentioned earlier that people now refer to me as the God of Shinobi," Minato continued, his voice carrying a mixture of pride and burden at such recognition.
"Uchiha Madara was a ninja whose power allowed him to stand as an equal to the original God of Shinobi, First Hokage Senju Hashirama. The source of Madara's incredible strength lay in his extraordinary ocular abilities."
"Those eyes possessed power that exceeded even the Mangekyō Sharingan."
"The Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan!"
"Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan?" Sasuke repeated, his voice carrying genuine surprise. "What is that?"
He had never heard of any form of dōjutsu that transcended the Mangekyō Sharingan, despite his extensive study of clan history and traditions. The possibility that there existed an even higher level of ocular power was both thrilling and troubling.
"To understand that, we need to examine the deeper history of the Uchiha clan," Minato replied, settling into the patient teaching mode that had served him well throughout his career.
What followed was a comprehensive explanation of clan secrets that had been hidden from all but the most senior members of the Uchiha hierarchy. Minato spoke of the true origins of the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, the methods by which it could be achieved, and the historical figures who had possessed such power.
The knowledge was both fascinating and disturbing, revealing aspects of clan tradition that involved sacrifices and choices that most people would find morally unacceptable. But it also explained much about the Uchiha's legendary reputation and the fear that their abilities had inspired in other clans throughout history.
After absorbing these revelations about his clan's hidden heritage, Sasuke found himself both enlightened and deeply troubled by the implications of what he had learned.
"So what is your purpose in sharing this information with me?" he asked, though he suspected he already knew the answer.
Minato's expression shifted to something that might have been amusement mixed with determination.
"Because the village now needs someone who possesses the same level of ocular power that Madara wielded in his time," he explained with the kind of straightforward honesty that made his words carry tremendous weight.
"The only individuals who could possibly fulfill that requirement are you and Itachi—biological brothers whose shared bloodline makes certain techniques theoretically possible."
"What?!" Sasuke's shock was immediate and profound as the full implications of Minato's statement hit him.
His gaze snapped to Itachi, studying his brother's face for some indication of how long he had known about this plan and what his feelings were about its implementation.
When he looked back at the Fourth Hokage, his heart was filled with violent emotional turbulence as he processed what was being suggested.
The purpose behind everything that had happened—the elaborate deception, the artificial trauma, the awakening of his Mangekyō Sharingan—had been to create the foundation for granting an Uchiha clan member the same level of power that Uchiha Madara had once possessed.
If such a goal could be achieved, it would undoubtedly represent the greatest possible benefit for the Uchiha clan, restoring them to a position of influence and respect that they had not enjoyed since the village's founding.
However, the presence of someone with Madara-level abilities would also create unprecedented challenges for the village's power structure and the authority of its current leadership. The historical pattern had been for such individuals to become sources of instability and conflict rather than pillars of communal strength.
Even though Minato Namikaze had achieved recognition as someone whose abilities rivaled those of the First Hokage, the emergence of another figure equivalent to Uchiha Madara would fundamentally alter the balance of power within Konohagakure.
This was precisely the scenario that had driven village leadership to suppress the Uchiha clan since the time of the Second Hokage. The fear that another Madara might emerge had shaped decades of policy and prejudice.
For the Fourth Hokage to deliberately work toward such an outcome represented a level of risk-taking that was almost incomprehensible. But it also demonstrated a degree of trust in the current Uchiha clan that went far beyond anything that previous village leaders had been willing to consider.
Minato was essentially betting the future of Konohagakure on his belief that someone who possessed the power of the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan would choose to serve the village rather than following the path of rebellion that Madara had ultimately taken.
It was the greatest expression of trust that any Hokage had ever shown toward the Uchiha clan, and its success or failure would determine not just the fate of one family, but the entire future of the ninja world.