Ryosuke Uchiha leaned back, satisfied with Yakushi Nonoyu's answer. She was smart, perceptive, and above all, practical.
"She knows how to play her cards well," Ryosuke thought, his lips curling into the faintest smile.
"You've done well," he said aloud. "This isn't something I can promise on the spot. I'll need to consult with the clan head first. But I can assure you—the plan will succeed. Tomorrow, I'll make sure the money reaches you."
He paused, then reached into a small lacquered box by his side, drawing out a thick bundle of notes—ten thousand ryō in all.
"But," he added gently, "I'll also give you something right now. You said the orphans at the shelter are starving. Take this and buy them proper food."
He handed the bundle to her. It wasn't clan money—it was from his own private savings. Ryosuke technically still drew a stipend from the Konoha Police Force, even though he hadn't bothered to serve for a while.
Nono didn't hesitate. Pride meant nothing when children were hungry. She accepted the money with both hands, lowering her head in genuine gratitude. He even thought of the orphans, she realized, her heart tightening.
"It's already late," she said softly. "Lord Ryosuke, I should head back now while the shops are still open. I'll buy food and cook for the children tonight."
"Go," Ryosuke nodded.
Blushing faintly, Nonoyu gathered her scattered clothing piece by piece. Ryosuke's gaze followed her the entire time, though he said nothing. When the last layer of cloth hid the pale skin from view, he exhaled lightly—half amused, half regretful.
Once she left, the young Uchiha exhaled and stretched. It's late. I'll speak with Fugaku tomorrow, settle the finances properly, and deliver the donation together.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage sat stiffly at his desk, Kakashi's latest report heavy in his hands. His face darkened.
Damn that boy… Ryosuke Uchiha!
Not only had Ryosuke publicly revealed Naruto Uzumaki's true identity as the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki, but he had also taken the boy into the Uchiha clan compound.
How dare he?
Hiruzen's jaw clenched. Whoever raised the jinchūriki would inevitably gain his loyalty. The Hokage had carefully intended to cultivate Naruto's trust himself—presenting himself as the kind, benevolent grandfather figure. But Ryosuke had stolen that opportunity right out from under him.
"Damn it…" Hiruzen muttered. If Naruto bonds with the Uchiha, then the Nine-Tails bonds with them. And if the clan flaunts that… my authority will crumble.
His eyes lifted sharply toward Kakashi.
"Kakashi… did you not stop him? You simply let him walk off with Naruto?"
Kakashi flinched slightly, but his tone remained calm. "I did try, Hokage-sama. I spoke up, but Ryosuke ignored me. And considering the difference in our strength… I couldn't physically stop him."
Hiruzen sagged back into his chair, the weight of the village pressing down. Even he had to admit—facing Ryosuke directly was… not simple. How could he expect Kakashi to do better?
Still, the situation was grim. On the surface, the village remained calm, but in truth the Uchiha's power and influence grew daily. They now housed the Nine-Tails' host. Who among the clans would dare oppose them, knowing even the demon fox was in their grasp?
If the balance tips further, my position as Hokage is doomed…
He thought briefly of Jiraiya and Tsunade. Neither was present to support him. Perhaps… perhaps this truly was the end.
Kakashi noticed his leader's spirit faltering, his aura dimming. This… has shaken him deeply.
"If there's nothing else, Hokage-sama," Kakashi said carefully, "I'll take my leave."
Hiruzen waved a weary hand. "Go." His voice was tired, defeated.
At dawn, Ryosuke made his way to Fugaku's residence. He wanted to finalize their plan to support the orphanage. Though Ryosuke himself had the resources to do it alone, discussing it with the clan head ensured proper unity. Besides, most of the larger funds were still tied up with the clan.
But when he arrived, only Fugaku's wife, Mikoto, was home.
"Fugaku left early with Sasuke and Naruto," she explained with a faint sigh. "They went to train together. Naruto's only just moved in, but already Fugaku insists on drilling him."
She frowned softly. "If he pushes too hard, the boy might resent it. I only hope he doesn't."
Ryosuke blinked. So Fugaku is training Naruto already? Interesting.
"Where did they go?"
"To the pond nearby," Mikoto replied.
"Got it," Ryosuke said. He was about to leave when Mikoto added:
"Please remind Fugaku not to be too strict. I'll go buy fresh food and prepare lunch for them later."
Ryosuke nodded with a faint smile. He could tell Mikoto genuinely cared for Naruto. Perhaps the boy really will find happiness here—guidance from Fugaku, meals cooked by Mikoto. Far better than living alone on instant ramen.
By the pond near the clan compound, Fugaku stood with his two pupils—his own son Sasuke and the new arrival, Naruto.
"Sasuke," Fugaku ordered. "Show me the Fireball Jutsu I taught you."
"Yes, Father."
Sasuke obeyed, but not before sneaking a glance at Naruto. So this is the jinchūriki everyone despises… but Father and Mother treat him like some long-lost relative. And now, he even gets to train alongside me?
The thought made Sasuke's chest tighten with jealousy. He clenched his fists. I'll show them. I'll prove I'm the genius here.
He stepped aside, wove hand signs carefully, and unleashed a modest but real Fireball Jutsu over the pond.
"I did it, Father!"
Fugaku's stern face softened. "Well done, Sasuke. At your age, mastering Fireball Jutsu shows remarkable talent."
Naruto's blue eyes widened in awe. That's ninjutsu? That's amazing!
"Uncle Fugaku!" Naruto burst out. "Can you teach me that too? I want to spit fire like Sasuke!"
Fugaku chuckled. "Of course. Your parents, Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki, were extraordinary shinobi. I'd be honored to teach their son."
The thought pleased him—if Naruto learned under his guidance, it would strengthen ties between the jinchūriki and the Uchiha clan.
Naruto practically vibrated with excitement. "I wanna learn Fireball Jutsu too! It's so cool!"
But Fugaku tempered his enthusiasm. "This technique is the Uchiha's signature. It requires Fire-nature chakra. As far as I know, your parents weren't specialists in fire release. You may not have inherited the right affinity."
Naruto's grin faltered. So I can't do it?
Sensing his disappointment, Fugaku quickly added: "Even if you can't use fire, you may have other chakra affinities. Strong ones. Watch."
He formed signs, molding chakra.
"Water Style: Water Sphere Jutsu."
A small globe of water shimmered into existence, floating briefly before dissipating. Then, Fugaku tried again.
"Wind Style: Wind Blade!"
A sharp, invisible slash of air cut across the pond, sending ripples through the surface.
Naruto's jaw dropped. "That's awesome too! Uncle, can you teach me those instead?"
Fugaku smiled faintly. He had already succeeded—Naruto's hunger to learn was sparked. "Of course. But first, you must master the foundation of all ninjutsu: chakra refinement. The Uchiha have a unique method. That's where you'll begin."
Naruto clenched his fists, eyes blazing. "I'll do it! I'll master it all!"
Read ahead with 90+ chapters now and daily updates!
@patreon.com/Zefyrus