Everyone's eyes turned toward the small figure standing beside Fugaku.
Under his father's stern gaze, young Itachi pursed his lips, feeling deeply wronged. He wanted to explain himself, but the disappointment in Fugaku's eyes stopped the words in his throat. Seeing this, Fugaku's expression finally softened a little.
Fugaku understood far too well what kind of situation the Uchiha Clan was in. The Konoha higher-ups, led by the Third Hokage, had already begun to grow suspicious and distant toward them. The treatment their clan had received during the war was the clearest proof.
Despite being known for their prowess in direct combat, the Uchihas had been assigned to the Hidden Mist battlefield—precisely the front least suited to their strengths. The Sharingan's potential was suppressed there, and as a result, the Uchiha suffered heavy losses.
Still, in order to demonstrate their loyalty and attitude toward the village, Fugaku had led the clan to fight on without complaint.
No matter how unfair the assignment, the Uchiha Clan fulfilled every order with unwavering discipline.
And their achievements had been undeniable. On the Mist battlefield, they had turned the tide, nearly crushing the Hidden Mist forces on their own.
That victory restored a measure of prestige to both Konoha and the Uchiha name.
Though they had sacrificed many lives, Fugaku believed it was worth it.
Now that the Third Great Ninja War was drawing to an end, Fugaku saw a new possibility on the horizon.
The Third Hokage's era was ending—someone new would soon take the title of Hokage.
And when that time came, perhaps…the Uchiha Clan would finally have their chance.
Looking at the Konoha ninjas chatting cordially with him, Fugaku couldn't help but harbor that illusion.
Officially, anyone with enough merit and support could become Hokage. That was what the "Will of Fire" preached.
But Fugaku knew better.
The truth was that such ideals were interpreted by people like Hiruzen Sarutobi however they pleased.
Would the Third Hokage, the man who claimed to embody the Will of Fire, ever allow someone he distrusted—someone from the "cursed" Uchiha Clan—to sit on that seat of power?
Ridiculous. Impossible.
In Hiruzen's eyes, the Uchiha were a dangerous clan with an inherent darkness. A Hokage from among them? That was nothing but a dream.
Yet Fugaku still nurtured that naïve hope, convincing himself that if he acted wisely—if he portrayed himself as calm, generous, and just—then perhaps the village would accept him.
He had no idea how laughable that illusion was.
But for now, he was determined to maintain his perfect image.
Unfortunately, today his most promising son had gone and disrupted that image in front of everyone.
Itachi's small outburst had drawn unwanted attention.
Even if the incident had involved a Hyuga, Fugaku couldn't overlook it.
He sighed inwardly, masking his frustration behind a composed expression.
If I can even show tolerance toward the Hyuga Clan, whom I've always disliked, then won't that prove the Uchiha's sincerity to Konoha?
The thought filled him with confidence.
With that, he turned to his son and spoke in a stern voice that brooked no argument.
"Itachi, how could you lose your temper like that? Apologize to this young man from the Hyuga Clan—right now."
Itachi's eyes widened in disbelief.
He had expected his father to at least listen, maybe even defend him. But seeing the determination in Fugaku's eyes, the boy lowered his head and obeyed.
He stepped forward and bowed to Riku.
"I… apologize."
Riku, however, was completely dumbfounded by Fugaku's reaction.
Wait… what? Shouldn't a father stand up for his son? And as the Uchiha clan head, shouldn't he defend his own clansman against an outsider?
For a fleeting moment, Riku wondered if Fugaku might actually be his father instead. The thought was absurd enough that he shook his head to clear it.
Quickly helping Itachi up, Riku said with an awkward laugh,
"Ah, no, no, it's fine. You don't need to apologize—I was also at fault. I started it first."
He spoke honestly, but Fugaku pretended not to hear.
"The Hyuga truly live up to their reputation for courtesy," Fugaku said with a smile. "But our Uchiha Clan cannot be outdone in sincerity. Since Itachi was in the wrong, we must make amends properly. Young friend, you may visit our compound later and select a C-Rank ninjutsu of your choice."
A hush fell over the crowd.
Every ninja nearby froze, their eyes widening.
Did they hear correctly? The head of the Uchiha Clan was offering a Hyuga—over such a trivial matter—a ninjutsu scroll as compensation?
Since when had the proud Uchiha become so humble?
Had they fallen so far that they were afraid of offending the Hyuga?
Whispers spread among the bystanders, their gazes toward Fugaku turning strange.
But Fugaku didn't notice. Mistaking their shock for admiration, he felt secretly pleased.
They must think I'm magnanimous… a true leader who knows how to win hearts.
Meanwhile, Riku was left utterly speechless. He had meant to decline the offer, but the more he thought about it, the more he realized he could actually use a C-Rank technique to fill some gaps in his arsenal.
So, with a reluctant smile, he accepted.
"Then I'll accept your generosity. Thank you, Clan Head Fugaku."
Patting Itachi on the shoulder, Riku grinned playfully.
"Don't worry, little guy—I forgive you."
Itachi stiffened. His mature expression cracked for just an instant as he bit back the urge to lash out.
Inside, his thoughts burned coldly: You arrogant Hyuga brat… just wait until we enter the Academy. I'll show you what real cruelty looks like.
The Uchiha are not to be trifled with.
Of course, Riku had no idea what was running through the boy's head. He could only interpret the intense glare as resentment, maybe embarrassment.
Still, he was satisfied. Looks like he won't forget me anytime soon, he thought. That'll make things easier later.
After exchanging a few more polite words with Fugaku, Riku noticed Hinata Katyu arriving with his grandson, Hyuga Sōtai. Seeing them, he hurried over at once, putting on his best image of a loyal guard.
The truth was that, even though Riku had already found a way to suppress the Caged Bird Seal's pain, it hadn't made him any stronger. His "freedom" was still limited. For now, it was better to maintain his current position under the Main Family's protection.
Maybe, if he played things right, he could even use the Main Family to his advantage.
Hinata Katyu's sharp eyes flicked toward the spot Riku had just come from, landing briefly on Fugaku. The two clan heads exchanged curt nods—a silent greeting between rivals.
Turning back to Riku, Katyu raised an eyebrow, clearly curious about the commotion he had just witnessed.
Riku, ever the obedient subordinate, recounted the whole event from start to finish.
When he mentioned that Fugaku had offered a C-Rank ninjutsu as an apology, even the cunning old Katyu was momentarily stunned.
He couldn't fathom what Fugaku was thinking. Such generosity over a small misunderstanding? Either the Uchiha leader had lost his mind—or he was plotting something far beyond what appeared.
But seeing Riku's bright, almost naive expression, Katyu's pride as a member of the Main Family surfaced.
"Riku," he said with an air of superiority, "don't be swayed by the petty favors of the Uchiha. The Hyuga Clan has no need for scraps like C-Rank techniques."
Riku nodded obediently, though inwardly he was grumbling.
Not lacking, huh? Then why don't you give me two of those 'unnecessary' jutsu, old man? Let me experience this so-called Hyuga heritage firsthand!
He sighed quietly, muttering to himself, Always bragging, never sharing. What a stingy geezer.
Before he could finish complaining in his heart, the atmosphere around them shifted. The crowd suddenly fell silent.
Heads turned as a familiar figure appeared at the edge of the training grounds—an elderly man in a white robe, the kanji for "Fire" emblazoned across his back.
The Third Hokage had arrived.
His presence alone carried authority, commanding respect without a word.
Conversations stopped. Even Fugaku straightened his posture, eyes sharp yet composed, masking the emotions behind them.
Riku glanced at him and then at the Hokage, silently sensing the tension that rippled beneath the surface.
The stage was set—Konoha's smiling peace hid countless undercurrents, and every clan head was already moving their pieces for the power struggle to come.
But for now, under the Hokage's steady gaze, everyone wore their best masks of loyalty and respect.