Fugaku didn't waste much time on small talk. After a few minutes of polite exchange, he leaned forward and got to the point.
"Minato, we've known each other for a while, so forgive me if I speak frankly."
Minato's smile was as warm as ever. "Not at all. A direct conversation is the best way to solve a problem."
Fugaku inclined his head. "The Sharingan is the pride of the Uchiha clan. Over generations, it's become more than just a bloodline limit—it's something our members revere."
"Ordinarily, we never allow the Sharingan to be given away. But Obito and Kakashi were close companions, heroes of Konoha. A gift between them… is something the Uchiha can respect."
He paused, his voice steady. "That said, even as clan head, I can't force my people on a matter this important. Their views must be respected. Do you understand, Minato?"
"I do," Minato replied. "As the clan leader, you must act in the best interest of your family, just as the Hokage must act for the village."
Exactly the answer Fugaku had expected. A leader who didn't stand with his own people would be abandoned by them, no matter how powerful and Uchiha Madara was proof enough of that.
"You're right," Fugaku said. "And to ease my clan's concerns, I need to offer them a reasonable explanation. That way, Kakashi won't face trouble later."
Minato's brow lifted slightly. "What are you suggesting?"
Fugaku drew in a measured breath. "Obito is gone. I propose adding another Uchiha to your direct team, a disciple."
It was the proposal Gen had clearly discussed with him beforehand. Minato, however, doubted it was purely out of admiration for him that drove Uchiha Gen's interest. He leaned toward other motives… and didn't like the thought. Still, he was confident he could handle it.
"That's acceptable."
Fugaku's expression brightened. "Then, what do you think of my son Itachi?"
Minato blinked. "Itachi?"
Wasn't it supposed to be Gen? Did that kid change his mind overnight?
"Ahem… Fugaku, I thought you meant Gen."
A rare flicker of embarrassment passed over Fugaku's face. "Gen said it didn't have to be him, any Uchiha would do. As a father… well, sometimes I can't help but be selfish."
He offered an almost casual smile. "Minato, you're famous across the shinobi world, perhaps even the next Hokage. If Itachi could become your student…"
The flattery was smooth, but Minato knew exactly what it was. Still, it was pleasant to hear from the leader of the most powerful clan in Konoha.
It also told him something—Gen valued family highly. In Minato's mind, that meant he'd put clan above village. A waste of potential, perhaps.
"Itachi's a fine boy," Minato said after a pause, "but too young. Team Seven needs someone ready to fight alongside them now."
Fugaku's disappointment was brief, masked almost instantly. If not now, perhaps later; Itachi could always become the student of Minato's student.
"In that case," Fugaku said, "your choice is between Gen and Shisui."
Minato knew of Shisui's reputation. A prodigy who'd already made his mark in the Mist battlefront, perhaps even more famous than Gen. But Minato cared less for raw talent than for how a person thought.
"I'll need some time to decide."
"Of course." Fugaku didn't press. Between the two, he still preferred Gen; more familiar, more mature.
The meeting drifted back to tea and polite conversation until Mikoto, Kushina, and little Itachi returned. It was late enough that Minato and his wife soon took their leave.
The next morning, Minato appeared in the Hokage's office.
"What is it, Minato?"
Hiruzen sat behind the desk, Hokage robes draped over his red battle uniform, pipe in hand, voice warm and measured.
Minato bowed slightly. "Hokage-sama," he began, then recounted the previous night in detail, leaving out very little. "Do you know much about Uchiha Shisui?"
Hiruzen's eyes softened. "Shisui is the descendant of Uchiha Kagami; one of my teammates under the Second Hokage."
He leaned back, thoughtful. "I've kept an eye on him. Shisui is polite, different from most of his clan, and deeply loyal to the village. He's risked his life on the battlefield more than once. With the right guidance, he could truly inherit the Will of Fire."
"As for Gen…" Hiruzen's voice was mild, but the words carried weight. "He's contributed to Konoha, but from what you've said, his perspective seems narrow. As Hokage, you must choose your students carefully—choose the best."
Minato nodded slowly. "I understand."
"Then go," Hiruzen said with a small smile.
Back home, Minato shared his decision with Kushina.
Later that day, Kushina made her way to the Uchiha district and found Mikoto, passing along the news.
Mikoto, in turn, went straight to the Police Department to find Fugaku.
He listened without much change in expression, though a shadow of disappointment crossed his eyes. It was gone a heartbeat later. In the end, a Uchiha would still stand beside Minato—just not the one he preferred.
When Mikoto offered to fetch Gen herself, Fugaku agreed without hesitation.