c21: Minato's Choice
The two men exchanged pleasantries for a while before Uchiha Fugaku, unable to restrain himself, shifted the conversation to the real topic.
"Minato, we are both experienced shinobi, so I'll speak frankly. Please don't take offense," Fugaku said, his voice steady and deliberate.
Minato, with his characteristic calm and a gentle smile, replied, "It's always better to speak openly and honestly when dealing with important matters."
Fugaku nodded slightly and then grew more serious. "The Sharingan is the cornerstone of our Uchiha clan's identity. For generations, our people have revered its power, seeing it as a symbol of our strength and pride."
"Ordinarily, the Sharingan would never be allowed to leave the hands of our clan. However, our Uchiha clan is not heartless; we understand loyalty and sacrifice. Obito Uchiha and Kakashi Hatake were not only close comrades but heroes who fought side by side for Konoha's safety. Their bond, and Obito's gift of his Sharingan to Kakashi, should be honored by our clan."
"Yet, despite my position as the Uchiha clan's head, I cannot simply dictate decisions in such a sensitive matter. The opinions and will of the clan are paramount, and I must respect them."
"Minato, can you understand this?"
Minato's warm smile didn't waver. "I may not come from a prestigious clan, but I do understand your situation, Fugaku. As clan head, you must act for your family's interests, just as the Hokage must act for Konoha's interests."
Indeed, Minato's insight was as sharp as ever. He understood the delicate balancing act of clan and village. Even the legendary Uchiha Madara, though unmatched in strength, lost the loyalty of his clan when he failed to act in its interests during the early years of the Hidden Leaf's founding.
"You're absolutely right, Minato," Fugaku agreed. "I need to provide a reasonable explanation to the clan for allowing the Sharingan to remain with Kakashi. This will not only calm internal unrest but also ensure that no one targets Kakashi for the eye."
Minato's expression grew thoughtful. "What exactly are you suggesting, Fugaku?"
Fugaku took a measured breath, his tone low and determined. "Since Obito is gone, I propose adding another Uchiha to Minato's direct team someone who can become your disciple."
So that was the angle. Gen's earlier conversation with Fugaku must have included this suggestion.
Why is Uchiha Gen so determined to become my disciple? Minato wondered silently. Does he truly admire me, or is there a hidden agenda?
Despite his suspicions, Minato felt confident in his ability to manage the situation. "That can be arranged," he replied.
Fugaku's eyes lit up with satisfaction. "Minato, what do you think of my son, Itachi?"
Minato blinked in surprise. "???"
Itachi? He had fully expected Fugaku to recommend Uchiha Gen.
Is Gen withdrawing?
Minato's surprise was evident as he asked, "Ahem, Fugaku, weren't we discussing Gen?"
A hint of embarrassment crossed Fugaku's usually composed features. "Xuan told me that as long as it's a member of the Uchiha clan, it doesn't necessarily have to be him," he admitted, his tone a mixture of pride and reluctance.
"While I am the clan head, I am also a father. It's only natural for me to have some bias. Minato, you are an exceptional shinobi, with unmatched skill and a bright future as Hokage. If my son Itachi could become your disciple..."
Fugaku's uncharacteristic humility and his obvious desire for Itachi's advancement flattered Minato. After all, Fugaku was not just an ordinary clan head he led the Uchiha, Konoha's strongest clan, renowned even in the wider shinobi world.
Though Minato's initial displeasure toward Uchiha Gen lingered faintly, Fugaku's candid approach softened his mood. New thoughts surfaced in Minato's mind, reshaping his perspective on the entire situation.
It turned out that Uchiha Gen was someone who valued his family deeply, though it remained unclear whether, in his heart, the village or the family held a higher place...
However, considering the nature of his choices, it was unlikely that someone willing to sacrifice personal gain for the sake of the clan would prioritize the village over his family.
It's a pity such a brilliant talent, but with a limited perspective.
This thought flickered through Minato's mind. He smiled and said, "Fugaku, Itachi is undoubtedly a gifted child, but he is still too young."
"Team 7 needs a comrade who can stand alongside them in battle."
Fugaku couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. However, he quickly composed himself.
It didn't matter if Itachi couldn't become Minato's disciple immediately. After all, there would be opportunities in the future.
"That's true. I should have considered that more carefully."
"In that case, Minato, please choose between Uchiha Gen and Shisui."
Minato knew of Uchiha Shisui—his reputation was well-established. Shisui was a rising star on the Kirigakure frontlines and, alongside Gen, was recognized as one of the Uchiha's two brightest prodigies. Shisui had even been called "Shisui of the Body Flicker" due to his unparalleled mastery of the Body Flicker Technique.
Still, Minato was uncertain about Shisui's underlying motivations.
I place more importance on a shinobi's intentions than raw strength, Minato thought.
If Minato hadn't noticed Uchiha Gen's apparent prioritization of family loyalty, he might have chosen Gen outright. They were already acquainted, and it would have minimized the adjustment period for Team 7.
But now, Minato resolved to make his decision after thorough observation.
"Selecting a disciple is a weighty decision," Minato said thoughtfully. "Could you allow me some time to consider it?"
"Of course," Fugaku agreed.
Though he wasn't averse to Minato choosing Shisui, Fugaku secretly favored Uchiha Gen. Their rapport was stronger, and in his view, Gen's strategic mind and maturity gave him an edge.
With the main topic concluded, the two men shared tea and discussed lighter matters.
By the time Uzumaki Kushina, Uchiha Mikoto, and little Itachi returned, it was already late. Minato rose and left with his wife.
…
The next morning, Minato arrived at the Hokage's office.
"Minato, what brings you here?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen, wearing the traditional Hokage hat and white robe over his red combat gear, greeted him kindly, pipe in hand.
"Hokage-sama," Minato said respectfully, recounting the events of the previous night in detail, leaving nothing out.
"Hokage-sama, what kind of person is Uchiha Shisui?"
Uchiha Shisui was the grandson of Uchiha Kagami, one of Hiruzen's former teammates and a loyal disciple of the Second Hokage. Because of Kagami, Hiruzen had always kept an eye on Shisui's development.
Hiruzen had no objections to Minato taking another Uchiha as his disciple. After all, he himself had assigned Kakashi's Team 7, which included an Uchiha, and the divide between the Uchiha and Konoha's leadership hadn't yet deepened at this point—especially since the Nine-Tails attack had not yet occurred.
"Shisui is Kagami's grandson and an Uchiha with a strong Will of Fire," Hiruzen said with a smile. "He is gentle and considerate, standing apart from many Uchiha who tend to be more aloof. Shisui has proven his loyalty to Konoha many times on the battlefield, risking his life without hesitation."
"I believe he has the potential to inherit the Will of Fire. With some guidance, he could become an even greater asset to the village."
"Although Uchiha Gen has also contributed significantly, from what you've told me, he seems to lean too heavily on family loyalty. As a future Hokage, you must be cautious when choosing a disciple. You must select the very best."
Minato considered Hiruzen's words carefully before nodding. "Hokage-sama, I understand."
"Very well. Proceed as you see fit."
After Minato left, he used the Flying Thunder God Technique to return home, where he shared his decision with Kushina.
Later, Kushina visited Uchiha Mikoto and relayed Minato's decision. Uchiha Mikoto, in turn, went to the Konoha Military Police Headquarters to inform Fugaku, who was on duty.
Upon hearing the news, Fugaku was momentarily disappointed. However, he quickly reconciled himself to it. After all, both Gen and Shisui were Uchiha, and in the end, the clan would benefit regardless. He then prepared to summon Uchiha Gen to share the news.
Before he could do so, Uchiha Mikoto, who was just about to return home, offered to deliver the message herself.
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