"If I must name one clan, it can only be that one."
"The Senju Clan."
"Senju?"
Lost in thought, Itachi removed his sandals, leaving the indigo uniform package in the entryway's shadow. As he passed down the corridor, the sliding door of the inner hall parted soundlessly, spilling dim light onto Uchiha Fugaku's figure.
"You're back?" Fugaku's voice rang in the quiet mansion, less stern than usual clan head formality, tinged with a father's gentleness.
"Yes, Father." Itachi paused.
Fugaku's gaze settled on the package. "Did you purchase something?"
"A gift from Senpai." Itachi lifted the bag and offered it.
Fugaku examined the cloth through the paper, weighing its heft. "Ah, that must have cost a pretty penny." He looked up. "Only one for you?"
"Anko-senpai received one as well."
"I see." Fugaku returned the package with smooth motion. "A captain's gift should be accepted graciously." He paused. "I will arrange a return gift later."
"Father?" Itachi queried.
"Yes?"
"The Senju Clan," Itachi looked his father in the eye, "that clan once equal to ours—where did they go? There is no Senju district on the village map."
Fugaku's remaining softness vanished, replaced by solemn gravity. After a moment's silence, he spoke: "They—the Senju—dissolved themselves outside all clan territories."
Itachi's pupils narrowed.
Fugaku continued: "That clan formally disbanded in Hashirama-sama's era, so no 'Senju district' appears on planning charts. Yet every outstanding ninja not from a major clan may carry Senju blood." He hesitated, voice deepening: "Even Tobirama-sama's former aides—like Mitsu and Mito—might be kin…"
"Do you mean the Senju never truly disbanded?" Itachi's voice was barely above a whisper.
Fugaku shook his head slowly: "The dissolution was real—Hashirama-sama and Tobirama-sama themselves led it, witnessed by every clan, decades ago." He shifted tone: "But after Tobirama-sama's passing, one very respected survivor remained among the Senju. Thus… an invisible, enduring bond persisted."
"Lady Tsunade?" Itachi ventured.
"No," Fugaku denied with finality. "Tsunade-sama has long left the village." He drew a deep breath, eyes distant: "It was Lady Momoka."
Momoka…
That name rippled through Itachi's mind. He recalled his father's casual inquiry to Senpai Shuji: "I hear you've been raised at the old estate by Lady Momoka?"
Everything clicked into place.
"That Senpai…" Itachi's voice carried a note of confirmation.
"If all goes as expected," Fugaku's gaze, weighty as iron, settled upon Itachi, "after Lady Momoka, the one who maintained that bond and influence… should be your captain."
The hall's air seemed to congeal, the lamp's wick crackling softly. Fugaku leaned forward, his voice low and powerful:
"Itachi, this is an opportunity for the Uchiha."
Chapters in advance there: patreon.com/Thaniel_a_goodchild