Sasuke's Father and Mother
Shisui Uchiha activated his Body Flicker Technique, darting through the streets with remarkable speed. As he trailed the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, he noticed that he was almost surpassing the Hokage in pace.
Realizing this, Shisui deliberately slowed down, keeping in formation with the ANBU beside him. He refrained from any sudden movements to avoid alarming Hiruzen or giving off any aggressive intent.
Before long, Hiruzen, Shisui, and their escort arrived at the outskirts of the Uchiha district.
In a concealed alley nearby, Moonlight Hayate and Uzuki Yugao—ANBU operatives tasked with monitoring Naruto Uzumaki—waited anxiously for orders.
If anything were to happen to the Jinchūriki within the Uchiha district, the consequences would fall heavily on them. Not only would they be held accountable, but their chances of being promoted to Special Jōnin would diminish significantly.
Impatiently, Hayate muttered, "Naruto's usually reclusive. He never wanders around without reason. I don't know what got into him today, but of all places, he decided to go to the Uchiha district? I wonder who influenced him… He's really stirring up trouble."
Unbeknownst to Hayate, his complaint was overheard by the Third Hokage. Hiruzen's expression shifted subtly as he listened.
He was, after all, Naruto's guardian. If anyone had the greatest influence on the boy, it was him…
Uzuki Yugao suddenly tensed and signaled with her eyes, prompting Hayate to turn around. Upon realizing the Hokage had arrived, Hayate quickly composed himself and bowed respectfully.
"Sandaime-sama, you're finally here. I was about to report the current situation to you…"
After listening to their account, the Third Hokage's tense expression softened.
So, this wasn't a matter of the Uchiha clan attempting anything suspicious. It was merely a simple invitation between children. Perhaps he had been overthinking the situation. Naruto, despite his usual aloofness, had accepted Sasuke Uchiha's invitation.
After all, it still came back to his role as Hokage… Hiruzen sighed inwardly.
Just then, a gust of wind carried the sound of multiple footsteps, and in an instant, more than twenty ANBU operatives materialized in the area. These were Hiruzen's personal subordinates, ready for action.
Gazing at his elite force, the Third Hokage contemplated whether he should enter the Uchiha district himself and bring Naruto back.
After careful deliberation, he dismissed the idea.
From what he observed, Naruto had not fallen under the influence of the Sharingan's Genjutsu, and the Uchiha Police Force showed no signs of rebellion. A sudden intrusion could unnecessarily escalate tensions between the village and the Uchiha.
To put it simply, if there was indeed evidence of a coup within the Uchiha district, barging in recklessly would be counterproductive.
On the other hand, Naruto visiting Sasuke's home as a guest could be an opportunity—to gauge Uchiha Fugaku's attitude toward the village. It might even serve as a bridge for communication between both sides.
The only regret was that he hadn't prepared Naruto for this, nor had he given the boy any specific topics to discuss with Fugaku.
With this in mind, the Third Hokage gestured to his subordinates to lower their guard. He turned to Shisui and, with a faint smile, said, "Shisui, let's leave this to the children. There's no need for us to interfere."
Wiping the sweat from his brow, Shisui nodded in agreement.
---
Within the Uchiha District
As more members of the Uchiha clan took notice of Naruto's presence alongside Sasuke, curious and skeptical gazes followed them.
Why was the clan leader's second son mingling with the demon fox?
Among the higher-ranked Uchiha, some frowned in concern, speculating if this was part of Fugaku's plan. They were well aware of Naruto's true identity—he was the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki.
And in the hands of the right person, a Jinchūriki was a powerful weapon—one that could shift the balance of power.
Despite the growing attention, Naruto and Sasuke paid little mind.
However, deep within Naruto's psyche, Kurama, the Nine-Tails, growled in irritation.
"Naruto, what is this place? Why are there Sharingan everywhere? I don't like it here."
Naruto chuckled. "This is the Uchiha district. Of course, there are Sharingan everywhere."
After a moment of thought, he added, "But normal Sharingan shouldn't be able to control us. I read that tailed beasts can help their Jinchūriki dispel Genjutsu."
Kurama scoffed. "Obviously, regular Sharingan won't work on me, but they still make me sick. It's like—would you go to a toilet and start eating?"
Naruto cringed at the strange comparison.
Kurama then questioned, "Why did you come here, anyway? Lately, you've been hanging around that Uchiha kid a lot, and now you're in their district."
Naruto, unconcerned, answered, "Didn't I tell you before? I want to show you the world outside."
Kurama narrowed his eyes. "And how does that involve the Uchiha?"
Naruto smirked. "Because as a Jinchūriki, I can't just leave Konoha without raising suspicion. Even if I tried sneaking out, the old man would notice. So, I need a distraction."
Kurama's ears twitched. "You're using the Uchiha as a diversion?"
"Exactly," Naruto confirmed. "People in the village don't just hate me—they also hate the Uchiha Police Force for how they enforce the law. Given how tense things are between them and the Third Hokage, a conflict is inevitable. Right before that happens is the perfect time for us to slip away."
Kurama fell silent, staring at Naruto for a long moment.
It had always wanted Naruto to abandon the village, but the fact that the boy had already been formulating a plan caught Kurama off guard.
As Kurama processed this, Sasuke led Naruto into his home.
Before stepping inside, Naruto whispered, "Hey, Kurama, if anyone tries putting me under Genjutsu, make sure to snap me out of it."
Kurama scoffed. "Yeah, yeah, I got it, brat. Just don't bother me too much."
Despite its grumbling, the Nine-Tails felt increasingly amused by Naruto's cunning.
---
At Sasuke's Home
Sasuke's house was significantly larger than Naruto's small apartment—more akin to a traditional manor with a spacious yard, a rock garden, and even a decorative pond with a small pavilion.
As Sasuke called out, "I'm home," Naruto was met with the sight of Sasuke's parents.
Uchiha Fugaku, the clan leader, stood tall with an air of strict authority. He was the head of the Uchiha Police Force and had once planned a coup against Konoha—only to be betrayed and ultimately killed by his eldest son, Itachi.
Beside him stood Sasuke's mother, Uchiha Mikoto. Unlike her stern husband, she radiated warmth and kindness.
Upon seeing the boys, Mikoto smiled. "You must be Naruto, Sasuke's friend from the Academy. Sasuke talks about you often. Welcome."
Sasuke, slightly embarrassed, muttered under his breath, "She always says that, but I barely talk about school…"
Naruto ignored him and cheerfully replied, "Sasuke always tells me about his parents! He says his father may be strict, but he really cares about him. And that his mother is the best in the world."
Hearing this, Sasuke's face turned red, and he was momentarily speechless.
Mikoto chuckled, while Fugaku simply observed Naruto in silence.
The meeting had begun.
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