Is the Public Security in the Village So Bad?
Sitting on the sofa, Naruto looked at an embarrassed Sasuke and tried not to laugh.
All he did was repeat what Sasuke had said, yet Sasuke nearly buried his head into the cushions out of sheer humiliation. This was far more entertaining than defeating him in a sparring match.
The gap in their strength was too large—any competition between them ended in a one-sided defeat for Sasuke. If Sasuke wanted to catch up in a short period, he would have to awaken his three-tomoe Sharingan and seek the guidance of Orochimaru, one of the Legendary Sannin.
Sasuke sat stiffly on the sofa, his expression cold as he withdrew into himself. He regretted inviting Naruto over but, deep down, he couldn't help but anticipate his brother Itachi's return. He wanted to introduce Naruto to him, curious to see their interaction.
"The kids are really energetic."
From the kitchen, Uchiha Mikoto glanced at the two boys in the living room, gauging how much food to prepare.
As Kushina's best friend, she knew her preferences well. But Kushina's son? That was another matter entirely. Should she ask Naruto directly, or simply prepare a meal based on what Minato and Kushina liked?
Meanwhile, Uchiha Fugaku, concealed in his study, was lost in thought. He hadn't expected the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki to actually step foot inside the Uchiha compound.
From the moment he saw Naruto, countless scenarios ran through his mind.
Should he rally the clan's jōnin to control the jinchūriki, harnessing the Nine-Tails' power to force Konoha's higher-ups into submission? If they succeeded, perhaps the Uchiha Police Force could finally claim the authority it deserved.
But what if it was a trap? What if the Third Hokage had allowed Naruto to enter the Uchiha compound, baiting them into action? On the surface, it seemed like an opportunity for the Uchiha to seize power, but in reality, it could be a ploy to force their hand—giving the village an excuse to suppress them even further.
Worse still, ANBU and ROOT operatives could already be positioned outside the compound, waiting for the slightest provocation.
At that moment, Fugaku heard movement beyond the garden wall. He flickered behind the rockery, where he found several Uchiha from the radical faction.
Upon seeing him, one of them smirked.
"Captain Fugaku, have you finally decided to act against the village?"
Fugaku frowned. "What are you doing here? It's far too early for an uprising. Leave now, before you cause unnecessary trouble."
One of the radicals raised an eyebrow. "But didn't you personally bring the jinchūriki into Uchiha territory? Isn't that already an act of defiance?"
Fugaku's expression darkened. He let out a weary sigh.
"Sasuke and the jinchūriki became friends at the Academy. This is nothing more than a child inviting his friend over. There is no scheme at play. If there were, I would have informed you in advance."
The radicals exchanged looks, unimpressed. They had been waiting for the moment to strike for so long—only to realize this was nothing more than a child's visit.
Then, one of them hesitated before speaking.
"Captain Fugaku, one of our younger members has already approached the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki. He might not be… rational about this."
Fugaku's expression stiffened. Without another word, he activated the Body Flicker Technique and disappeared.
Meanwhile, in the Living Room…
Naruto, bored out of his mind, was curiously looking around. His gaze wandered over the traditional decorations, then to the serene garden outside—only to lock eyes with a pair of single-tomoe Sharingan.
"Genjutsu: Sharingan!"
Naruto immediately recognized the sensation of being trapped in the Uchiha's illusion. His chakra flow and five senses fluctuated slightly, but to him, it felt no more than a gentle breeze brushing his face—noticeable, yet insignificant.
Was this the power of a one-tomoe Sharingan?
Did the Uchiha really lack this much patience? Were they already trying to manipulate him in an attempt to challenge the Third Hokage?
Instead of fear, Naruto felt… anticipation.
Just as he was about to fully experience the genjutsu's effects, the Nine-Tails stirred within his sealed subconscious. A wave of malice erupted from its chakra, carrying an overwhelming surge of hatred.
The moment this negativity flooded outward, the attacking Uchiha's body stiffened. His Sharingan spun wildly before his face twisted in agony.
Then, he collapsed.
A deep, smug voice echoed in Naruto's mind.
"Naruto, at this level, I don't even need to interfere. Just standing still is enough. No fool with a single-tomoe Sharingan can shake your chakra—not after all the conditioning I've put you through."
Naruto, however, was more interested in something else.
"Hey, Kurama… that guy who just tried to put me under genjutsu—what happened to him?"
The Nine-Tails snorted.
"I dunno. I can't kill someone just by staring at them. But his chakra network is scrambled. He'll be unconscious for days. If he ever tries using ninjutsu again, well… let's just say it depends on his luck."
In other words, his shinobi career was effectively over.
Naruto sighed—not out of pity, but because it gave him a deeper understanding of the Nine-Tails' power. Even though the Sharingan was meant to counteract tailed beasts, a mere genin-level Uchiha had been completely overwhelmed.
Dinner Time
At that moment, Mikoto walked into the living room, carrying a tray of freshly prepared dishes.
"Sasuke, little Naruto, dinner is ready. Go wash your hands."
Naruto jumped up and headed toward the kitchen, eager to observe how Sasuke's mother cooked.
Meanwhile, Fugaku arrived at the front yard.
Seeing the unconscious Uchiha lying on the ground, he silently crouched down and checked his pulse. After a brief inspection, his eyes darkened.
The backlash of genjutsu wasn't uncommon, but for an Uchiha to suffer from it? That was extraordinarily rare.
What had caused it?
Was it the Nine-Tails' malice? The jinchūriki's natural resistance? Or was it some hidden mechanism within the Fourth Hokage's sealing jutsu?
Unable to determine a clear answer, Fugaku sighed. One thing was certain—controlling Naruto was no simple matter. This entire situation felt like a carefully laid trap by Konoha's leadership. And he had nearly walked into it.
Handing the unconscious Uchiha to the radicals, Fugaku spoke with authority.
"This was a mistake. A trap from the higher-ups. Don't take any further action."
Without waiting for a response, he flickered away, returning to the dining table as if nothing had happened.
At the Dinner Table
As they settled in for the meal, Naruto glanced at Mikoto and curiously asked:
"Aunt Mikoto, I just saw someone climbing over the wall. Do you guys have a thief problem?"
Mikoto blinked in confusion. "A thief?"
Fugaku, who had just picked up his chopsticks, coughed slightly before forcing a smile.
"There was a… minor incident. But I handled it. The thief has been sent to the Konoha Police Force."
Naruto frowned.
"But Uncle Fugaku, Sasuke told me you're the captain of the Police Force. And thieves still dare to break into your house? When did public security in the village get this bad?"
Fugaku's hand twitched slightly.
"…Public security has been a bit unstable lately. I'll deal with it tomorrow."
Naruto nodded, satisfied. Meanwhile, Sasuke quietly sighed, already regretting his decision to invite Naruto over.
Visit patreon.com/Akeyno to get 30+ chapters