Uchiha Fugaku's gaze bore into the White Zetsu before him, a surge of frustration welling within him. Damn it, didn't he have the urge to take action? Fugaku certainly did. After all, who wasn't aware of the despicable nature of those from Grass Village?
Yet, this particular individual... After presenting his so-called gift and snapping a few photographs, he had the audacity to issue a thinly veiled threat. If Fugaku dared to retaliate, news of the Uchiha clan head accepting gifts from Grass Village would spread like wildfire across the ninja world by the next day.
While such transparent attempts at sowing discord might prove futile for others, they posed a significant threat to the already fragile reputation of the Uchiha clan. For other ninjas, it might simply be a matter of conducting a cursory investigation and moving on, but for the Uchiha, this would only serve to exacerbate tensions. Even if investigations ultimately cleared their name, the damage would already be done.
To make matters worse, even after the interview concluded, the White Zetsu lingered, citing some nonsensical excuse about real-time reporting. Though seemingly inconsequential, such prolonged presence only served to heighten Fugaku's unease. Of course, as long as this guy kept a low profile, these issues might not escalate into anything more significant.
However, what troubled him even more was the direction of the interview. Questions like, "How do you perceive Konoha's leadership as the head of the Uchiha clan?" were met with stoic silence from Fugaku. After all, who in this day and age didn't recognize the untrustworthiness of Shinobi Times reporters?
Yet, to his dismay, the journalist appeared to glean some insight from his silence. With an air of understanding, the reporter turned to the camera and remarked, "In the face of questioning, the Uchiha clan head maintains a conspicuous silence. However, his expression speaks volumes, revealing an undercurrent of grievances and discontentment towards Konoha. While unable to voice his concerns directly due to his position, his countenance speaks volumes."
The audacity of this assumption left Uchiha Fugaku fuming inwardly. Despite his silence, his thoughts and feelings were now being misconstrued. Uchiha Fugaku struggled to contain his chakra, his urge to throttle the journalist nearly overwhelming. What kind of interview was this? It was utter nonsense. Did this individual even comprehend that, as the head of the Uchiha clan, Fugaku maintained a perpetually inscrutable expression? Such baseless conjecture was beyond infuriating.
Yet, amidst the frustration, there was a kernel of truth in the journalist's words. Konoha's deep-seated distrust of the Uchiha clan, coupled with the brewing sentiments of rebellion within certain factions, weighed heavily on Fugaku's mind. As the clan's leader, he bore the weight of these concerns with a heavy heart.
Contemplating the precipitous decline of the once-prestigious Uchiha clan, Fugaku's eyes flickered with a mixture of defiance and apprehension. Could their once-proud lineage truly be reduced to such a precarious state?
"Hey, you can't behave in this manner!" The journalist White Zetsu interjected once more, adopting a plaintive tone. "Consider this: I've invested a significant portion of my salary to procure a gift for your young son—the highly coveted Flame Dragon Armor, no less. Yet, you remain silent. How do you expect me to advance in my career and secure a raise?"
Uchiha Fugaku's composure returned, meeting White Zetsu's gaze with a steady resolve. "I will not betray Konoha."
"Betrayal?" White Zetsu's expression brightened as if recalling past discussions with Mubuki during their private training sessions. With a smile, he continued, "Think about the Uchiha clan's unwavering loyalty to Konoha for over fifty years since its inception. Through turmoil and conflict, you guys have stood as guardians of the village. Even amidst discrimination during times of war, you, as the clan head, set aside personal grievances to serve on the battlefield. And to this day, you willingly offer up your most skilled clan members, including your own son, to the service of the village."
With an insidious undertone, he pressed on, "But let's set that aside for now. Can we honestly claim that Konoha bears no responsibility in this matter?"
However, Uchiha Fugaku arched an eyebrow in response, maintaining his steadfast silence.
Observing Fugaku's unyielding demeanor, White Zetsu, the journalist, felt a surge of satisfaction wash over him. Indeed, this technique was truly remarkable, its efficacy undeniable. Had Black Zetsu possessed such a technique in the past, perhaps Uchiha Madara would have succumbed to his influence long ago, rather than lingering in the academy like he is now.
Capitalizing on the moment, White Zetsu activated the lights and camera, seizing the opportunity to press on. "Consider the welfare of your young son, your wife, and your fellow clan members. Contemplate the sacrifices made for Konoha by the Fourth Hokage, as well as the plight of the orphan he left behind. Have you forgotten how he was mistreated? Do you wish for your family to endure such indignities? Do you desire your son to suffer at the hands of the village? Or will you stand idly by as the thousand-year legacy of the Uchiha clan is forcibly seized by Konoha? Speak up! Voice any injustices weighing on your heart! Trust in us, the Shinobi Times—we will ensure justice is served!"
However, as these words echoed in the room, Uchiha Fugaku, who had remained silent until now, snapped back to attention, regarding the Shinobi Times journalist before him with a wary gaze. Trust the Shinobi Times? What credibility did they hold? Their reputation as unscrupulous opportunists was widely known among ninjas from all five major villages.
Undeterred, the journalist White Zetsu persisted, steering the conversation towards the treatment of the Fourth Hokage's son in Konoha compared to Grass Village. "Consider the contrasting treatment of the Fourth Hokage's son between Konoha and Grass Village," he pressed, brandishing a document. "Grass Village is actively recruiting talent... Would you care to take a look?"
Fugaku's skepticism deepened at the unexpected mention of a talent recruitment plan. Why was a journalist involving himself in such matters? He was well-acquainted with these schemes, having dealt with them extensively over the years.
"As the head of the Uchiha clan, I will never betray Konoha!" Fugaku declared firmly. Yet, before he could finish his sentence, a Uchiha clan member burst into the room. Sensing something, White Zetsu also swiftly retreated underground.
Before Uchiha Fugaku could react, a Uchiha clan member rushed into the room with urgency etched on his face. "Fugaku-sama, something terrible is unfolding!"
Fugaku regarded the clan member with a composed demeanor, quickly adjusting his mindset. "What's happening? Are they here to inspect fire safety again?"
"No, it's much worse!" The clan member's voice trembled with anger as he relayed the news."Uchiha Shisui has donated all of his family's assets, and even the Young Lord is calling for us to do the same for the village's sake. The entire clan is in an uproar over this."
The revelation left Fugaku stunned. Without another word, he rose swiftly from his seat, his countenance dark with concern, and hastened out of the room.
Meanwhile, the concealed White Zetsu journalist overheard the commotion and trembled with excitement. "This is really huge! Make sure to pass the news. My time spent lurking here wasn't in vain. It seems this year's best headline award belongs to us."
…
Meanwhile, in the Grass Village, Akihiko remained blissfully unaware of the unfolding events in Konoha.
Upon hearing Kushina's desire to seek employment to support her family, Akihiko contemplated for a moment before agreeing, arranging for her to work within the academy. It dawned on him that Kushina, once a highly skilled ninja, possessed the necessary expertise to excel in teaching. Despite her status as a Jinchūriki restricting her from undertaking missions, instructing the village's youth seemed like a fitting role. Furthermore, he harbored the belief that Naruto would be spurred to apply himself more diligently with his mother working as an educator in the academy. However, little did Akihiko anticipate...
"What?" Akihiko's brow furrowed in confusion as Mubuki rushed over once more. "The Uchiha clan has made a substantial donation?"