Konoha's Root Headquarters.
In a dark and dimly lit chamber, a pair of sinister and bright eyes examined the scroll of intelligence in hand. After a prolonged silence, a hoarse and disdainful laughter reverberated through the quiet room.
"Hehe, Hiruzen, you've lucked out this time. While the external troubles of Konoha are gradually stabilizing, the Uchiha within the village pose a significant problem."
Speaking to himself, Danzo Shimura mentioned the Uchiha clan with a flicker of malice in his eyes. He would never allow such a formidable force that could threaten Konoha to exist within the village.
The Uchiha were exceedingly powerful!
"Orochimaru, I hope you understand that the Uchiha and Hyuga must not be allowed to grow too powerful during this period of tranquility."
Danzo smirked, his heart filled with apprehension toward these two prominent clans.
The Uchiha and Hyuga were the two major clans of Konoha, possessing immense power and being bloodline clans. A bloodline ninja with equal strength could defeat two ninjas of the same level and emerge victorious.
In the original anime, the Elder Chiyo of Sunagakure, the Village Hidden in the Sand, solemnly stated that when facing the Sharingan, one should flee if it's a one-on-one encounter, and strike the back if it's two against one.
It's crucial to understand that Chiyo, the elder of Sunagakure, was on par with the Third Hokage and had experienced countless battles. This statement highlights the power of bloodline ninjas, especially the Uchiha clan, known as the foremost noble clan in the ninja world.
Even an elite Jonin who activates the Sharingan can effortlessly defeat an ordinary elite Jonin, and facing two elite Jonin of equal strength alone is genuinely terrifying.
It wouldn't matter if they were Genin or Chunin, as any major ninja village can train them given enough resources. However, a Jonin is the backbone of every village and not easily expendable.
Uchiha Clan Territory.
The Uchiha Clan's newly relocated territory, several times larger than before, was now surrounded by ancient forests, dense and towering, effectively isolating the Uchiha.
Inside a house emanating an imposing aura, the cries of a baby could be heard.
"Greetings, Clan Head. Greetings, Clan Head's wife."
In the living room, Uchiha Yoru respectfully bowed to Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Mikoto, who were currently preparing tea for them.
"Hehe, Yoru-kun, you're too polite."
Uchiha Mikoto smiled and nodded, pouring tea for both of them. Apologetically, she looked at them and said, "I apologize, but our son, Sasuke, is still young and a bit noisy."
At this moment, Uchiha Mikoto, with the appearance of a homely housewife, explained the faint sound of a crying child coming from the house. Uchiha Fugaku, the Clan Head, smiled in response.
"Hehe, according to the hierarchy in the clan genealogy, you should call Mikoto 'sister-in-law.'"
Uchiha Fugaku, who was typically stern, rarely made jokes and smiled. Witnessing this scene, Mikoto's eyes flickered with surprise, while Yoru couldn't help but smile upon hearing this.
"Sister-in-law, Clan Head."
Uchiha Fugaku naturally intended to win over Yoru. He wouldn't refuse such a favor, and hearing those words filled Uchiha Yoru with excitement and emotion.
Finally! He had finally entered the center of power within the clan.
Engaging in politics as a ninja? To participate in politics, just like in his previous life, he needed the strength to back it up.
The difference in this ninja world was that personal strength was paramount. Without the strength of a Jonin, one couldn't even participate.
Uchiha Yoru understood the reason behind this treatment. One was his Sharingan, and at the age of fifteen, he was already a confirmed elite Chunin. With the advancement of his bloodline, becoming a Jonin in the future would be no problem.
For ordinary ninjas, the journey from elite Chunin to Jonin was long and arduous. Even becoming a Special Jonin required extensive training, sometimes taking a lifetime to achieve. Just look at Kurenai Yuhi and Mitarashi Anko. They became Chunin at the ages of thirteen and twelve, respectively, but it took another twelve years of training for them to become Jonin.
However, for bloodline ninjas, at this crucial moment, the awakening or advancement of their bloodline would lead to comprehensive improvement. That's the difference.
While others needed over a decade of training, the awakening or promotion of the Sharingan would shorten that time for the Uchiha.
"Hehe, Yoru-kun, your talent is impressive. In the future, Itachi hopes to rely on you."
When the situation became dire, Uchiha Fugaku's smile revealed his true intention. So, the relationship on the family tree is that of an elder brother and sister-in-law? It had been countless generations, who knows how many, why not just call them ancestors?
Nevertheless, Uchiha Yoru humbly responded to these words, wearing a modest smile. "How could I dare to have any objections if the clan leader doesn't mind."
Observing the modest and smooth young man before him, Uchiha Fugaku couldn't help but show a satisfied smile and nodded approvingly. No wonder he managed to gain trust and get close to Orochimaru.
Both sides had entered into a mutually beneficial exchange. The title of "sister-in-law" indicated that Uchiha Yoru had become part of the clan leader's faction. He now had a support system within the clan. The price for this exchange was taking on apprentices.
Just like the relationship between Hiruzen Sarutobi, Jiraiya, and Minato.
Now that Uchiha Yoru was Orochimaru's disciple, what if Uchiha Itachi also became Uchiha Yoru's apprentice?
Hehe, since Uchiha Itachi didn't have the fate to become Orochimaru's disciple, it wouldn't be a bad idea for him to become a grand disciple instead. In doing so, they would both carry the mark of the Hokage lineage.
Uchiha Fugaku's face displayed a smile of contentment and admiration toward the young man before him, who handled things so smoothly. Similarly, Uchiha Yoru felt a secret relief.
It was like wanting to sleep and finally getting a pillow. He had been worried about his identity after Orochimaru defected. Although it wouldn't be entirely cleared up, it would undoubtedly cause complications.
But with Uchiha Itachi, it would be different. He didn't care about Konoha, but he wanted his position within the Uchiha clan to remain unaffected.
Uchiha Itachi becoming his disciple meant that he would be playing the Orochimaru faction card.
Suddenly, the two foxes, one big and one small, both revealed smiles, thinking that they had gained an advantage. One used their authority to pave the way for their son, while the other used their foresight to pave the way for themselves.
"Hehe, I'll go call Itachi right away."
On the side, Uchiha Mikoto, who was gentle and kind, smiled upon hearing these words. She nodded and spoke with a smile to the two men.
As Uchiha Mikoto turned and left, Uchiha Yoru, who had been smiling and lowering his head, had a momentary flash of shrewdness in his eyes.
Uchiha Mikoto, the daughter of Elder Setsuna, may seem like a gentle housewife, but one must remember Elder Setsuna's hawkish figure. And this sister-in-law is no ordinary person. Before getting married and having children, she was an elite shinobi in the clan! She was even a top-level Jonin with the Three Tomoe Sharingan.