Fuma watched the corrupt higher-ups of Konoha with a sense of amusement. In the ninja world, as long as you possess extraordinary power and a healthy mindset, you have a "vast land with great opportunities."
Fuma understood deeply that people's prejudices are like mountains in their hearts, and doing well for oneself is already quite an achievement.
To clear Uchiha's name, one would need to dismantle the Konoha leadership, change the villagers' perceptions, and persuade the clan members—a series of highly challenging tasks.
Trying to save the Uchiha clan in all aspects was as difficult as making Madara Uchiha apologize to Tobirama Senju.
However, the former Uchiha clan leader had already fled, setting a good example for Fuma.
Konoha, a land of outstanding people, birthed many geniuses and heroes, but it also harbored a fair share of lunatics and perverts. In Konoha, you found the most extreme ideological clashes, with all sorts of heroes gathering.
There were those who believed in prophecies and destiny, like Jiraiya, who abandoned everything to roam the ninja world.
There were those who burned themselves out, honing their skills for thirty years just to protect those in front of them, like Might Duy.
There were also those like Orochimaru, who captured fellow village ninjas for cruel experiments and conspired with other villages to kill his master.
On the other hand, there were those like Rin Nohara, who sacrificed herself to protect her comrades, and those like Danzo, who resorted to any means to become Hokage.
There were those like Tobirama Senju, who was willing to sacrifice himself for future generations, and others like Sakumo Hatake, who committed suicide to uphold his beliefs, Hashirama Senju, who dissolved his clan, and Kabuto Yakushi, who started a ninja war.
The complex people and situations made the Will of Fire a creed that could inspire anyone or be a brainwashing tool for the Konoha elite, devouring people whole.
Currently, Konoha's situation was clear. Fuma had no intention of playing by these repulsive rules with a bad hand. Born into the Uchiha clan, he was practically marked for death in the current Konoha.
As someone who knew the history of the ninja world, Fuma had his own plans. There was no need to be a facade for Konoha. What was there to be bound to in Konoha? Apart from the Forbidden Scroll of Seals, there was nothing of value for Fuma.
Fuma calculated his future moves. When these corrupt leaders showed their filthy fangs, he could then gather like-minded allies.
For now, some still harbored unrealistic hopes.
.......
At the Uchiha training ground, Fuma was warmly chatting with Orochimaru, while Minato, Nawaki, and Kushina were sparring in the distance.
Orochimaru looked helpless; although he and Fuma were friends, they weren't that close. However, since Nawaki became Fuma's student, they had more reasons to interact.
When Fuma was still in the Anbu, doing missions to build his foundation, his relationship with Tsunade was ambiguous, and naturally, he had little interaction with Nawaki.
Orochimaru, on the other hand, had long pursued a path of research, working steadily in the village.
Having lost his parents at a young age, Orochimaru, before experiencing the repeated loss of friends and loved ones, still cherished his bonds with his teammates and master.
Due to the dissolution of his clan, Nawaki often found himself alone. His warm nature led him to cling to Orochimaru, and they got along very well.
Orochimaru also treated Nawaki like family. In the original story, Nawaki's death even brought Orochimaru to tears, accelerating his descent into darkness.
Fuma invited Orochimaru today to further protect Nawaki and to build a bridge of communication between them.
Watching the three train, Fuma remarked, "The new generation in the village is gradually growing up."
Orochimaru also showed a rare gentle expression, nodding slightly as he watched the energetic Nawaki.
"Hehe, Fuma-kun, I didn't expect things to go so smoothly between you and Tsunade. Jiraiya must be feeling quite down."
Fuma waved dismissively. Jiraiya wasn't on anyone's radar at the moment. Glancing at Orochimaru's look towards Nawaki, Fuma silently waited for him to speak.
Sure enough, after a short while, Orochimaru spoke up, "Fuma-kun, I hope you can take good care of Nawaki."
Fuma crossed his arms and replied casually, "That's up to you. After all, Nawaki wants to become your student."
Orochimaru looked surprised. "What? You're not planning to continue training him?"
Fuma explained, "Minato is my direct disciple. I'm just looking after Nawaki as his brother-in-law for a while."
Nawaki's greatest potential came from his direct descent from Hashirama Senju. To unlock that potential, Orochimaru was the best candidate.
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes. "That doesn't seem to follow Konoha's rules."
In Konoha, the first mentor of a Genin was usually seen as their lifelong teacher.
Fuma chuckled. "Oh, do you really care about the rules, Orochimaru? This is for Nawaki's own good. Switching teams isn't unheard of in Konoha, and he's very eager."
Fuma beckoned Nawaki over. The boy ran over, greeting Fuma formally and then cheerfully greeting Orochimaru.
Fuma raised an eyebrow, signaling to Orochimaru, who responded with a satisfied smile at Nawaki's reaction.
"Nawaki, Orochimaru wants to take you as his disciple. Are you interested?" Fuma asked directly, knowing this straightforward approach was best for someone as enthusiastic as Nawaki.
"Of course I am! Orochimaru-sensei and I are the best of friends!" Nawaki exclaimed.
Fuma twitched at the similarity to Naruto's spirit. Nawaki then looked at Fuma, feeling a bit uneasy. He had grown fond of his brother-in-law who cared for him.
"Why are you looking at me? Orochimaru and I are also friends. Although you're excellent, I can't monopolize you."
Nawaki then looked at Orochimaru, surprised at his desirability. Orochimaru, showing a rare affectionate expression, nodded gently.
Watching the two walk off and chat, Fuma nodded in satisfaction. Now, he just had to wait for the Konoha higher-ups to act.
Orochimaru would naturally develop similar thoughts, and they could discuss leaving the village to start something new.
Fuma walked over to Minato and Kushina to check on his disciple's progress. It was time to prepare for the upcoming war.
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