The next morning, Fugaku Uchiha woke up. He glanced at the beautiful woman beside him, her flawless skin glowing in the soft morning light, and the scent of her fragrance filled the air. He confirmed once again that this wasn't a dream.
Indeed, he had been transported into the body of Fugaku Uchiha, the last leader of the Uchiha clan, now burdened with the responsibility of preventing the clan's impending doom. The Uchiha family, facing internal strife and external threats, would be annihilated within three years if he didn't act. And Fugaku himself would die during that massacre.
The only fortunate aspect of his new life was that he had a beautiful wife, Mikoto Uchiha.
He tossed aside the blanket and started to get dressed.
"Let me help you," Mikoto said gently as she woke up. Her sleepy eyes sparkled as she smiled at him.
She stood and approached, still wearing her thin pajamas, which revealed her perfect figure underneath. Mikoto's long, black hair cascaded down her back as she moved to help him dress, her caring touch both comforting and alluring.
"Thanks," Fugaku said with a rare feeling of happiness. He wasn't used to being cared for in this way, but with a wife like Mikoto, it didn't seem like such a bad start.
The challenges looming over the Uchiha clan were not impossible to handle, he thought. With the knowledge of future events and the abilities of his Mangekyō Sharingan, he was already far more prepared than his predecessor. He had the means to strengthen himself and guide the clan through these troubled times.
After breakfast, Fugaku left the Uchiha compound accompanied by two clan members who acted as his guards, heading toward the police force headquarters. As the captain of the Uchiha Police Force, he didn't usually participate in daily patrols, but he had many security-related documents that required his attention. It was his regular routine to go there each day.
As they walked through the village streets, Fugaku couldn't ignore the cold stares or the hushed conversations around him.
"That's someone from the Uchiha clan."
"Yeah, the infamous ones."
"Careful, don't let them hear you talking like that. They'll get you in trouble."
"What's the worst they can do? They're not going to kill us, right?"
"They wouldn't kill you, but they could lock you up for some trumped-up reason."
"The Uchiha clan can't really be that reckless, can they?"
"You're too naive. My cousin's friend got arrested just for saying something bad about them, and he's still in jail."
Fugaku heard every whisper with his heightened sense of perception. It was obvious that the Uchiha clan had developed a horrible reputation in Konoha.
"What a clever manipulation," he thought bitterly.
The Uchiha clan's arrogance had certainly contributed to their negative image, but it wasn't the only reason. Konoha's higher-ups had worked behind the scenes, spreading false rumors and intentionally creating distrust. Tales of people being unjustly imprisoned by the Uchiha Police Force were part of a broader effort to alienate the clan from the rest of the village.
Fugaku knew that the root of this conflict came from the village's leadership, and he realized that if he wanted to change the Uchiha clan's fate, he would need to deal with those in power who were perpetuating the animosity.
"A coup is not the answer," Fugaku thought to himself. The idea of an all-out rebellion was reckless. If the Uchiha clan tried to overthrow the village leadership, they'd face not just the Leaf Village but every other clan as well. The Uchiha weren't as strong as they had been in the past, during the Warring States Period. They were powerful, but not powerful enough to take on all of Konoha.
"No, a direct coup would lead to destruction. The smart move is to target those at the top in secret—through assassinations or bounties."
His thoughts were interrupted by the sight of three men walking towards him. The one in the center had a strong, imposing presence, his muscular frame exuding the aura of an elite jonin.
"Well, if it isn't Captain Fugaku," the man said with a mocking tone.
Fugaku recognized him immediately. "Ryoma Shimura," he said, his voice cold.
Ryoma Shimura was a key figure in the Shimura family, closely aligned with Danzo Shimura, one of the Uchiha clan's biggest enemies. Ryoma was known for his antagonism towards the Uchiha and had been heavily involved in the political machinations that had oppressed the clan over the years.
"On your way to the police station again? Keeping the peace in the village must be hard work," Ryoma continued, his words dripping with sarcasm.
Fugaku's eyes narrowed. The so-called "peacekeeping" of the Uchiha Police Force had been reduced to managing minor disputes and enforcing trivial laws after their more important responsibilities, like patrols and espionage, had been stripped away by the village council—thanks largely to Danzo Shimura.
"You don't need to concern yourself with me," Fugaku said coldly.
Ryoma chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "Just making sure you're not overworking yourself, Captain Fugaku. It'd be a shame if something happened to you."
Fugaku didn't respond. The Shimura family's concern for him was obviously fake, like a fox wishing a hen a happy New Year. As he continued on his way, his mind raced with thoughts of how to turn the tables on those who had led the Uchiha clan to this dangerous brink of destruction.
(End of Chapter)