After returning to the residence, Reiki noticed that Tsunade had already retired for the night. Not wanting to disturb her, he decided to take some action alone.
"Lord Morishita," Reiki called softly. Morishita, ever vigilant, appeared almost instantly.
"I'm planning to head to the Uchiha compound. I need to speak with them privately, without drawing attention. Any suggestions?" Reiki asked, his voice tinged with seriousness.
Morishita, though slightly hesitant, nodded. "Reiki, the timing isn't ideal. The Uchiha have been under unusual scrutiny recently. Between ANBU and Root missions, they're constantly watched. The tension is building, and the Third Hokage is keeping a close eye on them."
Reiki understood the gravity of his request. Uchiha had been facing increasingly difficult times, seemingly entrapped in a web of politics. "I understand the risks, but I have questions only they can answer, and I believe I can do some good here."
Morishita gave Reiki a long look before relenting. He released a shadow clone that used the transformation technique to resemble Reiki. "I'll leave this clone here as a decoy. Follow me."
The two swiftly made their way to the Uchiha compound, arriving at the quiet courtyard of Uchiha Fugaku, the clan's heir apparent and deputy head of the Konoha Security Department. Morishita gestured toward a lighted room nearby, then vanished into the shadows.
Before Reiki could approach the room, Fugaku himself emerged, his sharingan eyes keenly watching. "Reiki? To what do I owe the pleasure of a late-night visit?"
"Lord Fugaku, I came with some questions and, perhaps, information of value," Reiki replied evenly. "But this may not be the best place to talk. Could we go somewhere more private?"
Fugaku nodded, a slight smile softening his otherwise serious expression. "Very well, let's go to my study."
Inside, Reiki wasted no time. "Lord Fugaku, have there been recent joint missions with ANBU or the Root Organization involving large-scale operations? Specifically, ones that might put the Uchiha under close scrutiny?"
Fugaku's brows furrowed slightly. "We've been called on for some investigations into spies and traitors, yes. It's not unusual; this is part of our duty in the Security Department. Why do you ask?"
"Yesterday, I was at the Interrogation Department treating some survivors. Their injuries were strange, too severe to have been inflicted by others," Reiki said. "It's as if they'd done this to themselves, or had help from someone who wanted them silenced."
Fugaku's expression darkened. "I don't understand what you're suggesting. Even if their injuries were suspicious, it's the job of the Interrogation Department to ensure they're secure."
"Here's where it gets interesting," Reiki continued, voice steady. "The Security Department, ANBU, and Root are the main forces capable of handling this kind of operation. If one of those injured mentions seeing the Sharingan…"
Fugaku's eyes narrowed as he absorbed the implications. "You're saying they might try to frame us? But we haven't had anything to do with these attacks!"
Reiki's silence spoke volumes, prompting Fugaku to reconsider.
After a pause, Reiki continued, "The pattern here seems deliberate. Someone's orchestrating these injuries to make it appear as if the Uchiha are involved in silencing prisoners. Think about it—who stands to gain if you're implicated in these attacks?"
Fugaku clenched his fists, the gravity of Reiki's words settling in. "If what you're saying is true, then we're being set up, targeted from within. But why bring this to me, Reiki? Surely there's more to this than simply informing me."
Reiki met Fugaku's intense gaze. "My purpose is simple: to prevent Konoha from tearing itself apart from the inside. Our village is weakening, and these internal divisions are causing more harm than any external threat."
Fugaku was taken aback. He hadn't expected such mature insight from someone so young. The urgency and sincerity in Reiki's words resonated with him. This wasn't the naive talk of a child, but rather the concern of someone who cared deeply for the future of Konoha.
Reiki took a deep breath, lowering his voice. "If Uchiha is constantly vilified and provoked, there'll come a breaking point. The village could fall apart. And Konoha, as we know it, may cease to exist."
Fugaku's face softened as he processed Reiki's words. "You may be young, but you understand more than most about the balance we're trying to keep. If what you're saying is true, I can't let this continue unchecked. But how can we protect ourselves without further deepening suspicions against us?"
Reiki looked at Fugaku intently. "You need allies, people who know your truth, people who will vouch for you if things go wrong. Let's gather the evidence needed to prove your innocence, quietly. I can help from the sidelines."
Fugaku nodded solemnly. "You've given me a lot to think about, Reiki. I may need your help, but we'll proceed carefully. We both have our reasons for keeping Konoha strong."
Satisfied, Reiki stood up. "If there's anything more I can do, you know where to find me. I'll do whatever it takes to keep our village safe."
As Reiki left, Fugaku watched him with renewed respect. A young medical ninja, seemingly beyond his years, had taken it upon himself to try to unite Konoha and prevent the Uchiha's potential downfall.
Back in the shadows, Morishita waited silently. Once Reiki was ready, the two vanished, leaving the compound as quietly as they had arrived. The wheels of a new alliance had been set in motion, but only time would tell if it would be enough to save the Uchiha—or the village—from the looming threats ahead.