"For the glory of the Uchiha clan!"
Shrou's resolute voice echoed within the Naka Shrine.
Fugaku felt a mix of awkwardness and secret relief. Though this mission was for the clan's benefit, it still clashed with his pride as a Uchiha.
"Fugaku, look at Shirou. In the future, the clan will rely on people like him," said the clan head, glancing at his son. Fugaku, who was usually a source of great pride, saw a rare hint of disappointment in his father's gaze.
Fugaku steeled himself, speaking in a deep, serious tone: "The clan will never forget Shirou's contributions!"
As Fugaku looked at Shirou, he couldn't help feeling a trace of embarrassment, but also relief. For once, he was grateful for his own more mature appearance.
It wasn't that Fugaku hadn't put in effort; he simply didn't have Shirou's natural advantages in this regard.
Shirou wore a pure white kimono with black pants, his chest slightly exposed to reveal muscular contours. Dark arm guards covered his forearms and extended to his hands, with a black belt at his waist and a ninja sword slung across his back. His chiseled, handsome face and tall, straight posture gave him a heroic air, bearing a striking resemblance to Sasuke during his time with Orochimaru.
This entire outfit had been chosen by Mikoto, including the new clothes he wore to meet the elders. Even Mikoto felt she might have unwittingly made a mistake.
Seeing Shirou's determined expression and his striking appearance, Elder Setsuna couldn't help but nod in admiration.
"Shirou, this is the best opportunity for the clan. The Third Hokage's actions over the past two decades have stirred dissatisfaction among the major clans. Otherwise, why would the Senju clan have ensured the next Nine-Tails Jinchuriki would be one of their own?"
Elder Setsuna said coldly.
"Even White Fang's rise has begun to overshadow the Third Hokage. Part of it is due to his strength, but the major clans have also been stirring discontent. Even the Senju clan disapproves of the Hokage's policies."
As Shirou listened, he frowned. Whether Elder Setsuna's words were entirely accurate, he couldn't be sure, but it was no surprise that a Hokage would limit a clan's influence if it grew too strong, even the Senju.
The sequence of events was telling: first Nawaki's death in the Second Shinobi War, then Tsunade's lover, followed by the absorption of Kushina Uzumaki, a Senju Jinchuriki, into the Hokage's faction. Even White Fang's eventual suicide and the Senju's decline after the Third Shinobi War pointed to a Hokage-led weakening of the clan's influence.
Elder Setsuna continued, "White Fang isn't from a prominent clan, which has allowed the Uchiha to cooperate well with the other major families."
Reflecting on Elder Setsuna's analysis, Shirou glanced at Mikoto. With both the benefits of the mission and clan support in mind, his motivation surged, and he nodded resolutely.
"Clan Head, Elder, rest assured, I will do my utmost to approach the next Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Kushina Uzumaki."
As he said this, Shirou cast a discreet glance at Mikoto, considering all he knew from the storyline. No wonder Mikoto and Kushina had such a strong friendship—the Uchiha had multiple plans in place. How had Uchiha managed to get so close to the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki without facing suspicion?
Then it dawned on him: the Senju clan must have approved it, considering Kushina's role as a reserve Jinchuriki. With the other clans' dissatisfaction united against the Third Hokage, it was no wonder he would later take such harsh action against them, including the Uchiha, Senju, and even the Hyuga.
Mikoto finally broke her silence. With a serious expression, she said, "Clan Head, Elder, although Shirou-kun serves under Captain Tsunade, contact with Kushina Uzumaki is limited, and even with my help, it may raise suspicion. However, since Shirou-kun recently awakened his dual bloodline limit, Captain Tsunade's healing skills are essential to stabilize it. This could give Shirou further opportunities to interact with Kushina, though the medicine needed to stabilize his cells is highly valuable."
Elder Setsuna looked momentarily taken aback but quickly regained composure, knowing that Shirou and his granddaughter's relationship lent some truth to Mikoto's words.
Shirou met Mikoto's gaze with a look of gratitude—her support was invaluable.
The Clan Head and Elder Setsuna exchanged a silent nod. This mission required Shirou's talent, appearance, and legitimate reason for contact.
"The clan will support any Uchiha who brings it honor," Elder Setsuna declared.
"Uchiha Shirou, we will provide you with monthly funding and the medicine needed to stabilize your bloodline. Don't disappoint us!"
...
After leaving Naka Shrine, Fugaku seemed a bit awkward.
"Shirou-kun, here is the clan's Sharingan scroll, intended for those who have awakened their bloodline."
Holding the scroll containing Sharingan techniques and training methods, Shirou smiled and nodded.
"Thank you, Captain Fugaku."
Fugaku, though, seemed slightly embarrassed. He knew Shirou had sacrificed a lot for the clan this time and offered a solemn nod.
"The clan will not forget your contributions."
At this point, Mikoto interjected with a warm smile, "Captain Fugaku, Shirou-kun's strength was already commendable, and now, with the Sharingan awakened, his chakra and abilities will advance further. I also heard the clan recently acquired some chakra metal."
Though she didn't say it outright, her meaning was clear. Appreciating her subtle nudge, Shirou gave her a mental thumbs-up, then raised a hand to stop her, wearing a serious expression.
"Sister Mikoto, we're all doing this for the clan."
Fugaku's awkwardness deepened. He gave a nod, and though he didn't say anything, Shirou knew that a chakra metal weapon was likely coming his way.