Uchiha Compound.
As Uchiha Yo returned from the Hokage building, he found himself abandoned by Tsunade after her dramatic display. Just as he stepped into the compound, an anxious Uchiha Fugaku rushed toward him.
"Yo! Is it true that you're involved with Lady Tsunade?"
Fugaku's wide-eyed expression betrayed his shock. News of this had reached him in the middle of the night, leaving him utterly dumbfounded.
The family tasked you with approaching Kushina, the future Nine-Tails jinchuriki. And now… what?
Not only had Yo skipped Kushina, but he'd also managed to attach himself to the Senju princess. This wasn't just completing the mission—it was exceeding it by leaps and bounds!
Between the influence of Kushina and Tsunade, even the densest shinobi in Konoha knew which choice held greater weight.
"Fugaku-taicho, let me explain—"
Yo, feeling suffocated by the misunderstanding, waved his hands, trying to clarify the situation.
But Fugaku interrupted, shaking his head.
"No need to explain, Yo-kun. I understand. Your sacrifices for the clan have not gone unnoticed."
Fugaku gazed at Yo's sharp, youthful features, sighing internally.
No wonder Father and the elder entrusted him with this mission. Compared to Yo, my talents in this area are nonexistent.
"Yo, the clan leader and the elder have summoned you immediately," Fugaku added.
Yo felt his heart sink. Great. I haven't even been back for five minutes, and this nonsense is already spreading.
He could already imagine how quickly the rumors would circulate throughout Konoha by morning.
Tsunade's carriage is tempting, but I can't steer it properly yet. The risks are too high.
The memory of Kato Dan's death and Nawaki's suspicious demise flashed through his mind, filling him with unease. Until I gain sufficient strength, I can't afford to stand out too much.
But now? He'd been thrust into the spotlight without a choice.
In the Uchiha Clan Council Room.
Under the flickering light of candles, the Uchiha clan leader and the elder sat silently. Both appeared as if they had been roused from their sleep, their expressions unreadable.
They stared at Yo, who stood before them with a helpless look. Neither of them spoke for a while, as though still processing the situation.
All we wanted was to build a connection with Kushina. But this… Tsunade?
Even these seasoned elders hadn't anticipated such an outcome.
"Clan Leader, Elder!"
Yo bowed respectfully and began to explain the events of the evening, detailing how Tsunade had used him as a shield in her political maneuvering.
He emphasized that the entire affair was an act, nothing more. While he didn't mind the perception of enjoying Tsunade's favor, he was painfully aware that he lacked the strength to handle the consequences.
The two elders, however, interpreted his words differently.
Elder Setsuna, known for his cunning, stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"Tsunade represents the Senju. If she made such a public display, there must be deeper implications."
The clan leader nodded gravely.
"Indeed. It may be related to White Fang's growing influence. Perhaps this is the Senju extending an olive branch to us, a signal to join forces."
The two exchanged a glance, their eyes lighting up as they reached a mutual understanding.
The Senju's implied goodwill could be an opportunity for the Uchiha. By aligning with the other major clans supporting White Fang, the Uchiha could strengthen their position within Konoha.
"This is a chance we cannot ignore. If the Uchiha join forces with the Senju and other clans, we can earn the village's trust and ensure our rightful place within the hierarchy," the clan leader said, his tone resolute.
Yo's lips twitched as he watched their conversation spiral into wishful thinking. He wanted to protest, but after a moment of reflection, he realized their conclusion could work to his advantage.
"Yo-kun!"
The two elders turned to him, their expressions solemn.
"The clan's future rests on your shoulders. If the time comes, we hope you will sacrifice for the good of the Uchiha and the village."
The implicit meaning was clear: they expected Yo to leverage his relationship with Tsunade, no matter what that entailed.
Yo sighed internally but outwardly straightened his posture, his expression one of steadfast determination.
"For the honor of the Uchiha, I am willing to become the bridge between the clan and the village."
Damn it, Yo thought. These old foxes are shameless. But fine. If they want a bridge, I'll build one that benefits me too.
As the meeting continued, Fugaku stood quietly at the side, his head lowered to hide his growing discomfort.
The elders discussed Yo's mission with increasing enthusiasm, even pulling out a scroll containing Tsunade's profile.
"Hmm… fondness for alcohol and gambling," the elder murmured, a smile creeping onto his face.
"Yo-kun, your dual bloodline is the pride of the Uchiha. The clan will ensure you have all the resources you need. We trust you to win Tsunade's favor."
"Yes, once you gain her trust, it will open countless doors for the Uchiha," the clan leader added, their voices weaving promises of glory and power.
Fugaku clenched his fists, his face a mix of frustration and anger.
"Father!" he finally exclaimed, raising his head.
"What about the Uchiha's honor? How will outsiders view us if we stoop to such methods?"
His words left the clan leader momentarily stunned. Elder Setsuna, however, frowned, casting a disapproving look at Fugaku. This boy still has much to learn.
Fugaku's sense of pride and justice clashed with the pragmatism of his elders. Their generation had long since abandoned youthful idealism in favor of practical survival strategies.
"Fugaku-taicho!"
Yo interrupted, his tone steady.
"This is all for the clan. Everything I do is voluntary."
Fugaku turned to Yo, his expression conflicted.
The younger man met his gaze, his eyes firm.
"We stand at a crossroads. Though we are at the center of Konoha, the Uchiha remain isolated—a lonely flame in the night. This is our chance to change that."
Yo's passionate words resonated with the elders. The clan leader and Setsuna exchanged approving glances.
This is the spirit the Uchiha need—willing to sacrifice for the greater good.
Fugaku, however, looked away, his guilt deepening. Yo is sacrificing so much… and here I am, questioning him. I'm not worthy to lead the clan.
Later that night, as Yo walked home, he couldn't help but let out a long sigh.
They expect me to charm Tsunade, gain her trust, and even use my bloodline illness as an excuse to get closer. They want me to carry the weight of their ambitions.
Yo's lips curled into a faint smile.
Fine. If I'm going to be a bridge, I'll make sure it leads exactly where I want it to.