Minato's arrived at the Uchiha compound in a way the fellow Uchiha clansmen would notice. He could have simply met Fugaku in his residence bypassing the outer compound and speaking privately. But Minato chose something different... he appeared openly at the gate of the Uchiha district and announced his presence to the Uchiha guards stationed there.
The Yellow Flash rarely appeared in person, word spread quickly among the clan. Within minutes, several Uchiha shinobi had quietly gathered along the edges of the compound courtyard, pretending to continue their training while their attention remained firmly on the unexpected visitor.
Minato stood calmly beneath the red lanterns that marked the entrance to the Uchiha district. The wind blew lightly through the compound, carrying with it the faint scent of burning incense and the metallic tang of steel from nearby sparring grounds.
If Fugaku attempted to keep the conversation private afterward, the clan would still know something important had happened. And if the clan knew, pressure would build naturally and Fugaku would have to act upon it.
Soon enough, the sliding doors of the central residence opened.
Fugaku Uchiha stepped out with his posture straight and dignified and his eyes studied Minato carefully as if reading the intent behind the visit.
"Minato Namikaze," Fugaku said evenly. "What does the famous hero of Konoha need with the Uchiha clan today?"
His tone held faint sarcasm.
Minato exhaled slowly. "Fugaku-san," he replied calmly, "can you stop joking for a moment? I have come to deliver an important news."
Before Fugaku could answer, another presence stepped quietly into the room behind him.
Itachi Uchiha stood there with a baby walking by his side asking for an up. Even at his young age, Itachi carried himself with quiet discipline that many adult shinobi struggled to achieve at least from Uchiha clan.
The baby body by his side squirmed slightly. "How are you, Minato-san?" Itachi asked politely.
Minato's expression softened slightly. "I am well, Itachi-kun."
He glanced at the small child clinging to Itachi's legs.
The baby stared back with wide eyes. "Waat ai ya luuking at?" the child mumbled with a tiny scowl.
Minato couldn't help the faint smile that escaped him. "Sasuke, you are a big boy now," Minato said gently.
Sasuke puffed out his cheeks and turned his head away dramatically. "Hmph."
Itachi bowed slightly. "I will take my leave then," he said quietly, carrying Sasuke away while murmuring softly to calm the boy.
The moment they disappeared down the hallway, Fugaku's expression darkened again.
He folded his arms and was still angry at what happened a year ago, "Summoning Kagami-san from the grave without the Uchiha clan's approval," he said slowly. "And Hokage Danzo refusing every request for audience since then."
His gaze sharpened. "What urgent news could you possibly bring that justifies this visit?"
Minato kept his answer concise as he had to go to other clans as well. "I have captured the grandson of the Raikage."
The courtyard outside went completely silent.
Fugaku's eyes narrowed. "The grandson… of the Raikage?"
Minato nodded. "He is the strategist behind the last war. An extremely valuable hostage. If handled correctly, this could restore Konoha's position at the top."
Fugaku's mind immediately began calculating the implications.
Minato continued. "Lady Tsunade has already gone to inform the Hyuga clan. I will inform the other major clans as well. We want every clan leader present when the decision is made regarding the hostage."
Minato deliberately avoided mentioning Kagami again. "Just a little longer, Kagami-san", Minato thought quietly. I did not expect the situation to change so drastically. "Hope I am not making him wait too long."
He stood up. "What you choose to do with this information is your decision," Minato said calmly. "I am simply ensuring the clans are informed."
Then he turned toward the door. "I will take my leave."
A flash of yellow light flickered. Minato vanished.
—
The moment he disappeared, Fugaku's expression changed. The polite neutrality vanished entirely. Instead, something darker settled across his features.
He stood silently for several seconds as the courtyard slowly returned to its normal rhythm.
His mind drifted back two years. Back to the battlefield.
Back to the moment the Third Raikage had stood across from him like an unstoppable force and playing around with and not even using full force. That same Raikage had allowed Fugaku and the remaining Uchiha to retreat.
He had even offered something unexpected. To Join Kumo.
Fugaku had not put any thought into it. He had believed Konoha would welcome his clan's survival as proof of their strength.
And at first, they had... for a brief time.
But things changed. Uchiha shinobi began disappearing on some random missions. Some were found dead without their Sharingan and few others bodies were never found at all.
Soon the whispers started. Danzo's voice quietly poisoning the minds of other clans. The Uchiha had the least casualties in the war.
Why? Were they hiding something? Were they growing too strong? Fugaku clenched his fist slowly.
Should I help that boy escape? Should I take my clan and leave for Kumo? Whatever it is I will delay anything to buy time?
The thought lingered... Since the Third Hokage's death, Konoha had grown weaker with frightening speed.
Two years. Just two years under Danzo's rule had changed everything.
Fugaku exhaled slowly.
No... first I must know the true state of Kumo. The Yamanaka clan head would soon attempt to read the boy's mind. But Uchiha genjutsu could extract information just as effectively.
Perhaps… Perhaps he would do it himself when the opportunity presented itself.
—
Meanwhile, at the Hyuga compound, another quiet confrontation unfolded.
Tsunade sat calmly within the traditional reception room while Kaien stood several steps behind her. The boy kept his posture respectful, though his eyes moved constantly as he observed everything around him.
The Hyuga estate was quiet, and orderly in a way that felt entirely different from the rest of Konoha.
Hiashi Hyuga sat across from them. "Lady Tsunade," he said respectfully. "What brings you here today?"
Tsunade studied him carefully as her gaze drifted toward his eyes. She remembered the moment during the war when Chiyo's poison had nearly destroyed them.
Hiashi Hyuga had lost one of his Byakugan.
Yet now both white eyes a.k.a Byakugan stared back at her. "How is your eye implant?" Tsunade asked.
~~
A/N: Just started Kimimaro fanfic, if you are interested add it your library.
Upto 20 Advance chapters available @ patreon.com/aizenDuchiha0