The Third Hokage sat behind his desk, listening intently as Uchiha Kairen explained the details of his newly developed jutsu. Once the explanation was done, the old man rose to his feet and created a shadow clone. Turning to Uchiha Nobunaga, he said,
"Have the boy go with my shadow clone to the training grounds and demonstrate the jutsu's power for classification."
Nobunaga immediately understood the Hokage's meaning — there was something more the Hokage wanted to say privately.
"Kairen," he said, "go with Hokage-sama's shadow clone to the training field, show him your jutsus. After that, you can return to the Police Force headquarters."
After Kairen left, the Third Hokage spoke,
"This series of Jutsus can be considered secret arts — the kind that could be passed down through generations. For the Uchiha Clan to make such a contribution to Konoha… on behalf of the village, I thank the Uchiha for their generosity. Since the Uchiha have offered the mulberry and elm, Konoha shall repay them with peach and plum."
Nobunaga bowed slightly and replied smoothly,
"Hokage-sama, the Uchiha are Konoha's Uchiha — that is beyond question. Perhaps there have been misunderstandings in the past, but we still believe the day will come when those are resolved.
For that reason, I have a small, perhaps presumptuous request. My son, Fugaku, is about to graduate from the Academy. I have heard that your esteemed student, Jiraiya, will be leading a genin team this year. I wish for my son to join his squad.
For the young heir of the Uchiha to be taught under your line of students — that would surely be a fine story."
The Third Hokage took a slow drag from his pipe, exhaled a thin cloud of smoke, and replied,
"Of course. No problem at all. For Jiraiya to become the instructor of such a promising Uchiha heir — it's an honor for him as well. You have my word, I'll see to it personally.
And about Uchiha Kairen — I've heard he's already awakened the Three-Tomoe Sharingan. I hereby promote him to Tokubetsu Jōnin."
Both men wore the satisfied smiles of seasoned politicians — polite, measured, and mutually flattering. A brief exchange followed — pleasantries about cooperation and the future of Konoha — before Nobunaga finally departed.
When the door closed, the Third Hokage's expression darkened.
"Summon Elder Homura and Jiraiya," he ordered.
An ANBU operative vanished into the shadows. Moments later, Mitokado Homura arrived. The moment he entered the room, both he and Hiruzen Sarutobi fell into a quiet melancholy — a shared sense of loss from years of burdens.
The silence was soon broken — literally — as Jiraiya crashed through the window.
The two old comrades exchanged a look. They didn't need words. Both understood the same thing: if Danzō was involved, someone would end up dragged out from behind the scenes.
Hiruzen spoke bluntly,
"The Uchiha patriarch came by earlier. He offered up a set of secret techniques — the Chidori series. I've seen them tested; each one qualifies as an A-rank jutsu, with great potential for refinement.
He made a request, one that involves you, Jiraiya. He hopes that his son, Uchiha Fugaku — heir of the Uchiha — may become your disciple and join your squad.
I know you've already taken Minato Namikaze as your student, so I'm asking you to take one more. This is a gesture of goodwill from the Uchiha — proof that they haven't given up on integrating with the village.
If this goes well, it could influence the next generation… and beyond."
Homura nodded.
"This is a valuable opportunity. Perhaps we can finally fulfill the unfinished wishes of the Second Hokage. For years both sides have made efforts, but the distance has only deepened.
If we start with the young ones — let them grow up understanding each other — maybe we can change that. Don't waste this chance, Jiraiya. Hiruzen-sama is entrusting you with a great deal."
Jiraiya, for once, looked serious. Of course he understood — the rift between Konoha's leadership and the Uchiha was no secret. If that wound festered, it would one day bring calamity. There had always been Uchiha who sought integration, but mutual distrust at the top kept things from improving.
If trust could be rebuilt through a bond between teacher and student — maybe they could break the cycle.
He took a deep breath.
"Don't worry, Sensei. I'll teach him well. I won't let him stray from the right path."
---
"Team 7 — Namikaze Minato, Uchiha Fugaku, Aburame Shibi."
Hiruzen paused for a moment, thinking to himself, This year's strongest team… Try not to die, kids.
"Team 8 — Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi, Akimichi Chōza."
"Team 7 — follow me," Jiraiya called.
A tall man with long white hair and a bright grin entered the room wearing a jōnin vest.
At the training grounds, he clapped his hands.
"Alright, everyone — introduce yourselves!
I'm Jiraiya. I like beautiful women. My favorite foods are perilla garlic and fried chicken.
I hate kiwifruit and baked macaroni.
My hobbies include gathering inspiration for my writing.
My part-time job — I'm an author.
And my dream is to train the prophesied child who will guide the shinobi world toward peace!"
Uchiha Fugaku blinked, unimpressed. If big brother hadn't said this guy was a powerhouse, I'd think he was an idiot… "Prophesied child"? Sounds like too much fiction rotting his brain.
Minato raised his hand.
"I'll go first. I'm Namikaze Minato.
My favorite food: Ichiraku Ramen.
I hate broccoli.
My hobby: practicing ninjutsu.
My dream is to become Hokage."
"A fine dream," Jiraiya said approvingly. Minato scratched his head, smiling shyly at the praise.
Then the boy in dark glasses spoke up — quietly, but clearly.
"I'm Aburame Shibi. I like insects. I like eating vegetables.
I hate birds and all creatures that eat insects.
My dream is to raise the finest bugs in the world."
Finally, Fugaku stepped forward.
"I'm Uchiha Fugaku.
I like training in ninjutsu with my big brother.
I like grilled meat.
I hate dango — just walking past a dango shop makes me uncomfortable.
My hobbies are practicing Lightning Release and kenjutsu.
My dream is to revive the glory of the Uchiha Clan."
"Good," Jiraiya said, clapping. "Then I officially declare Team 7 formed! Let's go celebrate with a meal!"
Just then, a man in a jōnin vest approached — the fan-shaped Uchiha crest emblazoned on his back.
Fugaku's face lit up.
"Look! That's my big brother! He's a jōnin too — just promoted to Deputy Captain of the Fourth Division of the Police Force!
He's a genius in both ninjutsu and kenjutsu — the strongest Uchiha of our generation!"
The man smiled warmly.
"Hello, everyone. I'm Fugaku's elder brother — Uchiha Kairen. You can just call me Kairen. My brother might trouble you sometimes, so please take care of him.
This is a small gift to celebrate your team's formation."
He pulled out two scrolls from behind his back.
One he handed to Minato.
"We've met before — I know you a bit. I think you lack a decisive finishing move. Inside this scroll is a jutsu I created — Rasengan. If there's something you don't understand, ask your teacher — or come find me. You're welcome at my home anytime."
The second scroll he gave to Shibi.
"I didn't know beforehand who my brother's other teammate would be, so I prepared this: my notes and methods on taijutsu training. No matter what type of shinobi you are, taijutsu is the foundation.
From your attire, I can tell you're from the Aburame Clan — your family's secret techniques rely heavily on body conditioning. This might help you."
Then, Kairen removed the sword from his waist and handed it to Fugaku.
"This sword was a birthday gift from my mentor, Uchiha Ankoku. Today, I'm passing it to you. Let it protect you in my place — treat it well. It's our most loyal companion."
He smiled and ruffled his brother's hair.
"Sorry for interrupting, Jiraiya-senpai. I'll be heading out soon on a long-term mission, so I wanted to see my little brother first. Please take care of him."
Jiraiya waved his hands.
"No need to apologize! I'll make sure he's in good hands. We're about to eat — why don't you join us?"
"I appreciate it, but I've got things to do," Kairen replied with a faint smile. He glanced at Fugaku one last time —
then vanished in a flash.