With Uchiha Setsuna's age, pedigree, and his status as the clan leader's father-in-law, the moment he walks out of prison, the title of Great Elder will be his.
And when that happens, the other two elders will have no choice but to step back. Their voices will fade in weight, and the balance of power inside the clan will shift.
If Fugaku can't keep Setsuna in check, his own authority will be chipped away piece by piece.
The thought had first sparked when I was talking with Shisui and Itachi,
Setsuna's name drifting into the conversation like an uninvited guest. I couldn't tell if Fugaku had thought this through himself, but even if he had, I didn't mind lighting the fuse.
Right now, the Uchiha patriarch was at the peak of his life; strong, respected, and more than a little too-sure of himself. Even if he saw the problem coming, he probably believed he could bend his father-in-law to his will… or at least cage him.
Which was why I had made the suggestion in front of Mikoto. It wasn't just an offer but a pressure.
What would she think if her husband refused to save her father?
What would she think if he promised and failed?
Either way, it was a crack in their marriage, and cracks in the clan leader's home had a way of turning into cracks in the clan's power structure.
Worst case, Fugaku emerges stronger. Best case, he's weaker, and I've nudged the balance without lifting a kunai.
I could live with either.
"Gen, your idea is… clever," Fugaku said, his voice low but tinged with a faint smile. "I hadn't thought of it."
I let out a humble laugh. "I spent a lot of time on this. If the clan leader had the same time, you'd probably think of something better."
Fugaku nodded, as if confirming the truth in my words.
He leaned back slightly. "By the way, did Mikoto tell you about your appointment to the police force?"
"Orochimaru-sensei's schedule is overflowing," I said. "He asked me to take on the role nominally."
"I agree," Fugaku replied. "Just focus on your work with Orochimaru. The police force will manage itself."
"Thank you, Patriarch."
We raised our teacups; Fugaku, Mikoto, Shisui, and I, steam curling between us in the still air.
Fugaku set his cup down, with his eyes narrowing slightly. "There's been talk in the village… the Fourth Hokage."
I tilted my head. "And you already have a name in mind."
"Lady Tsunade and Jiraiya are both out of the village," he said. "If nothing changes, I expect your teacher will be chosen."
If only it had been that simple.
Sarutobi Hiruzen would later turn his back on Orochimaru, pushing Namikaze Minato into the seat instead.
Minato the war hero, the village's golden son, the man with a jinchūriki for a wife, would win with the Hokage's endorsement and the people's love.
By sheer numbers, Orochimaru's record was longer, his victories greater. But he'd never cared about winning hearts. Minato had. And in Konoha, hearts mattered.
At that table, though, Fugaku's words felt like certainty.
"I think so too," I said. "Let's hope there are no surprises."
We stayed like that for another half-hour, speaking lightly about the village, the clan, and the small things that pass for peace in times of war.
When Shisui and I finally took our leave, Fugaku and Mikoto walked us to the door.
The night passed without another word.
Morning came with the smell of damp earth. I went straight to Orochimaru's home, the sliding doors whispering open into the still air inside. He wore a loose, pale-yellow kimono, his eyes already on me before I spoke.
I told him what was stirring in the upper echelons of the Hokage's office, the currents beneath the surface. That even with the advantage, carelessness could drown him.
He listened, then smiled — that faint, reptilian curl of the lips.
"You're not wrong," he said, "but I have no intention of acting."
I blinked. "…You're serious?"
"I want to see," he said, "which name my dear teacher will speak. Whether he has any… surprises left for me."
"Then I'll act," I said. "If you won't, I will."
The air changed.
His pupils tightened to slits, and for a moment the room filled with a cold, suffocating killing intent. Then, just as suddenly, it was gone.
"Do nothing," he said, voice low. "Or I won't acknowledge you as my disciple."
He'd meant to say something sharper, I could see it in his eyes, but he'd pulled back. Our bond was more than master and student. We were partners in a search for immortality. That outweighed everything.
"Fine," I sighed, spreading my hands. "You're the teacher."
He tilted his head. "Meaning, if you were stronger, you wouldn't listen?"
"Naturally," I said. "If I was better than you, I wouldn't care what you wanted. I think you're just as stubborn as I am."
That earned a laugh. "Perhaps. Not becoming Hokage wouldn't be a tragedy. The office would steal time from my research. It might even cost me immortality."
I smirked. "Easier said than done. If you lose, you'll still be resentful."
"Perhaps," he admitted, "but also relieved. I've seen too many die young chasing that seat. Two of them I'll never forget; Tsunade's brother, and her lover, Kato Dan. Dan's spiritual transformation technique… Hiruzen refused to give it to me last time. If I lose, perhaps I'll have another chance."
"Then should I hope for your defeat?"
"Idiot," he said, "I could still get it if I win."
We both broke into laughter; sharp, rising, echoing against the walls until it spilled into the courtyard.
Outside, Mitarashi Anko paused mid-step, head tilting toward the sound.
What are they talking about? she thought, quickening her pace. Why are they laughing like that?
Whatever it was, she needed to hear it.