The moment Fugaku recalled the results of the original investigation, he couldn't help but feel a surge of anger.
There were many talented children in the Uchiha Clan, but those as gifted as Naraku, almost comparable to Kakashi, were extremely rare.
Even if he were called a genius, no one in the clan would object.
If Sakumo hadn't had such keen foresight, such a promising seedling would have nearly been crushed by that scoundrel Shinji.
Since then, to strengthen Naraku's sense of belonging to the clan and eliminate the negative impact caused by Shinji, he had sent many Ninjutsu scrolls and child support payments to Sakumo, fearing that Naraku would become disloyal to the clan.
Now, it seemed those efforts were bearing fruit.
If Naraku could become a Chunin alongside Kakashi, it would surely cause a sensation in Konoha and be a great boon for the Uchiha.
A genius would bring honor and prestige to the entire clan, and this genius's master was Sakumo Hatake, the renowned White Fang of Konoha.
Naraku, as a link, would firmly bind the two parties together.
If Sakumo could truly ascend to the position of Hokage, the Uchiha, as his allies, would immediately see an improvement in their ostracized situation.
Thinking of this, the more Fugaku looked at Naraku, the more satisfied he felt.
It would be wonderful if his future children could also be as talented as Naraku.
"Naraku, I called you here this time just to understand the situation."
Fugaku picked up his tea and took a sip, carefully choosing his words.
"Although Sakumo Hatake is your master, you are, after all, of the Uchiha Clan's bloodline, and we are also family."
"The final combat test of the Chunin Exams is about to take place. These are some Ninjutsu scrolls treasured by the clan; you can take them back to study."
"If you don't understand anything, you can come over anytime, and I will select several Jonin to guide you."
Fugaku pushed three scrolls in front of Naraku. Seeing his hesitation, he reassured him, "It's just a small token of goodwill from an elder of the same clan. Please accept it."
"Thank you, Clan Head-sama."
Since the conversation had reached this point, Naraku readily accepted, putting the scrolls into his bag and respectfully saying, "Thank you for your care all this time. I will always remember this kindness."
"Good, good, good child. Having this thought is enough."
Fugaku smiled with satisfaction, thinking that his efforts had finally not been in vain.
He then asked Naraku if he had any questions about the Ninjutsu he had learned previously, and patiently answered Naraku's queries.
After that, he left first, citing official duties, to avoid making the two children feel too constrained.
Naraku and Kakashi remained in the reception room. Out of politeness, they carefully finished all the refreshments before following the young man who had led them in, returning the way they came, and exiting the Clan Head's mansion.
Naraku took out a scroll and opened it, glancing at it briefly. He found that it was not some common, run-of-the-mill item; Fugaku had indeed chosen it very carefully.
So he happily sighed.
"The Clan Head is truly a good person."
There aren't many fat sheep who deliver their wool right into one's hands like this.
Naraku, of course, knew Fugaku's intentions.
By investing some Ninjutsu and funds, he could gain a genius loyal to the clan and also win over a high-ranking individual like Sakumo. It was a profitable deal no matter how one looked at it.
Although Fugaku's motives involved an exchange of interests, Naraku genuinely benefited from it, so if the Uchiha ever had trouble in the future, he naturally couldn't stand idly by.
Moreover, he was already a member of the Uchiha.
When the nest is overturned, no egg remains intact.
Kakashi was worried about Naraku's apparent innocence. If he were sold, Naraku might even count the money for the seller.
He was young, but that didn't mean he didn't understand the sordidness between adults. Fugaku's actions were too overtly an attempt to win him over, direct and crude; even he could see it.
After much thought, Kakashi still couldn't help but remind him, "He values your talent and is afraid that you will grow distant from the Uchiha in the future."
Naraku's smile faded, and he looked down at the ground, most of his face buried in shadow, silently kicking away the scattered pebbles at his feet.
After a moment, he spoke again.
"Mm, I understand."
"Adults' love is conditional; I can only receive it if I'm good enough."
"If I were untalented, the Clan Head-sama wouldn't have been like that just now. Perhaps I wouldn't even have had the chance to see him."
"Fortunately, I should still be considered acceptable."
"That's not true!"
Kakashi's rebuttal rang out abruptly. Naraku subconsciously turned to look at him, finding his expression complex, with a hint of urgent desire to argue.
"Father didn't originally—because you were talented—"
"I know."
Naraku looked Kakashi in the eye earnestly, his tone gentle and serene, repeating, "I know."
"Only Master and you don't care about these things."
"I believe that even if I were a dead last who accomplished nothing, you wouldn't ignore my suffering."
"So, I'm especially happy now."
A gentle breeze ruffled Naraku's hair, letting it flutter in the afterglow of the setting sun, dyed a dazzling warm color.
Kakashi saw his bright eyes, clear as a spring, reflecting the sunset glow and his own reflection.
"Kakashi, I'm especially happy."
"It's truly wonderful to have met you and Master."