Chapter 10: Placing Bets
After a brief conversation, Fugaku's gaze shifted toward the four famous swords laid out on the ground: the Twin Swords Kiba, Kubikiribōchō, Nuibari (Sewing Needle), and the Blunt Sword Kabutowari. These swords, once belonging to elite Mist shinobi, had become spoils of war for Akira, who had slain their previous owners.
Seeing Fugaku hesitate as if he wanted to say something, Akira spoke up first.
"Clan leader, do you need these four swords?"
Hearing Akira take the initiative, Fugaku's expression softened. These weren't ordinary weapons; each sword was powerful enough to forge an elite Jonin. As the war approached its end and with the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist now defeated, it was clear that victory over Kirigakure was within reach, especially with Minato Namikaze's arrival on the battlefield. Kirigakure would likely try to reclaim these legendary weapons after their defeat, lending them a certain political value.
The Uchiha clan was currently backing Namikaze, and possessing these swords could strengthen their position. Fugaku pondered for a moment before speaking.
"Akira, you may have heard whispers. When this war ends, the Third Hokage plans to step down, and Konoha will elect its Fourth Hokage."
"I've heard. The council has been hinting at it for a while," Akira replied, nodding. "Are we placing our bet on the Yellow Flash?"
"That's right," Fugaku confirmed with a nod, his voice steady. "While Orochimaru is one of the Sannin and commands a loyal following, our support would merely be an addition to his already considerable base. Minato, on the other hand, is an up-and-comer with far fewer established allies. For him, the Uchiha clan's support would be invaluable."
A subtle smile appeared on Fugaku's face. "Orochimaru's reputation in Konoha is impressive, but Minato's achievements—driving back both Iwagakure and Kumogakure—have given the Yellow Flash a level of respect and fear even the Sannin don't command on the battlefield."
Finally, Fugaku said, "Moreover, despite his fame, Orochimaru lacks the people's trust. I don't think he stands a strong chance in the race for Hokage."
Akira nodded in agreement. "You're right. Compared to Orochimaru, Minato is like a warm sun bringing hope to Konoha. After this war, our people will need someone to light the way forward."
He glanced at the four swords in the corner. "If these swords can serve as our clan's bet, then please, take them, Clan Leader. Minato is worth supporting."
Fugaku smiled and nodded. "Akira, this won't go unrewarded. I'll make sure you gain access to one or two high-level jutsu from the Scroll of Seals."
These swords from Kirigakure were priceless weapons, crafted with great effort, each capable of elevating a skilled user to Jonin. Trading them for just a few techniques from the Scroll of Seals seemed like a poor exchange. The jutsu documented in the Scroll of Seals were notoriously difficult to master, often restricted or forbidden due to their power. The Flying Thunder God Technique had made Minato the Yellow Flash, while the Spirit Transformation Technique had brought fame to Tsunade's former lover, Dan Kato.
However, Akira wasn't too concerned about this reward. Having access didn't necessarily mean he could learn them anyway. Sometimes, it's best not to overthink.
"Are we waiting until Minato officially takes place?" Akira asked.
Minato was expected to assume the role of Fourth Hokage soon after the war's end. Akira was prepared to wait patiently.
"Yes," Fugaku replied, his tone serious. "The Third Hokage has grown somewhat indecisive with age. Patience is necessary here."
"Understood, Clan Leader. I can wait," Akira nodded calmly.
"By the way, has there been any progress on the stolen Byakugan incident from the Hyuga clan?" Akira asked.
Fugaku let out a chuckle. "Progress? The Mist shinobi who set that trap were slippery. Our Konoha trackers have yet to find any trace of them—they might as well have vanished into thin air. I'd say the Hyuga clan's Byakugan is as good as lost."
Akira couldn't help but smile at Fugaku's tone. Little did Fugaku know, the Byakugan was in Akira's possession. As a traveler between worlds, Akira had a habit of collecting rare treasures—and the Byakugan was certainly worth keeping.
After receiving Akira's consent, Fugaku picked up the swords—tTwin Swords Kiba, Kubikiribōchō, Nuibari (Sewing Needle), and the Blunt Sword Kabutowari—and set off to deliver them to Minato's tent.
The news of the defeat of the Mist's Seven Swordsmen spread rapidly across the battlefield. When it was revealed that a single teenager from the Uchiha clan, along with a mere Genin from Konoha, had managed to defeat six of these elite warriors, jaws dropped across the war front.
In an instant, both Akira Uchiha and Might Duy became legends, their names carried to all five great ninja villages. For Akira, his fame seemed natural—after all, the Uchiha name alone commanded respect, especially in the Third Great Ninja War, where many Uchiha had proven themselves formidable. Fugaku Uchiha, the clan's head, was highly respected, and Shisui Uchiha had a terrifying reputation on the Mist battlefield. Another young Uchiha achieving greatness was almost expected.
But Might Duy's story caused even more shock. A mere Genin—one who used only taijutsu—had, in a flash, defeated two elite Jonin. Eyes were practically bulging in disbelief.
The tide of battle had completely turned. With Minato on the field, the Mist forces had suffered loss after loss. Victory for Konoha seemed inevitable, a wave crashing down on the Mist's crumbling defenses.
With the Mist's defeat now all but certain, Akira finally received a rare two-day respite. After his brief rest, Fugaku appeared with a new mission for him: escorting a group of injured shinobi back to Konoha for treatment.
The battlefield's medical resources were limited, and many of the wounded could only receive basic care.
Fugaku smiled as he approached Akira.
"By the way, I've spoken with Minato. Once he becomes Hokage, he'll let you choose two techniques from the Sealing Arts to study."
"Thank you, Clan Leader," Akira replied with a nod.
Being allowed to freely select two techniques was more than he'd expected. The Scroll of Seals contained incredibly powerful jutsu like the Flying Thunder God Technique and also simpler, yet still restricted techniques like the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu. Now that he had the freedom to choose, he knew he'd need to choose carefully.
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