**Chapter 16**

Satoru stood with his usual bright smile, completely oblivious to the deepening glares around him. Uchiha Fugaku let out a low snort.

*Hmph, you troublesome kid,* he thought. *Just wait until we get home.*

That sentiment was silently echoed by everyone present. Whether they bore the Uchiha or Hatake name, they all shared the same resolve: *If I don't make him regret this, I'm not true to my name.*

"Haha, without this kid's antics, I wouldn't have witnessed such an entertaining event today," the Third Hokage said with a chuckle, adding fuel to the already simmering fire.

Satoru's smile faltered for a moment. *Old man, did you have to bring that up now?* he thought as he noticed the increasingly intense looks directed at him.

"It's all thanks to Uncle Teuchi's hard work," Satoru said, attempting to deflect. He launched into an elaborate, completely fabricated story about Uncle Teuchi's lifelong love for ramen and a promise made in his youth.

"So Uncle Ichiraku opened his shop and organized this competition as a tribute to that old promise?" Naruto's eyes filled with tears, touched by the tale. "That's so moving… Uncle Teuchi is amazing!"

"Hmph." Sasuke crossed his arms, casting a sideways glance at Naruto. *Stupid. You're the only one who believes that story.*

Kakashi's brow twitched. He looked at Satoru, feeling both impressed and speechless. *This kid has guts, spinning tall tales in front of the Third Hokage.*

The Hokage, for his part, simply shook his head slightly. He had initially thought Satoru might be the spark needed to bridge the rift between Konoha and the Uchiha, but seeing the boy's carefree nature, he reconsidered. *This child is more like a wild breeze than a steady flame,* he thought. *Not someone who will put the village above all else.*

"Speaking of which," the Third Hokage said, turning to Fugaku, "Satoru is around the right age to start school, isn't he?"

Fugaku's expression stiffened. "Yes, Hokage-sama," he replied, understanding the Hokage's implication.

"Education is important," the Hokage continued. "He should enroll soon; the new term at the Academy is starting in a few days."

With that, the Third Hokage stood, signaling that the conversation was over. He walked out, flanked by Chōza Akimichi and Kakashi.

Fugaku exhaled, a long, measured breath escaping him. *The Academy,* he thought. *With the current state of things, sending Satoru there might not be wise. Konoha has a way of softening Uchiha resolve—just look at Itachi.*

As his gaze fell back on Satoru, who was now watching the scene unfold with an innocent look, Fugaku's mind cleared. *No, this kid is trouble on his own. Let him taste some consequences.*

"Let's go," Fugaku said, his voice as cold and final as a closing gate.

Everyone else fell silent, exchanging glances. *Second brother, today's the day you learn a lesson,* Sasuke thought, unable to suppress a small, wicked smirk. *What a relief.*

"Big brother, are you leaving?" Naruto called, noticing the group starting to disperse.

"Yeah, duty calls. Everyone can't bear to be away from me for too long, you know," Satoru joked, half-seriously. "But come find me anytime. A little distance now is for more time together later."

"See you tomorrow, big brother," Naruto said, his voice earnest and hopeful.

---

Back in the Hokage's office, Kakashi was giving his report.

"Based on my observations, the interaction between Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki was coincidental. Satoru Uchiha helped Naruto a few days ago, and they became acquainted. Today, they met by chance and joined the event together."

The Third Hokage nodded, considering the information. "What is your impression of Satoru Uchiha?" he asked.

Kakashi thought for a moment. "He's... an unusual child, not like the typical Uchiha. He enjoys interacting with people and seems to have a knack for drawing attention. However, he may not be as naturally gifted as some might expect. The fact that he always wears a blindfold suggests his eyes are damaged or impaired, making him less dependent on visual jutsu."

The Hokage's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "And yet, he still demonstrates strong perceptual abilities?"

"Yes," Kakashi said. "He's perceptive and clever, though not in the way one might expect from an Uchiha."

The Third Hokage leaned back in his chair, pondering. *A different kind of Uchiha, one who engages rather than isolates. Perhaps there is more to Satoru Uchiha than meets the eye.*