Chapter 2

According to Uchiha Fugaku, becoming the future patriarch means that the Uchiha clan can no longer be eradicated. His first priority is to enhance his own strength. At the age of thirteen, Uchiha Fugaku has already awakened the three-tomoe Sharingan, a feat not considered strong but still impressive compared to other Uchiha members. No Uchiha genius surpasses Fugaku, and no one else has awakened the three-tomoe Sharingan before the age of thirteen. Many Uchiha shinobi only awaken the two-tomoe Sharingan when they reach their thirties.

It is difficult for Uchiha clan members who are over thirty years old and have the two-tomoe Sharingan to improve their abilities further. Their aptitude is lower, their minds are more mature, and they have experienced many things. It becomes challenging for them to be stimulated to awaken the three-tomoe Sharingan or even the Mangekyō Sharingan.

Uchiha Fugaku often trains in the mountain forest behind the clan compound, where numerous concealed targets are set up, some of which are so well-hidden that they are barely visible. As an Uchiha clan member, Fugaku possesses exceptional skills in throwing hidden weapons, just like his son Uchiha Itachi.

I observed how Fugaku trained as I circled each target. Suddenly, his eyes opened, revealing the scarlet Sharingan. The three-tomoe within his eyes spun rapidly, widening Fugaku's field of vision. He could now clearly see the movement of insects flying in the forest. Jumping up, he swiftly threw multiple shurikens, which collided mid-air with a series of clashing sounds and stuck precisely on the wooden targets. Fugaku proceeded to hit the bullseye on all the targets, displaying his impeccable accuracy.

Feeling satisfied with his performance and realizing there was still room for improvement, Fugaku swiftly formed hand seals with his ten fingers, causing chakra to accelerate within his body. His chest swelled, and with a forceful exhale, he unleashed Gōkakyū no Jutsu (Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique), the Uchiha clan's signature fireball jutsu. The scorching fireball erupted from Fugaku's mouth, setting the fallen leaves ablaze. The surrounding air became distorted due to the intense heat.

Forming the hand seals once again, Fugaku continued to spew flames, covering a vast area of land in front of him. By the time it grew dark, he had fully familiarized himself with all the Uchiha clan's controlled ninjutsu. The training forest was now in disarray, with charred branches and yellow leaves scattered about.

Nightfall brought a lively atmosphere to the illuminated Uchiha compound. Shinobi who had finished their day's work often gathered outside to relax, share drinks, engage in friendly banter, or discuss intriguing matters. As Fugaku made his way to his yard, he greeted the clan members he encountered along the way.

Upon entering his courtyard, Fugaku could hear his father and other clan members conversing in the living room. Uchiha Tenjō, both the patriarch and the chief of the police guards, often held meetings at home.

"Fugaku, you're back," Uchiha Tenjō's voice called out. "Come in. I have something to discuss with you."

"Yes, Otōsan," Fugaku replied, opening the sliding door to the living room, where several esteemed Uchiha elders were present.

"Greetings, Uncles," Fugaku respectfully greeted them.

The senior officer of the police guards said, "Lord Patriarch, Fugaku, the child we watched grow up, has awakened the three-tomoe Sharingan at such a young age. He will undoubtedly inherit the position of patriarch and lead the Uchiha clan to prosperity."

Uchiha Tenjō smiled and responded, "You give Fugaku too much praise. I hope you will continue to guide and advise him, as there are many who still have much to learn about him."

"Patriarch, your words are too kind. Fugaku is now the pride of our Uchiha clan. We shall take our leave, as it is getting late."

"Fugaku, see your uncles off," Uchiha Tenjō instructed.

"Yes, Otōsan," Fugaku acknowledged, escorting the Uchiha elders out of the house before returning to the living room.

"Come with me," Uchiha Tenjō said. "There are matters I need to discuss with you."

Fugaku nodded, and they proceeded to study within their home. This room provided privacy and was well-insulated from outside noises.

"Fugaku, you have performed admirably during these three years since your graduation, bringing honour to the Uchiha clan," Uchiha Tenjō praised. "Today, when I reported to the Third Hokage, I requested your promotion to jōnin, and the Third Hokage has granted it. Tomorrow, you will go directly to the Hokage's office to receive your new assignment. As an Uchiha genius, you must not disgrace our clan."

"Yes, Otōsan," Fugaku replied dutifully.

"Since Uchiha Kagami's passing, the Uchiha clan's influence within the upper echelons of Konoha has significantly diminished. Our clan, alongside the Senju, founded Konoha. However, there is currently no Uchiha representation in the higher ranks. You possess the greatest aptitude among the Uchiha, and I hope that one day you will awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan and restore our clan to its former glory," Uchiha Tenjō expressed with a hint of sadness.

"Father, rest assured, I will do my best," Fugaku vowed, his confidence in awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan evident. He understood that, as the only son in his family without any biological siblings, he needed to work even harder to obtain the eternal Mangekyō Sharingan. Ordinary Mangekyō would not be enough to save the Uchiha clan from their decline, as it would eventually lead to blindness. However, with the eternal Mangekyō, Fugaku believed they could overcome any obstacles, even in the absence of Senju Hashirama.

Uchiha Tenjō sighed and patted Fugaku's shoulder before leaving the room. Fugaku could sense his father's helplessness. Konoha was currently at its peak, with the Third Hokage, the Sannin, and the White Fang of Konoha holding positions of power. Although there were many formidable individuals, the Uchiha clan, as the foremost clan, lacked a prominent figure.

Tomorrow's mission would serve as a test for Fugaku, but he was unsure what the Third Hokage had in store for him. In this sensitive period, the likelihood of being assigned an intelligence-gathering or assassination mission was high.

Early the next morning, Fugaku organized his ninja gear—kunai, shuriken, explosive tags, and various tools for setting up simple traps—neatly packed into his ninja pack. He then headed to the front of the Hokage's office and knocked on the door, prompting the deep voice of the Third Hokage to invite him inside.

Fugaku entered the room, and before him sat the Third Hokage, who, though ageing, still emanated an air of power.

"Hokage-sama, Uchiha Fugaku, reporting for duty," Fugaku announced respectfully.

The Third Hokage nodded and remarked, "Yes, young hero. To awaken the three-tomoe Sharingan at such a young age is reminiscent of Uchiha Kagami."

"Hokage-sama, your words are too kind. I dare not compare myself to Senior Kagami. I still have much to learn," Fugaku modestly replied.