Chapter 6: Facing Mount Fuji, the Reinforcements Arrive

“Because of a piece of intelligence whose truthfulness is uncertain, two Chunin from the Hyuga clan attacked a Genin who had just graduated a year ago within the village. As the Security Division responsible for maintaining order, we have the authority to confront the Hyuga clan for an explanation.”

Uchiha Fugaku’s face curled into a malicious smile. Clearly, he had already devised a plan to undermine the Hyuga clan.

The excuse seemed almost handed to them by the Hyuga clan themselves. Just imagining the contemptuous expressions those detestable Hyuga would wear was enough to make Fugaku want to laugh aloud.

After all, Fugaku, now in his twenties, was still just a young man.

Given such an opportunity to strike at an old rival and embarrass them, how could Uchiha Fugaku possibly refuse?

He was more than eager to seize it.

As for that brat Kawaki Seiu, although his records showed promising talent, the unfortunate awakening of the Byakugan was a twist of fate beyond help.

Despite his disdain for the Hyuga clan, Fugaku, as the future heir of the Uchiha, was capable of discerning the gravity of matters.

Occasionally, stirring up trouble or embarrassing the Hyuga due to petty disputes was acceptable. But crossing their bottom line was absolutely forbidden unless absolutely necessary.

The leak of the Byakugan undoubtedly breached that line.

Moreover, what right did a mere kid have to use the Uchiha to counterbalance the Hyuga?

In other words, what exactly did this Kawaki Seiu brat think the Uchiha were?

At that moment, Uchiha Fugaku had made his decision.

He stepped out of his office and headed straight to the room where Kawaki Seiu was temporarily held.

Creak!

The wooden door was pushed open from outside. Kawaki Seiu looked up, his eyes shielded by sunglasses, and saw a figure adorned in the distinctive garb of the Uchiha clan.

Meeting eyes through the dark lenses, Kawaki Seiu immediately noticed the hostile glare.

The fierce-eyed Fugaku!

Though somewhat unfamiliar and quite different from the middle-aged man he remembered, Kawaki Seiu recognized him at once.

“Captain Fugaku, I’ve already explained everything I know. When can I leave?” Before Fugaku could speak, Kawaki Seiu hurriedly played the part of an exhausted young ninja who had just completed a mission and wanted to go home and rest.

“Going back? That’s not urgent. If you cooperate enough, you’ll be able to leave soon,” Uchiha Fugaku said meaningfully, not particularly bothered that Kawaki Seiu had called him by name.

He was the strongest genius of the Uchiha generation and captain of the Uchiha Security Force. Was it really unusual for a kid like him to know his name?

“Uh, Captain Fugaku, what do you mean? I’ve told you everything I know. What else do you want me to cooperate with? Are you asking me to unearth spies hidden within Konoha? That’s a tall order—I don’t have that kind of ability.”

Uchiha Fugaku: ……

Fugaku was speechless, inwardly cursing at how good this brat was at putting on an act.

Unfortunately, he had no interest in indulging the kid any longer.

“Stop pretending, brat. All your little schemes are transparent before my eyes.”

To emphasize his words, Uchiha Fugaku activated his Mangekyo Sharingan with three tomoe, making his presence even more intimidating.

It had to be said that Fugaku looked even more menacing with the Sharingan active—something Kawaki Seiu, who knew him well, could handle, but an ordinary person might be frightened.

“Captain Fugaku, I don’t understand what you’re saying. I’m just a regular Genin of the village. I brought those two spies to the Uchiha Security Force because I trusted you. But I don’t get why you’re interrogating me instead of those spies.”

Feigning ignorance and innocence—yes, this almost insulted intelligence, but it was Kawaki Seiu’s deliberate ploy.

He knew the truth could not be hidden from the Uchiha, but what else could he do? He only wanted to buy time. Judging by the clock, his backup should be arriving soon.

Outside the door, Fugaku’s expression darkened further, his contempt for the brat who dared to use the Uchiha growing deeper.

“A brat is just a brat—too naive. Do you think denying it will make it go away?” With that, Uchiha Fugaku stepped forward, intent on removing Kawaki Seiu’s sunglasses to crush the boy’s hopes completely.

Of course, Fugaku’s actions weren’t to do any favors for the Hyuga clan. He would never clean up the mess left by an old rival.

Right now, Uchiha Fugaku simply wanted to teach Kawaki Seiu a lesson—he wanted the boy to remember that the Uchiha were not pawns anyone could manipulate.

As for what happened after the lesson, well, that was Hyuga territory to worry about.

But before Fugaku could get close, noise came from outside.

“Seiu, we’re here to take you back,” came a voice.

“Seiu, I heard you were attacked by spies. Are you alright?”

Two voices spoke in quick succession, footsteps growing nearer until they reached the room where Kawaki Seiu was held.

Sitting against the wall, Kawaki Seiu smiled faintly under Fugaku’s watchful gaze. His awaited reinforcements had finally arrived.

“Seiu, you’re amazing. I heard you defeated two Chunin spies all by yourself. Father has already gone to Lord Hokage to commend you,” said a clear, slightly youthful female voice.

“Seiu, make sure to keep your sunglasses on tight. The medical ninja specifically warned that no matter what happens, you must not take them off during this period.” Compared to the female voice, this one was rougher, clearly not from someone Kawaki’s age.

Uchiha Fugaku halted his advance and looked back.

Before him stood two children of Kawaki Seiu’s age—a boy and a girl.

The girl’s hair was red, her eyes a vivid crimson. Fugaku recognized her as the daughter of Akai Shinku, a ninja whose mastery of genjutsu rivaled the Uchiha.

The other boy, more mature for his age, was even more familiar—Asuma Sarutobi, the youngest son of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.