Fugaku's Ambition

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After negotiations with the Konoha High Command, Shunren obtained the A-rank Genjutsu "Bringer-of-Darkness Technique" created by the First Hokage, and the "Konoha-Style Kenjutsu" created by the Second Hokage, including the advanced version of the swordsmanship.

As a consequence, Shunren had to bear the stigma of mission failure alone, voluntarily admitting that he was no match for the Cloud Ninja and that the secret scroll was stolen from him. He was ultimately the main person responsible for the mission's failure.

The Konoha High Command can use this opportunity to severely punish the Uchiha Clan. Isn't the Uchiha Clan supposed to be the most powerful clan in Konoha, possessing the best ninjas? The failure of the A-Rank Mission has caused "incalculable" damage to the village. With the Konoha High Command amplifying this incident, it can deal a huge blow to the Uchiha's reputation within the village.

On the other hand, Shunren also obtained what he wanted.

On the surface, it appears that Shunren and Konoha reached a positive consensus in this incident.

However, Shunren would not forget the way Konoha had betrayed him, and he felt angry. But anger aside, he would not act rashly against Konoha or seek Konoha. He knew that for someone as weak and inexperienced as him to oppose the mighty Konoha would be like a mayfly trying to shake a giant tree, courting death.

As an adult, Shunren believed that one should remain calm and composed no matter what happens.

Upon returning to the Uchiha settlement, as expected, everyone in the Uchiha looked at them with the same gazes as the Konoha. As we already knew, the Uchiha were a clan that revered strength; if you were strong, you would be respected, and the weak would not receive any pity.

Upon his return, Shunren was immediately summoned for tea by the higher-ups of the Uchiha.

Although the current clan head Kyosho, did not appear, Fugaku, Tekka, and Yashiro, three figures who hold significant positions within the Uchiha, all did come.

As expected, Shunren was subjected to a barrage of insults, accused of being useless and disgracing the Uchiha. Shunren, as always, treated these insults as mere banter, offering no explanation or rebuttal; after all, he had already obtained what he was entitled to.

Faced with the Uchiha's questioning, Shunren evaded each one, except for Fugaku, who was more persistent, pressing Shunren for details about the mission. Shunren eventually managed to persuade Fugaku after much persuasion, thinking that the latter truly lived up to his reputation as the next Uchiha Clan Head; he wasn't so easily fooled. In the end, Fugaku probably realized Shunren had no intention of revealing the whole truth, so he gave up. Anyway, at this point, pursuing the past was pointless, Uchiha taking the blame was a done deal.

"Shunjin, if you have time, come visit me at my house." After Tetsuka and Yashiro left, Fugaku extended a friendly invitation to Shunjin.

Shunren among the Uchiha was now infamous, so he couldn't immediately guess what Fugaku meant. "Fugaku, may I ask...?"

"Don't be nervous, I was just saying." Fugaku forced a smile, a rare sight for someone who usually appeared serious and rarely smiled in front of strangers.

"I have a child named Itachi, who is exactly one year old this year."

As Fugaku was talking, he suddenly started introducing his son, which was a bit puzzling.

However, Shunren, who was familiar with human relationships and social customs, immediately understood what Fugaku meant.

Shunren realized that Fugaku's attempt to win him over was aimed at giving Itachi some guidance in the future. Furthermore, wasn't Fugaku preparing to run for the next Uchiha Clan Head? Shunren, with his excellent "bloodline talent," could also be an asset in that endeavor.

Fugaku was an ambitious man with a long-term vision; in his view,

Although Shunren's reputation was somewhat tarnished due to a failed mission, his talent remained. At a young age, he had Sharingan and possessed strength surpassing that of an average Chunin, a rare feat among the younger generation of the Uchiha. "Uchiha Itachi's? What a fine name," Shunren deliberately said, feigning admiration for the child.

Fugaku's eyes lit up. Being a shrewd person, he immediately understood Shunren's meaning and said with a smile, "I hope you will take good care of my son in the future."

"Understood." Shunren narrowed his eyes and lowered his voice, saying, "The future head of the Uchiha clan will undoubtedly be Fugaku!"

According to the original story, Shunren knew perfectly well that Fugaku would be the next head of the Uchiha Clan Head, regardless of whether he had his support or not. He was merely stating a given fact and incidentally flattering the other party.

Fugaku's eyes widened slightly, seemingly surprised by Shunren's audacity in addressing him as "Fugaku." However, upon hearing this, Fugaku didn't feign denial. Instead, he nodded earnestly and said in a deep voice, "Young friend Shunren, as long as you sincerely support me, I, Uchiha Fugaku, guarantee you will not be treated unfairly! After all, our Uchiha Clan possesses many advanced secret techniques that I believe you will find interesting..."

Shunren only outwardly expressed ecstasy at the empty promises Fugaku made at the end. He was not naive enough to think that he could get these things without paying a price, after all, there is no such thing as a free lunch in this world.

His relationship with Fugaku was nothing more than one of mutual exploitation.