Fugaku had always known.
His brother-in-law liked working out and had a solid foundation in Taijutsu.
But he also knew that Dan couldn't even perform Hand Seals. He hadn't even mastered the most basic Three Body Technique, making him an out-and-out Ninjutsu idiot.
In the world of ninjas,
someone who couldn't use any Ninjutsu, no matter how strong their Taijutsu was, wouldn't get far.
Their potential was already set.
Only now did Fugaku realize he had underestimated his brother-in-law.
According to Inohi's report, Dan's Taijutsu alone was enough to make him a Jonin. At the very least, he could qualify as a Special Jonin.
At the thought,
the usually stern Uchiha Clan Head even allowed himself a rare smile.
His wife, Mikoto, had given him two sons.
Under their parents' guidance, both Itachi and Sasuke had grown into considerate, filial geniuses.
To thank Mikoto for all she had done and make her happy, Fugaku had even been willing to break his own workplace principles and pull strings for his brother-in-law, planning to place him in the Police Force.
But now, Dan had proven himself through his own strength.
That meant Fugaku could use this opportunity to recruit his brother-in-law into the Police Force openly and legitimately, without the clan members gossiping behind his back.
He decided to find a time to visit Dan in person and settle the matter.
After reporting to Fugaku,
Inohi had barely stepped out of the captain's office before going to see someone else.
Uchiha Yashiro.
He was the Police Force's second-in-command, with exceptional analytical and leadership abilities. Even Uchiha Fugaku couldn't help but admire him.
However,
the Uchiha Clan ultimately valued strength above all.
Yashiro was weaker than Fugaku, and after losing the early contest for the Clan Head position, he had never gotten over it.
There was another, deeper rift between Fugaku and Yashiro, too.
Within the Uchiha Clan,
as Konoha's high command continued to suppress them, the clan members had formed their own factions: the Radical Faction and the Moderate Faction.
The Radical Faction was led by Uchiha Yashiro and his followers. They advocated using force against Konoha's high command and, if necessary, staging a military coup d'état to take back the power that rightfully belonged to the Uchiha Clan.
Uchiha Shisui, the clan's strongest fighter, represented the Moderate Faction. Its members advocated active dialogue with Konoha's high command and a peaceful resolution to the problems between the clan and the village.
As for Uchiha Fugaku, the Clan Head caught between the two factions,
he appeared neutral, favoring neither side, but his actions had always shown that at heart, he was clearly a moderate as well.
For now, then, the Moderate Faction held the Radical Faction in check.
Inohi was a member of the Radical Faction.
He went to Yashiro's office and reported what had happened with Dan once more.
Yashiro frowned. After pondering for a moment, he asked,
"This Uchiha Dan seems dissatisfied that his sister married Fugaku, so he moved out of the Clan Compound, is that right?"
"That's most likely the case, based on my deductions," Inohi replied, narrowing his eyes.
"Good. Find a chance to bring him to meet me. Let's see where he stands. If even the Clan Head's brother-in-law is on our side, that'll put Fugaku in a very awkward position."
A glint flashed in Yashiro's eyes as he gave the order.
"I'll arrange it as soon as possible."
Inohi nodded.
He didn't like Dan, but he had to admit the man was strong.
Inohi also understood that if the Uchiha Clan wanted to stage a successful coup, they had to do everything they could to unite the strength of every clan member.
Night fell, and the stars shone overhead.
Uchiha Clan Compound.
On a cliff several hundred meters above the Naka River, the moonlight was cold and clear.
Only Itachi and Shisui knew about this cliff. It had long been their secret meeting place.
"Itachi, congratulations on joining the Anbu. Have you settled in?"
Shisui asked with a smile, like an older brother checking in on his younger brother.
"Yeah, I'm doing fine." Itachi nodded, a genuine smile appearing on his face in front of Shisui, who was like an older brother to him.
Itachi had completed the assessment mission to join the Anbu with Shisui's help.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries,
Itachi hesitated, but still brought up his uncle, Uchiha Dan.
"Oh? You're the second person to ask me about Dan today," Shisui said, looking surprised.
Itachi froze, then asked instinctively, "Who was the first?"
"The Third Hokage."
"..." Itachi fell silent.
Seeing this, Shisui patted Itachi on the shoulder. "You know about Dan killing several Amegakure spies, right?"
Itachi nodded again.
That evening, his father had acted out of character, breaking the family rule against talking at the dinner table to bring up Dan himself and praise his brother-in-law.
"Itachi, if you're curious about Dan, why not go see him yourself? After all... he's your uncle."
Shisui was puzzled.
Itachi shook his head. "I've already tried. Uncle doesn't like me."
"I see."
Shisui understood, then offered, "Well, would you like me to reach out to Dan for you?"
He wasn't interested in Dan, but he cared about Itachi, who was like a younger brother to him.
"Thanks, Shisui. But I'll handle it myself," Itachi said gently, declining.
"Sure. I believe you can work it out on your own."
Shisui smiled warmly again.
In the end, this was Itachi's family matter. As an outsider, he really shouldn't get too involved.
With the evening breeze brushing past them, the two chatted a little longer and agreed that, if the opportunity came, they would carry out a mission together as Anbu ninja.
"Then it's settled."
Shisui waved and turned to leave as Itachi watched.
Beneath the moonlight, Itachi watched Shisui's retreating figure, warmth welling up inside him.
Shisui was not only his closest friend but also his guide, the one who had taught him the true Will of Fire.
The city lights had just come on.
Along the Konoha Riverbank ran a bustling shopping street, packed with people every evening and offering every kind of food and entertainment.
From a distance, they could see the Yakiniku Q sign and smell the rich aroma of grilled meat wafting from the restaurant, spreading freely through the surrounding streets.
"Please, come on in."
Welcomed with a smile by the staff, Dan and Samui walked into the restaurant.
Unlike the relatively affordable Ichiraku Ramen, Yakiniku Q was considered an upscale restaurant in Konoha, beyond the means of ordinary people.
"Would you two like a couples' private room? It's quieter and more secluded, and you won't be disturbed," the staff member offered, sizing up Dan and Samui.
Samui was taken aback and quickly waved her hands. "You've got the wrong idea. We're not..."
"Oh, I'm sorry," the staff member hurriedly apologized with a smile.
Samui glanced cautiously at Dan, only to find his face expressionless and his gaze utterly still.
She looked around again, intending to pick a suitable table for them, but suddenly her gaze sharpened.
She had unexpectedly spotted someone worth paying attention to.
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