At such a sensitive time, Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Mikoto arrived together in front of a building.
"Director Fugaku, Lady Mikoto."
"What brings you here?"
Before the two could step inside, three Anbu members appeared in front of Uchiha Fugaku.
"Hatake Kakashi?"
"What, are you leading the team here lately?"
Uchiha Fugaku looked at the white-haired Anbu member before him and spoke calmly.
It had to be said: although Kakashi had his own codename, people still called him Kakashi most of the time.
The first reason was that his features were simply too distinctive.
A single Sharingan, powerful Lightning Style and swordsmanship, and white hair...
Most importantly, Kakashi had no family left.
So even if his identity was exposed, it wouldn't be a problem. He didn't have to worry about anyone seeking revenge or anything like that.
"Director Fugaku, outside visitors aren't allowed here."
"I just—"
"There are some things you don't know yet, right?"
Before Kakashi could finish, Uchiha Fugaku leaned close to his ear and whispered a few words.
Kakashi's resolute expression instantly changed as his pupils contracted.
Then he stared at Uchiha Fugaku, stunned.
"I wouldn't joke with you about something like this."
"Besides, I think you know Mikoto's identity. There are things we need to do."
Uchiha Fugaku continued.
"Let's go."
After speaking, Uchiha Fugaku picked Sasuke up and headed upstairs.
Kakashi remained rooted to the spot, not saying a word.
The other two Anbu members didn't know what to do, either.
After all, Kakashi was their captain.
Since Kakashi made no move to stop Uchiha Fugaku and the others, they didn't know what they should do.
"Captain, should we—"
"You two go back. I can handle things here."
Before his teammate could finish, Kakashi cut him off.
"Understood."
The two exchanged a glance, then vanished with the Body Flicker Technique.
They had to report what was happening here to the Fourth Hokage as soon as possible.
"Knock, knock, knock..."
Uchiha Fugaku knocked on the door in front of him.
They had visited that familiar place several times before.
But this was their first time here.
It wasn't that Uchiha Fugaku didn't know Naruto's identity. It was precisely because he knew that he couldn't act rashly.
The recent developments in the village, along with Roy's plan,
had given Uchiha Fugaku the confidence to come here.
"Who is it?"
A childish voice called out, and then the door opened.
"Who are you?"
Little Naruto looked curiously at the three strangers before him.
He hadn't gotten into trouble lately. He'd even stayed inside for several days to avoid hearing people curse at him.
Could they have come to his door because of something he'd done before?
That's right. Five-year-old Naruto had already started getting a little mischievous.
Sometimes he couldn't stand listening to those people curse at him, so he'd go and cause trouble.
Now that someone had tracked him down at home, he couldn't help feeling a sudden rush of panic.
Seeing the timid little Naruto before her, Mikoto immediately covered her mouth.
Her dear friend's son was now living alone, so timid and withdrawn.
How was a five-year-old child supposed to face everything the world had in store for him?
"No, that's not it."
"We're friends of your parents. This is my son, Uchiha Sasuke."
"I hope you two can become friends."
Uchiha Fugaku took a deep breath, composed himself, and said with a smile.
"Friends of my parents?"
"I knew it! I'm not a fox demon. I have parents!"
"Uncle, Auntie, could you tell me about my parents?"
Naruto was stunned at first, then his face filled with hope.
Other five-year-olds still only knew how to play in the mud!
But Naruto had already lost the innocence of childhood.
"Here."
"I brought you some snacks and toys. Want to play with me?"
Sasuke carried two bags and slowly walked toward Naruto.
For some reason, the moment he saw Naruto, he felt something special.
It was as if Naruto would be a lot of fun to play with.
"Sure, thank you!"
"My place is kind of messy. I'll clean up first."
As he spoke, Naruto pulled Sasuke inside with him.
As for Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Mikoto, they were simply ignored.
When a child had tasty snacks and fun toys, adults were easy to overlook.
The two didn't blame him for it.
If anything, they felt even more sorry for him.
"This is..."
Once she entered the house, Uchiha Mikoto could hardly hold back anymore.
There were very few things inside.
Some milk and bread.
He only had two sets of clothes and two pairs of shoes.
Most heartbreaking of all, when Uchiha Mikoto saw the expired milk, she burst into tears.
If Kushina were still alive and knew her son was living like this...
Then she would...
As a mother herself, Uchiha Mikoto was overwhelmed with emotion at that moment.
"All right, let's go check on the boys."
"We can come visit whenever we have time."
"Once this operation is over, we'll have the chance."
Uchiha Fugaku took a deep breath and spoke slowly.
It had to be said: even he, a grown man, felt a deep ache in his heart at the sight.
"Mm."
Uchiha Mikoto wiped away her tears, then went into the living room to watch the two little ones play together.
Although it was their first time meeting, they seemed to get along right away.
They soon started playing together.
Uchiha Mikoto took some things into the kitchen and started a fire to cook.
Uchiha Fugaku watched the two boys, an odd expression on his face.
He had always been a strict father to Sasuke. Watching children like this left him at a loss, while also stirring a strange feeling in his heart.
It was as if he owed Sasuke a childhood.
And not just Sasuke. It seemed he'd taken something from Itachi's childhood, too...
At the thought, Uchiha Fugaku quickly pushed those feelings aside.
He still believed he hadn't been wrong to do what he did.
Uchiha was synonymous with strength.
As clan head, he expected his children to inherit that name as well!
So there were some things he had to keep in check.
Still, letting himself relax like this once in a while wasn't a problem.
Before long, the aroma of food drifted out of the kitchen.
Naruto and Sasuke stared toward it, anticipation written all over their faces.
For a moment, the scene felt warm and cozy.
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