"Lord Hokage, sorry to keep you waiting. What is it this time?" While Kushina's selection was in full swing, Fugaku Uchiha arrived at the Hokage's Office as well. Without any unnecessary pleasantries, he got straight to the point, a trace of impatience in his voice.
"Fugaku, you know Kushina's identity. I hope the Uchiha Clan can keep its distance from her." Seeing how direct Fugaku was, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, felt some displeasure but still tried to remain calm.
"Lord Hokage, I cannot fulfill that request." Fugaku Uchiha answered crisply, without the slightest hesitation.
"What did you say? Fugaku, do you know what you're saying?" The Third Hokage's gaze instantly turned sharp, and a hint of suppressed fury entered his voice.
"Of course I know what I'm saying." Fugaku Uchiha spoke evenly, meeting the Third Hokage's eyes without flinching. "I cannot fulfill your request. Unless you announce to the people of Konoha that we Uchiha are not Konoha shinobi and expel us. Then, naturally, we will no longer be able to have contact with Kushina."
"Fugaku, don't forget that your Uchiha Clan's Sharingan can control Tailed Beasts." The Third Hokage's voice carried a warning, his tone growing increasingly stern.
"So what? We are Konoha shinobi. Do you think we would harm Konoha?" Fugaku Uchiha sneered, his tone dripping with mockery. "Since we are so unsafe, Lord Hokage, you can expel us. The Uchiha Clan may not have been able to let go before, but now I guarantee that if you drive us out, we'll leave immediately."
"Fugaku, are you threatening me?" The Third Hokage could no longer suppress his rage, and a cold chill entered his voice.
"It is Lord Hokage who is demanding that I do something I cannot do." Fugaku Uchiha remained calm, showing no sign of