"Fugaku's right," Jiraiya said, glancing at the sky. "You two keep talking. I'm going to check on Minato's team's training."
"Haha, you know Minato well enough by now, don't you? He'll train hard even without a teacher watching him," Fugaku said.
Pride filled Jiraiya's face. In the blink of an eye, he vanished.
"I never expected your eye for talent to be among the best in Konoha, Fugaku. The Ninja Academy has countless students, yet you recognized Minato's potential years ago and took him as your apprentice.
"In another ten years, he may well lead Konoha's Young Generation. And having learned from both you and Jiraiya, he could even contend for the Hokage position."
Fugaku smiled. "Perhaps it's fate. No one can truly see where fate will lead.
"The first time I saw Minato, I felt a connection with him. I knew he would grow into an exceptional ninja.
"He hasn't disappointed me, and I'm sure he'll become even more capable. I may be the Uchiha Clan Leader, determined to lead the Uchiha's rise.
"But everything I'm doing now is meant to give the Uchiha a fair environment, not to seize power over Konoha forever.
"You know what the Uchiha's situation used to be. There's no point dwelling on the past now.
"I have no intention of holding power in Konoha indefinitely, either. My goal has always been to create an environment of fair competition within Konoha.
"For any group or organization, fairness—or something close to it—is the best way to stay strong."
Orochimaru nodded. "You see things clearly, Fugaku. But few people can live by those principles when their own interests are at stake."
Fugaku chuckled. "At the very least, I can do so in my lifetime. And if our immortality technique succeeds,
"even when I'm away from Konoha,