Three months had passed since Fujimoto defected from Konoha in the Land of Fire.
The village remained peaceful. Fujimoto's defection had briefly caused a stir among the Uchiha, but it had soon died down.
Fugaku entered a little tavern in Konoha. Hatake Sakumo waved from his seat, and Fugaku went over.
"I don't get many chances to drink with you, Sakumo. How's life in ANBU?"
Hatake Sakumo smiled. "I'm not like you. You can leave all the Security Force's work to Uchiha Jin and take it easy.
"Life in ANBU is much the same as before, though it's been a lot busier lately."
"I hear Kakashi became his year's Top Student. As expected of your son. He's already showing a little of the White Fang of the Leaf at such a young age."
At the mention of Kakashi, Hatake Sakumo burst out laughing.
"Kakashi works hard enough, but lately one of your Uchiha kids has left him completely at a loss. Kakashi told me about it.
"As I see it, Clan Head Fugaku must be coaching the boy from behind the scenes. Children have little patience to begin with, and you went straight for Kakashi's weak spot."
"You needn't worry about children squabbling, Sakumo."
"Haha, why would I? I'll treat it as a little test for Kakashi. He's usually far too proud.
"It's good for him to meet a child who can give him trouble. Better to suffer a few setbacks now than lose his life after becoming a Ninja," Hatake Sakumo said.
"So why did you invite me for a drink today? To mourn our lost Youth? To reminisce about fighting side by side? Or did you suddenly feel sentimental?"
Fugaku's words made Hatake Sakumo laugh.
"None of those. I'm simply curious about that Uchiha boy, Obito Uchiha. Judging