Naruto: I Traveled with a Max Level Account-Chapter 120 - 519: Indirect Apprenticeship – Hidden Intentions Behind the Offer

Chapter 120 - 519: Indirect Apprenticeship – Hidden Intentions Behind the Offer

"We still have tasks assigned to the Uchiha by the Hokage that need to be addressed," Fugaku began, his voice steady as he addressed the assembled Uchiha.

"Tomorrow, the Hokage will convene a meeting at the Hokage Office, gathering representatives from all clans to announce the decision to conduct a census of all clan-affiliated shinobi. Regardless of the clan, everyone will be required to cooperate with the village and report all their shinobi. Nothing can be hidden."

"The Uchiha will stand on the front lines, supporting the Hokage. Do you all understand?"

Privileges are never given for free. Accepting benefits means showing proportional value in return. As a result, the Uchiha must take the lead in this initiative.

Fortunately, the Uchiha didn't have to worry about offending anyone else—after all, the clan had no allies in Konoha.

Not a single major or minor clan, even those on the verge of extinction, was willing to associate with the Uchiha. This underscored just how isolated the clan had become within the village.

Now that Tsunade had extended an olive branch, Fugaku intended to hold on tightly. Tasks that might be troublesome for other clans posed no such difficulty for the Uchiha.

If a census was required, so be it. The Uchiha had nothing to hide.

"Clan Head, what about the gray-robed shinobi?" someone asked.

These so-called gray-robed shinobi referred to clan-trained operatives—akin to secret soldiers—used for missions too sensitive or clandestine for public involvement. Like other clans, the Uchiha also trained their own.

Fugaku's expression hardened. "Report every single one of them. They must all be registered. Our only job is to cooperate fully with the Hokage."

The room went quiet. Though some members looked displeased, none voiced outright objections. Begrudgingly, they accepted the decision.

After all, Tsunade had extended significant benefits to the Uchiha, and the price seemed fair.

Why worry about upsetting other clans? The Uchiha had long since stopped caring about such things.

The ones truly feeling the pressure were the other clans—especially the Hyūga.

The Hyūga clan, under the guidance of the Third Hokage, had often clashed with the Uchiha, vying for the title of the most powerful clan in the village. As a result, the Hyūga had plenty of secrets they wouldn't want revealed.

With Tsunade's decision, the Hyūga would undoubtedly face a difficult time. While it wasn't outright confiscation, forcing hidden resources into the open would certainly sting.

"Do you think Hiashi Hyūga might faint from the stress?" someone joked.

Laughter rippled through the chamber as the Uchiha relished the thought of their rival clan's impending discomfort.

When the laughter subsided, Fugaku spoke again.

"Now, onto the second matter."

The room quieted as everyone's attention sharpened.

"I plan to find suitable mentors for Shisui and Itachi," Fugaku announced.

The mention of Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi immediately piqued interest. Both were acknowledged as prodigies, brimming with talent at a young age.

Within the Uchiha, they were viewed as rising stars, far surpassing the reputation of contemporaries like Kakashi.

While capable mentors certainly existed, few had been willing to take on either of them, leaving the matter unresolved for some time.

Now, it seemed Fugaku had made a decision.

The sixth elder, who had personally raised Shisui after the boy's parents passed away, hesitated for a moment before cautiously asking, "Clan Head, may I ask who you've chosen as their mentor?"

The elder's wariness stemmed from Shisui's unique status. As the descendant of Kagami Uchiha, a figure revered yet controversial within the clan, Shisui's position was both significant and precarious.

"I've decided that they'll study under Mikoto."

"Mikoto?"

"Mikoto Uchiha?"

The room buzzed with surprise. Why Mikoto?

It wasn't that Mikoto was unqualified—on the contrary, her prowess as a Jōnin was well-recognized within both the Uchiha and Konoha. Despite her current focus on administrative duties, her reputation as the "Uchiha Prodigy" had never waned.

However, it still seemed unexpected for Fugaku to entrust both Shisui and Itachi to her.

"Clan Head, is Mikoto truly the best choice?" someone ventured.

"You don't understand anything," the sixth elder snapped, irritation flashing across his face.

"Fugaku's decision is well-considered. Mikoto is more than capable. Or are you implying you're stronger than her? Or better qualified in any way?"

He paused for effect, then added, "And if you think Mikoto isn't enough, let me remind you that she has the backing of Yagami Takuya. Do you believe you're stronger than him?"

The room fell silent. The elder's explanation clicked into place.

"Ah... so this is a means to another end, is it?" someone murmured.

Fugaku had long sought to solidify ties with Takuya Yagami, leveraging Mikoto's relationship with him. Though Takuya maintained a neutral distance, his connection to Mikoto served as a buffer against any potential animosity toward the Uchiha.

By involving Mikoto in training Shisui and Itachi, Fugaku ensured a closer link between the two families. Even if Takuya refused outright involvement, Mikoto's role could naturally lead to his indirect influence.

This move wasn't just strategic—it was brilliant.

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"Mikoto's strength is evident," Fugaku said, his tone firm. "And if her guidance isn't enough, she has someone even stronger to back her up. That's sufficient."

Pausing for a moment, he added, "I'll personally explain this to Mikoto. Your task is to focus on supporting the village as we agreed."

With that, Fugaku concluded the meeting.

After the meeting, Fugaku didn't leave immediately. Instead, he called for Shisui and Itachi to be brought to him.

The two young prodigies, ready to retire for the night, were soon ushered in, arms laden with gifts prepared by Fugaku.

"...?"

Both boys stood there, confused, clutching the heavy bundles.

They wanted to ask why the clan head—Itachi's father—had summoned them so late, but the stoic look on Fugaku's face silenced their questions.

Whatever this was about, it was clearly significant.

After all, today had already proven to be an extraordinary day for Konoha—and for the Uchiha.

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