Marvel: Trading with Worlds

"Clan Chief Fugaku, it should be easy for the Uchiha clan to assess whether aligning with Orochimaru or Sarutobi Hiruzen offers greater benefits," Kain said, his tone calm yet pointed.

As he finished speaking, Kain emptied his tea cup, slowly stood up, and continued, "I've also heard that certain high-ranking members of Konoha harbor significant prejudice against the Uchiha clan. I'm sure you've sensed it as well, Clan Chief."

Turning toward the door, Kain added, "If you're interested in my proposal, feel free to send someone to find me in the coming days."

With that, Kain took his leave, leaving Uchiha Fugaku to contemplate the offer.

After finishing their conversation, Kain and Uchiha Fugaku bid farewell and walked outside.

However, as soon as Kain opened the door, he noticed Uchiha Mikoto standing not far away, positioned neither too close nor too far, as though she had intentionally placed herself there, reminiscent of a gentle wife waiting to be summoned.

Seeing Kain about to leave, Uchiha Mikoto smiled politely and asked, "Are you leaving already, Kain-san? Would you like to stay for dinner? I've already started preparing it."

"Today's not the right time. Maybe next time, Mikoto-san," Kain replied with a smile. He then walked to the door, accompanied by the Uchiha couple, and left shortly afterward.

Later that evening...

At dinner, Uchiha Mikoto noticed her husband deep in thought, frowning and barely touching his meal. Worried, she asked, "What's wrong, Fugaku?"

Uchiha Fugaku shook his head and sighed. "It's about the Hokage election. A while ago, the clan was leaning toward me running for the position of Fourth Hokage. But now, it seems unlikely that the Uchiha clan has much of a chance. Our odds of winning are slim."

"If that's the case, then don't run in the election," Mikoto suggested gently.

Mikoto didn't know much about politics. Although she had been a jōnin, she retired shortly after her promotion to take care of their family. She had little involvement in village affairs since then.

Fugaku's expression hardened. "As the patriarch, I have to fight for the interests of our clan. The Uchiha made significant contributions during the war. If I don't even attempt to secure what we deserve, it would be a failure of my duty as patriarch."

Even so, Fugaku knew that the Uchiha were often targeted. One of Kain's remarks had left a strong impression on him—someone within Konoha's upper echelon was deliberately working against the Uchiha clan.

For example, while promotions to chūnin were generally approved, promotions to jōnin for Uchiha clan members were frequently rejected. 

Currently, there were nine members in the guard with fully matured Three Tomoe Sharingan, yet none held the rank of jōnin.

Fugaku understood the implications. In Konoha, jōnin had the right to participate in discussions and decisions about major village policies. 

By blocking Uchiha promotions, the village leadership was likely trying to limit their influence in the jōnin council.

The reasons Konoha gave for rejecting these promotions were often trivial—so minor that Fugaku couldn't even remember the details. 

Yet, they were used as justifications for denying his clansmen advancement. Despite Fugaku's attempts to defend and advocate for them, his efforts had been in vain.

Orochimaru or Namikaze Minato?

Uchiha Fugaku thought long and hard about his options. In the end, he began leaning toward supporting Orochimaru.

This decision wasn't solely because of Kain's involvement, though his influence played a role. Namikaze Minato had many supporters among the shinobi, but despite having a student from the Uchiha clan, his faction wasn't a good choice for the Uchiha as a whole.

As Fugaku mulled over the situation, a thought crossed his mind: Kain seemed to have a good relationship with Uzumaki Kushina from the sealing corps. 

As the Nine Tails' jinchūriki, she possessed the ability to control the power of the tailed beast.

"Mikoto, I remember you mentioning that you know Uzumaki Kushina?"

Uchiha Mikoto was caught off guard by her husband's question but nodded after a moment. "I do know her, though we're not very close. She's very enthusiastic, but we've only exchanged greetings a few times."

She recalled meeting Kushina at a dessert shop. Several times, Kushina had eagerly helped her choose desserts. 

Initially, Mikoto thought Kushina was a shop assistant, but she eventually learned that Kushina was a ninja from the sealing corps.

"Then let's work on maintaining that relationship," Uchiha Fugaku suggested. "If you have the time, invite her over as a guest."

He didn't directly ask Mikoto to gather information from Kushina, but he thought it would be worthwhile to try once they became better acquainted.

As for whether the Uchiha clan could get close to a jinchūriki, Fugaku wasn't concerned about Konoha's leadership intervening. 

After all, the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki was about to marry someone from another village—what could the higher-ups do?

"I understand, Fugaku," Mikoto agreed without hesitation. As his wife, it was her role to help resolve these issues.

The next day...

Early in the morning, Uchiha Fugaku went to the police force headquarters to prepare for a clan meeting. 

Meanwhile, Mikoto told Uchiha Itachi to stay home and behave. She then grabbed a shopping bag and headed out, intending to visit the dessert shop.

Even if she didn't run into Kushina, she could at least buy desserts and fresh vegetables.

However, Mikoto was in luck. As soon as she arrived near the dessert shop, she saw Kushina approaching with a cheerful expression. 

Seeing this, Mikoto's face lit up with a smile, and she walked toward Kushina.

….

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