UCHIHA KING OF THE SOULS

Minato's Choice

The two conversed for a while before Fugaku, unable to hold back, steered the discussion toward business.

"Minato, we are old acquaintances, so I'll speak directly. I hope you won't take offense."

Minato's warm smile remained unchanged. "Of course. Open and honest discussion is the best way to resolve issues."

Fugaku nodded slightly, his tone turning serious. "The Sharingan is the pride and foundation of the Uchiha clan. For generations, our members have revered it as our greatest legacy."

"Ordinarily, it is forbidden for an outsider to possess it, but the Uchiha are not without reason."

"Obito and Kakashi were close comrades, and both are heroes of Konoha. Their bond should be honored, even by our clan."

"However, though I am the Uchiha clan's leader, I cannot make such a decision alone. The sentiments of my kin must be respected."

"Minato, do you understand?"

Minato's expression softened. "Though I don't belong to a great clan, I understand, Fugaku."

"A leader must stand for his people—just as a Hokage must act for the village."

Minato knew this all too well. A leader who lost his clan's support would stand alone. Even Uchiha Madara, once revered as the strongest Uchiha, was forsaken by his kin when he turned his back on them.

"You're absolutely right, Minato."

"To ease tensions within my clan, I must provide a reasonable resolution."

"This will also safeguard Kakashi from becoming a future target."

Minato's eyes narrowed slightly. "What do you propose, Fugaku?"

Fugaku took a deep breath. "Obito is gone. Add another Uchiha to your team—one of your direct disciples."

So that's his plan. Uchiha Gen must have discussed this with him beforehand.

Why was Gen so eager to be his disciple?

Admiration? Or ulterior motives?

Minato leaned toward the latter and felt an involuntary twinge of annoyance toward Gen.

Still, he wouldn't reject the proposal outright. He was confident in his ability to manage the situation.

"Alright."

Fugaku's expression brightened. "Minato, what do you think of Itachi?"

Minato: "???"

Itachi?

Not Uchiha Gen?

Did Gen withdraw?

"Ahem, Fugaku, wasn't the candidate supposed to be Gen?"

Fugaku, usually composed and dignified, suddenly looked sheepish. "Gen said that as long as an Uchiha joins your team, it doesn't have to be him."

"As clan leader, I must act for my people—but as a father, I have my own desires."

"Minato, you are renowned across the ninja world and a likely future Hokage. If Itachi were to study under you…"

Fugaku's rare humility amused Minato. Despite his status as the Uchiha patriarch, he was still a father first.

More importantly, it revealed something about Gen.

It seemed that Gen deeply valued his clan. But did he prioritize the Uchiha over Konoha?

A person willing to sacrifice his own interests for his family was unlikely to put the village above his clan.

A shame—an extraordinary talent, but with a limited vision.

Minato's thoughts flickered, and he smiled. "Fugaku, Itachi is an exceptional child, but he's too young."