Chapter 14: Uchiha Clan Tensions and the White Fang Meeting
Inside the Uchiha clan head's study, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Uchiha Chikara, the current clan head, sat with a grim expression as his subordinate delivered the report.
"Clan Head, Uchiha Naraku—that previously unremarkable young boy—has recently done something shocking." The subordinate's tone carried disbelief. "At only eight years old, he successfully forged a weapon comparable to the Seven Ninja Swords of the Mist… and he gave it to Orochimaru!"
Chikara's brows furrowed tightly. "Such talent—why didn't we notice him earlier?"
"Truly unexpected, Clan Head. His performance was always average. No one anticipated this level of skill." "And worse—he gave such a treasure to an outsider." Chikara's voice carried clear displeasure. "Does he have some grievance against our Uchiha clan?"
At that moment, his son Uchiha Fugaku entered. Seeing his father's dark expression, he tensed but still bowed respectfully. "Father, what has made you so angry?"
"Fugaku, how much do you know about Uchiha Naraku?" Chikara fixed his son with a piercing stare.
Fugaku paused, then answered: "He was never outstanding. His talent seemed ordinary. He doesn't mix much with the clan, so I don't know him well."
"And his relationship with Uchiha Mikoto?" Chikara asked suddenly.
Fugaku's heart jolted. Why was his father asking about this now? After a brief hesitation, he replied: "Their relationship… seems fairly close."
"Just 'fairly close'?" Chikara's tone carried undeniable authority.
Fugaku gave a wry inner smile. His father had always valued Mikoto highly and had even hinted at arranging something between them. But now, things appeared to have shifted. "Father, didn't you previously tell me to build a good relationship with Mikoto?"
"That was then. This is now. The priority is to win over Uchiha Naraku—not to create conflict with him over a woman." Chikara said coldly. "I will arrange your marriage to the Second Elder's granddaughter."
Fugaku's heart sank. The Second Elder's granddaughter could compare to Mikoto? Mikoto was among the absolute top beauties in the Uchiha clan, with a gentle, yamato-nadeshiko-like personality. Most importantly—he genuinely liked her. From the moment he first saw her, it felt like destiny. He had even already imagined their future children: one named Uchiha Itachi, the other Uchiha Sasuke. The eldest, Itachi, would shoulder the clan's future, with extraordinary talent and unwavering filial piety. The younger, Sasuke, might not match his brother's genius but would still far surpass their peers—kind, cute, always by their parents' side to care for them in old age, and his brother's staunchest support. The brothers' story of fraternal harmony would spread far and wide as the Uchiha rose again!
Unfortunately, he knew his father's decision was final. The thought of giving up Mikoto filled him with unwillingness. Yet he could only bury the anger deep inside. In his heart he vowed: Damn you, Uchiha Naraku! The enmity of stealing my wife is irreconcilable!
But he also knew that becoming clan head meant he couldn't openly retaliate against Naraku right now.
Only one song could express Uchiha Fugaku's mood at this moment: "One Cut of Plum Blossoms."
On the other side, Uchiha clan Great Elder Uchiha Min also received the news. He summoned his granddaughter Uchiha Mikoto to his side, wanting to understand more about Uchiha Naraku.
"Little Mikoto, how has Naraku been lately?" Min asked gently.
Mikoto's heart skipped. She worried her grandfather had learned about Naraku. After a brief hesitation, she answered: "Grandfather, Naraku has been doing fine lately. Why do you ask?"
But the Great Elder seemed unsatisfied with her response. He looked deeply at Mikoto and said: "Mikoto, you are my most beloved granddaughter. I don't want you to do anything foolish because of a man."
Mikoto lowered her head. She understood there was more behind his words. With a quiet sigh, she lifted her gaze and replied: "Grandfather, I understand."
Min nodded. "Then, can you bring Uchiha Naraku to me? I'd like to have a meal with him."
Mikoto's heart stirred. This was her grandfather's chance to personally evaluate Naraku. She nodded and left the room.
On her way to find Naraku, Mikoto's emotions were a tangled mess. She hoped Naraku would earn her grandfather's approval… yet feared he might be punished because of what had happened before. She knew her feelings for Naraku had long surpassed ordinary friendship—but she couldn't control her heart.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Naraku remained unaware of these developments.
Feeling he had achieved some success in forging and improved his skill, Naraku went straight to the Hatake residence and rang the doorbell.
After a moment, a beautiful but somewhat pale woman opened the door.
Hatake Miko looked at the child before her, trying to recall whose kid he was.
Naraku studied the beautiful woman, wondering if this could be Kakashi's mother.
She clearly didn't recognize him and asked politely: "Child, is there something you need?"
Naraku flashed his signature harmless little-kid smile: "Is Sakumo-sama home? I have important business to discuss with him!"
Miko saw no threat in the polite, well-behaved child—no sign of a prank. She let Naraku inside.
Hatake Sakumo and Naraku sat on the sofa, staring at each other in silence.
Finally Naraku broke the quiet: "Sakumo-sama, my name is Naraku. You've probably heard of me. I'd like to forge a blade for you!"
Sakumo was momentarily stunned by the boy's directness. He thought back. Naraku was indeed the young forger gaining some fame in Konoha—the one who crafted "Kirikabe Ichimonji" and gave it to Orochimaru.
But Sakumo already had his own established fighting style. Abilities like continuous bleeding or Yang-chakra bursts wouldn't particularly benefit him. He was very comfortable with his tanto. After a pause, Sakumo explained the situation honestly to Naraku.
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