NOVEL NEXT Chapter 20: Plan
With the urgency of the Uchiha clan's situation pressing down on me, I realized the need for a solid plan—one that could save the Uchiha and also appease the village's leadership so they wouldn't feel their plans were thwarted. The key was to walk a delicate balance.
"I've got an idea," I thought, "but it can't be executed without the cooperation of the Uchiha clan. I'll need to meet Fugaku-ojisan and explain everything to him."
This weekend would be the time to make my move. Fugaku would have to trust me, despite my young age. He might even be skeptical, but with the knowledge I had, I could convince him that my plan was the only way to save his family and the entire clan from the looming disaster.
I just hoped that when the time came, Fugaku would listen—and that together, we could pull this off. Time was running out, and I couldn't afford any missteps.
It was Sunday morning, and as usual, I made my way into the Uchiha compound. "Hello, guys! Good morning!" I shouted with excitement, as I always did.
The familiar sight of Uchiha clan members going about their day greeted me, and their warm response made me feel at home. Over the years, I had become one of them—a part of their close-knit community—so my presence no longer stirred any surprise or tension. It was just like being among family.
As I made my way toward Sasuke's home, I thought about the conversation I was about to have with Fugaku-ojisan. Today wasn't just a casual visit; I needed to discuss my plan and convince him to trust me with the future of the Uchiha clan. Time was running short, and every second counted.
I stepped into Sasuke's house and found him outside, deep in training as usual. "Good morning, Sasuke," I greeted.
"Good morning, Naruto," he replied without missing a beat in his routine.
"Is your father home?" I asked.
"Yes, he's inside," Sasuke said, nodding toward the house.
"Thanks, Sasuke. Keep up the training," I said, giving him a smile before heading inside.
Walking through the familiar halls, I soon found Fugaku-ojisan seated in the living room. His expression was calm but serious, as always. This was it. I needed to speak with him about saving the Uchiha clan and the plan I had in mind.
"Good morning, both of you!" I greeted with a smile.
"Good morning, Naruto," Fugaku-ojisan replied calmly, while Mikoto-obasan smiled warmly.
"Obasan, my mom sent some sweets for you when I told her I was coming here," I said, handing her a small package.
She accepted it with a grateful nod. "Tell her thank you from me," she said kindly before heading into the kitchen to put the sweets away.
Now that it was just Fugaku-ojisan and me, I knew it was the perfect moment to bring up what I had come here for. I needed to get straight to the point before any interruptions.
"Ojisan, I came here because I have something important to discuss with you. It's about the future of the Uchiha clan," I said in a serious tone, looking directly into his eyes.
Fugaku-ojisan listened to me with a calm but intense expression, his eyes narrowing slightly at my last statement.
"Go on, Naruto," he said, his voice steady but filled with curiosity. "What is this plan of yours?"
I took a deep breath before continuing, knowing the weight of what I was about to propose.
"Hokage-sama and the elders have been growing more suspicious of the Uchiha," I said, my voice low but urgent. "I know they see your clan as a threat, and Danzo… well, he won't hesitate to act if he thinks it's necessary. My plan is simple, but it'll require full cooperation from your clan."
Fugaku leaned forward slightly, clearly interested but still cautious. "And what does this plan of yours involve?"
Fugaku-ojisan sat in silence for a moment, his expression unreadable as I revealed my knowledge about the impending threat to the Uchiha clan. I could tell he wasn't surprised—he already knew things were coming to a boiling point between the Uchiha and the village leadership.
He took a deep breath. "Naruto, you're wise beyond your years to understand such matters. But what do you mean by 'a plan'? Do you really think you can stop what's already been set in motion?"
I nodded confidently. "Yes, Ojisan. The Hokage and the elders are planning something, but I believe we can outmaneuver them without causing a full-scale war. I know the Uchiha feel trapped, but if we act carefully, we can protect both the clan and the village."
Fugaku leaned forward, intrigued. "Tell me more, Naruto. What exactly are you planning?"
I took a deep breath, knowing that this was the most important part of the conversation. "I believe if we fake the Uchiha clan's rebellion, while secretly moving the clan to safety, we can give the village what they want without sacrificing your people. U need stage a uchiha destruction."
Fugaku's eyes narrowed, clearly analyzing every word I said. "You want us to stage our own destruction, all while ensuring our survival. It's a bold plan, Naruto. But how can we guarantee the safety of the clan if we're no longer here?"
"That's where my influence comes in," I replied. "I can ensure the village doesn't know the truth. It will take secrecy, but if anyone can do it, it's you and Elders. Once the dust settles, the Uchiha can return when the time is right—stronger and more united. And don't let plan fall to the Itachi-san and Shisui-san. One loves Village more than Clan and other loves both equally. "
Fugaku leaned back, contemplating the plan. "This... could work. But it will require perfect execution. No one can know the truth except those we trust the most."
I smiled. "Exactly, Ojisan. Together, we can make sure the Uchiha don't fall. Not like this."
Fugaku nodded, finally showing a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "We'll need to be cautious. I'll speak with Council. But I must admit, Naruto... you've given me something I haven't had in a long time—hope."
"Leave Sasuke out of this mess. He shouldn't any of it. I will tell him when time comes. Until then leave him", I said with worries.
Fugaku sighed heavily, the weight of what I had just said sinking in. "You're right, Naruto. Leaving Sasuke out of this... will be painful, but necessary. He needs that pain to grow, to find his own strength. It will harden him, and in time, he'll become what the clan needs—a powerful Uchiha. But are you sure you can bear the burden of watching him suffer, knowing the truth?"
I nodded, resolute. "Yes, Ojisan. It won't be easy, but Sasuke's growth is more important. I'll make sure he doesn't fall into despair. I'll guide him, train with him, and help him become strong enough to stand on his own. He'll have me, even if he thinks he's lost everything."
Fugaku gave me a somber look. "You've truly thought this through. I can see why Itachi trusts you so much. If anyone can keep Sasuke on the right path, it's you, Naruto."
"Thank you, Ojisan. Just know, no matter what happens, I won't let the Uchiha be forgotten or destroyed."
Fugaku stood, placing a hand on my shoulder. "You have the heart of a true leader, Naruto. I'll make sure the clan understands the plan. We'll be ready when the time comes."
As he spoke, Mikoto-obasan returned from the kitchen with a small tray of tea. She handed me a cup, smiling gently. "It's always a pleasure to have you here, Naruto. And thank you—for everything you're doing for our family."
I smiled back at her, grateful for their trust. "It's nothing, Obasan. I'm just doing what's right."
After finishing the tea, I said my goodbyes and left the house, my mind racing with the weight of what was to come. The plan was in motion, but there was still much to do. The future of the Uchiha rested on this gamble, and I had to make sure everything went exactly as planned—for the sake of my friends, my future, and the village.