IN NARUTO AS KURAMA

Konoha Village – Hokage's Office

Hatake Kakashi stood at attention, holding a report in his hand as he addressed Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage. His usual calm demeanor masked the tension in his voice as he spoke.

"Hokage-sama, this is the detailed report of our mission in the Land of Waves. We eliminated the Kirigakure rogue ninja Zabuza Momochi, along with his apprentice. The mission was successfully completed, and Dazna's bridge is operational. Is there anything else you wish to address?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi rose slowly from his chair, his Hokage robes rustling faintly against the desk. His expression, often stern, was uncharacteristically warm.

"No, Kakashi. You've done well. Your leadership has proven invaluable to the village. Take some time to rest. That will be all."

Kakashi hesitated for a moment, his sharp instincts noting a strange air about Hiruzen. Nevertheless, he nodded.

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

As Kakashi turned to leave, the soft click of the door echoed in the office. Sarutobi's expression shifted immediately, his face hardening as he called out.

"Ben Lin."

From the shadows, a figure emerged, silent and swift.

"Find Uchiha Fugaku. Tell him I wish to speak with him immediately."

"Understood." The figure disappeared as quickly as he had appeared.

---

Moments Later – Hokage's Office

The door opened with a soft knock. Uchiha Fugaku entered, his expression calm yet alert.

"Hokage-sama, you sent for me?"

Sarutobi greeted Fugaku with an unusual warmth, gesturing for him to sit.

"Fugaku, it's good to see you. Please, make yourself comfortable."

Though wary, Fugaku complied. The Hokage's sudden interest in him felt both promising and foreboding.

"I've been thinking a lot about the Uchiha clan," Sarutobi began, his tone almost empathetic. "I know your people have endured much hardship and mistrust over the years. Konoha owes the Uchiha clan far more than we've given."

Fugaku's eyes widened slightly at the unexpected acknowledgment, but he remained silent, his instincts telling him this was leading somewhere.

Sarutobi continued, "Fugaku, my time as Hokage is nearing its end. The future belongs to young leaders like you."

Fugaku's breath caught in his throat. He leaned forward slightly, unable to hide his intrigue.

"What are you saying, Hokage-sama?"

Sarutobi's gaze turned sharp, his voice lowering. "Do you know about the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki?"

Fugaku shook his head firmly. "No, Hokage-sama."

"Truly?" Sarutobi's tone grew colder, the weight of his words pressing against Fugaku.

"I swear it."

Sarutobi sighed and walked toward a section of the office wall. Placing his hand on a concealed mechanism, he activated a hidden passage.

"Follow me," he said.

The passage led to a dimly lit staircase that spiraled downward into darkness. Fugaku followed Sarutobi in silence, his unease growing with each step.

The staircase opened into a vast, sterile room filled with rows of petrified chambers and glowing monitors. In the center of the room, suspended in a vat of liquid, was a piece of human flesh pulsing faintly.

"This..." Fugaku whispered, his voice trembling.

Sarutobi gestured toward the room. "This is Konoha's research on the cells of the First Hokage. These children"—he motioned toward the numerous capsules—"are attempts to replicate the Wood Release. We need their power to ensure Konoha's future stability."

Before Fugaku could process the gravity of what he was seeing, another voice joined the conversation.

"Does this surprise you, Uchiha Fugaku?"

Shimura Danzo stepped out of the shadows, his bandaged arm and face shrouded in secrecy. His presence sent a chill through Fugaku's body.

"Danzo..." Fugaku murmured.

Danzo glanced at Sarutobi. "You didn't tell him?"

"Not yet," Sarutobi replied, his voice devoid of emotion.

Fugaku turned to Sarutobi, his tone filled with suspicion. "What are you hiding from me?"

Sarutobi's gaze bore into him. "Fugaku, I'm offering you the chance to rise. To lead. To become Hokage. But you must prove your loyalty to Konoha."

"Prove it how?" Fugaku asked cautiously.

"By eliminating any threats to the village, including those connected to the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki."

Fugaku's heart raced. "You mean Naruto Uzumaki?"

Sarutobi didn't respond immediately. Instead, he placed a hand on Fugaku's shoulder, his voice low and commanding.

"Do you want the title of Hokage or not? Sacrifices must be made for the greater good."

Fugaku clenched his fists, his mind racing. The weight of his clan's survival, his family, and his ambition pressed heavily on him.

"I... I want it," Fugaku admitted, his voice barely audible.

"Say it louder," Sarutobi demanded.

"I want to be Hokage!" Fugaku shouted, his voice echoing through the room.

Sarutobi smiled faintly. "Then you know what must be done."

---

Outside the Uchiha Clan Compound

Fugaku staggered back toward his clan's gates, his thoughts clouded. He stared at the fox mask in his hand, the symbol of his clandestine dealings with an unknown benefactor.

"If they think I'm their pawn, they're mistaken," Fugaku muttered. "Sarutobi, Danzo... you'll regret underestimating me."

Clutching the mask tightly, Fugaku disappeared into the compound, determined to forge his own path amidst the schemes surrounding him.

Visit patreon.com/shirokendama to read up to 60+ chapters