Naruto Birdcage

The Uchiha district was quite different from the Hyuga compound.

The Hyuga estate resembled a massive mansion, whereas the Uchiha district felt more like a village within the village.

Unlike the rigid hierarchy of the Hyuga clan, the Uchiha's atmosphere was much more relaxed.

Walking down the streets, one could sense a much friendlier vibe compared to the formality of the Hyuga.

At this time, the Uchiha had not yet been relocated to the outskirts of the village, nor had they reached the level of exclusivity and distrust portrayed in the original storyline.

To most villagers, the Uchiha were simply seen as a slightly prideful group of people.

The Uchiha clan leader's home was just an ordinary residence, with a small courtyard that appeared far less luxurious than the place where Makoto lived.

"Makoto, please come in," Fugaku said warmly with a smile.

"Thank you for having me, Fugaku-senpai," Makoto replied politely.

In the living room stood a graceful and elegant woman with a refined beauty, alongside a young boy.

"This is my wife, Mikoto, and this is Itachi, my son," Fugaku introduced them.

Makoto smiled and greeted each of them in turn.

After a brief round of introductions, Mikoto excused herself to the kitchen, likely to tend to lunch preparations.

Fugaku and Makoto sat in the living room, chatting, while Itachi, ever the polite and well-behaved child, sat quietly nearby.

However, he couldn't help but steal curious glances at Makoto.

His father had mentioned inviting the Hyuga clan leader to their home, but he hadn't expected someone so young.

"Itachi, Makoto-kun has taken on the role of the Hyuga clan leader at such a young age and serves as the Hokage's trusted right-hand man. He's truly a role model among young people," Fugaku remarked.

"I understand, Father. I will strive to learn from Uncle Makoto," Itachi replied obediently.

Uncle Makoto...

Makoto's expression turned slightly awkward.

He thought to himself, I'm, at most, fourteen years old.

Is calling me 'uncle' really appropriate?

Humbly, he said, "Fugaku-senpai, you flatter me. It's only because the Hokage has entrusted me with responsibilities."

Fugaku chuckled and said, "I'm not exaggerating. Many people have seen your capabilities firsthand, Makoto-kun. I'd say your talent is on par with that of the Third Hokage in his youth."

"The Hokage relies on you so much these days, Makoto-kun.

He clearly sees you as an indispensable ally. I believe that under your leadership, the Hyuga clan will soon regain its former glory.

In the future, we of the Uchiha may also need to rely on your support."

Hearing Fugaku's high praise, Makoto put on a mix of flattered and slightly proud expressions, modestly responding that he was merely doing his duty in serving the Hokage and fulfilling his responsibilities.

Fugaku noticed Makoto couldn't quite handle a few compliments without showing signs of pride.

Internally, he regarded him with slightly less respect, thinking, Any adult in Makoto's position could easily lose themselves, let alone a mere teenager.

The conversation shifted to the ongoing battles on the front lines.

While Konoha didn't have an abundance of troops, with Minato there holding the line, it seemed that Kirigakure had already lost their resolve after the defeat of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.

Makoto didn't offer any personal opinions, instead agreeing with Fugaku and echoing his statements.

Fugaku sighed, "Once the war with Kirigakure ends, this Shinobi World War will finally come to a complete close."

However, Makoto knew better.

After Kirigakure, Konoha still had one more hard battle to fight: the Battle of Orange Stem Mountain, which in the original timeline brought the war to Konoha's doorstep.

The current Konoha is far weaker than in the original storyline.

If a war were to truly break out as expected, it would be a battle that determines the very survival of Konoha.

At this moment, Mikoto had already started bringing dishes out from the kitchen, and seeing this, Itachi got up to help her.

Before long, Mikoto came over, smiling as she interrupted their conversation, saying it was time to eat.

She was still wearing an apron, with a simple and ordinary long dress underneath.

Her face carried a serene and gentle smile, making her look like a dignified and virtuous housewife.

The dishes on the table were abundant, clearly prepared with care.

After all, no matter what, Makoto was the head of the Hyuga clan, and Mikoto understood she couldn't afford to be negligent.

Makoto praised, "What a feast! I didn't expect Mrs. Mikoto to be such an excellent cook."

Mikoto smiled gently. "I just threw together a few dishes. I don't know Makoto-kun's preferences or dietary restrictions."

Her view of Makoto differed from Fugaku's.

In her eyes, Makoto was nothing more than a 13 or 14-year-old junior.

Even though he held a high position, he was still just a child.

After washing their hands and sitting down, Fugaku took the main seat, while Makoto sat across from Mikoto and Itachi.

During the meal, Fugaku suddenly brought up the topic of the police force, asking, "Does the Hokage have any plans regarding this?"

Konoha's police force had always been fully managed by the Uchiha.

However, after the battle with Iwagakure, nearly half of the Uchiha clan—similar to the Hyuga—had perished, leaving many positions in the police force vacant.

The Uchiha could no longer fill these roles from within their own clan.

"The Hokage is troubled by this as well," Makoto replied, though he was inwardly thinking that Orochimaru likely hadn't given this matter much thought at all.

He had considered the issue himself, though.

"What advice does Fugaku-senpai have on this matter?"

Fugaku sighed lightly. "The Uchiha can no longer handle the village's policing duties on their own. I am planning to propose to the Hokage that we recruit talent from the village as a whole, without being confined by lineage."

Makoto praised, "Fugaku-senpai has a truly broad perspective."

Fugaku indeed had such an idea.

He had once brought it up to the clan members, but it was met with strong opposition.

The Uchiha viewed the police force as a symbol of honor and were unwilling to easily hand it over to others.

While the police force granted the Uchiha significant power, it also burdened them with a lot of negative reputation.

As enforcers of the law in the village, the Uchiha had never had a good name in the eyes of the villagers.

To judge criminals was to invite resentment.

Makoto said, "I can convey this matter to the Hokage on behalf of Fugaku-senpai."

Fugaku nodded. "Then I will trouble you with this, Makoto-kun."

Makoto smiled faintly. "It's all for the village. There's no trouble in it."

Seeing an opening in their conversation, Mikoto took the opportunity to smile and encourage Makoto to eat more.

Makoto praised Mikoto's cooking skills, saying they were even better than his own family's chef.

He added that he envied Fugaku-senpai for having such a wife, able to enjoy such delicious meals every day.

Hearing this, Mikoto beamed with a smile and began serving food to Makoto.

She then casually asked if he had any marriage plans.

Makoto looked a bit embarrassed and replied that he hadn't given it much thought yet.

At this point, Fugaku also chimed in, advising that, as a clan leader, marriage was not just a personal matter and that Makoto should give it more consideration.

Both Fugaku and Mikoto knew well how strictly the Hyuga controlled their bloodline and assumed that Makoto would only marry within the clan.

Makoto responded by saying he would give it some thought, but his dismissive tone and casual demeanor gave them the impression that he still had the mindset of a child.

After lunch, Fugaku and Makoto went off to chat, while Mikoto and Itachi tidied up.

When the time was right, Makoto took his leave, mentioning before he left that he would invite Fugaku's family to visit the Hyuga clan next time.

Fugaku smiled and agreed.

After Makoto left, Fugaku asked Mikoto what she thought of him.

Mikoto thought for a moment and then said, "Mature beyond his years."

Fugaku, however, remarked that Makoto's maturity was all an act.

Being in that position forced him to put on a facade of maturity, but in the end, he was still just a teenager.

Perhaps he had some abilities, but his mindset was still far from that of a true adult.

"Someone like him might become a competent or even outstanding clan leader in ten years," Fugaku said.

"But sitting in this position now makes it highly likely he will stray down the wrong path."

This was Fugaku's complete impression of Makoto:

Just a kid who was easy to manipulate.

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