UCHIHA KING OF THE SOULS

Boom, boom, boom.

"Fugaku, Gen is here."

Uchiha Mikoto, wearing a deep red kimono embroidered with cherry blossoms, knocked on the door gently and spoke softly.

"Invite him in." A deep, dignified voice responded from inside.

"Thank you, Mikoto-san."

Gen Uchiha, clad in a high-collared black shirt with the Uchiha fan emblazoned on his back, politely thanked her, slid the door open, and stepped into the room. Mikoto quietly closed the door behind him.

"I greet the young clan leader." Gen Uchiha bowed slightly, his crimson Sharingan momentarily flickering before dimming.

Uchiha Fugaku, with short raven-black hair and stern features, sat at a low wooden table. His dark blue robes bore the unmistakable Uchiha crest, and over them, he wore the standard green jōnin flak jacket. His black trousers, tucked neatly into his shinobi sandals, complemented his composed yet commanding presence.

"No need to be formal. Sit."

A rare smile softened Uchiha Fugaku's usually severe expression, his tone calm but authoritative.

Gen knelt opposite him, his back straight, appearing at ease despite the rigid seiza posture.

In truth, Gen detested this traditional way of sitting. If his previous life's body were like this, the discomfort would have been unbearable. This one, however, could endure it—but that didn't mean he liked it. Such was the etiquette of a noble clan. He had no choice but to abide by it.

"Have some tea."

Fugaku pushed a small porcelain cup forward. The fragrant steam curled into the air. Gen nodded in gratitude, lifted the cup, and took a measured sip.

"What do you think?"

"I don't have much expertise in tea," Gen admitted. "But it tastes refined."

"Haha, an honest answer."

"You called for me, young patriarch?"

"Nothing urgent. I just returned to the clan and heard about another rising genius in Uchiha. I wanted to meet you myself."

"I also heard you've joined Minato Namikaze's squad?" Fugaku's keen eyes scrutinized him.

Gen shook his head. "Not exactly. I was temporarily assigned to Team 7. To become a true disciple, I need not only Minato-senpai's approval but also that of his teammates—Kushina Uzumaki and the veteran, Might Duy."

"Then perform well. Minato is a frontrunner for Hokage."

"If you become his student, it could pave the way for an Uchiha to stand alongside the next generation's Hokage."

"If you require the clan's support, ask." Fugaku's words carried weight.

"I will do my best, young patriarch."

"Still, merely performing well is not enough."

"If Minato-senpai is hesitant about accepting an Uchiha disciple, I know how to change that."

"Oh?" Fugaku's brows lifted. "Let's hear it."

"You're aware that Obito Uchiha's Sharingan was entrusted to Kakashi Hatake?"

"Of course." Fugaku's jaw tightened. "Many in the clan insist it should be reclaimed, but the matter is delicate."

The Uchiha valued their bloodline limit fiercely, yet the circumstances made retrieval difficult.

First, Kakashi hadn't stolen the Sharingan—Obito had gifted it to him, entrusting him with his dying will. Both were recognized as war heroes of Konoha. Disregarding that would tarnish the Uchiha's honor.

Second, Kakashi was the heir of the Hatake clan and the son of Konoha's legendary White Fang, Sakumo Hatake. During his lifetime, Sakumo had maintained cordial relations with the Uchiha, making it unwise to antagonize his son.

Most importantly, Kakashi was the student of Minato Namikaze, who in turn was the apprentice of Jiraiya, one of the Sannin, and Jiraiya himself was trained by the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. Their influence ran deep within the village's power structure.

Forcibly reclaiming the Sharingan could ignite conflict with the entire Hokage faction.

"Young patriarch, retrieving the Sharingan outright is nearly impossible."

"Instead, why not turn it into an advantage?"

"They must allow Uchiha to save face."

"What if, as a clan, we formally recognize Obito's decision to bequeath his Sharingan after he attains posthumous honors?"

Fugaku's eyes narrowed. "You mean leveraging the Sharingan's ownership to secure Minato's acknowledgment?"

Gen's expression remained composed. "Not necessarily for myself—Shisui, Itachi, or any Uchiha could benefit."

"All for the family."

Fugaku was taken aback.

He hadn't expected such selflessness.

To relinquish a personal opportunity for the sake of the clan? This boy wasn't just talented—he was shrewd, a strategist with unwavering loyalty. He must be cultivated.

Fugaku's mind raced. If Itachi became Minato's disciple, it could elevate Uchiha's standing in the village.

Gen, meanwhile, wasn't as devoted to the clan as Fugaku assumed. He had a contingency plan.

Between Minato's leadership and an alternative path he had in mind, he knew where his best interests lay.

From the clan's perspective, aligning with Minato was ideal.

But for Gen personally? Another route might be more beneficial.

"I understand your loyalty, Gen."

"If Minato accepts an Uchiha disciple, and when I assume leadership of the clan, you will be named Captain of the Konoha Police Force."

Fugaku's words were firm.

Traditionally, the head of the Uchiha clan also led the Police Force. Given Itachi's potential, securing this future position was a well-calculated move.

"Thank you for your guidance, young patriarch."

Gen bowed respectfully, then added:

"But long-term vision is crucial. What if Minato doesn't become Hokage?"

"Orochimaru of the Sannin is a formidable competitor."

"If he ascends, Minato may never have another chance…"

Jiraiya, despite his strength, lacked political ambition.

Tsunade, though an equally strong candidate, had distanced herself from village affairs after the deaths of Dan Kato and Nawaki.

Orochimaru, however, had once been Hiruzen's chosen successor—until Minato's sudden rise changed the equation.

At this moment, Orochimaru was still in the running.

Fugaku's excitement faded into contemplation.

What if Uchiha backed the wrong candidate?

If Orochimaru won and Uchiha had sided with Minato, repercussions would follow.

While their power ensured they wouldn't be destroyed, they would undoubtedly be suppressed, stagnating for decades.

"Gen, are you suggesting…"

Gen met his gaze steadily.

"Young patriarch, for a great clan to remain strong, we must never place all our hopes on one candidate."

"A wise family diversifies its investments."

"A small clan gambles on a single leader—if they win, they flourish; if they lose, they wither."

"But Uchiha is different. We have thrived for generations."

"By distributing our support, we ensure influence regardless of the outcome."

"No Hokage candidate would reject our backing, even if they know we hedge our bets."

"To refuse means conceding all of Uchiha's favor to their rival."

"To accept maintains equilibrium."

"And sometimes… a bidding war might even break out."

Fugaku's eyes gleamed.

The logic was flawless.

At last, he clapped his hands and laughed.

"Hahaha! Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant."