Chapter 36: Sasuke and Naruto (Part 1)
"Come, Shisui, sit." Uchiha Douhuan motioned for Shisui to take a seat and poured him a cup of tea.
Although Shisui had returned to work at the Police Force, Fugaku naturally couldn't fully trust him. As a result, he was assigned to a logistics position rather than frontline duties.
Shisui took a sip of tea and hesitated before speaking, "Douhuan, the complaint rate at the Police Force is still too high. This isn't sustainable."
Douhuan put on a troubled expression, massaging his forehead. "I know, Shisui. It's really giving me a headache. When the Police Force was entirely Uchiha, villagers complained. Now that we've included civilian ninjas, they still complain. I really don't know how to handle it."
Shisui sighed deeply, clearly struggling to comprehend the situation. "It just doesn't make sense. The clan is genuinely trying to integrate into the village, but why isn't it working?"
"Well, for now, I've been using red envelopes to boost morale. Let's give it time. Eventually, the village will recognize the Police Force's sincerity, and we'll build mutual understanding." Douhuan looked at Shisui, his expression serious.
Shisui nodded with conviction. "You're right. I trust you, Douhuan."
Douhuan pushed a red envelope toward him. "Take this. Everyone in the Police Force gets one. You're one of us too."
Shisui hesitated but eventually accepted the envelope with a nod. After Shisui left, Douhuan leaned back in his chair, looking at the copied evidence files from Orochimaru's base.
"When the truth comes to light, will you stand with the Will of Fire or side with the village's corruption?" Douhuan pondered.
---
As the day wound down, Douhuan stretched, tidied his desk, and prepared to head home. Tonight, he expected a small visitor.
Meanwhile, in the old Hatake clan estate, Kakashi was busy cleaning and setting up a room for Naruto. Once he finished, he locked up and walked toward the Ninja Academy.
---
It was dismissal time, the most painful moment of Naruto's day. All the other kids had family or friends to leave with, but Naruto sat alone on the Academy's swing, watching everyone walk away. Only when the courtyard was completely empty did he slowly get up and start heading home.
For Sasuke, however, dismissal was the most exciting part of the day. He would rush out first, eager to see if his beloved older brother, Itachi, was there to pick him up. If he could see his brother, the rest of the day would be filled with joy.
But today, to Sasuke's surprise, it wasn't Itachi waiting for him—it was his father, Fugaku, with a stern expression.
"Father?" Sasuke called out, unsure of what was going on.
"Come, Sasuke." Fugaku gestured for him to follow. They walked in silence toward the Uchiha clan compound.
After a while, Sasuke couldn't hold back his curiosity. "Father, why isn't Brother here to pick me up?"
"Itachi has a mission," Fugaku replied, his voice flat.
"Oh..." Sasuke's shoulders sagged in disappointment.
After a few more steps, Fugaku spoke again. "I've arranged for a teacher to guide you after school. From now on, you'll be training with him."
"Teacher? Who is it?" Sasuke looked up, intrigued.
"Your talent in Lightning Release is exceptional, so I asked Clan Leader Douhuan to teach you. Learn well and don't disgrace the family."
"Clan Leader Douhuan?" Sasuke was a bit taken aback. Though he was just a child, he knew from snippets of conversation that his father used to be the clan head, but was succeeded by this man named Douhuan.
"Yes, Sasuke," Fugaku said patiently. "He may be much older than you, but his strength and wisdom are unmatched. He is the most powerful in the clan."
"I understand, Father. I will work hard." Sasuke nodded seriously.
---
Ninja Academy - Late Afternoon
Naruto still sat on the swing, kicking his feet aimlessly. He didn't want to head home just yet, not when the walk would be filled with hostile glares. Just then, a long shadow appeared before him.
Looking up, he saw a masked man with silver hair, his headband covering one eye.
"Oi, kid."
Naruto blinked. "Who're you looking for, mister?"
The masked man squatted down to his level. "You."
"Me?" Naruto tilted his head.
"If you're Uzumaki Naruto, then yes."
---
Uchiha Compound - Evening
Thanks to Douhuan's prior notice, the Uchiha housekeeper, Keiko, was already waiting at the entrance when Fugaku and Sasuke arrived.
"Lord Douhuan is waiting in the study," she informed them.
When they entered, they found Douhuan in a traditional robe, writing something on his desk. As they approached, Douhuan set his brush down and smiled.
"Fugaku-sama, and this must be Sasuke."
Fugaku gave his son a stern glance. "Sasuke, greet your teacher properly."
Sasuke bowed politely. "Hello, Teacher. My name is Uchiha Sasuke."
Douhuan smiled and walked over, patting Sasuke's shoulder. "Good to meet you, Sasuke. I've heard about your talent in Lightning Release. We'll work together to develop it."
"Douhuan, I'll leave Sasuke to you." Fugaku bowed slightly, expressing his gratitude.
---
Ichiraku Ramen
At the counter, Naruto devoured his ramen with a wide grin. Kakashi sat next to him, observing quietly.
"Why aren't you eating, old man?" Naruto asked through a mouthful of noodles.
Kakashi gave a faint smile. "I'm not hungry. And call me Kakashi-nii."
The ramen shop owner, Teuchi, raised his eyebrows. "Kakashi, it's been a while. Didn't expect to see you with a kid. What's the story here?"
Kakashi glanced at Teuchi. "This boy's father... we have some history."
The mention of his father made Naruto pause, his chopsticks hanging in mid-air.
Teuchi, familiar with Kakashi as a regular from years ago, felt a strange chill. He eyed Naruto's bright blond hair, and a thought crossed his mind.
"Could it be...?"
Kakashi gave a subtle shake of his head, signaling Teuchi to drop it. Understanding the delicate situation, Teuchi gave a gentle smile and served Naruto another bowl.
"Eat up, kid. This one's on the house."
Naruto's face lit up. "Really? Thanks, old man!"
Kakashi watched the boy with a hint of sadness in his visible eye. "Minato-sensei... I promise I'll take care of him."