Chapter 289: Chapter 289: Fugaku Joins the Mission Team!
Reiki chuckled at Tsunade's astonished expression. "Kushina-sama and Mikoto-sama are close friends. With Minato's personality, do you really think he'd refuse or create conflict?"
Tsunade's eyes narrowed as she processed the connection. The relationship between Kushina and Mikoto, and Minato's respect for Uchiha Fugaku, painted a clearer picture. Slowly, a smile crept onto her face.
"You're trying to get Minato to form an alliance with the Uchiha?" she asked, the realization hitting her.
Reiki's smile widened. "Exactly."
The brilliance of the plan dawned on her fully, and she found herself impressed. Roy's insight into village dynamics was astonishing for his age.
---
At the Hokage's office, Tsunade presented her suggestion. Sarutobi Hiruzen leaned back, considering her words.
"Minato has been in contact with you about this? Was it something Reiki initiated?" Hiruzen asked.
Tsunade nodded. "Yes, but Reiki needs time to focus on his training. He isn't suited for missions of this caliber yet. But I urge you to think about my suggestion."
Hiruzen's expression shifted into one of deep contemplation. She was right; even if Kushina claimed mastery over the Nine-Tails, no one could fully predict a tailed beast's behavior. The jinchūriki could be put at risk, and in turn, the tailed beast itself—a potential catastrophic loss if other villages capitalized on it.
"ANBU, summon Uchiha Fugaku," Hiruzen commanded after a moment.
Ten minutes later, Uchiha Fugaku arrived. He bowed respectfully. "Lord Hokage, you summoned me?"
"Kushina has mastered the Nine-Tails' chakra, but we must ensure the village's safety on this upcoming mission," Hiruzen began, his tone diplomatic but firm. "I need you to join Minato and Kushina, along with Minato's team, as a safeguard. Your Sharingan will act as a failsafe should the Nine-Tails threaten to go out of control."
Fugaku's brow furrowed as he considered the implications. He knew this wasn't a simple request but an order. His presence was both a reassurance and a subtle form of surveillance.
"I understand. I'll prepare immediately," Fugaku responded, hiding his reservations. He knew the power plays at work. The council's distrust of the Uchiha was no secret, but he couldn't refuse this task.
"Minato will brief you on the mission details," Hiruzen said, adopting a gentler tone. "The future of Konoha rests on the shoulders of young leaders like you."
Fugaku nodded, but inside, he felt the weight of the Hokage's words. The future of Konoha was indeed a delicate balance, and the Uchiha were always teetering on the edge of being pushed away from it.
---
Fugaku left the Hokage's office and headed straight to Minato's house. He knocked on the door, and Minato answered with a cheerful smile.
"Brother Fugaku? What brings you here?" Minato asked, surprised but welcoming.
"Minato, may I come in? I have something important to discuss," Fugaku said with a rare smile of his own.
"Of course, come in!" Minato stepped aside, letting Fugaku enter.
Minato's eyes shone with curiosity as Fugaku explained the situation. "Lord Hokage assigned me to join your mission as a precaution. My task is to suppress the Nine-Tails if it shows any signs of going out of control."
Kushina entered the room, a tray of tea in her hands, just as Fugaku finished speaking. She looked momentarily taken aback but quickly recovered. "Because of me?" she asked, setting the tray down.
Fugaku nodded. "Yes, Kushina-sama. It's for everyone's safety, including yours."
Kushina's eyes softened. "Well, having you with us will definitely be reassuring."
Minato clapped his hands together. "With you on the team, Brother Fugaku, I feel even more confident. Stay for dinner, please. Kushina's planning to visit Mikoto-san afterward. We can all discuss the mission over a meal."
Kushina flashed a warm smile and headed to the kitchen to start preparing dinner. Fugaku watched her go, momentarily stunned by how effortlessly Minato and Kushina accepted him.
Was this the script Sarutobi Hiruzen envisioned? No, this felt like something deeper.
>>>>>
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