章 27: Uchiha the First

Although Naruto chattered non-stop along the way, Kenichi remained silent, only occasionally nodding.

It wasn't that he was aloof; the more temperamental members of the Uchiha mainly had left the village with Itachi. Kenichi was one of the more moderate, dove-like Uchiha. His silence stemmed from the constant surveillance by the Anbu around him; he didn't want to cause any trouble for the Uchiha, especially since Naruto was the Jinchuriki.

After ensuring Naruto reached home safely, Uchiha Kenichi left under the watchful eyes of the Anbu.

"Goodbye, Uncle Kenichi!" Naruto waved after Kenichi, who hadn't shown any discriminatory behaviour towards him on their walk. This alone made the lonely and sensitive Naruto quite happy.

Uchiha Kenichi didn't turn back; Naruto waited until he was far enough away before entering his house.

Upon switching on the light at the entrance, he saw dirty clothes and smelly socks thrown all over, unwashed dishes in the sink, and trash scattered across the floor.

Looking around at the mess and then at the new, neatly packaged clothes and shoes, suddenly, the disorder he had grown used to felt filthy.

Naruto carefully hung the new items, including their packaging, on hooks. Then he rolled up his sleeves and started cleaning up the house.

The lights were bright in the house late into the night as Naruto cleaned with vigour.

The Anbu outside exchanged puzzled looks, wondering why Naruto was cleaning in the middle of the night. As long as Naruto didn't wander off, they weren't concerned; they would simply report his activities.

...

While children's moods can change quickly, Sasuke, who had been in good spirits, became sombre again as he walked with Shisui through the old Uchiha district, which they had to cross to reach the new clan site a few miles away.

Sasuke's young mind was filled with questions for his father, and he quickened his pace unconsciously.

Shisui, meanwhile, was thinking about Kakashi. Undoubtedly talented, Kakashi had been brainwashed by the so-called "Will of Fire" and had languished since the battle at the Kanabi Bridge, wasting his potential.

Implanting the Sharingan eye quickly enhanced his combat ability but limited his potential since he could not deactivate it and consumed chakra continuously.

Kakashi became a bystander in many situations, always taking the easiest path, only experiencing a taste of Obito's powers towards the end.

His indecisiveness was also evident in how he handled Obito's numerous crimes. His inability to take decisive action had potentially changed the entire course of their story.

Being kind to Naruto was Shisui's investment. Still, he also felt that young Naruto had it tough—experiencing unnecessary pain and hardship due to the dirty politics between the Third Hokage and Danzo.

If Naruto had been surrounded with love instead of hardship, there wouldn't have been issues with the Nine-Tails losing control.

"Father, I'm back," Shisui announced as he and Sasuke arrived at the new Uchiha site, which was still under construction.

Construction workers were sent home on time since Shisui didn't like to exploit them; overtime meant extra costs, and right now, any shelter would do for the Uchiha.

Fugaku had already received news of Sasuke's return and was waiting inside, drinking tea. He rarely smiled, but seeing Sasuke brought a rare smile to his face.

"Back already? How did you get along with your teacher Shisui?" Fugaku asked as Shisui followed Sasuke into the house.

"Teacher?" Sasuke looked puzzled. Shisui hadn't mentioned anything about formal discipleship.

Fugaku frowned slightly, "Shisui, didn't you tell Sasuke?"

Shisui laughed, "It's late now, I just brought him back. We'll talk about the mentorship tomorrow. I'm off."

After leaving Sasuke with Fugaku, Shisui strolled off casually. Formalities dwindled as he became more familiar with Fugaku, for he knew Fugaku only maintained a stern facade due to his responsibilities. At home, he was much more pragmatic.

"Father, why did brother and Shisui leave the village? People are saying they defected," Sasuke burst with questions as soon as he sat down. It was just half a month away, and everything about the Uchiha had changed.

Fugaku always looked stern in front of his sons to command authority.

But considering Shisui's advice, he softened his expression, "Your brother and Shisui have gone to pave a better future for the Uchiha. Don't believe everything you hear. If they had defected, why hasn't the Leaf pursued us?"

"The clan site can be rebuilt. As long as we Uchiha exist, we can rebuild as many times as needed."

Seeing Sasuke's nodding but still somewhat confused face, Fugaku smiled, "About the police force chief, it was taking up too much of my time, remember you said no one had time to practice ninjutsu with you? Now I do."

Sasuke was shocked. His father had always been reserved and imposing, and Sasuke had endured much hardship to earn his approval.

Now, his father was offering to train with him.

Pinching himself to ensure he wasn't dreaming, Sasuke yelped, causing Fugaku to laugh aloud.

Sasuke saw his father so approachable for the first time and couldn't help but smile, "Then, father, when will brother and Shisui return?"

"After you graduate from the Academy," Fugaku said, knowing it would be years before they returned.

"Ah? That long?" Sasuke's face fell; the Academy took six years.

Seeing his son's dismay, Fugaku chided gently, "You are an Uchiha; are you disheartened by such a small matter? It's not as if they're gone forever."

"Yeah!" Sasuke brightened at his father's encouragement.

"What's this about a teacher?" he asked.

"I plan to have you mentored by Shisui," Fugaku explained.

"Mentor?" Sasuke tilted his head, not disliking the idea, "Is Shisui strong?"

"Strong?" Fugaku mulled over the word, then nodded affirmatively, "Very strong!"

"Stronger than brother? What about Shisui?" In Sasuke's eyes, his brothers Itachi and Shisui were the strongest in the Uchiha.

"Shisui is currently the top expert in the Uchiha," Fugaku stated, believing Shisui's intelligence alone made him the strongest. With the Sharingan, his abilities only increased.

"Uchiha the first?" Sasuke's image of the kind of Shisui suddenly seemed to glow.

Shisui is the second strongest.

"Oh?" Fugaku was curious, "And who is the first?"

"Father, of course!" Sasuke said confidently, "Otherwise, why would father be the clan leader and Shisui the deputy?"

Fugaku paused, then burst out laughing, echoing far and wide.