บท 78: Covert Maneuvers
Konohagakure.
The Ninja Academy had just dismissed its classes for the day.
Anbu operatives, under the direct command of the Hokage, continued their daily surveillance of Naruto. Naruto had never shown any signs of unusual behavior.
Recently, Naruto and Sasuke had grown closer, with Naruto walking Sasuke home every day before heading home.
Today was no different. Naruto and Sasuke chatted and laughed, and Naruto accompanied Sasuke into the Uchiha compound. The Anbu operatives outside remained in place, as the Third Hokage had explicitly instructed them not to enter the Uchiha compound.
Fortunately, Naruto never lingered long. After seeing Sasuke inside, he would leave within a few minutes.
Back home, Naruto would dutifully do his homework and engage in some training, making Anbu's job easy.
However, what they didn't know was...
...
Inside the Uchiha compound.
"Ah... Ah..."
More than a dozen Narutos were vigorously working with balloons filled with water, transforming them into various shapes.
Sasuke was sprinting back and forth across the surface of the pond in the courtyard.
After several sprints, Sasuke collapsed, exhausted.
He glanced enviously at the numerous Naruto clones still struggling with water balloons but quickly looked away toward the water.
In his reflection, Sasuke saw his eyes, each with a single tomoe spinning slowly.
A smile crept across Sasuke's face before he collected himself.
After a brief rest, he got up and resumed training.
Fugaku stood at a high vantage point, arms crossed, watching the two boys train.
Natsuki honestly had an eye for talent. Not only was Sasuke incredibly gifted, but under tailored guidance, even Naruto was rapidly improving.
Sasuke had activated his Sharingan at just nine years old, on par with Itachi, who had done so during wartime, while Sasuke did it in a time of peace.
Fugaku attributed this progress to Natsuki, not considering Sasuke inherently more talented than Itachi. Natsuki had shared with Fugaku the various characteristics of the Sharingan and how to stimulate Sasuke's development, which enabled his early awakening.
Before leaving, Natsuki had given Fugaku a training plan for both Sasuke and Naruto, and Fugaku was tasked with overseeing their training.
Considering the Third Hokage's surveillance and Naruto's unique nature, Natsuki had suggested teaching Naruto the Shadow Clone Jutsu.
Naruto and Sasuke would walk home together after school, with Naruto leaving clones in the Uchiha compound to train while his original self went home.
Initially, Sasuke doubted Naruto could master a B-rank jutsu like the Shadow Clone Jutsu, but the results amazed him. Naruto, who lagged in other areas, learned the Shadow Clone Jutsu effortlessly, producing dozens of clones without adverse effects, only mild fatigue.
Seeing Naruto's rapid improvement using shadow clones, Sasuke felt a pang of envy and begged Fugaku to teach him the jutsu.
Fugaku sternly refused, explaining that the jutsu was dangerous for anyone but Naruto.
Sasuke, prideful as ever, didn't believe this and insisted on learning it after seeing Naruto's ease with it.
Eventually, Mikoto Uchiha, unable to bear Sasuke's persistence, secretly gave him the scroll for the Shadow Clone Jutsu.
Confident, Sasuke took a week to learn the technique, but he produced only a single clone after exhausting his chakra.
Though disappointed by the number, Sasuke was thrilled to have doubled his training efficiency.
After completing his training tasks with his clone, Sasuke added extra exercises.
Fugaku, observing quietly, said nothing.
However, after the clone dispersed, Sasuke immediately fell unconscious.
It took him two full days to recover.
Sasuke experienced lingering dizziness when he woke, taking a long time to recover fully.
He realized the importance of understanding his limits and apologized to Fugaku for his arrogance.
Amused, Fugaku said, "Natsuki was right about you. A bit of talent or knowledge, and you become arrogant."
"Your mother gave you the shadow clone scroll to test your self-awareness."
"You saw Naruto's success and insisted on comparing yourself."
"Didn't I tell you Naruto's physiology is unique? Only he can safely use the Shadow Clone Jutsu at this age. Why didn't you listen?"
"Natsuki said you'd want to learn anything Naruto could do, whether it suited you or not. He was right."
Embarrassed, Sasuke stammered, "Did Natsuki-sensei predict this too?"
"Your teacher is very clever. When he planned your training, he anticipated your reaction. You only learn from experience, not advice."
"Now you know the Shadow Clone Jutsu isn't for you?"
Blushing, Sasuke lowered his head, speechless.
Fugaku had planned to stop there but recalled Natsuki's analysis of Sasuke's personality and continued comparing him to Naruto.
"Excelling in academic subjects over Naruto is no reason to be proud."
"You received elite education from a young age, unlike Naruto. Your strong foundation should be expected, not a source of pride."
"Naruto manages his daily life alone, while you have everything taken care of."
"You have ample time to practice ninjutsu and shurikenjutsu. Your strength is expected."
"Naruto has wind affinity and can use Wind Release. Can you? Yet you insist on comparing yourself..."
Fugaku harshly critiqued Sasuke, leaving him feeling worthless.
Sasuke finally admitted his mistake in tears, and when he looked up, Fugaku noticed his Sharingan had quietly activated.
Before Fugaku could rejoice, Sasuke fainted again.
Upon waking and learning he had activated his Sharingan, Sasuke felt a mix of happiness and humility, no longer the arrogant boy he once was.
Following Natsuki's training plan, Sasuke diligently completed his tasks.
His current explosive training was a foundation for learning Chidori later.
With his lightning affinity, Chidori was the perfect jutsu for Sasuke. Natsuki wanted him to master it early, setting him on the path to developing his lightning techniques.
The Uchiha clan possessed Chidori thanks to Kakashi, who voluntarily gave it to them as part of the resources Konoha provided in exchange for Obito's Sharingan.
...
In the Uchiha compound.
"Lord Fugaku!"
Uchiha Kiyoshi brought new information: "Hiashi Hyuga's position has been replaced within the Hyuga clan."
"This is a letter from Hiashi-sama."
Fugaku opened the letter, a note of apology from Hiashi, stating that the Third Hokage and the Hyuga elders had made a deal to replace him and warning Fugaku to be cautious.
Fugaku frowned. Was the Third Hokage making his move?
At that moment, another Uchiha entered to report.
"Lord Fugaku, all members of the police force in District 8 have been replaced."
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