A Few Days Later – Uchiha Clan Compound
Uchiha Tunan sat cross-legged beneath the eaves, eyes closed, listening intently to the subtle voices across the Uchiha compound. His senses extended outward, carried by the wind.
This was Fūton: Whispering Wind, a large-scale sensory ninjutsu he had obtained from Sakumo Hatake.
Not only could he hear faint sounds within a certain range, but he could also detect objects through disruptions in the airflow.
Suddenly, his ear twitched slightly.
A presence appeared at the outer perimeter of the Uchiha compound. The speed of their approach was swift—likely enhanced by the Body Flicker Technique.
A moment later, a firm voice called out:
"State your business in the Uchiha compound."
"Hokage-sama has ordered me to summon Uchiha Tunan."
"Come in."
Uchiha Tunan slowly opened his eyes, gazing toward the entrance. He silently counted down in his mind—three, two, one.
Knock, knock, knock...
A faint smile appeared on Tunan's lips. The accuracy of my sensory ninjutsu is quite high.
"Enter."
The door creaked open, revealing an Anbu operative wearing a cat-masked disguise. Unlike in the past, the Anbu did not barge in unannounced—this was the heart of the Uchiha compound. Such a transgression would only invite trouble.
The masked figure stepped forward and spoke with a solemn tone:
"Uchiha Tunan, Hokage-sama requests your presence."
Tunan nodded slightly, his voice calm and measured.
"You've worked hard making this trip."
The moment he finished speaking, his figure vanished in a blur.
---
Hokage's Office
Uchiha Tunan arrived at the Hokage's office, stepping forward with a respectful bow.
"Hokage-sama, you summoned me?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen sat behind his desk, exhaling a thin stream of smoke from his pipe, his usual gentle smile in place.
"Tunan, I know the matter with Sakumo Hatake has been a great blow to you.
Konoha is full of whispers, and I imagine it's caused you quite a bit of trouble.
But no need to dwell on it—young people should take time to clear their minds.
He paused before continuing.
"It just so happens that a long-term A-rank mission has opened up in the Land of Fire's capital."
Tunan's brow furrowed slightly.
"An A-rank mission? Am I to handle it alone?"
Hiruzen chuckled, taking another puff from his pipe before nodding.
"Don't worry—let me explain first.
The former captain of the North City Guard in the capital has resigned, and they require a replacement.
This mission will last a month, with the possibility of renewal. Since we're at war, the frequency of missions is high, meaning you'll complete an A-rank assignment every month."
Sarutobi exhaled, then continued.
"Your responsibilities will include leading a squad of guards, securing the city gates, and overseeing security in designated areas outside the city."
Tunan remained expressionless but nodded.
"Understood, Hokage-sama. I will fulfill my duty to the best of my ability."
Hiruzen waved a hand dismissively.
"No need to be so serious. This assignment carries minimal danger. In fact, my son, Shinnosuke, is among the Twelve Guardian Ninja stationed there.
His leave is ending soon, and you can travel together. He will look after you."
At this, Sarutobi gave a light cough. The door creaked open as Sarutobi Shinnosuke entered, his posture relaxed yet confident.
Tunan bowed respectfully.
"Senior Shinnosuke, I look forward to your guidance."
Shinnosuke smiled, clapping a hand on Tunan's shoulder.
"No need for formalities. It's always a pleasure to assist Konoha's young talent."
Hiruzen nodded approvingly.
"Your appointment documents are with Shinnosuke. He will assist with the formalities once you arrive."
Tunan nodded again.
"Thank you, Shinnosuke-senpai. I appreciate your help."
Shinnosuke smiled.
"We depart tomorrow morning. Use the time to make any necessary preparations."
"Understood. If there's nothing else, Hokage-sama, I will take my leave."
Tunan bowed again before departing.
---
Secret Discussion
After Tunan left, Sarutobi Hiruzen gave Shinnosuke a subtle look.
Understanding the cue, Shinnosuke locked the office door and pulled a chair opposite his father.
Hiruzen tapped the ash from his pipe, his expression growing serious.
"I will be retiring in a few years."
Shinnosuke straightened in his seat, listening intently.
"Remember what I told you. You must earn the trust of the Fire Daimyō. Once he ascends to power, we need his support for the next Hokage election."
Hiruzen exhaled.
"The Sarutobi Clan, along with the Nara, Yamanaka, and Akimichi, will support you. I will do my best to secure other allies."
He then narrowed his eyes slightly.
"In the younger generation, I have identified two promising candidates.
One is Kakashi Hatake—he has great potential and will one day lead Anbu."
Hiruzen shook his head slightly.
"I originally considered Minato Namikaze, but his personality is unsuitable for manipulation.
Moreover, his close ties to Kushina Uzumaki make him difficult to control.
We cannot allow him access to high-level power—it would complicate matters if he developed ambitions of his own."
Then, after a pause, he continued.
"The second candidate is Tunan. Unlike the rest of the Uchiha, he is disciplined and detached.
He has the makings of a loyal subordinate—someone we can mold."
Hiruzen's expression darkened slightly.
"However, I haven't observed him closely in recent months. The events he has endured may have changed him."
His eyes met Shinnosuke's.
"Keep a close watch on him in the capital. If he remains as impressionable as before, he could be a valuable asset.
If things go well, when I step down, he may not be strong enough to control the entire Uchiha clan...
But at the very least, he can become a powerful tool. Someone you can trust—to lead the Root in the future."
Shinnosuke's face remained serious as he nodded.
"Understood, Father."
Then, after a brief hesitation, he added:
"What about Asuma? He's been asking to visit the Fire Capital."
Hiruzen's expression softened slightly as he exhaled a breath of smoke.
"If he wants to go, take him along. Teach him a few things while you're at it.
Just ensure he returns in time for his graduation exams."
"Understood."
---
Preparations for Departure
That evening, Tunan stocked up on supplies—poisons, antidotes, kunai, shuriken, soldier pills, explosive tags, and feed for carrier pigeons—carefully storing them in his sealing scrolls.
He also informed the Uchiha elders about his upcoming mission.
Later that night, Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki stopped by. They took him out for a farewell dinner, a rare moment of warmth before his departure.
---
Midnight Reflections
Lying in bed, Tunan contemplated his next move.
"I have the strength to pursue dignity. Yet Sarutobi Hiruzen sees me as nothing more than a pawn for his son. That is an insult to my worth."
His eyes darkened.
"The Fire Capital is the perfect place to create an opportunity... to eliminate Sarutobi Shinnosuke."
His fingers tightened slightly.
"But I must be cautious. Reckless actions invite disaster. Strategy must always come first."
His mind settled.
"First, I will grow stronger. Then... I will take what I deserve."