Naruto: Becoming Stronger through Bonds

Chapter 7: A deadly situation for Uchiha clan

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After watching the two youngsters leave, the smile on Fugaku's face gradually faded, replaced by a cold, stern expression as he glared at the two guards.

"The workload will be doubled next week. Notify everyone—no one is allowed to stop Ervin from entering," he ordered icily.

The two Uchiha guards trembled as they nodded in agreement and quickly returned to their posts.

As Fugaku walked home with his son, he reminded him along the way, "Itachi, make sure to build a good relationship with Ervin at school. His attitude is crucial for easing the tension between our clan and the village's top leaders."

Although Itachi was only six years old, his maturity had always set him apart, prompting Fugaku to treat him as more than just a child.

"Yes, Father," Itachi replied respectfully, fully understanding the significance of Fugaku's words.

Seeing his son agree, Fugaku allowed himself a brief smile of relief.

But the weight of their situation quickly returned, wiping away any trace of joy.

The isolation of the Uchiha clan was growing more severe. The clan's land was constantly monitored by the village's higher-ups.

Fugaku wasn't sure whether the surveillance was orchestrated by Danzo or the Third Hokage, but he had no choice but to feign ignorance. His true hatred was reserved for the mysterious figure who had controlled the Nine Tails.

Had the Nine Tails Rebellion never occurred, the Uchiha clan wouldn't have become the subject of such suspicion and fear. And the Fourth Hokage wouldn't have died so prematurely.

Namikaze Minato had been a man of immense talent and impeccable character. He was a bright figure, like the sun, without any trace of darkness.

He was nothing like the Third Hokage or Danzo, old and shady politicians whose every move reeked of manipulation.

More importantly, Minato had harbored no prejudice against the Uchiha clan. He had even taken an Uchiha as his disciple.

But... he was dead.

During Minato's brief tenure as Hokage, tensions between the village and the Uchiha had eased significantly, providing Fugaku with a rare opportunity to bridge the divide.

However, all of that progress was undone in a single night. Worse still, the situation had regressed.

Now, Fugaku found himself battling not only the distrust and hostility of Hiruzen, Danzo, and others but also the growing radicalism within his own clan. Balancing these pressures left him feeling overwhelmed every day.

Ervin's close relationship with Izumi had offered Fugaku a glimmer of hope.

Fugaku knew that Ervin was Danzo's only living relative. If he could convey the Uchiha clan's goodwill through the boy and somehow win Danzo's support...

The thought filled him with a mix of cautious optimism and desperation. Fugaku glanced at Itachi, his gaze filled with even greater expectations.

---

On the other side, Ervin, walking with Izumi, was unaware that Fugaku had set his sights on him.

He simply assumed that the clan head's earlier display of goodwill was an effort to save face for Danzo.

But even if he had known the truth, he would likely have laughed it off, dismissing it entirely.

At this point in time, no one could resolve the deep-seated conflict between Konoha and the Uchiha clan.

Their only hope, Minato, had died the previous year.

The roots of this conflict had been planted long ago during the era of Tobirama. The students he trained harbored no goodwill toward the Uchiha.

Ervin knew that not even Danzo himself could reconcile with the Uchiha, let alone his grandson.

Sarutobi might appear weak and indecisive, but he was, in fact, the one who feared the Uchiha the most.

For any insecure ruler, an uncontrolled and powerful armed force like the Uchiha clan was nothing less than a nightmare.

In addition, Utatane and Homura, both former guards of Tobirama, were deeply influenced by his ideology. They, too, harbored a strong dislike for the Uchiha.

There wasn't a single person among Konoha's higher-ups who held a favorable impression of the Uchiha clan.

The Uchiha themselves had significant internal issues. Their arrogance, cultivated over years of running the police force, and their inability to compromise made it impossible for them to bow their heads and reconcile with the village leadership.

Fugaku might be an ambitious clan leader, but without strength and courage, what could he change?

All he could do was quietly wait for his filial son to bring about the transformation he hoped for.

"Izumi, Ervin, it's time to eat," a gentle female voice called from outside the house.

The two children smiled at each other, put down their pens, and walked out.

It was only natural that someone as gentle as Izumi's mother, Uchiha Hazuki, could raise such a sensible, kind-hearted girl like Izumi.

Hazuki urged the two to wash their hands before eating and began placing dishes on the table: grilled fish, sushi, and three bowls of miso soup. As Ervin returned, she smiled warmly at him and said:

"Auntie didn't know you'd be coming today, so I didn't prepare anything special—just some home-cooked dishes."

"How could it be? These dishes smell amazing. I'm starving already," Ervin said, flashing a bright, innocent smile, fully using the charm of being a child.

Sure enough, Hazuki's expression softened.

Mischievous children might be annoying, but a sensible little boy was always endearing.

"Then eat more. You're at the age where you're growing," Hazuki said gently, pushing a plate of fried fish toward him.

In truth, she was very grateful to Ervin. Not only had he saved Izumi when she was lost during the Nine Tails Rebellion, but he had also taken extra care of her over the past year, helping her gradually overcome the shadow of losing her father.

"I want to grow tall too! I'm going to eat a lot!" Izumi chimed in enthusiastically, her energetic response drawing smiles from both Ervin and her mother.

Indeed, lolis are the most healing existence.

Ervin was in a great mood. Today had been especially rewarding—not only had "the filial son" dropped golden rewards, but Hazuki had also sent him a substantial gift.

[Host and Uchiha Hazuki establish the bond "the son-in-law is more and more pleasing to the eye" and receive the reward "Mother-in-Law's Expectation."]

[Mother-in-Law's Expectation: When the distance between Host and Izumi is no more than 500 meters, the training speed of both parties will increase by 100%.]

A training-based buff like this was nearly as valuable as having Uchiha bloodline itself.

With no limits on activity type, whether practicing ninjutsu, taijutsu, or chakra refinement, the speed of growth would double as long as they remained close.

Clearly, Izumi would have to be "kidnapped" from the Uchiha clan.

Ervin's mind raced. Regardless of whether Izumi agreed, there was still the issue of Danzo, which was far more troublesome.

He would need to plan carefully.

---

After dinner, night had fallen.

Ervin stayed for a while, practicing taijutsu with Izumi and feeling the effects of the training bonus. Finally, he said goodbye and left.

When he returned home, he found Danzo waiting for him.

"Old man, why are you back?" he asked, surprised.

Danzo, who practically lived in the Root base, rarely spent time at home. Even when Ervin was younger, Danzo spent most of his time underground at the lifeless facility.

Ervin had left that place under the pretense of needing sunlight, unable to bear its oppressive atmosphere.

Danzo smiled faintly. "I was in a hurry last time and forgot to give you a birthday present."

He pushed a simple, long wooden box toward him.

"Open it and take a look."