Chapter 112: The Uchiha Join the Battle
Uchiha territory.
Fugaku left the war operations room and headed to the meeting hall. The Clan Head had already summoned the clan's elites, and Fugaku was well aware of the discussion: supporting the expedition.
This was the opportunity he had long awaited. He had volunteered in the past, but Hiruzen Sarutobi had consistently refused his requests. Fugaku's ambitions to elevate the Uchiha's reputation during the Shinobi World War II had been crushed by harsh reality.
Currently, the Uchiha medical staff working at Konoha Hospital No. 1 had cultivated a positive reputation with their excellent attitude towards patients. This had somewhat mitigated the negative perception surrounding the Konoha Military Police Force among the general public.
Fugaku believed that making a name for himself on the battlefield this time would greatly improve his standing. Once Tsunade succeeded to the Hokage seat, his chances of reaching Konoha's upper echelons would significantly increase.
However, as long as Hiruzen remained in power, Fugaku had abandoned any hopes of entering the village's core leadership. Even the prospect of engaging in war was dismissed under the current administration, let alone attaining influence. Such aspirations seemed like an impossible dream.
When Tsunade rose to power, Fugaku envisioned the Uchiha gaining a stronger voice in Konoha. The clan's current awkward position could finally improve. With a few more years of preparation, he hoped to groom successors who would secure the Uchiha's future for decades to come.
Fugaku was determined to seize victory in this battle. He planned not only to offer the Uchiha's support but also to send their most elite members to demonstrate the clan's sincerity. He wanted Tsunade—and especially Kawakaze Hatake—to recognize his resolve.
At least when it came to the hospital, the Uchiha and Tsunade had cooperated successfully. Tsunade had kept her word, training Uchiha members as medical personnel, and the results had been satisfying. With no other viable paths for the clan, Fugaku chose to trust the promises made by Tsunade and Kawakaze.
It was, undeniably, a gamble. He was wagering the future of the Uchiha on uncertain prospects.
When Fugaku entered the council hall, he needed no announcement. He gave a slight nod to his uncle before taking a seat in the first row. His youth was no obstacle—his strength and status more than justified his place among the elite.