Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 239: The Genius Boys

In the very heart of Konoha, a grand architectural complex stood tall.

Among all the buildings in the village, none could compare to its scale and prestige.

This was the Uchiha Clan's compound—the most powerful family in Konoha.

From the era of the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, the Uchiha had always lived at the center of the village.

Even their prime location alone was enough to make the Uchiha superior to all other clans in Konoha.

Even the Hyūga Clan could not compare.

Tonari walked alone toward the Uchiha district.

This was not his first time visiting, but every time he came, he couldn't help but marvel at the grandeur.

"Such luxurious houses… It'd be a shame if they went to waste."

"Might as well buy them all someday and fill them with beauties."

As he was admiring the surroundings, two Uchiha shinobi stationed at the entrance noticed his approach.

One of them immediately activated his two-tomoe Sharingan, ready to warn Tonari that outsiders weren't allowed near the Uchiha district.

But before he could act, his partner stopped him.

The second Uchiha bowed slightly and spoke with respect:

"Tonari-sama, Captain Fugaku has already informed us. You are free to enter the Uchiha district."

"Captain Fugaku has been expecting you."

Tonari nodded in acknowledgment.

As he passed by, he paused slightly in front of the Uchiha with the activated Sharingan.

The man's smile was stiff—clearly embarrassed.

Tonari shook his head, sighing internally.

"Konoha's shinobi are stretched thin, yet the Uchiha still have two shinobi with awakened Sharingan on guard duty. Truly the mark of a noble clan."

Following the directions given, Tonari ventured deeper into the Uchiha district.

Despite the war affecting all of Konoha, the Uchiha compound remained mostly intact.

However, many houses stood empty—a sign that a significant number of Uchiha shinobi had gone to the battlefield.

"At least they're contributing to the war effort."

As he walked, a familiar voice called out—

"Tonari! Over here!"

He turned and saw Uchiha Fugaku standing at a street corner, waving at him.

Their relationship was solid.

After all, they had fought together on the battlefield, forging a camaraderie tested by life and death.

Initially, Tonari approached Fugaku out of practicality—

He knew that Fugaku was destined to become the Uchiha Clan Head and that his two sons would play pivotal roles in the future.

Similarly, Fugaku had reached out to Tonari not because of friendship, but because of Tonari's connection to Orochimaru and Tsunade.

But as time passed, Fugaku came to truly respect Tonari.

He now considered himself fortunate to have formed a genuine bond with him.

To Fugaku, Tonari becoming Hokage was highly possible.

"Fugaku, why did you call me here? Don't tell me you just want to treat me to a meal?" Tonari joked as he followed Fugaku into his home.

Inside, a graceful young woman was already waiting for them.

After they sat down, she served tea without a word.

Tonari smiled.

"Mikoto-neesan is getting more beautiful. Fugaku, you're a lucky man."

Uchiha Mikoto blushed slightly, pressing her lips together without responding.

She quietly left the room, closing the door behind her, leaving only Tonari and Fugaku.

Tonari raised an eyebrow.

"Alright, this seems serious. Even Mikoto-neesan wasn't allowed to stay."

Fugaku's expression turned grave.

"Tonari, I need your help."

Tonari's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Even you need my help? Don't tell me this is about the Uchiha Clan Head position?"

"With your current standing, you should be a guaranteed successor."

Fugaku let out a bitter chuckle, shaking his head.

"Yes, I have a strong chance of becoming the next Clan Head… But you know the truth."

"Even the Clan Head does not hold absolute power in the Uchiha. Many decisions are controlled by the elders."

Tonari's gaze sharpened.

"You're not saying…"

Fugaku nodded firmly.

"Yes. I intend to change that."

He walked over to the window, looking out at the Uchiha compound.

"Ever since the days of Uchiha Madara, the Uchiha Clan Heads have never had true control."

"Power has been divided among the elders—who cling to tradition and resist progress."

"They focus only on preserving their own influence, refusing to guide the clan toward a stronger future. Now, even the Hyūga dare to challenge us."

With a loud bang, his fist slammed against the window frame.

*"I understand your frustration, Fugaku. But have you considered this—Konoha will never allow the Uchiha to dominate."

"The Hyūga exist as a counterbalance—raised by Konoha's higher-ups to suppress your clan's power."

Fugaku nodded grimly.

"I know. The Uchiha were never fully accepted by Konoha's leadership. The Police Force? That was a scheme to isolate us from true governance."

"I'm not trying to elevate the Uchiha above Konoha—I simply want to ensure we retain our status as Konoha's greatest clan."

Tonari exhaled heavily, shaking his head.

"You think too highly of me. I can't help you—not right now."

"Unless… you want me to eliminate the elders?"

"Even if you asked, I wouldn't dare."

Fugaku smirked slightly.

"No. Not yet."

His eyes locked onto Tonari's, filled with determination.

"You might not have the power now… but once this war ends, it will be a different story."

Tonari raised an eyebrow.

"Oh?"

Fugaku sat back down, staring at Tonari intensely.

"You don't know this yet, but I returned from the battlefield before you. I've had time to observe the situation in Konoha."

"And right now, do you know what everyone in the village is talking about?"

Tonari remained silent, waiting for the answer.

"You and Minato."

Fugaku's tone was serious.

"Everywhere in Konoha, your names dominate conversations. This is a deliberate political maneuver."

"The same thing happened years ago—with Orochimaru and White Fang."

"The difference is, this time, the one pushing your names forward is none other than the Third Hokage himself."

Tonari's expression darkened.

"Hiruzen is setting us up for the Hokage succession."

Fugaku nodded.

"Exactly. Right now, he hasn't decided between you and Minato. He's giving both of you a fair chance."

"And that's where I come in."

Tonari narrowed his eyes.

"What do you mean?"

Fugaku's lips curled into a smirk.

"The Uchiha will fully support your candidacy for Hokage."

Tonari saw something unmistakable in Fugaku's eyes—ambition.

Before Tonari could respond, Fugaku stood up.

"Wait here."

Moments later, he returned with two children.

One was taller, older.

The other was a small boy, barely school age.

Tonari's eyes widened slightly.

"Who are they?"

Fugaku smiled proudly.

"Tonari, meet Uchiha Shisui and my son, Uchiha Itachi."

Shisui's eyes gleamed with excitement, filled with adoration and admiration.

And in Itachi's tiny, yet serious gaze—Tonari saw a prodigy.

---

Read up to 20 chapter ahead of time on patreon.com/Legendryweeb

{please give this novel 5 Star review and power stone}

*Thank you*