Konoha: The King of Souls from Uchiha

c62: Damn Fate

With Uchiha Setsuna's age, qualifications, battlefield record, political influence, and his identity as the clan leader's father-in-law, once he is released from prison, the title of Great Elder will naturally fall to him.

The other two elders who had previously monopolized much of the clan council's influence would inevitably have to step back. With an additional senior figure above them, their authority would be significantly diluted.

If Uchiha Fugaku retained sole control, perhaps he could manage the balance. But with Setsuna's return, even the clan leader's authority would be challenged and weakened.

This idea took root during Gen's prior conversation with Shisui and Itachi, when they had briefly discussed Uchiha Setsuna and his radical past.

He wasn't sure if Uchiha Fugaku could foresee the full ramifications of releasing Setsuna but it didn't matter even if he could.

At this moment, Fugaku was still in his prime firm in posture and confident in his ability to lead. He was only recently appointed as the new Uchiha clan head following the end of the Third Shinobi World War, and his momentum had yet to slow.

Even if he sensed the risks, he likely believed that he could suppress his father-in-law if necessary, or that Setsuna would fall in line and act in support of his leadership.

Moreover, Gen had deliberately raised the topic in front of Uchiha Mikoto. This served a dual purpose: earning favor with Mikoto, and subtly pressuring Fugaku.

If Fugaku refused to aid his imprisoned father-in-law, how would Mikoto interpret it? Wouldn't she question her husband's loyalty to her family?

Gen had already presented a viable plan if Fugaku remained unmoved, it would signal either callousness or incompetence.

If he agreed but failed to execute, it would expose his political weakness.

Of course, this had nothing to do with Gen after all, Mikoto herself had already affirmed that his strategic suggestion was feasible.

Damn it, a discounted promise is still a wedge. At the very least, I can strain your marital harmony. And at best? I'll divide your authority and reduce your dominance.

If you somehow manage to suppress your father-in-law and gain even more power from it then I'll concede the win.

Uchiha Genya was not someone afraid of losing.

"Xuan, your idea is quite clever," Uchiha Fugaku said with a measured smile, steady and unshaken. "You've thought through the implications quite well."

"Haha, it's just a suggestion," Uchiha Gen replied humbly. "I've had more time to mull it over. If you'd had the same opportunity, I'm sure you'd come up with something better, Clan Leader."

Fugaku nodded slightly. He thought so too.

"By the way," Gen added, "has Sister Mikoto mentioned my reassignment to the police force?"

"Orochimaru-sensei is swamped with work at the moment—missions, experiments, everything."

"Yes," Fugaku replied, "she told me. I've already approved it."

"Focus on building rapport with Orochimaru-sama. The police department will be handled. You have my support."

"Thank you, Clan Leader."

"It's a minor matter. Let's drink tea."

The four raised their cups in unison, sipping the freshly poured tea in silence.

"In recent days," Gen said, placing his cup down, "the village has been discussing the selection of the Fourth Hokage. In your view, who is the most likely candidate?"

"You already know the answer," Fugaku said. "Tsunade-sama and Jiraiya have both left the village."

"In my judgment, barring any unforeseen circumstances, your teacher Orochimaru will become the Fourth Hokage."

But unforeseen circumstances did arise.

The twist came when Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, suddenly retracted his nomination of Orochimaru and instead put forward Namikaze Minato.

With the Third Hokage's full backing, support from the wife of the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki, and widespread approval due to his valor during the war—including the legendary Kamikaze Blitz that defeated a battalion from Iwagakure—Minato rose quickly.

In terms of battlefield merit, Minato only started gaining recognition during the later stages of the Third Shinobi World War. Orochimaru, on the other hand, had already made a name for himself during the Second War and had accumulated far more merit over time.

Orochimaru had earned respect from many shinobi for his cold, efficient, and ruthless combat strategies. Though not warm in personality, he was widely regarded as a hero.

He was also one of the Legendary Sannin trained by the Third Hokage himself. Disciples are often closer than students of students, right?

So Orochimaru had every reason to believe that the Hokage seat belonged to him.

He never once considered Namikaze Minato a real competitor. Therefore, he made no countermeasures.

By the time Hiruzen had used his influence to win over the Fire Daimyō and push through Minato's nomination in the Jōnin Council, it was too late for Orochimaru to react.

"I think so too," Gen said. "Let's just hope nothing unexpected happens."

"Sorry, Shisui," he added with a chuckle, "I still want to be the disciple of the future Hokage. After all, your ancestors already achieved that honor."

Shisui scratched the back of his head, smiling genuinely. "No need to apologize. I understand."

"Besides, we're both Uchiha. As long as one of us becomes a Hokage disciple, it's good for the clan as a whole."

"Also," he said earnestly, "your intelligence and strategy suit that position far more than I do. I support you fully."

Fugaku watched this rare moment of unity between clan heirs with satisfaction. If only the other clansmen were so easy to manage.

At the same time, he couldn't help but feel a slight pang of regret—if only his own son, Itachi, had been born earlier.

True, from the clan's perspective, it didn't matter which Uchiha became a disciple of the Hokage.

But for the individual, it mattered immensely.

"Shisui, you're exceptional," Fugaku said. "Don't sell yourself short."

"I agree with you: it doesn't matter which of you it is—as long as there's an Uchiha among the next generation of Hokage disciples."

I'll find a suitable time to persuade Orochimaru… but knowing his pride, the chances of success are slim.

Even if I present a logical case, he'll probably just smile faintly and reply:

"Really? I suppose we'll see if Sensei truly does as you predict..."

And as for contingency plans?

Sorry. I have none.

Everyone chatted for half an hour. As the tea cooled and cups emptied, Uchiha Gen and Shisui finally took their leave, with Uchiha Fugaku and Mikoto personally walking them to the door.

The guests parted ways, and the night passed in quiet rest.

…

The next morning, Uchiha Gen paid a visit to Orochimaru's residence and privately conveyed to the high-ranking Sannin his concerns about the unfolding situation within Konoha's political sphere.

In summary: Even though the advantage appeared to be on their side, complacency was not an option.

Compared to Namikaze Minato—the golden boy of the Third Shinobi World War and Hiruzen Sarutobi's most celebrated student—Gen still hoped that Orochimaru could defy the established narrative and seize the mantle of Fourth Hokage.

After quietly listening to Gen's analysis, Orochimaru—draped in a pale yellow kimono, his long black hair resting like shadows over his shoulders—smiled faintly and said, "Your assessment is well-reasoned… but I have no intention of interfering."

"I'm curious to see just who my esteemed teacher will choose. Perhaps he'll even surprise me…"

Gen Uchiha fell silent.

As expected, Orochimaru's attitude was indifferent, sarcastic even but his response was exactly what Gen had predicted. His tone was vague, but the implication was unmistakable: he wouldn't lift a finger.

"Are you truly going to stand by and do nothing?"

"Teacher Orochimaru, if you won't act, then let me do something instead!"

Gen still believed that the situation was salvageable—perhaps just barely but it required someone to move.

"Don't interfere," Orochimaru said sharply. "If you act recklessly, I won't acknowledge you as my student."

His golden slit pupils narrowed, and an intense, chilling killing intent flared from his body. It poured out like venom, sharp and suffocating but it faded almost as quickly as it had come.

Orochimaru had originally wanted to say, "If you move without permission, I'll kill you," but he bit the words back.

For Orochimaru, Gen was more than a mere disciple they were companions on the pursuit of a greater path: the pursuit of immortality and forbidden knowledge. That bond was more important than any traditional relationship.

He tempered his impulse at the last moment, withdrawing the murderous aura as quickly as he had released it.

"Fine," Gen said, exhaling. "I'll listen. What else can I do? You're my teacher, and better than me for now."

Gen smiled bitterly, shrugging his shoulders.

This damned fate sons of Hokage become Hokage, sons of strategists inherit wisdom, and sons of scapegoats remain scapegoats.

With no permission to interfere, the outcome was almost certain: Minato would ascend. But at least they had seen it coming.

"You mean if you surpass me, you won't listen anymore?" Orochimaru asked with an amused smirk.

"Of course. If I'm stronger than you, why would I obey orders I disagree with?"

"Honestly, Orochimaru-sensei, you're a natural-born rebel. And wouldn't you know it—I am too."

Gen met his teacher's gaze without flinching, even teasing him slightly at the end.

Orochimaru didn't take offense—in fact, he laughed heartily.

"Indeed, we are alike in many ways, you and I."

"Becoming Hokage may not be a blessing. If I were to be saddled with that title, my time for experimentation would be severely restricted. I might never complete the road to immortality in my lifetime."

"If Hiruzen-sensei chooses Minato… perhaps it will finally free me from that particular obsession."

Gen smiled wryly. "You make it sound so light, but if you really lose the position, I know you, Orochimaru-sensei. You'll feel bitterness even if just a little."

Orochimaru gave a vague smile. "Perhaps. But I will also feel relief."

"I've watched many ambitious shinobi die young in their pursuit of the Hokage seat. Two, in particular, still linger in my memory."

"Who are they?" Gen asked knowingly, baiting the answer.

"There's no need to keep it secret. One was Tsunade's lover, Kato Dan. The other was her younger brother, Senju Nawaki."

"Dan was especially skilled in the Spirit Transformation Technique… I asked Hiruzen-sensei for the scroll last year, but he refused."

"If I lose the election, perhaps I'll be in a position to ask again this time without political strings."

"Then maybe I should hope you lose, teacher?"

"Idiot. If I become Hokage, getting my hands on that technique will be even easier!"

The two of them burst out laughing.

Their laughter echoed through the wooden halls of the house and spilled into the courtyard.

Outside, Mitarashi Anko who had just arrived for her daily training—heard the uproar and hurried her pace.

What are sensei and senpai talking about that's making them laugh like that?

No way I'm missing this. I have to listen in too!

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