Uchiha Patriarch !

(Fujika change to Touka)sougen sister

The return of Sougen and his group greatly boosted the morale and confidence of villagers. Especially with the arrival of the 2,000 Mist Ninjas as reinforcements, the villagers realized that Konoha was no longer fighting alone like in the past. The unrest among the people calmed down significantly. At least on the surface, things had settled down, and the atmosphere in the streets was noticeably less heavy and oppressive.

Arriving at the Hokage Tower...

The performance to calm the people's hearts had come to an end.

The reinforcements from the Hidden Mist Village were being taken care of, so Sougen didn't need to concern himself further. He walked into the Hokage's office, which hadn't changed much in the past few months. Sitting down on the sofa meant for guests, he placed his clan's fan behind him, letting it rest on the edge of the couch.

"The Uchiha fan... I never thought I'd get to see it with my own eyes in this lifetime," said Akimichi Torifu with genuine admiration.

"Hokage-sama, have you seen Flame Fan before?"

"I was just a child back then. Uchiha Madara hadn't left Konoha yet, so I was lucky enough to see it a few times. But after he left, your clan lost Uchiha fan, and it hasn't been seen in almost 50 years!"

"Uchiha Captain, please have some tea," Akimichi Torifu's secretary brought in the tea.

Once the secretary had left and closed the door, only Akimichi Torifu and Sougen remained in the room.

"Sougen-kun, how did your mission to Land of Water feel?"

Although Sougen had already reported every detail about the mission through letters, and Akimichi Torifu had other sources of information about the group's situation in the Hidden Mist Village, it didn't hurt to ask again in person to foster a more conversational atmosphere.

"The situation in Hidden Mist Village is bad, but they still have a strong foundation. With that elder managing things, they've been able to stabilize their position, which is why they were able to send 2,000 ninjas to aid us." Sougen gently blew on the tea leaves floating in his cup. "As long as the next Mizukage isn't too incompetent, they'll likely recover in ten years or so."

"Will the Mist Ninjas you brought be useful?"

Akimichi Torifu was less concerned about what would happen in a decade and more focused on the present.

"Definitely useful," Sougen nodded. "The elder in Mist Village is a smart man who understands times. As long as we don't make any major mistakes, Mist Ninjas will be our most loyal allies until Mist Village regains enough strength to challenge us. You can use them without hesitation, Hokage-sama."

"Two thousand soldiers?"

"Yes, made up of Chunin and Jonin, and they're quite strong. The leaders are young but exceptionally talented, considered the best in Mist Village."

Akimichi Torifu smiled, clearly pleased with the news.

"The situation in Mist Village is resolved. Next, we have to deal with north. Sougen-kun, when do you plan to head to northern front?" Akimichi Torifu blushed slightly as he asked. Sougen had just returned to village and hadn't even gone home yet, and here he was, pushing him again—something he felt awkward about.

But there was no choice.

The northern front was in critical need—not just of soldiers, but of capable commanders.

Although Konoha had many Jonin, those strong enough to stand up to Fourth Raikage and Jinchuriki of Hidden Cloud were few and far between. With the deaths of Third Hokage and Danzo, Konoha had only two of legendary Sannin and Uchiha Sougen left as its pillars of strength.

Tsunade was nowhere to be found, and Jiraiya, though back in the village, refused to leave again. That left only Uchiha Sougen—young, strong, and always willing to work without complaint.

"I'll go north soon, but there's no rush. With Shisui on the frontlines, we don't have to worry too much about Hidden Cloud making any major breakthroughs for now," Sougen said, glancing at the still-concerned acting Hokage. "Shisui, like me, has already unlocked Mangekyo Sharingan, so he can handle Jinchuriki. As for Fourth Raikage and other elites of Hidden Cloud… Hiashi and others will be able to hold their ground."

The secret of Shisui's Mangekyo Sharingan didn't need to be kept anymore. It would become known on the battlefield soon enough, so it was better to explain it now than to wait for the frontlines to report it.

"Shisui has unlocked Mangekyo Sharingan as well?"

Akimichi Torifu was stunned.

One Uchiha Sougen was already overwhelmingly strong. Now there was a second Mangekyo Sharingan user? How could anyone else compete? He might as well step down as acting Hokage as soon as possible—he had no desire to manage the increasingly dominant Uchiha clan.

"If that's the case, Sougen-kun, you should take a few days to rest at home. Once you've recovered, we'll discuss the northern front again." Akimichi Torifu smiled kindly. This was partly due to his nature—members of Ino-Shika-Cho alliance preferred not to make enemies—and partly because he was too old to stir up trouble with Uchiha.

So, even though he was Hokage, he spoke to Sougen in a consultative tone.

"There's plenty of time to rest," Sougen said, his black eyes deep and unreadable. "Hokage-sama, I think it's time to stop delaying the selection of Fifth Hokage. Jiraiya has been dragging his feet for too long, and it's clear he won't accept the position. To stabilize the village, it would be better if you officially took the role."

"…Hmm?"

Akimichi Torifu froze, looking confused.

"Sougen-kun, are you joking?"

"Joking?" Sougen smiled. "I'm afraid not, Hokage-sama. I'm being sincere. You've mentioned before that village is restless. At this point, changing Hokage again would only destabilize things further. It's better for you to take role permanently."

"Jiraiya is more suitable," Akimichi Torifu shook his head.

"The problem is that Jiraiya, given his nature, will likely never agree to become Hokage. If he had that desire, he would have taken role after the Fourth Hokage's death, rather than leaving it to Hiruzen. And Tsunade is still missing. There's no third candidate who could replace you."

Sougen laid out his reasoning clearly.

He preferred that Akimichi Torifu remain Hokage rather than Jiraiya or Tsunade because Torifu was much older and weaker. His clan's techniques, while powerful, drained their physical strength. As a result, Torifu lacked vitality to hold onto power for long. He was perfect transitional figure—a Hokage who posed no threat to Uchiha and whose tenure would pave way for Sougen's future plans.

"A puppet, huh?" Akimichi Torifu squinted, recalling something Hiruzen had once said: "Uchiha Sougen, who will you choose as your puppet?" That phrase now echoed in his mind.

"Sougen-kun, let's discuss this matter later. For now, go home and rest. Your grandfather has been complaining to me about how I sent his precious grandchildren so far away for so long."

Akimichi Torifu dodged giving a direct answer, leaving the issue unresolved for now.

"My grandfather isn't worried about me. It's Touka that he misses the most," Sougen sighed, putting down his tea cup. "I'm sure I'll be scolded as soon as I get home. He's going to be furious that I took his 'treasure' away for so long. Honestly, I'm just looking forward to going home now."

As for Akimichi Torifu's potential transition from acting Hokage to full Hokage, Sougen wasn't worried. Even if there were any signs of trouble, he would nip them in the bud. After all, he had returned to the village for this very reason.

Bidding farewell to Akimichi Torifu, Sougen left the Hokage Tower. He didn't return to the Uchiha compound or the Police Force headquarters but instead headed to the Mist Ninja's temporary base.

———

"So lively!"

Ringo Ameyuri stood on the balcony, watching the bustling streets filled with people, marveling, "I've never seen anything like this in our Mist Village… or Land of Water."

Under the oppressive rule of Hidden Mist Village, the streets are nearly empty even in broad daylight. But outside of the village, the capital of Land of Water is bustling, though not nearly as vibrant as Konoha. Ringo Ameyuri couldn't help but notice how even the most lively area in her homeland pales in comparison to Konoha's prosperity.

"This village is so crowded it gives me a headache," grumbled Zabuza Momochi, his face wrapped in bandages.

Before leaving the village, Fourth Mizukage had instructed him to choose companions for this mission to Konoha. His first pick was the trustworthy Ringo Ameyuri, known for her single focus on combat. His second choice was Mangetsu Hozuki, not Kisame Hoshigaki, though the latter was stronger and more obedient.

Why not pick the obviously superior Kisame? 

The answer was simple—he couldn't. 

Zabuza knew Terumi Mei was already set to become Fifth Mizukage, and Kisame had been recruited into her faction, joining ANBU as part of her future loyalists. Realizing he had no chance of bringing Kisame along, he settled for Mangetsu Hozuki instead.

"Zabuza, these people are the foundation of Konoha," said Mangetsu Hozuki, who had joined them on the balcony. It wasn't that they lacked other places to go, but this balcony had the best view, overlooking the busy streets of Konoha. Gazing at the throngs below, Mangetsu sighed enviously, "It's because Konoha has so many people that it could fight off so many enemies during Great Ninja Wars. Second Hokage was true genius. Without ninja academy he established…"

Without academy and its training of countless civilian ninjas, Konoha might have long been torn apart by other four great villages.

Of course, Mangetsu couldn't say this out loud—after all, they were on Konoha's turf.

He glanced at Zabuza. This man had single-handedly changed the brutal graduation exam of Hidden Mist's academy, though the cost was high—Zabuza had slaughtered all his fellow graduates.

"Why are you looking at me?" Zabuza's sharp instincts picked up Mangetsu's gaze, and he growled defensively.

Killing his classmates was a dark chapter in his past. He didn't regret his actions, but now, having seen his village's struggles, he hoped the next generation could thrive. Deep down, he wanted his village to prosper.

"I was just wondering when the Hidden Mist could become as prosperous as this," Mangetsu muttered, too tired to argue.

His eyes returned to the chaotic, yet lively, streets of Konoha, a stark contrast to the rigid, orderly Hidden Mist. In this apparent disorder, he sensed a vitality their village sorely lacked.

"If that day ever comes…" Zabuza narrowed his eyes at the sight before him.

Despite his pride, he couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. But the road for the Hidden Mist to reach such prosperity would be long. "Terumi Mei… If she can't change the village, I'll kill her myself."

"You already know?" Mangetsu was surprised.

The decision to make Terumi Mei the Fifth Mizukage was still a top-secret matter, known only to a few, including Mangetsu, as a candidate for the position and a future leader of the Hozuki clan.

"How did Zabuza find out?" he wondered.

"I have my ways. Don't take me for a fool who thinks brute strength alone can seize the Mizukage's seat," Zabuza said coldly. "But since the higher-ups have made their choice, I'll watch and see if Terumi Mei has what it takes. If she doesn't… hmph!"

His sneer left no doubt about his intentions. If Terumi Mei couldn't live up to her role, Zabuza wouldn't hesitate to deal with her himself.

"Instead of worrying about that, Mangetsu, focus on how to bring as many of us back to the village as possible. I'm not eager to be used as cannon fodder by Konoha," Zabuza said, returning to a familiar conversation they'd had many times on the road.

"Zabuza, we've gone over this—when you're under someone else's roof, you have to bow your head," Mangetsu replied wearily. "I want to bring everyone back, but it's not realistic. The moment we left, we were practically marked for death."

The cruel truth was that it would be more convenient for Konoha if all 2,000 of their group died in battle. This would secure a more stable alliance between the villages. The Fourth Mizukage had privately told Mangetsu, "Try to come back alive, even if you're the only one." His mentor had also sent word, saying, "If possible, bring Ringo Ameyuri back too."

As for Zabuza… he was expendable.

"Dying for village is one thing, but I'm not dying for Konoha," Zabuza muttered, his stubbornness unshaken by countless conversations on the topic. Mangetsu had tried to reason with him over and over, but no avail.

"You're supposed to be the 'Demon,' but I'm starting to feel like the bad guy here," Mangetsu sighed.

"Uchiha's clan leader is here," Ringo Ameyuri suddenly spoke up, cutting through the conversation.

From the balcony, they saw their guest arriving at the gate. Following her gaze, Mangetsu and Zabuza spotted Uchiha Sougen. The man glanced up and, upon seeing the trio on the balcony, smiled cheerfully.

"How are you finding everything? Is there anything you need? As long as it's not too much, we'll accommodate you," Sougen asked.

Mangetsu replied politely, "Everything is fine. Your village's hospitality is excellent."

"Good, I'm glad to hear it," Sougen said, stepping into the guest room.

Mangetsu couldn't help but feel uneasy under the sharp gaze of Uchiha leader, though he maintained his composure. Zabuza sat beside him, while Ringo Ameyuri, uninterested, left to train upon realizing Uchiha Chisa wasn't present.

"So, Mangetsu, relax. The frontlines aren't in such dire straits that you'll be sent out immediately. Actually, quite the opposite—I'm here to tell you to rest up in Konoha for a while. You won't be needed on the battlefield just yet," Sougen said, easing the tension.

"I understand. We'll be ready when the time comes," Mangetsu replied earnestly.

"I've said it before—there's no rush. Take this time to rest and explore Konoha. There's much for you to learn from our village," Sougen suggested with a smile.

Mangetsu, ever respectful, responded, "We'll definitely take the opportunity. Konoha has much to offer."

Still, despite the pleasantries, Mangetsu couldn't shake the pressure of Sougen's presence. The Uchiha leader's strength was undeniable, and in this world, power commanded respect.

"Just remember, Mangetsu, keep your men in line. I'd hate for any trouble to arise in Konoha. Uchiha police force handles security here, and I don't want to have to deal with any unnecessary problems," Sougen warned, his tone carrying a subtle threat.

Mangetsu nodded seriously. "Understood, Uchiha clan leader. I'll make sure none of my men cause any harm while we're here."