As evening fell, the Uchiha district was filled with life, as ninjas relaxed after a day’s work. Laughter and conversation filled the air, with people sharing stories, drinking, and enjoying a rare moment of peace.

Fugaku exchanged nods and greetings with familiar faces as he walked back home.

When he entered the courtyard, he heard his father speaking to the other clan leaders. Kogaku often held small meetings here, being both the clan head and the captain of the Konoha Police Force.

"Ah, Fugaku," his father called from inside, "come in. There’s something we need to discuss."

"Yes, Father."

Fugaku slid open the door to the living room, where several respected Uchiha members were gathered.

"Fugaku, welcome," one of the senior guards said approvingly. "You achieved the three-tomoe Sharingan at such a young age! You’re a true prodigy. I’m sure you’ll lead us well one day."

"Absolutely! Who knows, he might even become as strong as our founder," his father added proudly. "I’m grateful to all of you for guiding him. I hope he continues to learn from each of you."

"We’re honored, Kogaku," one of the older men replied. "Fugaku has a bright future. We’re here to support him."

After thanking the elders and seeing them off, Fugaku returned to the living room, where his father was waiting.

"Come with me," Kogaku said, leading him to the study, a soundproofed room used for private conversations.

"You’ve done well these past years," Kogaku began, his tone warm but serious. "You’ve made our clan proud. Today, I spoke to the Third Hokage about promoting you to Jonin, and he agreed. Tomorrow, you’ll report to the Hokage’s office to receive a new mission as part of this promotion. Remember, Fugaku, you’re an Uchiha and a future leader. Make our family proud."

"Yes, Father," Fugaku answered, feeling a surge of determination.

"Since Madara Uchiha’s passing, the Uchiha clan’s influence in Konoha has faded," Kogaku said, his tone heavy. "When the Uchiha and Senju founded Konoha, we held a position of power. Now, there isn’t a single Uchiha among the village leaders."

He looked at Fugaku with a determined gaze.

"You’re the clan’s most promising talent, Fugaku. I hope you’ll reach your true potential and one day lead the Uchiha back to greatness."

"Don’t worry, Father. I’ll do my best," Fugaku replied with a nod.

Fugaku thought to himself, realizing that most of the clan didn’t understand the true potential of the Uchiha Mangekyou Sharingan. However, he knew that simply awakening it wouldn’t be enough to restore the Uchiha to their former glory. To gain the Eternal Mangekyou and avoid the blindness that came with it, he would need the eyes of a close relative, which presented its own challenges.

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Kogaku sighed, placing a hand on Fugaku’s shoulder before leaving the room. Fugaku felt the weight of his father’s frustrations and hopes. Konoha was at its strongest, with the Third Hokage, the Sannin, and Konoha’s White Fang all at their peak. Yet, the Uchiha—once the greatest clan in Konoha—were struggling to keep their place in the village’s power structure.

Despite having the three-tomoe Sharingan, Fugaku knew he had a long journey ahead. And with the world moving closer to another great war, he would have to prove himself quickly.

The next morning, Fugaku readied himself, checking his ninja gear and packing essentials: kunai, shuriken, explosive tags, and wire for setting traps. Standing outside the Hokage’s office, he knocked, and the Third Hokage called him in.

Fugaku entered, standing respectfully before the Hokage. Despite his age, the Third Hokage radiated strength.

"Lord Hokage, Fugaku reporting as ordered."

The Hokage nodded, smiling slightly. "Ah, young Fugaku. A three-tomoe Sharingan at your age is impressive. It reminds me of Kagami Uchiha in his youth."

"Thank you, Lord Hokage. I still have much to learn," Fugaku replied humbly.

The Hokage gave him an approving look. "Your humility will serve you well. As one of Konoha’s young talents, I hope you’ll think beyond the Uchiha clan. The future of Konoha will soon be in the hands of your generation. Keep that in mind."

"Yes, Lord Hokage. I understand."

"Good. Now, for your mission: You will go to Amegakure to gather intel…"

Sarutobi gave him a detailed explanation of the mission and its objective.

As the sun began to set, Fugaku found himself deep behind enemy lines in the Land of Rain, Ame no Kuni. He spotted two Amegakure genin patrolling nearby. Moving swiftly and with precision, he took them down, his Sharingan capturing every detail, allowing him to dodge their attacks with ease. His kunai sliced through their throats, killing them quickly.

[Killed a Genin, gained a small amount of pupil power.]

‘What is this? A system?’

As someone who enjoyed anime, Charles knew of the system trope from more than just Naruto.

After some thought, he realized that this system seemed to absorb life energy from those he killed, giving him pupil power. As for what it meant, he guessed it might relate to the Mangekyou Sharingan. Fugaku sensed that this could help him push his Sharingan to the next stage without needing severe trauma.

He continued his mission, hiding in a small cave he had scouted earlier. Binding a captured Amegakure ninja, he waited for him to wake, watching the firelight flicker over the cave walls, adding a bit of warmth to the cold cave.

When the Amegakure ninja finally stirred, Fugaku grabbed him by the neck, forcing his captive to look him in the eye.

"Tell me what you know about Sunagakure’s plans here in the Land of Rain," he demanded.

The ninja hesitated, but Fugaku tightened his grip, making him gasp out, "Most Suna ninjas… are fighting Iwa ninjas near the Wind Country. Only a few elite squads are here… hunting ninjas from other villages."

Fugaku nodded. The Land of Rain was indeed turning into a battlefield, with major villages sending spies and troops to gather information and eliminate threats. War was coming. As Fugaku tightened his grip further, the Amegakure ninja’s eyes rolled back, and he slumped, lifeless.

[Killed a Chunin, gained a small amount of pupil power.]

A refreshing sensation washed over his eyes, as if his Sharingan was absorbing and strengthening with each victory. He felt his pupil power growing and realized that with enough time and experience, he might unlock the Mangekyou Sharingan, avoiding the usual requirements.

Night had fallen again as Fugaku left the cave, moving toward the Land of Wind border. His mission to intercept and investigate Sunagakure’s elite squads would be challenging, but he was ready.

To gather useful information on the Sunagakure forces in the Land of Rain, Fugaku knew he needed to capture a Sunagakure Jonin. Lower-ranking ninjas knew too little and were easy to deceive. So, he moved carefully under the cover of darkness, inching closer to the Land of Wind, staying alert to avoid Sunagakure’s deadly traps. His Sharingan’s sharp perception saved him from detection more than once, allowing him to dodge cleverly hidden traps in time.

He soon spotted a small team of Sunagakure ninjas. ‘That must be a supply point,’ Fugaku thought, observing them from a hidden vantage point.