Orochimaru observed Fugaku with a calm expression, missing the slyness that would later define him. Perhaps he had not yet seen enough of the ninja world’s dark side to fully harden him. Right now, Orochimaru appeared more like a focused ninja than the infamous, controversial figure he would become. Fugaku realized that, despite their difference in rank and experience, Orochimaru was only five or six years older than he was.
“I recently read a report from the Land of Rain,” Orochimaru began thoughtfully. “It mentioned your impressive performance, calling you a ‘genius of the Uchiha clan.’”
Fugaku could feel Orochimaru’s intense gaze studying him closely. He replied humbly, “You give me too much credit, Senior Orochimaru. It was my squad’s teamwork that brought us success. Any capable ninja would have done the same under those conditions.”
Orochimaru’s lips curled into a slight, knowing smile. “You’re modest. I’ve reviewed your teammates’ profiles, and they’re talented, but none stand out. They are traditional Konoha ninjas—skilled but not extraordinary.” His tone held a touch of curiosity, as if he were trying to understand how Fugaku had raised their abilities.
Fugaku met his gaze steadily. He understood what Orochimaru was hinting at, but he had no desire to discuss his own strengths. Orochimaru’s interest, though flattering, was also unsettling, especially given what he knew of the Sannin’s future pursuits.
“Thank you, Senior Orochimaru,” Fugaku replied thoughtfully, his tone respectful yet cautious. “I’ve had good mentors, and I work hard to represent my clan well.”
“The Land of Rain is tense,” Orochimaru said, his golden eyes shining with subtle intensity. “It won’t be long before I’m called to the battlefield as well. I hope, Fugaku, that when that time comes, you won’t decline my invitation to join forces.”
Fugaku understood Orochimaru’s intentions. Orochimaru was reaching out early, seeing that Fugaku’s talents could support his ambitions in future battles. With the Sannin’s growing influence, Orochimaru would soon lead his own forces, and having the son of the Uchiha clan head as an ally would strengthen his position in Konoha.
In Fugaku’s mind, Orochimaru was a suitable choice as an ally and, for now, the only realistic one. Jiraiya, likely wandering the world, searching for the “Child of Prophecy” foretold by the Great Toad Sage, was unlikely to return soon. Tsunade, too, was focused on advancing medical ninjutsu, and her attitude towards the Uchiha clan was uncertain. After all, some still connected the clan with the conflict that claimed her grandfather, the First Hokage.
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As for Sakumo Hatake, Fugaku knew he couldn’t rely on him as a long-term ally. Although Sakumo was powerful and respected, he lacked the political backing of Konoha’s older clans. To the village’s leaders, Sakumo was merely a weapon for war, discarded in peace. They’d shown this by casting him aside over a single mission, using his sacrifice to their advantage.
Fugaku kept his voice steady, hiding his thoughts. “I’d be honored to join forces with you, Orochimaru,” he replied. “I look forward to learning from your experience.”
Orochimaru’s faint smile showed his approval. They spoke briefly about the situation in the Land of Rain before parting ways.
With his basic grasp of sealing techniques established, Fugaku decided to shift his focus for now. Back at home, he retrieved the key to his father’s study from a hidden compartment beneath his bed. Entering the study, he unlocked a secret room—a quiet space filled with the history and mysteries of the Uchiha clan.
The air inside felt heavy with the weight of past generations, and shelves were lined with scrolls. The Uchiha lineage traced back to Indra, the son of the Sage of Six Paths, making it one of the oldest clans in the ninja world. While some of their history had been lost over time, a powerful legacy remained.
His gaze settled on a small set of scrolls about the Mangekyou Sharingan—only three of them, a sign that much knowledge had either been moved to the hidden chamber of Naka Shrine or taken by Uchiha Madara when he left the clan.
One scroll detailed a special sealing technique, the transcription seal, usable only by those with the Mangekyou. This seal allowed a user to transfer part of their ocular powers into another’s eyes, set to activate under specific conditions. It was the same technique Itachi used to place Amaterasu in Sasuke’s eye as a safeguard against Obito and the seal that enabled Shisui’s eye to release Kotoamatsukami, freeing Itachi from Edo Tensei in the Fourth War.
Fugaku closed the scroll thoughtfully. ‘This won’t be useful until I awaken the Mangekyou,’ he realized, placing the scroll back with a faint sense of anticipation for when he could truly understand its secrets.
He then moved to the shelf of fire jutsu scrolls, a specialty of the Uchiha. The collection ranged from beginner techniques like the Fireball Jutsu to advanced techniques like Great Fire Annihilation and Dragon Flame Jutsu. This was the strength of being an Uchiha—a structured arsenal, from basic to advanced, allowing members to build a foundation and reach mastery in fire ninjutsu.
One scroll in particular caught his attention: Great Fire Annihilation. Fugaku remembered its devastating power during the Fourth Shinobi War when Madara had used it to tremendous effect. This B-rank jutsu had a massive reach and destructive force, though it came with a high chakra cost. Fugaku unrolled the scroll and studied it, noting the intricate chakra control needed to unleash the flames in a wide-reaching wave.
Fugaku carefully noted the hand seals and principles for Great Fire Annihilation, knowing it would take time and practice to master it. He planned to revisit the technique as his strength grew. However, he found no trace of the forbidden Uchiha techniques, Izanagi and Izanami, which he was most eager to study. Most likely, they were stored in the deeper chambers of Naka Shrine or hidden in a private archive. He was certain Izanagi remained with the clan, since Danzo had somehow learned of it.