As his two-month break from active duty came to an end, Fugaku maintained a steady routine, alternating between training and studying the Uchiha clan’s records in the hidden room. Most afternoons, he practiced the Great Fire Annihilation technique by a small lake on the outskirts of Konoha.

Standing by the water, Fugaku moved his hands through the seals he had memorized. "Katon: Gōka Mekkyaku," he murmured, releasing a line of flames that surged across the surface of the lake.

The fire crackled and spread fiercely, scorching part of the water's surface, but Fugaku knew it was nothing compared to the sea of flames Madara could summon.

*It’s still strong,* Fugaku thought, watching the blaze. *But with Madara’s power, this entire lake would be an inferno.* He knew his path to true strength was a gradual one—progressing from the three-tomoe Sharingan to the Mangekyou, and if he could manage it, to the Eternal Mangekyou or even the Rinnegan. Each stage represented a step in his growth, but he understood the journey would take time and patience.

As he made his way back to the village, Fugaku passed through the familiar streets of Konoha. The air was filled with the usual bustle—people going about their daily routines, merchants calling out, children playing. The effects of the ongoing war hadn’t yet reached the village directly, and to the common folk, the conflict still felt distant. But Fugaku knew that would change sooner or later.

That evening, as he was poring over a scroll, his father, Kogaku, called him into the living room.

"Father," Fugaku greeted him respectfully. "Is there a new mission?"

“It’s not a mission,” Kogaku said with a slight smile. “Hiashi and Hizashi, the sons of the Hyuga clan leader, will be graduating from the academy soon. From what I’ve heard, they’ve done quite well. The Uchiha and Hyuga have always been rivals in Konoha, and your recent accomplishments have made our clan proud. Just keep improving. You wouldn’t want the younger generation from the Hyuga clan outshining you.”

Fugaku nodded. “Yes, Father. I’ll do my best to meet the family’s expectations.”

The mention of the Hyuga brothers made Fugaku think of other heirs from Konoha’s major clans, many of whom would be graduating in the years to come. Soon, these young shinobi would become the backbone of the village.

"I’ve also been thinking," Fugaku said, "about spending a few days on police duty with the clan patrols. As a member of the Uchiha, I should contribute to the police force, even if just for a short time."

Kogaku’s expression shifted to something more serious. “Has someone said something to you? Or are you hearing rumors?”

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

Fugaku shook his head. “No, Father. I just want to get firsthand experience of what the police do.”

Kogaku relaxed, but a trace of concern lingered in his eyes. “Alright, if that’s what you want. But remember, your abilities go far beyond the work of the police. I don’t want you getting stuck in that routine at such a young age.”

Fugaku reassured him. He understood his father’s worry—some clan members, perhaps envious or doubtful, might view his rapid rise with suspicion. The Uchiha valued strength above all, and as long as Fugaku kept proving himself, any doubts would eventually fade. But he still planned to make the most of his time with the police.

“Very well,” Kogaku said with a sigh. “You can start a night shift with them tomorrow. Find Sagi; he’ll assign you to a patrol.”

Later that evening, Fugaku left the clan compound and walked through Konoha’s quieter streets. He had a goal tonight: to subtly spread talk about the First Hokage’s power and his Wood Release technique among the villagers.

His method was simple but effective. He started casual conversations with shopkeepers, villagers, and even a few off-duty chunin, playing the part of an admirer of the First Hokage’s strength. In each conversation, he casually mentioned how the ongoing conflict in the Land of Rain might end faster if Konoha could somehow replicate Hashirama’s Wood Release. Fugaku spoke of Hashirama’s unrivaled power, hinting that wars could be ended in a matter of days if Konoha had access to such a technique.

“Imagine,” he said to a merchant, “if Konoha could recreate the First Hokage’s power. Wars like the one in the Land of Rain wouldn’t last for years. Shinobi from all sides would surrender just at the sight of his Wood Release.”

The merchant, nodding thoughtfully, replied, “The Senju were truly blessed… no one’s been able to match that strength. If only the village could have it again.”

Fugaku left the conversation feeling satisfied. Little by little, these conversations would spread throughout the village, planting a seed that would grow into something larger.

In a world where strength often spoke louder than words, rumors might go unnoticed by the leaders of Konoha. But once enough people started talking, even the smallest whisper could reach the ears of those in power.

As night fell, Fugaku slipped into a restaurant across from a busy tavern. He chose a seat by the window, ordered a few small dishes, and casually observed the activity outside. The tavern was filled with civilians unwinding after a long day, their voices and laughter spilling into the streets. A few patrons spilled outside, and their conversations mixed with the cool evening air.

After finishing his meal, Fugaku strolled through the streets, blending in with the crowd. His eyes caught sight of a staggering figure—a civilian he had mentally marked as someone likely to spread the word about the First Hokage’s power. He watched as the man turned into a small courtyard, took note of the location, and continued on his way.

When he finally reached the police headquarters, Fugaku’s thoughts turned to the role the Uchiha clan played in Konoha’s police force. It was a privilege, but also a limitation. The Second Hokage had established the police force to give the Uchiha some authority within the village but also to keep them somewhat isolated. Fugaku couldn’t help but think of how each Hokage’s era had grown more problematic for the Uchiha. While the First Hokage had offered the title of Hokage to Madara and distributed the tailed beasts to bring peace, the Second Hokage had always treated the Uchiha with suspicion. By the time of the Third Hokage, even respected figures like Konoha’s White Fang had been allowed to fall from grace due to village rumors.