Fugaku's Recruitment
"Now, you have also awakened the Sharingan and become an excellent Uchiha. What's even rarer is that you are only ten years old."
The timing of awakening the Sharingan does not have an absolute correlation with one's future potential. Those who awaken it later are not necessarily weaker, but generally speaking, the earlier the eye is awakened, the more time an Uchiha has to refine and evolve their Sharingan.
During childhood and adolescence, emotions are more volatile, making it easier for the Sharingan to develop. As one matures and gains control over their emotions, evolving the Sharingan becomes more challenging.
Because of this, the Uchiha clan believes that awakening the Sharingan early increases the chances of achieving higher levels of ocular power. Even in the original timeline, Uchiha Fugaku encouraged Itachi to witness the harshness of war at the age of five, hoping to trigger the awakening of his Sharingan.
"Every clan member who awakens the Sharingan is a treasured asset to the family. The clan will fully support your growth. I hope you become a powerful ninja in the future and uphold the honor of the Uchiha name."
Having said this, Uchiha Fugaku retrieved a sealed scroll from beneath his desk and placed it on the table.
"According to clan tradition, every member who awakens the Sharingan receives a stipend of five hundred thousand ryo. Additionally, there is the war pension from your late parents, Qianji and Linna. That amounts to..."
"Pension?"
Uchiha Mingjing frowned, realizing something was amiss. He had never heard of any pension payments, nor had he received any funds despite the passage of time.
Fugaku's eyes narrowed, and his three-tomoe Sharingan activated in an instant.
"Mingjing, are you saying you haven't received the pension?" Fugaku's already deep voice became even heavier.
Uchiha Mingjing shook his head.
Fugaku closed his eyes in thought.
"I have just taken over as clan head, and yet these old fools have already been embezzling funds…"
Mingjing, realizing that his rightful inheritance had been stolen, quietly sipped his tea. The patriarch's tea was of exceptional quality, a taste even he, with little knowledge of fine teas, could appreciate.
After a long silence, Fugaku finally opened his eyes, the tomoe in his Sharingan slowly fading.
"Mingjing."
"Lord Patriarch?"
"Do not worry. You are an elite Uchiha who has awakened the Sharingan. What belongs to you will be returned. Not even the Hokage can take it away. Additionally, as a newly awakened Uchiha, you may visit the clan treasury to claim one ninjutsu technique. Take my warrant and report to Naka Shrine this evening for the clan meeting."
Fugaku handed him another token.
"January 9th is the birth anniversary of Indra Ōtsutsuki. The Uchiha clan holds meetings on the 9th of every month, attended by all Sharingan-wielding members. On January 9th, the gathering is grander, and all Uchiha participate. It is a sacred tradition."
"If there is nothing else, Lord Patriarch, I will take my leave."
Fugaku nodded, watching Mingjing exit. He then stood up and gazed at the pond in the courtyard.
Though he had become a Jōnin and awakened the three-tomoe Sharingan at a young age, his position as clan head was not secure. The elder council, consisting of war-hardened Uchiha from the Warring States Period, still held much of the clan's authority. These elders viewed Konoha as a co-founded village of the Senju and Uchiha and resented the rise of the Sarutobi clan. They despised Hiruzen Sarutobi for holding the Hokage seat, believing the Uchiha should lead.
Fugaku was dissatisfied—with the village leadership, with the state of the Uchiha, and with the clan elders who clung to old ideals. But now, he saw an opportunity—a chance to consolidate his power.
If war casualties involved civilian ninjas, the compensation was often mismanaged, with little recourse for the families. However, the ninja clans were different. Funds were directly transferred to the clan leaders, who then distributed them to the families. Even wealthy clans like the Uchiha and Hyūga provided additional financial support. If pensions had been embezzled, Fugaku had a perfect excuse to challenge the elder council's grip on power.
Many great changes in history have begun with seemingly minor events.
Fugaku intended to use this situation to reclaim his rightful authority as the clan leader.
And…
His eyes flicked toward the door.
"This boy has potential. Unlike many in the clan who are impulsive and reckless, he is composed. I've heard he's this generation's top student and awakened the Sharingan at a young age. If I can bring him under my command, he may grow into a Jōnin-level confidant in a few years."
With that thought, Fugaku summoned a trusted retainer and handed him another token.
"Catch up with Mingjing and tell him I mistakenly gave him the wrong token. Replace it with this one. Also, let him know that as clan head, I am responsible for protecting our most promising talents."
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Chapter 9: Uchiha Yu
Mingjing sighed. First, his inheritance had been stolen. Now, Fugaku wanted to use this as leverage for political gain, likely dragging him into the clan's power struggles.
Whether it was internal clan politics or the Uchiha's conflict with Konoha's leadership, a mere Genin like him could not bear such weight.
Unless… he found a powerful backer.
Just as he pondered this, a figure blocked his path.
"Excuse me…"
"The clan leader realized he gave you the wrong token. Please exchange it for this one."
The man handed him a finely crafted token.
"The clan leader also said that he is responsible for protecting every outstanding genius in the clan."
The older Uchiha gave Mingjing a knowing look.
Mingjing immediately understood—Fugaku was recruiting him.
By accepting this token, he would officially align himself with Fugaku's faction.
He took the three-tomoe engraved token without hesitation.
"I will always remember the clan leader's kindness. As an Uchiha, I will support our leader."
The older Uchiha nodded in satisfaction.
"With this token, you are now part of the Police Force's direct unit. Also, Elder Uchiha Yu, the guardian of the clan treasury, is a staunch supporter of the previous clan leader. Show him this token, and he will assist you."
Mingjing glanced at the token.
"So, by taking this, everyone will assume I am aligned with the clan leader…"
From a strategic standpoint, this was beneficial. Fugaku would remain clan leader for the next two decades. However, Fugaku was known for his cautious, indecisive nature. Even when he awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, he hesitated to use its full power. His influence within the clan was weaker compared to past leaders like Madara.
For now, Fugaku could be a stepping stone. But in the long run, Mingjing would rely on his own strength.
After all, in the ninja world, strength dictated everything.
The Uchiha clan revered power above all else. If he reached Jōnin level, he would command respect. If he attained Kage-level strength, even the most arrogant Uchiha elders would acknowledge him.
Mingjing's ultimate goal wasn't merely to serve the clan leader. If he gained enough power, he could reshape the fate of the Uchiha.
He approached the Uchiha clan library, marked by a massive clan emblem.
Inside, Uchiha Yu, an aged but powerful elder, observed the young boy with interest.
"Another clan member, huh? This chakra… not much in volume, but the mental strength is remarkable."
Yu smirked.
"So, you've opened your eyes. Tell me, boy, how old are you?"
"Ten."
Yu sighed, eyes darkening.
"Your father would be proud. Let's see what the future holds for you."