Born To Rise In Konoha
Chapter 66

Chapter 66 - 66

"Hello, Itachi. I'm your father's subordinate—I came by today to visit him specifically," said Saitama. Though he was only seven or eight years old, his calm demeanor and sharp gaze made it hard to associate him with an ordinary child.

As he reached out to pat Itachi on the head, intending to be friendly, the boy instinctively stepped back, his expression alert and wary, as if guarding against a potential threat.

"Uh..." Saitama awkwardly retracted his hand, realizing the situation. "I really am—"

Click. The door slid open.

"Saitama? You're here early," Fugaku said as he stepped into view. Itachi's eyes brightened immediately, and he quickly darted around Saitama to cling to his father's leg.

"Father!"

"Team leader," Saitama greeted, bowing his head respectfully. The awkwardness from moments before vanished instantly.

"Come in," Fugaku said, waving a hand. He ruffled Itachi's hair a few times with his right hand before gently flicking the boy's forehead.

"Itachi, stay inside today. Your brother Saitama is a guest in our home—you need to learn how to treat guests properly."

"Okay!" Itachi replied obediently, casting a curious glance at Saitama.

They walked to the living room, where Saitama was still holding a neatly wrapped gift.

"I hope you don't mind, Captain," Saitama said with a small smile, handing over the box. "It's just a little something I picked up."

"You didn't have to bring anything, but thank you." Fugaku accepted the box and motioned for Saitama to take a seat.

He opened the package in front of Saitama and raised an eyebrow.

"Oh? Sweet-scented osmanthus cake from the commercial district. Mikoto loves this. You've got good taste," he said with a rare chuckle, settling into the seat beside him.

Saitama then held out a second box, this one smaller. "This one's for you, Itachi."

Itachi blinked in surprise, his expression frozen for a moment before turning to his father as if unsure how to react.

"Go on, Itachi," Fugaku urged calmly. "Don't just stand there."

"Ah—thank you! Thank you, Brother Saitama!" Itachi finally said, bowing properly and accepting the gift with both hands.

"Do you like it?" Saitama asked, smiling.

"Yes!"

Itachi clambered onto a chair and eagerly opened the box. His eyes widened as he pulled out a small training blade—about the length of his arm.

"Wow!" the boy gasped, completely enraptured.

Fugaku glanced at the gift and smiled approvingly. "A training blade—well chosen."

"It's dulled for now, but once he's older, it can be sharpened properly," Saitama explained, pointing at the edge.

"Thank you, Brother Saitama!" Itachi said cheerfully, hugging the blade to his chest. He jumped down and raced out of the room.

"I'm going to show Mom!"

The living room quieted as Saitama and Fugaku were left alone.

"Saitama," Fugaku began, his voice more serious now as he leaned closer.

"Captain, I'm listening." Saitama straightened up, knowing the true reason for this visit was about to be revealed.

"You're the most promising young ninja in the Uchiha clan—and one of the few I can trust," Fugaku said in a low voice.

Saitama nodded.

"Our clan's position in Konoha is becoming more tenuous with each passing year." Fugaku's gaze drifted to the table, his voice heavy. "It's hard to believe that our ancestors once stood beside the Senju to found this village... and now, look at us."

There was bitterness in his tone, more than just disappointment—frustration that simmered just beneath the surface.

"Captain, don't blame yourself. This situation isn't your fault," Saitama replied, his tone steady. He understood better than anyone what was coming in the years ahead—the Kyuubi attack, the growing distrust, the eventual coup attempt.

"All the other clans have carved out a place in Konoha. But us? The Uchiha? We're isolated. We carry the title of the Police Force, but it's just a name. In peacetime, we're treated like security guards. In crisis, ANBU steps in and we're sidelined. The police badge is a leash, not a reward."

Fugaku's voice grew sharper, his hand curling into a fist.

"I understand." Saitama's gaze didn't waver. He knew what would come if nothing changed—how the Uchiha would be pushed further to the margins until there was only one road left.

"I don't know what the future holds..." Fugaku exhaled slowly, leaning back. "But seeing a young shinobi like you gives me hope."

"You can count on me. I stand with the clan," Saitama said firmly, leaning forward.

Fugaku smiled at last. "As clan head, it's a relief to see someone with your strength and sense of duty."

"Hey! Itachi, why are you hiding out there? Come in!" Fugaku suddenly called toward the door.

A small head peeked in—Itachi, still clutching the training blade. He ran in, whispered something into Fugaku's ear, and darted off again.

Fugaku's expression softened.

"He said, 'I'll stand with Dad too.'"

The patriarch chuckled to himself, then stood. "Come on, time for dinner."

He picked up the osmanthus cake and beckoned for Saitama to follow him into the dining room.

The Uchiha house was spacious—large enough to reflect the status of one of Konoha's founding clans.

"This is Saitama. Come take a seat!" Mikoto called from the kitchen as she set a dish on the table. Itachi buzzed around her, clearly excited.

"Hello, Aunt Mikoto!" Saitama greeted her politely. This was his first time seeing her in person.

"Hello, Saitama," Mikoto replied warmly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Make yourself at home," Fugaku added, motioning to the table.

Dinner was a feast. The table overflowed with shrimp, fish, and assorted vegetables. The aroma filled the room.

"Aunt Mikoto, you're amazing at cooking!" Saitama exclaimed after devouring a large shrimp.

"If you like it, eat more!" she said with a smile.

"Absolutely!" Saitama beamed. He had no intention of holding back—after all, a meal like this at the Uchiha clan house was a rare treat.

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