"I appreciate your directness," Shin said, his expression shifting from cautious to more open. "I'm actually in need of research funding at the moment, so your timing is fortuitous."
The statement served multiple purposes, acknowledging the monetary value while framing it as assistance for his medical work rather than mere compensation. It also signaled his acceptance of the reconciliation Fukuyama was offering.
"As for the injured officers," he continued, "I understand your concern. I'll head to the hospital this evening and ensure they receive proper treatment. All seven should make a full recovery."
"That would be greatly appreciated. Their families will be grateful."
"Then I won't keep you any longer," Shin said, rising from his seat. "I imagine you have other matters requiring your attention."
"Indeed. Thank you for your understanding." Fukuyama bowed slightly, then departed with Fugaku following closely behind.
Once they had walked a sufficient distance from the Namikaze residence, his diplomatic smile faded, replaced by his natural, more severe expression.
The change didn't go unnoticed by his son. "Father?" Fugaku questioned, surprised by the sudden transformation.
"What is it?" Fukuyama asked, his voice now carrying its usual authoritative tone.
"You presented yourself very... differently back there," Fugaku observed carefully.
"Are you disappointed in me?" Fukuyama asked directly, noting his son's conflicted expression.
Fugaku didn't answer immediately, but his silence was telling enough.
Fukuyama studied his son with a mixture of concern and disappointment. Despite his intelligence and maturity in some areas, Fugaku still lacked a fundamental understanding of leadership's more subtle requirements.
"Fugaku, regardless of the circumstances that led to his removal from our registry, he carries Uchiha blood," Fukuyama said. "There's no dishonor in showing diplomatic respect to someone of our lineage, especially one who has demonstrated exceptional ability."
"But he was officially removed from the clan," Fugaku countered. "He's not recognized as one of us."
"That's a matter of paperwork, not reality," Fukuyama replied. "Do you understand why he was separated from the clan in the first place?"
When Fugaku remained silent, Fukuyama continued, "It wasn't because of any wrongdoing on his part or his parents'. His mother and father died honorably in service to Konoha."
"Then why?" Fugaku asked, genuinely confused.
"Because his potential made powerful people uncomfortable," Fukuyama explained. "The Second Hokage, The Third Hokage, even Kagami, they all agreed that Shin's talents were concerning."
"Think about what we witnessed today. A young man who hasn't received formal training in seven years defeated eight trained ninjas without apparent effort. He's mastered a technique that even most jonin consider beyond their reach. That level of natural ability is precisely what prompted their decision. After today's events, I've come to believe that he may be instrumental to our clan's future."
Fugaku's expression darkened. "Our clan's future rests with me, as heir."
Fukuyama recognized the insecurity behind his son's words. "Leadership isn't always about being the strongest individual, Fugaku. It's about utilizing all available resources and talents for the benefit of everyone."
"There are matters we need to discuss more thoroughly when we return home," he added. "Things you need to understand about our clan's current position in the village."
Fukuyama placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "Remember this: as clan leader, achieving your objectives sometimes requires setting pride aside. You've always been concerned with maintaining a certain image, afraid that even a smile might diminish your authority. That approach has limitations."
"Those who insist on having everything often end up with nothing. Consider today's situation. If I had prioritized pride over results, we would have achieved nothing but further antagonism."
"Shin's behavior during your meeting with him wasn't erratic or immature, it was calculated. He was establishing boundaries while demonstrating his power, all while positioning himself to receive maximum benefit."
"You misread his intentions entirely. You allowed him to direct the conversation while believing he was the unstable one. True composure isn't about maintaining a stoic expression, it's about understanding the undercurrents of any interaction."
Fugaku nodded, but Fukuyama could tell his words hadn't fully resonated. His son's stubborn nature had always been both a strength and a limitation.
Perhaps he will understand better once he learns of the challenges facing our clan, he thought.
---
"That was incredible!" Minato exclaimed.
Shin smiled at his enthusiasm. After expressing his ambition to become Hokage, Minato had become increasingly interested in leadership strategies and political maneuvering.
"A valuable lesson in practical diplomacy," Shin said, ruffling the boy's blond hair.
"I want to understand exactly how you did it," Minato said eagerly. "Could you explain your thought process throughout the whole situation?"
"Better yet," Shin suggested, "why don't you analyze what happened yourself? Write down your observations and interpretations of today's events, and we'll discuss them later."
"I'll do it!" Minato agreed enthusiastically.
"Good. In the meantime, feel free to look through these gifts. Take whatever interests you."
"What about you?" Minato asked.
"I suspect Fukuyama included items specifically meant to appeal to me. And there are probably some things intended for a young woman, I'd like to set those aside."
"For Tsunade-nee?" Minato asked with a knowing smile.
Shin shook his head with a slight smile but didn't deny it. "Go on, start unwrapping."
As Minato began examining the gifts, Shin focused his chakra and activated the Flying Thunder God Technique, disappearing from the room and reappearing in his office at Konoha Hospital.
Tsunade was there, leaning back in a chair with a bored expression. She straightened immediately upon seeing him.
"Still here at this hour?" Shin asked, surprised to find her waiting.
"I thought you might need assistance," she instantly perked up with a smile. "How did it go with Fukuyama?"
"You knew about that?"
"I saw him and his son heading toward your neighborhood with gifts," Tsunade explained. "It wasn't difficult to deduce what was happening."
"Perceptive as always," Shin acknowledged. "It went well. The situation has been resolved to everyone's benefit."
"So, how much did you squeeze out of them in the end?" she asked curiously.
"30 million ryo and various gifts," Shin replied casually.
"How much!?" Tsunade jumped to her feet in shock.
"Not that much, why are you so surprised?" Shin replied in a mock-humble tone. "And Fukuyama even thanked me!"
"You've handled this masterfully," Tsunade said with genuine admiration. "From conflict to compensation in less than a day."
"The research funding will be useful," Shin said. "The neural regeneration project is ready to move forward, but it requires specialized equipment."
Tsunade rolled her eyes at him
"I've always wondered," she spoke said, "with your hospital salary and private patients over the years... how much money have you saved over the years?"
"Including that 30 million, probably around 300 million in total." Shin said. "It's all saved up for my parents, I don't really care about money."
"300 million!?" Tsunade shouted in disbelief once again.
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25+ Advance chapters!
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