Konoha, Year 38
The Second Shinobi War intensified as the battle between Sunagakure and Amegakure came to an end. Hanzō of the Salamander launched a fierce attack on the Konoha shinobi stationed in the Land of Rain.
Caught off guard, the Konoha forces suffered heavy casualties. Hanzō made a bold proclamation: No foreign shinobi shall step foot in the Land of Rain again.
Despite the losses, three Konoha shinobi stood out—Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade. These three not only survived Hanzō's overwhelming assault but impressed him to the point where he granted them the title of "Sannin", or Legendary Three Shinobi, a name that soon echoed across all five great nations.
Meanwhile, the Uchiha Clan, Konoha's most powerful and populous family, remained notably absent from the front lines.
Throughout the three brutal years of war, the Uchiha had been assigned rear duties—guarding merchants, managing village patrols, and ensuring internal security. To many, it looked like they were avoiding real danger.
---
"Chidori Current!"
Electricity burst from Uchiha Naraku's body like a net of lightning, cutting through the training stakes with precision.
He exhaled deeply, watching the last stake fall. "Finally, Chidori Current is complete."
Wearing a black kimono embroidered with golden rice motifs and a purple haori over his shoulders, Naraku stood tall at sixteen, already over 1.8 meters. Handsome and commanding, he carried the calm confidence of someone used to power.
Though training kept his body sharp, recent rumors troubled his mind.
In hushed tones across Konoha, villagers criticized the Uchiha. "Cowards in the rear," they whispered. "Always bullying villagers, never fighting at the front."
Naraku couldn't tell when the rumors started. But he knew it was time to deal with them.
He called for Uchiha Yashiro and Uchiha Ritsuji. Together, they made their way to the Hokage's Office.
---
Hokage's Office
The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, puffed gently on his pipe as an Anbu shinobi bowed and left the room.
Moments later, the door opened, and Naraku stepped in, flanked by Yashiro and Ritsuji.
"Hokage-sama," Naraku said calmly. "The Second Shinobi War has brought heavy losses to Konoha. As loyal members of the village, the Uchiha Clan requests to participate in the war."
Hiruzen let out a warm laugh. "Ah, Naraku, your resolve is admirable. But war isn't just fought on battlefields."
"There are foreign spies everywhere—even within Konoha itself. The Konoha Military Police Force, staffed by the Uchiha, is our line of defense inside the village. That task is just as vital."
He smiled, tone gentle but firm. "Your mission, protecting the village from within, is no less important than charging into battle."
At this point in time, Konoha's leadership still held true to the Will of Fire. Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō were patriots, not yet twisted by paranoia and politics.
"But the rumors," Naraku insisted. "They damage our clan's reputation. People believe we're afraid to fight. That's dangerous."
"A shinobi must have patience," Hiruzen replied, blowing a smoke ring. "Let them talk. What matters is your service. The Police Force exists to protect civilians, not to win their approval."
His tone shifted, becoming serious. "Do not waver, Naraku. Konoha needs you."
"…Yes, Hokage-sama."
With no room for argument, Naraku bowed and led his men out.
Hiruzen turned to the window and watched them leave, his face unreadable.
---
Outside, Ritsuji clenched his fists. "Chief, if we don't get to fight, the rumors will only grow worse. The villagers already think we're cowards."
Yashiro remained quiet, but his eyes were fixed on Naraku, waiting for a response.
Naraku's voice was calm. "Let them talk. We know the truth. This slander doesn't come from civilians—it comes from those with hidden motives."
"But we can't let it stand!" Ritsuji snapped. "We should track down the source and use the Sharingan to interrogate them. Find out who's spreading these lies and silence them!"
"No," Naraku said flatly. "That would only prove them right. It would look like we do bully the weak."
Yashiro and Ritsuji exchanged glances, fire still burning behind their eyes.
"Be patient. I have my own way to handle this," Naraku assured them.
That was enough. Over the past three years, Naraku had earned the clan's trust.
---
Under his leadership, the Clan Affairs Office had transformed the Uchiha from a fractured family into a unified force.
Yashiro oversaw finances, missions, and training programs. He often taught Fire Release and Sharingan basics at the academy.
Ritsuji, who had once worked in artisan and sanitation roles, now managed the orphanage and elder care, ensuring every Uchiha—ninja or not—had what they needed.
Power among the old factions had faded. Their children no longer depended on elders to speak for them. Complaints and requests went directly to the Office of Affairs. Salaries and training no longer relied on politics or favoritism.
The Council of Elders had been reduced to a ceremonial advisory body. Their opinions could be voiced, but Naraku was under no obligation to listen.
---
For nearly three years, Naraku had been an advisor to the Military Police Force, though he rarely dealt with it personally.
Now that the clan ran efficiently under the Affairs Office and Assistant Council, Naraku had more time—for himself.
He trained relentlessly. Studied sealing arts from a scroll gifted by the Uzumaki Clan. Developed his own jutsu. And he grew—both in height and in power.
He hadn't gone to the battlefield. Hadn't carried out assassinations. But in peace and focus, he had forged strength.
He had mastered Chidori Current. Learned the basics of sealing jutsu. At 16, he already stood among elite Jōnin.