"Well, it's really a shame to say. Due to the awkward position of the Uchiha clan, we couldn't have too much contact with Naruto before. But my youngest son told me that neither the Uchiha nor Naruto has done anything wrong, and we shouldn't be treated so unfairly."
"What about that child? The news of the Nine - Tailed Fox Chakra leakage will spread everywhere tomorrow. Will he face another round of cold - shouldering?"
"The Lord Hokage, I admit that I have my own selfish motives in this."
"Ha, you even admitted you've got some self - interest..."
"Shut up and let Lord Fugaku finish."
When the Fourth Hokage was alive, he strived for the peaceful coexistence between the Uchiha clan and the village, and after his death, I failed to take good care of his child. Mikoto, my wife, was on such good terms with Kushina. She felt very sad seeing Naruto being isolated by everyone. Both of us hope to raise Naruto beside us and watch him grow up safely. After we pass away, we can at least give an account to our friend.
"So, please grant my request, the Lord Hokage."
Sasuke looked at his father's bent back. The Fourth Hokage must have been a very good man. That's why he could have such an excellent child like Naruto, and that's why he has been remembered by everyone for so many years after his death.
The Third Hokage fell into silence. As the Hokage, he naturally had his own considerations. Although Fugaku's words were sincere, no one could guarantee that he didn't have any ulterior motives.
"The Lord Hokage, please. At school, except for Teacher Iruka, no one wants to talk to Naruto. He always goes home alone. He looks so pitiful. As his friend, I support my father's idea."
"If we really want him to feel at home, our Hyuga clan can also do it."
A man behind Hiashi stepped forward and looked at Fugaku Uchiha brazenly.
Stop playing the sympathy card here, you guy! All the high - level people here know how important the Jinchūriki of the Nine - Tailed Fox is to the village. Why should all the benefits go to their clan?
"Really? I don't think so. Don't you know how big the conflict is between the branch family and the main family in your clan? Is such an environment really beneficial for Naruto's growth? Although the Byakugan is one of the three great Dōjutsu in the ninja world, can the Hyuga clan really stop Naruto when he loses control?"
"You..."
The man got so angry that his face flushed. This bastard has been giving them no face since just now, exposing their old secrets in front of so many people.
"Indeed, considering the stability of the Nine - Tailed Fox Chakra in Naruto's body in the future, the Uchiha clan is really a suitable place for him!"
"The Lord Hokage!"
The Third Hokage ignored him. Instead, he squatted down and looked at the young Sasuke.
"Are you Naruto's good friend?"
Looking at the Third Hokage's gentle smile, Sasuke glanced at the still - unconscious Naruto and his expression was extremely firm.
"Yes! Whether it was before or in the future, I'll always be his best friend!"
In the past, Naruto never left him alone and set his once - degenerate life back on the right track.
Naruto, this time, I'll stay by your side and protect you.
"Really? Then please take good care of Naruto from now on!"
Sarutobi reached out his old hand and stroked Sasuke's head.
"Yes! Lord Hokage!"
Now that the Hokage has made the decision, even if others are unwilling, they have to swallow their pride and accept it.
Thus, the incident triggered by Tanzō's self - interest finally came to an end, and the Uchiha clan finally emerged from the shadow.
Fugaku picked up the injured Naruto. Looking at the child, he smiled gently. The boy really resembled the Fourth Hokage, indeed.
"Sasuke, Itachi, you'll have a new brother from now on."
...................
In the hospital, Naruto was lying spread - eagled on the bed, snoring loudly one after another. Sasuke looked at him speechlessly. Was this guy really just a kid? His snoring was as loud as that of an old man.
"Sasuke, you seem really happy?"
Itachi was sitting beside the bed. He peeled an apple for Sasuke, cut it into small pieces, and fed him.
"Yeah~ Why do you ask, brother? You don't like Naruto, do you?"
Itachi gently shook his head and looked at Sasuke lovingly, with a somewhat lonely expression.
"No, I'm just a bit lonely. The Sasuke who used to stick behind me, asking me to accompany him in ninjutsu training, now has a new friend. Will he forget about his brother?"
?_?
Σ(っ °Д °;)っ
"Sasuke, why... why do you have that expression?"
Itachi's smile froze on his face. He was so scared that he stuttered. The warm picture he had imagined, where Sasuke would cutely and sweetly comfort him, didn't happen. Instead, he saw contempt on Sasuke's face. Yes, that's right, it was contempt!
"Brother, do you remember what I told you before? If you're really lonely, go find a girlfriend. You always stick to me like this. It just feels a bit... off..."
Sasuke didn't finish the rest of the sentence because he felt it would be too hurtful.
It's not that he was heartless. As a soul over fifty years old, he had to act like a child before. Now that the matter is resolved, it's really uncomfortable to be with Itachi all the time. After all, he's not really a kid.
"Is... Is that so... I... I'll consider it..."
He forced a smile, looking like a lost soul. After feeding the apple, he stood up mechanically and said.
"Okay, I'll go see your brother Shisui. I'll come to see you tomorrow."
Then he staggered out of the ward. On the way, he didn't even see the door clearly and banged his head on it. But he quickly got up like a puppet and staggered away.
?_?
Sasuke was very confused looking at Itachi's state. He didn't understand what he had said wrong just now. He was clearly thinking for Itachi's sake.
Maybe now that the clan is safe and sound, Itachi at this age has his own troubles. Perhaps he is unpopular?
Looking at his brother's handsome face, it doesn't seem like he would be unpopular.
Forget it!
Stop thinking about it. It's time to hit the hay.
Today's battle was extremely perilous. If he hadn't used his powerful eye power to cast Genjutsu on Tanzō and the members of Root, making them see the scene of his death, he wouldn't have succeeded so easily. It has to be said that it's really a good thing that Itachi has awakened his Mangekyō Sharingan.
...................