I Am Fugaku Uchiha

Fugaku let her go and smiled awkwardly as he surveyed the Kikyo Pass seemed like an advantageous location for defense, offering a clear view of the enemy movements.

However, it was situated in the Land of Fire, quite a distance from their current camp. What purpose would it serve to fall back here for the defense of the Land of Fire?’

Frowning, Fugaku pondered the situation. If the sand ninjas coveted the fertile land, a united front was necessary to fend them off. The use of force alone wouldn't be enough to stop them.

Perhaps, thought Fugaku, they could thwart the Suna village advance by strategically retreating.

The Land of Rivers, Konoha’s ally, had no ninjas stationed there. Could they consider relinquishing this position and retreating to a more advantageous position?

Fugaku felt he might have stumbled upon a crucial clue. "Let’s go and see your orphanage."

He opted not to fly this time, wanting to acquaint himself with the terrain. He understood that ninja battles hinged on timing and location, and familiarity with the surroundings was crucial.

Fighting in the Land of Wind posed challenges for ninjas who relied on water techniques, imposing numerous limitations. Nono had escorted all the older children and some staff from the orphanage to the camp.

In the quiet woods, only a handful of staff and young children remained at the orphanage. From his concealed vantage point, Fugaku observed two children playing joyfully in the field. One of them had a runny nose, oblivious to the fact that it was a time of war.

"They're all war orphans!"

“I know. You stay here. I’ll go and tease him,” Fugaku said with a smile.

He recalled Kabuto's, who was the orphan who changed the ninja world and had been adopted after the Kikyo Pass battle.

“Hey kid, what’s your name?”

The younger child, wary of the stranger who had suddenly appeared, asked, “Who are you?”

“Don’t worry, kid. Just tell me your name, and I’ll give you some candy,” Fugaku said with a mischievous smile, finding amusement in teasing the young kid.

Urushi instinctively shielded the snotty child behind him, eyeing the strange man with fear. “i… I don’t know you."

Speechless at the sight of Urushi, Fugaku couldn't comprehend how mature the children in this world seemed to be. Weren't they supposed to like candy? The kid appeared to be only three years old, yet he was remarkably alert.

" Urushi!" Surprised to see Nono, who had a gentle face, approaching, Urushi exclaimed, “Nono?”

“Yes,” Nono affirmed, walking over and squatting down slowly. She gently touched Urushi’s head, smiled, and said, “Come on, you can call him uncle.”

“Uncle?” Urushi looked at him with confusion.

Caught in a moment of reflection, Fugaku gazed at Kenzo, Urushi, and Nono. Perhaps, he mused, he could influence these two to alter some important aspects.

If Nono's fate changed, it might impact Kabuto's future as well. Lost in thought, he regarded Urushi with a peculiar expression, reminiscing about his sons' epic battles in the anime and how they now seemed like mere child's play in comparison.

“Never mind; you go to the orphanage and wait for me. I’ll look around,” Fugaku said, leaving without waiting for Nono’s reply.

As he ventured forth, Fugaku carefully observed his surroundings, confident that he had a plan. The strategy began to take shape in his mind—he envisioned setting up the camp near this location, utilizing the Konoha border as a formidable defense line.

While the sand ninjas would gain control of the land of the rivers, they would also be burdened with an elongated battle line. Fugaku believed that, with his strength and imposing presence, he could effectively discourage them from launching further attacks.

This approach, he thought, would potentially minimize casualties on both sides. Without hesitation, he delved into surveying the geographical features, contemplating how to implement tactical maneuvers.

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Simultaneously, the Land of Earth's army stood poised for war, their preparations spanning from food provisions to weapons arsenals.

On the pinnacle of a prominent building, the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, delivered a resounding speech. Positioned behind him stood a young man named Kū. The air buzzed with anticipation as more than 20,000 ninjas roared, signaling the commencement of the Third Shinobi World War.

As Onoki concluded his speech, he turned to the man behind him and uttered slowly, “Kū, you are calm and composed. You will lead this war.”

“Yes, father.”

“Just be cautious of Konoha’s three ninjas. If we can harness the combined might of the three villages, we can conquer Konoha.”

"But, Father, what about the Land of Lightning? They seem to be quiet.”

Onoki, hands behind his back, raised his right hand in response to his son's concern. “Don’t worry; they won’t remain passive when we launch our attack. You go and lead the vanguard to scout Konoha’s situation.”

“Yes, sir!”

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Three days later!!

Fugaku lay on the roof of the orphanage, his gaze fixed on the starry sky.

The sky in this world held a breathtaking beauty—devoid of smog, pollution, or haze, adorned only by stars. Fugaku couldn't help but envy this world for such pristine clarity.

Yet, his thoughts were inevitably drawn back to the war, inducing a headache. With a sigh, he mused, “One versus three. I hope this plan works.”

“What do you mean?”

At her question, Fugaku smiled. “Hey, I'm wondering, when will you come back to Konoha with me and meet Mikoto?”

"Ah!" Nono blushed, jumping onto the roof nervously. She stammered, “That… When did I agree to go back with you?”

“Huh? You made me supper three days ago; isn’t that an agreement?” Fugaku asked with playful interest.

“But… But I can’t go back with you!”

“Why not?”

As Nono explained her situation, Fugaku understood. Her past involved working for Danzo, and she had deliberately cut ties with that chapter of her life. She had no desire to return to that place, and her commitment to the orphans ran deep.

“I see… If you really don’t want to go, I won’t force you. So… Let’s go!”

“Where are we going?”

Fugaku got up, gazing at the girl before him, her charm accentuated by her glasses. With a wicked smile, he declared, “Hey, if you won’t come back to Konoha with me, I’ll have to find a secluded place to punish you.”

Without waiting for her response, he scooped her up.

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