Parallel World 4, Konoha Village, Uchiha Headquarters.
"Father, wait...!"
"That wasn't me!"
"I... I definitely won't become like that!"
"Father—!"
*SMACK!*
"Aghhhhh~!!!"
Poor little Itachi tried to call out to his father, hoping to stir up some remaining affection in Fugaku.
Unfortunately, Fugaku, whose anger had just been ignited by Edo Itachi from Parallel World 5, had absolutely no affection left.
He wanted to vent all his pent-up rage on this disobedient son.
Even though Fugaku knew his little Itachi hadn't done those terrible things, there was no harm in giving him some extra 'belt education'!
Fortunately, this physical punishment was halted midway by the arrival of an ANBU directly dispatched by the Hokage.
"Clan Head Fugaku, Hokage-sama summons you."
"Hmm? Hokage-sama summons me? I understand..."
Hearing the ANBU's message, Fugaku was forced to stop his 'belt education'.
"Hmph! Father will continue later, now go and copy the clan rules!" Fugaku snapped at little Itachi.
Itachi immediately fled from his father's side, while thanking in his heart:
'Fourth Hokage, you are my idol forever! I will always support you!'
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Fugaku hurried towards the Hokage Building, passing through half of the bustling Konoha Village.
After the ninja alliance forces conquered the Moon, coupled with the destruction of Kirigakure Village and the Land of Iron, the entire ninja world was in an uproar, and Konoha was overwhelmed with handling various affairs.
Starting from repairing destroyed houses, expanding the village, receiving envoys from major countries, dealing with Ōtsutsuki prisoners from the Moon, managing the Moon's relics and technology, to sending troops to guard the Earth-Moon space tunnel... etc.
Because of this, Konoha was extremely busy, almost all ninjas were deployed.
Every day there were new tasks, endless work. Including most of the Uchiha ninjas, who were also overwhelmed.
But Fugaku was not annoyed, instead, he greatly enjoyed this vibrant and energetic Konoha Village, much better than the village that used to be full of corruption.
With the Fourth Hokage, a spirited and unparalleled leader in the world.
Now everyone could clearly see the future and hope.
Even without mentioning the future, the results of the previous major battles had already made Konoha rich; every ninja and resident got a share of the enlarged pie.
Now, as soon as there was an outgoing mission, all Konoha ninjas scrambled for it, even willing to stab themselves 60 times in a second to prove their loyalty!
In this situation, almost everyone was very satisfied with Namikaze Minato's leadership.
Anyone who dared to oppose Minato now would definitely be ganged up on by the residents!
For Fugaku and the entire Uchiha clan, there was almost no more discrimination against Uchiha ninjas.
First, because the Uchiha's image in Konoha's eyes had completely changed. In the previous major battles, the Uchiha had always been at the forefront, making great contributions.
No wolf pack hated the members who hunted at the front and brought back the most results; because they were the ones who allowed the entire pack to eat.
Second, because no one dared anymore. With Fugaku's and Minato's relationship, as well as his wife's relationship with Kushina.
Fugaku was now almost like a 'co-ruler' in Konoha, only needing to marry off his children.
In this situation, who dared to trouble the Uchiha?
They instead tried to build good relationships with Fugaku.
Although very busy and tired, Fugaku was still very happy and excited; he was indeed the greatest angel investor.
'Good! Good!'
'The Uchiha's future is bright, full of hope!'
'The only problem later will be that disobedient son.'
'No, when I get home I must educate him more strictly, lest the Uchiha's beautiful future be ruined in his hands...'
Fugaku was both excited and regretful.
He became increasingly convinced that he had to correct his son's nature!
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
A few minutes later, in the Hokage Building.
Fugaku met the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato.
On his desk were two high stacks of documents, but all of them had already been signed. Truly typical of Minato, fast in everything!
"Fugaku, you've come!"
Minato smiled brightly.
Fugaku was relieved, it didn't seem to be a big problem.
"Hokage-sama, what is it?"
"Don't be so stiff, just call me Minato."
"Impossible! Personally, yes, but this is official business; the address must not be wrong, this is for the stability of the village." Fugaku sincerely refused, he was the most obedient official in Konoha.
Any small thing that was not beneficial to Minato's leadership had to be avoided!
Minato was surprised, then smiled, he knew Fugaku was telling the truth. He immediately discussed the matter:
"You know Konoha's work priorities for the next period, right?"
"Yes, I remember."
After defeating the Ōtsutsuki on the Moon, Konoha held another high-level meeting.
Setting three main priorities:
[Taking over and managing the Land of Rain, exploring the transformation of the village from a purely military organization into a complex independent state]
[Handling the affairs of the Moon Ōtsutsuki, studying their technology and inventions to improve Konoha's scientific level]
[Gathering the strength of the entire ninja world to defeat Otsutsuki Isshiki and eliminate his threat]
"Is there a problem?"
"Not a big problem. The first two strategies take time and are progressing smoothly."
"Meaning the third?"
"More precisely, encountering difficulties."
"What difficulties?"
Minato looked at Fugaku, suddenly winking.
Instantly, a black-golden light erupted from Minato's right eye, shocking Fugaku.
"Minato, your eye?!"
"The Black Eye given by Sir has already been transplanted by Orochimaru." The golden glow disappeared, Minato closed the Black Eye.
Clearly, this eye was obtained after Lux defeated Isshiki from Parallel World 1 in Kaguya's Dimension, and then given to Minato in Parallel World 4.
To gain power against Isshiki, Minato was forced to transplant this Black Eye. But although powerful, its main improvement was in abilities and mechanisms.
In short: skills increased, but stats didn't rise much.
Although it made Minato's strength reach the peak Super Kage level, it was still far below the Six Paths level Isshiki.
Remember, Isshiki could easily defeat half-Six Paths Naruto and Sasuke, his stats were insane!
So Minato needed more improvement.
The fastest and most certain way was to find the one remaining Rinnegan in this world.
With the Rinnegan + Black Eye, Minato could reach half-Six Paths, plus the help of the entire world, only then could he fight Isshiki!
"So, you can't find the one remaining Rinnegan?"
"Yes. That Rinnegan was taken away by the remaining White Zetsu and is hiding. Their hiding techniques are very powerful, almost impossible to find unless accidentally revealed. I've tried various methods, but all failed." Minato explained.
Zetsu who came from the God Tree and had Hashirama cells. Although weak, they were experts in hiding, very troublesome.
"I understand. But what use am I? I'm not a sensor ninja, it's difficult to track Zetsu."
"Here's the thing. Orochimaru and I have already discussed it, the only way to find Zetsu now is..."
"What?"
"Obito!"
"He's not dead in Orochimaru's lab?"
Minato: ミﾟДﾟ彡
"This... Orochimaru isn't that evil. I've already ordered it, Obito is still alive."
"Oh! Sorry, so what's your plan?"
"I'm going to try to persuade Obito again."
"If he truly regrets and is willing to help lure Zetsu out to take the Rinnegan, that's the best. But if he remains stubborn, unwilling to repent. Maybe we'll have to rely on your genjutsu to control him by force!"
Minato explained the real reason for summoning Fugaku.