Naruto: I'm Really Not an Evil Uchiha!

"Shimizu, sit down."

As Shimizu stepped into the room, a commanding voice reached his ears.

Following the sound, his gaze landed on a stern-faced, square-jawed middle-aged man seated on the tatami. It was none other than Uchiha Fugaku.

"Lord Fugaku."

"No need for such formalities."

Fugaku attempted a faint smile, but his efforts fell short, and no smile emerged.

It wasn't in his nature to smile, and even when he forced one, it felt awkward to those around him.

Regardless, the boy's parents had once served under him and had died for the Uchiha clan. As their captain, he felt it necessary to show the appropriate attitude.

"Shimizu, have you heard about White Fang?"

Fugaku's sudden question broke the silence as Mikoto placed a steaming cup of tea before Shimizu.

Shimizu ran his fingers over the tea cup, savoring its warmth. "I've heard."

Konoha's White Fang, whose real name was Sakumo Hatake, was a master of kenjutsu. His exploits during the last Shinobi World War had earned him immense fame, surpassing even the legendary Sannin.

Yet, not long ago, he had died.

The cause? Suicide.

But was it simply because Konoha's White Fang couldn't handle the pressure?

Official records stated that Sakumo had completed 27 S-rank missions and 123 A-rank missions.

Spying, assassinations, and other shadowy deeds—these were a shinobi's bread and butter.

Add hundreds of lower-ranked missions, and it was clear he was a seasoned veteran, well-acquainted with life and death.

And yet, he had taken his own life.

His death sent shockwaves through Konoha, leaving the clans speculating about the reasons behind it.

The Uchiha, too, couldn't remain indifferent. With their extensive influence and responsibilities, survival strategies became paramount.

"Shimizu, your strength should be sufficient for graduation, no?"

Graduating early meant entering the mission field sooner.

"I'd like to refine my skills a bit more."

Shimizu shook his head.

He wasn't in need of money, so why rush into tedious tasks?

"No, these are turbulent times, and the Uchiha must gather every ounce of strength."

Fugaku sipped his tea, his tone leaving no room for argument.

The circumstances surrounding Sakumo's death had stirred various interpretations within the shinobi clans.

Some believed the Third Hokage perceived Sakumo as a threat due to his soaring reputation.

Others thought that shinobi must adhere strictly to rules and accountability, ensuring stability within the village.

Otherwise, how could mere rumors harm someone like Sakumo?

With a single command, the Third could have silenced any dissenters, reaffirming his authority.

"Lord Fugaku, this..."

Shimizu frowned slightly.

Was he being forced to graduate? Did his talents make him just another tool for the clan?

"Shimizu, you're aware of the discord between the clan and the village. As a member of the Uchiha, it is your duty to assist. Your medical talents are commendable, but I don't want you wasting time."

Fugaku paused briefly before continuing.

"If it were my child, even at three or four years old, I would send him to the battlefield to witness the harsh realities of the shinobi world."

Shimizu said nothing, using the act of drinking tea to mask his thoughts.

Fugaku's statement wasn't mere rhetoric; it was his practice.

Itachi had been sent to the battlefield at the age of four, with no regard for potential psychological harm. As a shinobi, he was expected to endure.

Shimizu's prolonged silence made Fugaku furrow his brow.

As the clan head, he was addressing Shimizu with authority, yet the boy hesitated. Did he even care about the Uchiha?

Just as the tension thickened, Shimizu finally spoke.

"Understood, Lord Fugaku."

"Hmm."

Fugaku nodded, satisfied with Shimizu's response.

They then transitioned into casual conversation about Shimizu's recent activities, to which he responded accordingly.

Unable to oppose the clan head, Shimizu reluctantly agreed to graduate early.

After all, he was only a few months away from his official graduation date. What difference would it make to do it now?

As their dialogue grew more amiable, it seemed like two old friends catching up after a long time.

From the kitchen, Mikoto, carrying a tray of desserts, wore a puzzled expression.

Why had she heard nothing earlier, yet now their voices filled the room?

"Shimizu, have some cake."

Mikoto offered him a small piece of cake.

"Thank you, Sister Mikoto."

Shimizu smiled warmly, but his inner impression of Fugaku took a sharp nosedive.

The man was quick to invoke the obligations of the Uchiha clan to pressure him now. Where was that sense of duty on the night of the massacre?

During the Uchiha massacre, Fugaku had failed to fulfill his role as clan head.

When Itachi betrayed the clan and slaughtered countless innocents, Fugaku didn't seek vengeance.

Instead, he praised Itachi.

According to Itachi Shinden, Fugaku, even in his final moments, bore no resentment.

On the contrary, he believed his pain was fleeting compared to the torment Itachi must have endured.

He admired Itachi for making such a decision, even commending him for it.

Fugaku had calmly accepted death to facilitate the annihilation of the Uchiha clan.

It was hard not to understand why the Uchiha were often called mad.

Such twisted logic defied comprehension.

Having read about this in books, Shimizu hadn't felt much. But now, as a member of the Uchiha, he couldn't help but question Fugaku's priorities.

Did Fugaku ever consider the pain of the countless clan members who had suffered?

Shouldn't a clan head prioritize the well-being of his people above all else?

As these thoughts raced through Shimizu's mind, Fugaku spoke again.

"Shimizu, help Mikoto with her health. I've heard you've learned much from the medical team captain."

Satisfied with Shimizu's earlier response, Fugaku had no desire to linger. He still had patrol duties to attend to.

Without waiting for Shimizu's reply, Fugaku left.

Under normal circumstances, leaving a man and a married woman alone would invite gossip.

But Shimizu, being only nine years old, was exempt from such scrutiny.

"Oh my, I'll have to trouble you, little Shimizu."

Mikoto, clearing the plates with cake crumbs, began explaining.

She had been suffering from severe pain during certain days of the month.

Initially, she thought it was a lingering injury from her shinobi days. Since it didn't hinder her daily life, she had ignored it.

She had mentioned it to Fugaku, but his busy schedule left no room for concern over such "trivial" matters.

To him, shinobi were defined by their ability to endure pain.

Even he bore lingering injuries from his youth, so why should hers matter?

Left with no choice, Mikoto had gone to the hospital for some medication and let it be.

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