I Am Fugaku Uchiha

With a subtle nod, Fugaku hides his true intentions behind a made-up story. He thought that the Third Hokage did not know about "One Piece" and would be clueless about the devil fruits because they did not exist in this world.

He told him his story, not caring if he believed it or not. He was also not worried about him spreading it. It was unbelievable. If it got out, all the ninjas would go crazy looking for the "mystery fruits". Whether they could find them or not was another story.

"I see…" The Third Hokage inhaled a puff of smoke and furrowed his brows in contemplation. He had lived a long life, but he still encountered many mysteries that eluded his understanding.

He did not dismiss Fugaku's claim as nonsense but rather considered its plausibility. Fugaku seemed to sense his thoughts and added, "I was so thirsty that I ended up eating all the fruits."

"Oh?" The Third Hokage expressed surprise and then chuckled. "Actually, the reason for calling you here was to discuss something important. I am considering nominating you as the Fourth Hokage. What are your thoughts on this?"

Since he had eaten all the fruit, what else could the Third Hokage ask? So the Third Hokage nodded his head and stated his purpose.

"Ah? Me, Hokage? Are you serious?" Fugaku feigned surprise and asked tentatively, "I'm curious about why you think I'm suitable for this position, Hokage-sama?"

The Third Hokage puffed a smoke ring and said dramatically, "I'm getting old, and I need to choose a successor for Hokage. You are the leader of the Uchiha clan, and you can handle the hokage's work easily."

Fugaku declined tactfully: "Hokage-sama, you are too kind. I'm barely managing the clan, let alone being Hokage. Besides, you are still strong and healthy; how can you say you are old?"

Is he really that old? Currently, the Third Hokage is merely in his early fifties. And let's not forget that he continued to serve as Hokage even after turning sixty-eight. Besides, why would he want me to be Hokage? This must be some kind of test to check my attitude.

The Third Hokage chuckled: "You have a way with words, as expected of the Uchiha leader. But I'm not joking. You have the strength and status to inherit the hokage's position."

Strength was the key, right? Fugaku sighed inwardly. The Third Hokage was indeed cunning. He always considered the village's interests first, no matter how benevolent he seemed. He remembered how the Third Hokage sacrificed Hyuga Hizashi to appease Kumogakure, who were the losers of the war. If he refused to hand over Hizashi, other countries would think that Konoha killed Kumogakure's envoy during peace talks.

This would worsen relations with other countries. Even though Kumogakure wouldn't risk another war, they would still bother and irritate Konoha occasionally. And some ninjas would die because of that. Every life mattered.

But giving up Hizashi made Kumogakure happy. That was how it was. Being a hokage meant putting the village's interests and peace first. As long as someone threatened his rule over the village, as Hokage, he would try to eliminate them. That was reality. And now Fugaku might be that someone, so he had to be wary.

"Hokage-sama, please don't say any more. I, Uchiha Fugaku, am not capable enough for the hokage position. I hope you can find someone else." Fugaku said it firmly, showing his resolve.

Wasn't this different from what he expected? The Third Hokage was surprised: "Don't you want to think about it?"

"No need to think. I understand what Hokage-sama means very well. You can rest assured that the Uchiha clan will not pursue the Hokage position now or in the future." Fugaku said seriously, because he really didn't want to be Hokage.

The Third Hokage studied Fugaku closely and nodded thoughtfully: "I see..."

So he didn't want to be Hokage? He seemed honest, and he even shared his secrets. Did that mean he was telling the truth? And he also promised that the Uchiha clan would not have any ambition. The Third Hokage had to admit that Uchiha Fugaku was a very impressive clan leader.

"If Hokage-sama has nothing to say, I have a plan to attend today."

He snapped out of his thoughts and smiled wryly, saying, "Alright, you can go back first. As for the Fourth Hokage, you can reconsider it."

Fugaku nodded, turned, and left. When he reached the door, he paused. "Oh, I forgot to say something. I don't want to be Hokage, but I also don't want my clan members to disappear or lose their eyes mysteriously. I think you know what I mean."

The Third Hokage held his pipe and nodded seriously: "I know, you can go."

He understood that he was warning him, but it was reasonable. And he made his stance clear, which was good news for him as Hokage.

------------------------------------------

"Hey everyone, I wanted to give a special thanks to our amazing patron! Thank you so much for your support, "Star Dragon Bahamut ,tj cruz, mandy germain, adreain" We appreciate you so much and couldn't do this without you. Thank you again for being such an amazing supporter!"

Want to read ahead of what I've posted so far? Go to my patreòn and get early access chapters up to chapter 63 on Patreon.

patreon.com/StylishSlayer

---------------------------------------------------------