c 24 – Mitarashi Anko
"Oh, by the way, there's something I need to remind you of, Young Patriarch."
"What's the matter?"
Uchiha Fugaku looked slightly puzzled. Had he missed something important?
"I believe that no matter who ultimately ascends to the position of Hokage, we Uchiha must never abandon the other candidate, and our external attitude must remain balanced."
Uchiha Fugaku frowned. "There's no problem with Namikaze Minato but when it comes to Lord Orochimaru, any alliance requires real compensation from the Uchiha."
"We are a wealthy clan, yes but we're not fools, are we?"
"Of course not. I should've phrased it better."
"What I mean is that while we must ensure a fair exchange of benefits, we cannot afford to unilaterally suspend funding or support."
"Even if Lord Orochimaru ultimately fails to become Hokage, his power, status, and far-reaching influence remain. He is not someone we can afford to offend."
At this point in the timeline shortly after the Third Great Ninja War Orochimaru, still hailed as one of the "Legendary Sannin" and the most brilliant disciple of the Third Hokage, had not yet committed any acts of open treason. Thus, what Uchiha Gen said was entirely reasonable and prudent.
Orochimaru's future betrayal of Konoha conducting human experiments, defecting, and forming Otogakure was still years away. Yet, as the manga later showed, even after more than a decade as a rogue ninja, Konoha struggled to contain his legacy and influence. Despite their censorship efforts, individuals like Mizuki still idolized him.
"Don't worry," Fugaku replied calmly. "I'm not so short-sighted. As long as benefits are reciprocal, I have no objection to continuing support."
Gen's expression tightened slightly. "Young Patriarch, I didn't mean to question you, I only"
"Don't overthink it," Fugaku interrupted, smiling reassuringly. "I know you're looking out for the clan. How could I fault you for that?"
Internally, Fugaku was satisfied with Gen's political instincts. Outwardly, he remained composed and offered comfort with a rare trace of warmth.
Gen exhaled deeply and said, "It's getting late. I won't delay you with official matters any longer. I'll take my leave now."
"Go ahead."
Uchiha Fugaku gave a slight nod and turned to pick up the brush on his desk, ready to deal with a growing stack of village reports and police documents.
After leaving the office, Uchiha Gen did not return home. Instead, he sought out Uchiha Yashiro at the Police Department for assistance.
First, he borrowed a workspace to write a formal letter. Then, using the department's internal intel network, he asked them to trace the whereabouts of Mitarashi Anko.
Orochimaru was notoriously elusive, even within the village. Directly visiting his residence might not guarantee a meeting. Furthermore, Konoha's elite followed unspoken etiquette: first-time contact should go through a trusted intermediary with a formal introduction card a "meishi" of sorts.
In truth, Gen wasn't personally concerned about etiquette. Knowing Orochimaru's personality, as shown in the manga, he valued talent over formality. As long as someone was useful or intriguing, Orochimaru overlooked many offenses.
However, Gen now represented not just himself, but the broader interests of the Uchiha clan thus, protocol had to be observed.
After confirming Anko's location, Gen left the Police HQ and walked out of the Uchiha compound toward the bustling center of Konoha Village.
Ten minutes later, he arrived at a cozy store on the commercial street called Sweet Home.
The shop was known for its exquisite sweets. Its signature dishes sweet dango (rice dumplings) and anko (red bean soup) were especially popular among kunoichi and younger shinobi.
"Welcome!"
Two waitresses, dressed in red and white uniforms that resembled maid outfits, immediately perked up upon seeing Gen. His refined demeanor and striking appearance made their eyes sparkle, and their greeting was noticeably more enthusiastic.
Gen smiled gently. "I'll have a bowl of red bean soup and a plate of glutinous rice balls."
The waitresses nodded repeatedly, flustered, and rushed to the counter.
Being handsome had its advantages. In his past life, Gen had never received this kind of attention.
Sighing inwardly, he scanned the room, then calmly took a seat beside a girl with a round-cut lavender hairstyle, wearing a dark brown outfit and an expression that combined both mischief and discipline.
The girl who was savoring dango and red bean soup looked up, narrowed her eyes, and asked, "Who are you?"
Gen, dressed in a crisp blue shirt and white slacks, offered a relaxed smile, his bearing elegant and clean.
"Hello, I'm Gen Uchiha."
"From the Uchiha clan?" the girl, Mitarashi Anko, twelve years old at the time, tilted her head. "You don't look like the usual stuck-up types."
"What do you want?"
Gen didn't waste time. He produced a small folded white card and placed it on the table. "I want to meet your teacher, Lord Orochimaru."
"Not just on my own behalf, but representing the entire Uchiha clan."
He gestured toward the food just arriving. "Can I treat this red bean soup and dango as a small token of thanks?"
Just then, the waitress approached with the dishes. Gen casually pointed to them.
Anko's eyes lit up. She swallowed hard, then patted Gen on the shoulder with a grin. "You've got some sense, I'll give you that. Alright, I'll take your message."
"Please enjoy," said the waitress softly, setting the dishes down before walking away.
Gen nodded his thanks, then turned to Anko again. "Won't you introduce yourself?"
"Looks like we'll be fellow disciples soon."
He slid the tray closer to her side.
"Fellow disciples?"
Anko raised an eyebrow. "Orochimaru-sensei has extremely high standards for accepting students."
She scrutinized him more seriously this time, and added proudly, "He doesn't just take anyone."
Sure enough, Anko did not accompany Orochimaru to the Third Shinobi World War. No wonder Gen hadn't encountered her on the Kumogakure frontlines if she had participated, her distinctive personality or Orochimaru's attention to her would've left some trace.
It made sense. At that point in time, Orochimaru still retained a sliver of humanity, despite his growing detachment. After witnessing the death of his former subordinate and Anbu protégé Naoki, who had perished in a brutal ambush during a border skirmish, Orochimaru had grown more cautious especially with the few he deemed promising. He wouldn't recklessly throw Mitarashi Anko, a Genin still undergoing foundational training, onto a blood-soaked battlefield.
With Orochimaru's identity as one of the Legendary Sannin, his formidable strength, and his high-ranking position within Konoha's military hierarchy, he could easily shield Anko from such risks if he wished to.
"It doesn't matter," Gen said calmly. "I believe I can meet his standards."
"I hope so." Anko flashed a crooked grin. "I like you. It'd be kinda cool to have a junior brother."
"Why not senior brother?" Gen countered, smiling.
Anko stared at him, stunned. She raised her finger and said with mock indignation, "I started first, okay? I've been with Orochimaru-sensei since the war's end."
"But I'm older than you. I just turned thirteen," Gen replied, his tone light. "That means I should be stronger, right?"
"You may be a year older than me but age isn't everything!" Anko said, puffing up her cheeks. "I'm strong too!"
She put down her half-eaten dango and red bean soup, stood slightly, and waved her fists as if preparing for a sparring match.
Gen propped his chin on one hand and said in a laid-back tone, "Well, I'm already a Jōnin."
A Jōnin?
Anko blinked, visibly shaken. It felt as if she had been hit by a Raiton jutsu. Her mouth opened slightly in disbelief.
How was that possible?
A thirteen-year-old Jōnin? That was Kakashi-level territory. In the manga, Hatake Kakashi became a Jōnin at just thirteen during the Third Shinobi War setting a near-unmatchable precedent.
Could Gen really be a genius on par with him?
No. That had to be a bluff.
"No one likes a braggart!" she huffed. "I could say I'm gonna be Hokage tomorrow, doesn't mean it's true!"
"Want to bet on it?"
Anko squinted suspiciously. "Bet on what?"
"If I really am a Jōnin, you'll be my junior sister from now on."
"And if you're not?"
"I'll be your senior sister instead. Plus, I'll treat you to desserts every time we meet."
Anko did some mental math. Even if she lost, she'd get endless sweets. But she was sure he was bluffing. No way this smooth-talking Uchiha was a legit Jōnin.
Besides, Orochimaru-sensei would've mentioned someone like that, right?
"All right. I'll take that bet!" she said boldly.
Gen smiled again, sat up straight, and nonchalantly formed a hand seal.
With a soft puff, a cloud of white smoke erupted and standing beside him was a perfect replica of himself.
The Shadow Clone Technique Kage Bunshin no Jutsu.
Several customers turned their heads briefly at the sudden ninjutsu, but it was Konoha, after all. Shinobi techniques were part of daily life. Still, whispers spread children stared with admiration, and some adults shook their heads with amused tolerance.
"Go home and fetch your Jōnin certificate," the clone said, then vanished.
"Got it," Gen said, standing.
Anko's jaw dropped. "Wait—that was a shadow clone?"
"Sharp. Correct," Gen replied with a wink.
Anko's heart sank. The Kage Bunshin was an advanced B-rank ninjutsu, famously difficult due to the chakra splitting required. Only high-level ninjas like Naruto, years later used it routinely. Most Genin couldn't even attempt it.
Could she actually lose this bet?
"Hey, don't look so down." Gen chuckled. "Isn't it nice to have a senior brother?"
"If anyone gives you trouble, your big brother will make sure they regret it."
Anko crossed her arms and pouted. "I've got Orochimaru-sensei. I don't need your help."
"Do you really think Orochimaru-sama should be disturbed over trivial stuff like schoolyard squabbles?"
Gen raised an eyebrow. "Wouldn't he be disappointed to see you so… dependent?"
Anko flinched.
She imagined Orochimaru's cold, narrow eyes, the subtle scowl he wore when disappointed. The thought made her back stiffen instinctively.
She couldn't let her sensei down.
"...Fine. You can be senior brother," she muttered, looking sideways.
With that mental hurdle crossed, she took another bite of the dango and found herself smiling again.
Having a senior brother might not be so bad after all.
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