Uchiha Fugaku felt that Shiranui Riku and the Uchiha would never be able to reconcile.
But Uchiha Masaki didn't think so.
As the patriarch of the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Masaki had a strong sense of the bigger picture. However, he still subconsciously viewed things from the perspective of the Uchiha—the top ninja clan in Konoha. He believed that as long as the Uchiha extended an olive branch, Shiranui Riku would have no reason to refuse.
Rubbing his temples, Uchiha Masaki began evaluating Riku's worth. The more he thought about it, the more valuable Riku seemed—not just because of his talent and strength, but because of his identity. A genuine Hokage prospect, trained personally by Sarutobi Hiruzen and the disciple of one of the Legendary Sannin, Orochimaru.
The Uchiha clan was currently isolated, with no allies or influence outside of their duties with the Konoha Military Police. If Riku could become a core figure in the Hokage faction, then perhaps he could be a bridge between the Uchiha and Sarutobi Hiruzen.
But that would only be possible if Riku bore no resentment toward the Uchiha and still held some positive feelings for them.
Uchiha Masaki sat in silence for a long time. Uchiha Fugaku didn't disturb him, though he had already guessed most of what his father was thinking.
Finally, Uchiha Masaki spoke. "Fugaku, tomorrow, go to Orochimaru's base and find Shiranui Riku. Bring him the Uchiha clan's Fire Release ninjutsu scroll and our Sharingan usage scroll."
Fugaku sighed quietly.
Just as he expected.
He looked at his father and said, "Father, you said yourself that Riku would never return to the Uchiha. Is this really necessary?"
"It is," Masaki answered firmly. "Because I never intended for him to return. That door is closed. This is about ensuring he doesn't become our enemy. So long as he continues to grow, it's likely he'll become a central figure in the Hokage faction. And don't forget, he still carries Uchiha blood. You understand what I mean, right?"
Fugaku understood. But he knew it wouldn't be easy to win Riku over. A few scrolls wouldn't erase years of neglect and hatred. Still, his father's mind was made up.
"Understood, Father," he said.
"Good. Work hard, Fugaku. Don't be outdone by someone with only half-Uchiha blood."
Fugaku clenched his jaw. He too wanted to awaken the Sharingan. He didn't want to be left behind by Riku. But awakening the Sharingan wasn't something that could be achieved through effort alone.
The next day.
Shiranui Riku rose before dawn, as usual.
Orochimaru had yet to return, though he had promised to take Riku to Ryūchi Cave today. Riku assumed he'd be back soon.
Riku began his solo training in the underground base, pushing himself hard for two to three hours until he suddenly felt a fluctuation from the barrier.
A perimeter seal surrounded Orochimaru's base. Normally, Orochimaru would sense if someone approached, but he had given Riku access to the barrier's alerts as well.
Wiping sweat from his brow, Riku stepped outside.
"Someone here to see Orochimaru-sensei?"
But when he reached the entrance, his expression hardened.
Seeing the familiar Uchiha emblem, Riku crossed his arms, leaning against the doorway. He stared at Uchiha Fugaku and scoffed.
"Tch, they really came to find me. The Uchiha sure can hold a grudge—caused trouble last night, show up at my door first thing in the morning.
But if you're here to arrest me, isn't it a bit inappropriate for a kid like you to show up alone? Shouldn't the entire Konoha Military Police be here to detain me, the menace who dared harm the 'noble' Uchiha?"
Fugaku's face darkened.
Kid? He was older than Riku!
He bowed. "Riku, you misunderstood. I'm here on behalf of the Uchiha to apologize for the trouble Yuto and Kazuma caused yesterday."
Riku narrowed his eyes, then smirked.
"Oh? That's funny. When I first arrived in Konoha, I was constantly bullied by the Uchiha. I don't remember anyone apologizing then. Why so quick to bow now?"
He pointed behind him, at the base.
The implication was clear. Orochimaru's presence—and more importantly, Sarutobi Hiruzen's backing—was what motivated the apology.
Fugaku's heart tensed. The younger boy in front of him was already seeing through everything.
Getting Riku to have a good impression of the Uchiha was clearly going to be impossible.
Still, he continued. "Riku, our apology is sincere. These scrolls—one for our Fire Release techniques and one containing experience with the Sharingan—are a sign of that sincerity."
He tossed the scrolls forward.
Riku caught them, weighed them in his hands, and sneered. "So part of your apology is about my eyes, huh? I thought you'd have the gall to ask me to return to the clan after learning I awakened the Sharingan. Seems you still have some brain cells left."
Fugaku flushed.
If not for Uzumaki Kushina, his father might have actually asked Riku to return.
He bowed again. "Since you've accepted the Uchiha's apology, I will now take my leave."
He turned to go.
"Wait," Riku said.
Fugaku stopped.
"You talk like I accepted your apology. Did I say that?"
Fugaku blinked, confused.
Then he watched in horror as lightning sparked from Riku's hands. The two scrolls burst into flames and turned to ash.
Riku met his gaze coldly.
"I don't accept your apology, Uchiha."