Renzo: The 36-World Traveler

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Ninja World

"Uchiha Renzo! The clan leader wants to see you!"

Renzo had just finished a barbecue meal with Kurenai, Kakashi, and the others and was returning to the Uchiha compound when a jonin from the clan approached him with a message.

"Alright, I understand. Lead the way," Renzo replied calmly, following without hesitation.

It wasn't surprising that Fugaku wanted to see him so soon—if anything, it would be strange if he didn't.

Before long, Renzo arrived at Fugaku's residence and was greeted by Uchiha Fugaku himself.

"Clan leader," Renzo said, giving a slight bow.

"No need to be so formal. Have a seat," Fugaku replied with a warm smile, motioning for him to sit across from him.

Uchiha Mikoto, standing nearby, walked over and served them tea before quietly stepping back.

"Have some tea," Fugaku said, gesturing invitingly before studying Renzo with curiosity. "You don't seem surprised at all that I called for you. It seems the Third Hokage has spoken to you. Care to share what he said?"

"By the way," he added, "the Third personally summoned me and mentioned how much he values your talent. He even wanted you to join his Anbu squad. But I declined. What are your thoughts on that?"

Renzo took a sip of tea, remaining composed as he responded, "I did anticipate that you would summon me. As for what the Hokage said..."

He then proceeded to repeat everything the Third Hokage had told him, including how he had reprimanded Fugaku for mistreating Renzo and had supposedly secured more clan resources for him.

This was indeed the Third Hokage's message, though he had explicitly told Renzo not to share it with anyone, especially not with Fugaku. What he didn't anticipate was that Renzo wouldn't play by the usual rules.

Fugaku's expression darkened as he listened, his eyes narrowing. "As expected of an old fox! He plans everything meticulously, leaving no room for error. If you hadn't been honest with me, I would have been played like a fool."

Renzo smirked slightly. "That's exactly why I'm being upfront with you, Clan Leader. After all, I am an Uchiha first, and only then a part of Konoha. The clan has never mistreated me, and the Third Hokage's attempt to sow discord is too crude. Of course, perhaps he had no ill intentions…"

But Renzo had his own motives for saying this.

The Uchiha Massacre was only about ten years away. He needed to start making preparations now.

The suppression and isolation of the Uchiha by the Third Hokage and Danzo had been ongoing for a long time. Waiting until the last moment to act would be foolish and far too passive.

That's why he needed to test Fugaku—the key figure in all of this.

Many fan theories and alternative stories in Renzo's past life had detailed different ways a transmigrator could change the fate of the Uchiha clan. Not all of them applied to his current reality, but some held valuable insights.

"No," Fugaku said after a moment of thought, looking at Renzo with newfound appreciation. "The Third did it deliberately. He truly values your talent and wants to pull you to his side."

"If he succeeds, not only does he gain another genius under his command, but it also means the Uchiha lose one. At the same time, it weakens our clan's influence."

Fugaku's expression darkened further. "This is his usual tactic."

He recalled past Uchiha prodigies who had pledged loyalty to the Third Hokage and Danzo, only to be discarded or eliminated later. Compared to Renzo, those so-called 'geniuses' were nothing more than traitors.

Of course, those traitors were now long dead.

"So, what exactly prompted the Third Hokage to suddenly try recruiting you?" Fugaku asked curiously.

Renzo shrugged. "It's no secret. This is why."

With that, he activated his Sharingan.

"Sharingan? And… two tomoe?" Fugaku's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "You awakened it recently?"

"To be precise, last night—while eliminating bandits," Renzo replied. "My squad leader must have reported it. That's probably why the Third is taking such an interest in me."

"And as for offering me a position in Anbu, it's more of a way to gauge your reaction, Clan Leader. Oh, and he also rewarded me with the Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu."

"Ah, now it all makes sense!" Fugaku's face showed a look of realization. "You're only ten years old, right? Awakening the Sharingan at ten is already impressive, but to awaken it straight to two tomoe… That's on an entirely different level! You were already recognized as a genius before, but now, you're beyond extraordinary. No wonder the Third wants to pull you in."

Then, with a sneer, he added, "But the Third is really stingy, huh? Only giving you one jutsu?"

Shaking his head in disdain, he turned to Renzo and said, "Alright, here's what we'll do. I'll issue an order granting you access to all ninjutsu below S-rank. Additionally, you can pick two S-rank jutsu of your choice."

"Train well. Don't disappoint me. But remember, don't be greedy—learning too much at once won't do you any good."

Fugaku was clearly willing to invest in Renzo, not just because of his talent but because of his attitude toward the clan and Konoha.

Unlike those who had betrayed the Uchiha before, Renzo saw things clearly.

Fugaku wasn't an extremist like some of the more radical Uchiha members. He believed that the Uchiha were part of Konoha and didn't seek superiority over the village.

All he wanted was fair treatment.

Not special privileges, not absolute control—just equal standing with the other major clans.

But Konoha had never truly allowed that.

After years of suppression and discrimination, it was only natural for resentment to fester within the Uchiha.

Fugaku had worked tirelessly to keep the clan integrated with Konoha, striving for recognition and fair treatment, yet the village continued to push them aside.

"Thank you, Clan Leader," Renzo said sincerely, accepting the offer without hesitation.

He needed all the resources he could get to grow stronger.

"No need to be so formal," Fugaku said with a wave of his hand. "The clan values its geniuses, and nurturing you is the least we can do. Of course, I expect you to give back to the clan in the future. It should be a mutually beneficial relationship."

Renzo nodded firmly. "I understand. Without the Uchiha, I have no place here. The Uchiha come first, and only then does Konoha matter. If the Uchiha fall, I have nowhere to belong. That much is clear to me."

If the clan was wiped out, even if he managed to escape, he would have no home in Konoha—or anywhere in the Ninja world.

Living as a fugitive was not the future he wanted.

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