Chapter Text
None of the cells in the T&I dungeons are truly meant to be comfortable. It is a box of a room with nothing but stone walls and metal bars. It’s damp, dank, with the only furniture for the prisoners being a splintered wooden bench. It’s not comfortable, but Orochimaru doesn’t appear bothered in the slightest by the accommodations. He chats as if they were simply sitting together for tea.
Orochimaru says,“To my understanding, the sharingan is activated by a special chakra within the brain that changes the optic nerves. I have some questions about how the perception within changes from initial development into adulthood. Is there a color difference between chakra?”
They removed the seal over Orochimaru’s mouth for the sake of the interview. Fugaku already regrets the decision.
There's an old saying that a ninja who can't weave hand signs isn't really a threat, but it’s well known that Orochimaru's tongue is perfectly capable of combat. At that moment, the man has found a better use of his tongue by incessantly asking invasive questions about the Uchiha’s bloodline technique.
Fugaku sighs, “That isn’t really up for discussion right now.”
Or ever really…
“Come now, Lord Uchiha, you’re a medic. You haven’t once thought of how exactly the optical nerves connect to the chakra system. I'm fascinated by it! I’ve always wondered what exactly causes the bioluminescence aspect andー”
Fugaku interrupts,“As I said, this is not up for discussion. It is considered rude to ask in the first place. Now, I would like to turn back to the matter at hand.”
Orchimaru’s glare of annoyance is ice cold. He’s never been one to care about social niceties himself. Fugaku certainly expected this to come up at some point. Orochimaru’s fascination with the sharingan is well known among the Uchiha clan.
The man is bound, his arms and legs unable to move, but his demeanor evokes nothing but confidence for someone in his situation.
Fugaku adjusts his notebook that Yakumi so helpfully prepared. He clears his throat before he speaks.
“Orochimaru. You are forty one years of age, born October 27th. You have no surviving blood relations. You are a student of Sarutobi Hiruzen along with your teammates Jiraiya and Tsunade. Hanzo of Amegakure dubbed you along with your teammates, the sannin, during the Second Shinobi War. After the death of the Fourth Hokage, you were nominated for the position. Please confirm if these details are correct.”
Orochimaru replies,“You were interested in the position as well, were you not?”
There were those in the clan who believed he could be a great Hokage. A nomination was cast. Even so, it’s not like Fugaku ever dreamed of such a thing. He never expected to have the entire clan’s expectations on her shoulders, let alone the village as a whole.
He scoffs, “interested? I'm busy enough. A nomination does not equate to capability. Cast it into the fire. Besides, it's irrelevant to our case today.”
Whatever answer Orochimaru was fishing for, he didn’t receive the one he wanted.
He sighs dramatically, “you’re quite the dry history book. You know that, Captain?”
Fugaku shakes his head, “It’s procedure. The KMPF requests personal information to confirm the person’s identity. So, please, confirm.”
Obviously.
“Uh, yes…the details are correct.”
Fugaku gets the feeling that Orochimaru would be waving his hand dismissively if he were able to.
“Understand that if you refuse to conduct a verbal interview that the Hokage may insist on conducting the interview via a Yamanaka mind body switch technique.”
Orchimaru sighs, “ must we resort to that?”
“You have been moderately cooperative throughout this ordeal, and I’m grateful.” Fugaku says, “ Now then, I would like to ask why a shinobi of our caliber would not flee when faced with allegations like this.”
“I am a loyal shinobi of Konoha, Lord Uchiha. I would love to assist my village in any way they require of me. If it benefits my research, then all the better.”
Orochimaru is the only one of the sannin to stay. His two comrades were shown a leniency that borders on mutiny, but still it was the outlier of the group that stayed. Not the Senju princess, and not the beloved loudmouth, but the self-serving snake that frightens most genin is the one who remains in their village.
It’s strange to consider in retrospect.
Fugaku asks, “Do you delight in striking terror?”
Orochimaru frowns, “what kind of ridiculous question is this?”
“A question.” Fugaku replies casually, “one you haven’t answered. I will elaborate. Do you delight in the pain of others? Does it inspire feelings of confidence, power, arousal?”
The look Orchimaru gives him is shrewd and assessing.
“How is this relevant?”
“It’s relevant because we have at least sixty missing children all under the age of thirteen. The investigation into these abductions have been arduous, and I’m hoping we can count you to shed some light. You are facing serious accusations of bloodline theft. Not only that but child abduction, human trafficking…the counts keep piling up. I wish to understand why you would be in this situation.”
Orochimaru shrugs, “you referred to the evidence against me as damning .”
“Evidence against you is still not a motive. That’s what I seek to understand.”
Once given the opportunity, Orochimaru happens to have the weakness that many arrogant men doーhe loves hearing himself talk.
“That’s one thing I’ve always appreciated about you, Captain Uchiha. You’re a man of letters as well, not simply a brute. I don’t think my dream is unknown. I want to understand all jutsu. I want to be able to understand everything in the world. There is no limit to which I desire understanding in its purest form.”
Fugaku raises a brow, “quite a lofty goal.”
“How so?”
“Any scholar will tell you one of the troubles with knowledge is the limited amount of time one has to obtain it. To learn all the jutsu in existence well…”
“It would require an eternity. That is true, Lord Uchiha, and that is where science comes in.” Orochimaru replies, “It’s true that there is a limit to the mortal being’s ability to endure modification. With modification, even for power, there can be an unwelcome exchange. DNA harvesting is necessary for any properly conducted experimentation. It’s all connected and any variables must be accounted for.”
“Who signed for our funding for this? There were clear signs of imprisonment and body disposal within those tunnels. That is undisputable, and that could've been achieved otherwise.”
Orochimaru’s mouth stretches into an unnaturally wide grin. “That is classified. I did not say there was any funding for my experiments.”
No, but Fugaku knows the shrinking police budget has to be going somewhere.
He prompts,“Did whatever you were doing with your experiments involve studying the Mokuton? Or is that classified?”
Orochimaru responds,“I had my own questions about that myself. I am curious why that very word slipped from your son’s mouth as he passed into what appeared to be a death-like state. I find that topic immensely more interesting.”
Fugaku tries coming at it from another direction,“Hiruzen says he wishes to move you from a dark path.”
“That’s what he always says. Now, if we may discuss the matter of your son, Lord Uchiha.”
Maybe he shouldn’t have brought up Mokuton so quickly.
Fugaku pinches the bridge of his nose as he tries to divert from the inevitable discussion ahead. “You keep doing that. You switch between my titles.”
“Titles have power. You are captain of the KMPF. I call you Captain Uchiha. In regards to your heir and to offer respect, I call you Lord Uchiha.”
Fugaku says,“your sensei has never acknowledged me as anything but Captain of the KMPF.”
It probably didn’t help that the late Lady Torabana made her dislike of Hiruzen clear every chance she could.
The Sarutobi were once a vassal clan. At one point they were just a clan of menagerie merchants, but the Sarutobi have made a nice comfy seat of power for themselves in Konoha.
It’s made them cocky.
“I am not my sensei.” Orochimaru replies, “ It is interesting that your title is so often forgotten when the Uchiha clan has a history of lordship, and yet my clan does not. My title was invoked through power by conquest and that alone. Lord Orchimaru, they call me. Power is king and currency. The Uchiha possess it in spades physically, but politically they’re a fawn that’s been limping on a broken leg for far too long.”
He’s not wrong, but Orochimaru is only bringing this up to unsettle him.
He continues,“As I was saying, I have some questions pertaining to your son.”
Fugaku replies sharply,“Not up for discussion.”
“I am not suggesting examining the boy, merely mailing my questions to the lad…”
Fugaku doesn’t even like how asking the question makes him feel. “You…are asking to write letters to my son?”
Orochimaru says,“Yes, I should hope this makes our working relationship smoother in this investigation.”
Him and everyone else. Of course, another curious person who wants to understand his heir.
It won’t do him any good getting upset. Being angry means he might make mistakes even without meaning to. Orochimaru has already made it clear he sees himself in any position to negotiate.
Fugaku keeps his voice carefully level, “The bartering of information will never pertain to my children. You’ve expressed interest in my son’s abilities but I regret to inform you those are not up for discussion. Consider your situation and the charges being laid against you. Why would I allow any sort of engagement between my son and you.”
Orochimaru just shrugs.
“You called me a patsy…a tool. I aim to be a useful tool then. You know I spoke briefly to young Shisui as he was training with little Itachi. He should know more about one of my co-conspirators. Shisui may have more relevant information should he see fit to share it. I simply wish for a boon in exchange. Perhaps there is…more than meets the eye. Perhaps not. You must understand if I speak ill of anyone in the village that my safety could be in jeopardy.”
Yeah, that’s likely. That man’s just trying to see how he can save his own skin.
But one thing does stand out.
Shisui did not mention that meeting Orochimaru mentioned. That was the day he dislocated Itachi’s shoulder and ran off his mouth. Shisui’s own father probably would’ve whacked his son’s head for the disrespect had it been said within his earshot.
Perhaps Fugaku should’ve.
There's not a day that goes by when Fugaku isn’t worried one of his more pro-Konoha clan members might put a knife in his back. He understands why, just like he understands the side calling for a regime change. The Uchiha clan cannot remain idle, but the risks creep at their door every night.
Fugaku states,“Our goal is not revenge for the dead. Our goal is not persecution. The KMPF is dedicated to justice.”
To some they are simply pretty words, but Fugaku does not take oaths lightly. He was given this job, and he’ll give it his all. It’s the only way that Fugaku has ever done anything.
Orochimaru says,“I recall Danzo saying the Uchiha had no right to arrest me or carry out this investigation.”
“He was wrong.”
Danzo may believe it, but Fugaku knows the truth.
A voice calls down the long dark hallway, “Captain, break for lunch!”
It doesn’t feel as if he’s been down here that long, but Fugaku isn’t going to say no.
Orochimaru waits until he is halfway down the hall before he calls out.
“Talk again soon, Captain Uchiha!”
Dramatic bastard. Fugaku sighs and keeps walking.
The break room of the Konohagakure Intelligence Division is decently sized. It’s cafeteria style with long tables and benches. The canteen has pre-made meals ready to order. Fugaku makes himself a cup of coffee and calls it lunch. The Intelligence Division better keep a close eye on their good coffee machine. If Inabi ever finds out about it, he might sneak in to try and steal it. He smiles when he sees they even have a little caddy with creams and sugars nestled inside.
The Intelligence Division doesn’t know how good they have it.
One of the microwaves does make a weird sound, but there are at least three. Yamanaka Inoichi, head of the Analysis Team, is peering into the window of one of those microwaves. The end of his long blond hair falls into his coffee as he leans over.
Fugaku says,“Inochi, watch your cup!”
“Huh, oh,shit.” Inoichi wipes the end of his ponytail on his shirt. “You headed out for the day?”
The microwave beeps.
Fugaku sips his own perfect cup of coffee, relishing in the bitterness.,““No, I plan to go over the children’s case files with Orchimaru after this. I doubt I can inspire any reaction, but we'll see. What do you have there?”
He says lovingly,“My little Ino made me lunch!”
When Inoichi takes his tupperware out of the microwave, he proudly shows Fugaku the meal his daughter prepared for him. Looking down at the undercooked rice, topped with banana peppers, and what looks like leftover karaage, it’s then Fugaku remembers that Inoichi’s daughter is only three.
Fugaku still hums in appreciation. “It was very sweet of her.”
“How are your boys?”
Inoichi is one of few who asks it conversationally and means it. That man loves nothing more than bragging about his own child.
“All growing bigger every second. You know there’s talk of Asuma joining the Twelve Guardian Shinobi. He’s offered to accompany Ichigo if he chooses to study in the capital. I loathe to send any of my children far, but our eldest has always been very…spirtual. He wants to speak to the monks at the Fire temple”
“Did the situation with…” Inoichi waves his hand around the air, like it can even begin to describe the madness their village has found itself in, “everything okay a role? I’ve been trying to talk my lady wife out of sending Ino away too soon. It’s better to focus on her chakra control for now. It might make the other clans nervous if you send your son away?”
“I want to send him away for his future. He is no shinobi. The family has taught him what we can, but I must consider his future as a whole. He will also enter the Daiymo’s court formally if the Hokage agrees to it. It’s still in discussion.”
Had it been a year prior, Fugaku has no doubt that Hiruzen would’ve refused.
Their clan is in a better place to negotiate now.
They walk together to an empty table. Fugaku knows he’ll be back for another cup of coffee before the day is over. Inoichi half-heardily picks at his lunch. He ate the bites of chicken and peppers, but most of his rice is inedible.
“I…I was talking with Okemia earlier this week. I just wanted to say that it was rude of me to bring up your sharingan. I apologize for that, and Shikaku’s behavior. It was presumptuous of him and completely out of line.”
Not many people know that Uchiha can unconsciously activate their sharingan. It’s relative to their emotions, chakra level, and age. Inoichi has an Uchiha for a mistress and still makes these small verbal slights.
It’s not that big a deal. Inoichi is a good man. He tries.
Fugaku reminds himself of these things even as he feels the insult still simmering in his gut. It’s all water under the bridge.
“I thank you for recognizing that. Even so, Shikaku’s behavior was uncalled for, but even so his misstep does not reflect on you. I will not allow any insult to my beloved wife. I have spoken with her on the matter and we shall meet with Shikaku and Yoshino privately tomorrow. I’d prefer if we don’t discuss it any further.”
“Of course.”
Inoichi has a very different marriage than Fugaku. They both may have wed because of the will of their families and the political advantage it served, but Fugaku’s marriage shifted in a way Inoichi’s never did. Inoichi has his mistress, and his wife keeps her own dalliances private. They lead different lives and both are comfortable with that.
Fugaku never wanted to live with a stranger.
As a second born son, he wasn’t prepared for it. He always thought he’d get to choose.
The night he’d been wed to his mother’s favorite. Uchiha Mikoto, the best of their generation, was the day Fugaku thought he’d never be happy again. He worried he’d be nothing but a chain around her neck. They both knew what was expected of them. Fugaku was meant to lead the clan now. Mikoto was to provide him children. It wasn’t the type of life she was truly meant for. Fugaku always knew she was truly meant for greatness.
But it changed.
Ichigo is their special carrot top amidst a sea of black and brown hair.
This isn’t the first time others delighted in mocking him for that.
Fugaku knows Kushina certainly toed the line. That woman delighted in teasing him, knowing exactly what buttons to push. Mikoto had been more flippant about their martial vows back then, staunchly uninterested in the man her mother tied her to. Fugaku refuses to be jealous of a dead woman. Mikoto loved Kushina and she grieved for her.
It’s not uncommon for shinobi to have unconventional marriages, especially for the clan heirs with the expectation of their bloodlines hanging over them. They all know death follows their every step. That is the reality of being a shinobi.
Fugaku asks,"Can I get you a snack cake from the vending machine?”
He’d been eyeing a pack of dondon yaki. He can justify getting the snack if he’s also helping out a friend
Inoichi pouts,“I should be buying you an apology snack.”
For a grown man, he has no shame in pulling a face like that.
Fugaku says,“You're not going to eat that rice. It’s the thought that counts. Pick something while I have my wallet out.”
Inoichi looks at the vending machines lining the wall, “Can I have the baum roll, please?”
He waits until Fugaku is sliding coins into the machine before he adds, “if it’s not too much can I get soy sauce chips too?”
“Choza would tell you off for being small mouthed.”
Inoichi laughs, “that’s true.”
Regardless of the situation with Shikaku, Fugaku does not want to pull away from the others. The Uchiha clan can’t afford to stand alone. If Fugaku can manage the tightrope walk of Hyuuga clan politics, then he can survive this little hiccup. He can’t hide away, not like how he used to. These men, with all their faults, are his friends.
Hell, Fugaku certainly wouldn’t consider Hyuuga Hiashi a friend, but he can manage to work with the frigid man.
They have no other choice.
The clans must be united.
They must be.