Outsiders

To Fugaku, Uchiha Hitomi is an attack dog.

One that, unfortunately, could easily bite him as much as he could protect him. 

For years, he had used Shisui to tame Hitomi. 

Sshisui was everything one wanted from a member of their Clan; a prodigy, loyal to the Clan and fiercely protective of Fugaku’s family. Hitomi was the same. The only difference lay in Hitomi’s priorities. 

His wife had taken the three children after the Kyuubi incident. He hadn’t been bothered by it because the Clan had lost so much that anything that could help his family to heal. 

Everything had gone fine until he tried to correct Sasuke (and Kotarou) when they were being too loud and destructive inside the house. They were four. Hitomi was twelve. 

As soon as he raised his voice and crossed the threshold, Hitomi kicked him hard enough to send him back. He reacted and flashed his sharingan, he was greeted by an angry reflection and the snarl on the young face made him stop. Because he was aware of what had triggered the young boy. 

Hitomi had lost his twin on the war; two weeks before the war ended. A true tragedy. Six year old, almost seven, still too young to be on the battlefield but too talented to be left behind. 

Fugaku breathed deeply and didn’t tried to enter the room again. 

The next day Hitomi had moved out; taking with him his two brothers and extending an invitation to Fugaku’s own sons. And Fugaky had the impression that the only reason he hadn’t taken the boys was because he liked Mikoto. 

This moment is when he realizes that Hitomi is a loose cannon.

I don’t follow orders of people weaker than me.” Hitomi wrinkled his nose at Fugaku. 

“Hitomi!” Shisui hissed, appalled. 

“What?” The unsubordinated boy asked.

“Apologize to our Clan Head.” 

“Why? I’m not saying nothing that’s untrue.” 

“Hitomi!” This time, Shisui’s warning was echoed by Itachi. 

Hitomi huffed, letting sharingan vanished as he bowed, “I apologize for my words, Fugaku-sama.” 

But his eyes stated that he really, really, didn’t regret his insolent words. Fugaku clenched his teeth and decided to let it go. Being head of the Uchiha Clan has taught him to know what fights he will win and the ones that are not worth it.

One that, thankfully, Shisui and Itachi were able to control.

Shisui and Hitomi became a set not long after Yasu’s death. Poisonous whispers said that the duo had lost their minds as their let themselves dive too deep in their grief; Hitomi’s taking Shisui as a replacement from Yasu. 

In a way, it makes sense. The cousins were similar-looking enough that from certain perspective could allow you to overlook their differences. 

Not that Fugaku believed that. 

Because he had seen how that possessivity and twisted love encompassed everyone Hitomi considered his family. 

Tenka and Kotarou were too under Hitomi’s influence, same as Sasuke. So, that left Itachi.

Itachi who Fugaku had so many expectations. 

Itachi who would have been imparable as Clan Head with Shisui as his right hand and Hitomi as his shadow. 

Now, though…

Shisui was gone and Fugaku wasn’t sure of Itachi’s loyalties anymore. 

That’s why he needed to ensure that Hitomi was on their side.

He had called Hitomi to a private meeting, explained for the first time the coup to his nephew (Shisui was always the mediator between them.) and now the only thing left was to wait for an answer. 

Hitomi put gently the tea cup on the table, closed his eyes, and stood up. 

“My loyalty is with the Clan.” Hitomi looked directly at his eyes, sharingan changing into his mangekyo- one that Fugaku had suspicion it existed but had never been sure of it, because unlike Shisui, Hitomi was very secretive with his abilities and the only reason Fugaku knew how strong his nephew was laid on the respect his own son had for him. “If we go to war, I will be in the front-lines.” 

Fugaku lets a relieved sigh as Hitomi left the room. 

The Clan still had a winning chance.

Hitomi would do anything for the people he loved, that Fugaku knew. And, with him fighting right in the front lines, Fugaku would only have to worry about the Hokague and the old council. 

The Coup was still viable.