บท 3: Chapter 3
Nightfall
The Uchiha Clan, Clan Leader's Residence.
At this moment, the Clan's elders, led by Clan Leader Uchiha Setsubou, the Grand Elder Uchiha Shana, and the Second Elder Uchiha Akira, were gathered in the basement of the Clan Leader's estate.
Among the adults, one young figure stood out conspicuously—a boy with short black hair, a stern expression, and a jaw so prominent it could almost hold two ping-pong balls.
This was none other than Uchiha Fugaku, son of Uchiha Setsubou and young heir of the Uchiha Clan.
Once everyone was present, Uchiha Setsubou cleared his throat, preparing to inform them about his meeting with Danzo.
"Ahem. As you all probably know by now, Shimura Danzo visited me today."
Danzo's visit to Uchiha Setsubou had been a public affair, so everyone was already aware, and hearing it confirmed brought no surprise—just the usual muttering of insults directed his way.
"That Shimura brat is rotten to the core. I'd love nothing more than to handle him myself—"
"One isn't enough. The entire Shimura Clan is evil to the bone; they should all be wiped out!"
"Agreed, the Shimuras are a menace. They mustn't be left to fester!"
After their customary expressions of discontent, everyone settled down to hear Uchiha Setsubou's next words.
"Danzo is planning to form a new Anbu unit…"
"He's offering our clan two positions."
Following Setsubou's explanation, the elders fell into thoughtful silence.
At this point, the Uchiha Clan wasn't yet inclined to outright rebellion. Though they often grumbled about the village leadership and Danzo, they were, in reality, quite content with the status quo.
Hearing Setsubou's proposal, the first reaction was to agree to Danzo's offer. But ultimately, all eyes turned to Grand Elder Uchiha Shana, the oldest and most respected figure in the room, waiting to see his response.
Even Uchiha Setsubou appeared nervous. Although he had initially agreed with Danzo, if Shana opposed it, a long debate would inevitably follow.
Sensing the weight of everyone's gaze, Uchiha Shana scratched his graying hair and looked over at Setsubou.
"So, Clan Leader, what do you think? Who do you plan to send?" The undertone of approval in his question was clear.
Understanding Shana's stance, Uchiha Setsubou didn't answer immediately; instead, he glanced at Second Elder Uchiha Akira.
"Why're you looking at me? It's the Grand Elder's call; I'm just here for decoration!" Akira grumbled under his breath, displeased.
"…"
With both elders expressing their support, any opposition among the rest of the clan remained unspoken.
Thus reassured, Uchiha Setsubou voiced his choice of candidates.
"I plan to send Uchiha Shizuki and Uchiha Momiji."
"Sounds fine to me."
"Yes, they'll do."
It was evident that Setsubou's response had been expected by the two elders.
"The girls' parents died at the hands of Hidden Rain ninjas a few years ago. They are, indeed, the best candidates."
"Danzo's preference for orphans is simply because he believes he can manipulate those with fragile spirits."
"This also curtails our ability to use them to gather intelligence."
"So, I think it's best we refrain from any unnecessary moves and simply hand them over to Danzo, cutting off any contact with them thereafter."
In agreement with Setsubou and the two elders, the matter was swiftly settled.
...
Eventually, only Uchiha Setsubou and his son, Uchiha Fugaku, remained in the vast basement.
"What do you think about this?"
From the start, Fugaku had kept his thoughts to himself, a silence that intrigued Setsubou regarding his son's perspective.
"There are doubts, but we have no other choice."
At his father's question, Fugaku replied with calm certainty.
"No other choice… no other choice…"
Setsubou gazed at his impassive son, a surge of pride rising within him.
Indeed, the Uchiha had no other choice right now.
"Fugaku, remember—no matter how hostile things become, don't pass up any opportunity to reconcile with the village."
"Use your Sharingan to see things clearly and seek a way forward for the Uchiha."
A clan with its strongest members wielding only the three-tomoe Sharingan, pitted against the might of a village teeming with talent, would face an inevitable outcome.
"Never become enemies of the village, unless the village becomes truly weak..."
Setsubou fixed his gaze firmly on his son's eyes, where three tomoe spun in his Sharingan.
In response, Fugaku revealed his own Sharingan to his father.
Seeing the tomoe in his son's eyes, Setsubou smiled with satisfaction.
"To awaken your two-tomoe Sharingan at this age... Someday, the Uchiha Clan will surely flourish under your leadership!"
"Perhaps another wielder of the Mangekyo Sharingan will even emerge from our clan."
Moved by his father's expectations, Fugaku felt a stir of determination within.
"Father, rest assured—I won't let you down. I'll lead the Uchiha Clan to prosperity!"
Setsubou's expression shifted as he cleared his throat, reminding, "How many times do I have to tell you? When on duty, address me by my title, not 'Father.'"
"Yes, Clan Leader."
…
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