"A coup would be impossible for us to win. If it really came to that, I'd probably oppose it," said Uchiha Icarus. "And you, Clan Leader Fugaku? Mediate between both sides?"
Fugaku nodded.
"In that case, the Uchiha clan is truly finished. Fugaku, you're really not fit to be clan leader. In times like this, you show no resolve at all," sighed Uchiha Yuan.
"And if it were you, what would you do?" Fugaku asked.
"First of all, I wouldn't let things escalate to that point. And I didn't—I killed Danzo and held off the Nine-Tails alone during the Nine-Tails Night precisely to prevent our clan from falling into this kind of situation.
But even if it did come to this, I'd take a different path."
"What path?" asked Fugaku.
"Leave Konoha. If the village can't accept us, I'd lead the clan away. And if they tried to stop us, they'd better be prepared to fight to the death. At least this way we'd preserve some of our bloodline rather than face annihilation."
After a brief silence, Fugaku replied, "Yuan, you said all this because you have a goal, don't you?"
"Of course. Clan Leader Fugaku, I don't think you're fit to lead the Uchiha anymore."
The Naka Shrine fell silent.
After a while, Elder Uchiha Yuu, representing the Hawk faction, broke the silence: "I propose Uchiha Yuan as the next clan leader."
"I second that," said Elder Uchiha Icarus, representing the Dove faction.
The others soon echoed their support.
The two factions had already reached a consensus to support Yuan; they had just been waiting for the right opportunity.
For most of the Uchiha, it wasn't about politics.
The Uchiha worship strength. To them, Yuan possessed the Mangekyo Sharingan, had killed Danzo single-handedly, and even defeated the Nine-Tails head-on—he was clearly the strongest of their clan. Wasn't it only natural that the strongest should lead?
Now that the factions had aligned, those still supporting Fugaku grew uneasy.
Some wore sour expressions; others appeared torn.
But regardless of their final decision, the result was all but certain.
Together, the Hawks and Doves represented 80% of the Uchiha. With all of them behind Yuan, his position as the new clan leader was almost guaranteed.
Yuan himself wasn't surprised.
He had spent considerable time gaining the trust of both factions, had long revealed his Mangekyo, and had made himself a hero in the Nine-Tails crisis—all to ensure success in this moment.
This move wasn't spontaneous. It was a calculated conclusion based on countless analyses of the Uchiha's current predicament.
He had done everything possible—and he had done it well.
His reputation was at its peak. The timing was perfect.
But Yuan knew not to let his guard down—Fugaku wasn't simple.
In terms of support and reputation, Fugaku had lost. But what mattered most was that Fugaku also had the Mangekyo Sharingan.
Yuan wasn't his son. Fugaku wouldn't just surrender like he did to Itachi.
Of course, Yuan hoped he would yield peacefully—but if not, the two would inevitably clash, with the winner claiming the title of clan leader.
After all, the Uchiha are a warlike people. Yuan earned this opportunity through strength. Fugaku, having the Mangekyo as well, had every right to challenge him on that same basis.
If Yuan refused, his authority would crumble.
With this in mind, Yuan turned to Fugaku and asked calmly, "It seems the result is clear. Do you have anything to say, Clan Leader?"
"Yes," Fugaku replied. "It's clear you've prepared well for this day, haven't you?"
"I just think you're no longer fit to be clan leader."
Fugaku said nothing at first. Then he looked up, his expression serious.
As his eyes turned blood-red, a fearsome chakra surged from his body.
His Sharingan reached the three-tomoe state.
"Uchiha Yuan, I admit—by your argument, I'm no longer qualified. I'm willing to step down.
However, becoming clan leader isn't that easy. Defeat me. Only by defeating me can you prove you're worthy of the title."
With that, the tomoe in Fugaku's eyes spun rapidly… and merged completely.
Mangekyo Sharingan!
The ordinary clan members gasped. They had no idea Fugaku had it.
The elders knew, but the general clan did not. Fugaku's supporters were instantly invigorated.
But a moment later, they all fell silent.
Yuan had also activated his Mangekyo.
The crushing presence of two Mangekyo Sharingan silenced everyone in the Naka Shrine.
"Shall we fight here, Clan Leader?" Yuan asked.
Fugaku shook his head. "Let's take it outside. This place is important to the Uchiha. It must not be destroyed."
Yuan understood—he was referring to the hidden tablet.
He smiled and teleported outside the shrine. Fugaku followed.
(To Be Continued...)