No matter the differences in belief, never underestimate the pride of the Uchiha.
Betraying the village casually? That's not the Uchiha way.
"Let's see how it goes," Tsunade said, waving a hand to dismiss Fugaku Uchiha. "Go back, rest up, and get ready. There's a lot to handle tomorrow."
Leaving the Hokage's office, Fugaku returned to the Uchiha compound and immediately called for a clan meeting.
When the announcement was made, all eligible members gathered in the sealed chamber within the clan's shrine.
Everyone present knew Fugaku had been to see the Hokage, and when he arrived, all eyes turned to him.
Under their scrutiny, Fugaku walked calmly to his seat, sat cross-legged, and swept a cold, calculating gaze over his clansmen.
"Today, I met with the Hokage," Fugaku began, his tone calm yet commanding. "The Hokage has agreed to lift the surveillance on our Uchiha clan, restore the elders' rights that belong to us, and ensure the police force will operate without interference."
"…"
The room fell silent for a moment, and then cheers erupted, filling the sealed chamber.
"This is fantastic! We knew the Fourth Hokage wouldn't let us down!"
"Finally, no more being watched all the time. I was so sick of those outsiders and their prejudice."
"Ha! This feels great! Justice at last!"
The Uchiha in attendance, regardless of their faction, were overjoyed. For them, this was monumental. The constant weight of suspicion and monitoring had finally been lifted.
Tsunade hadn't betrayed their trust. She had accepted their loyalty and treated them with fairness, unlike the discrimination they had faced under the Third Hokage and his allies.
While his clansmen celebrated, Fugaku remained stoic. He was just as pleased, but as the clan head, he couldn't show it.
"Now, there are some matters we must discuss. Settle down, everyone."
Raising a hand, Fugaku gestured for silence. Slowly, the room quieted.
"Today is a good day for the Uchiha," he said, his gaze turning toward the hawkish members of the clan. His voice dropped, cold and deliberate. "The Hokage has accepted our loyalty and given us what we've asked for. But…"
The question lingered in the air, and everyone instinctively turned to look at the hawks.
While the Uchiha had been accepted, they knew the clan had to show sincerity in return. Otherwise, the privileges granted today could vanish tomorrow, replaced by even harsher suppression.
The hawks became the focus of everyone's attention, a thorn in the side of the entire clan.
Some hawks looked visibly uneasy, while their elder representative remained calm.
"Clan Head, fellow clansmen," the elder began, standing to address the room.
"The Hokage has indeed given us what we sought. As per our agreement, we must now show our sincerity. However, I ask the clan head to spare the younger members of our faction. They are still children, driven only by their love for the Uchiha and their desire for a better future."
"If sincerity is required, then let us elders shoulder that responsibility. That should be enough to satisfy the Hokage."
The elder's words carried weight. While the hawks were known for their ambition, their motivation had always been rooted in their desire to see the Uchiha thrive. Now that their goals had been achieved, their existence had become awkward and precarious.
Still, the elder displayed admirable resolve, ready to take full responsibility to protect the younger generation.
"No way!"
"I won't agree to this!"
"If someone has to sacrifice themselves for the Uchiha, then let it be me!"
Some younger members of the hawks stood up, their eyes red with emotion, shouting their willingness to take the fall.
Witnessing this, the other factions—those aligned with the clan head and the doves—were left with mixed feelings. They, too, were Uchiha, united in their desire for the clan's well-being. Yet the situation had escalated to this point.
They wanted to say something, but the words wouldn't come. The Uchiha needed to prove their loyalty to Tsunade, and that required a show of sincerity.
"Enough!"
Fugaku's voice cut through the tension, his expression unchanged by the emotional outbursts around him.
When the clan head spoke, silence fell.
"Clan Head…"
Some of the doves and loyalists looked at Fugaku with pleading eyes, hoping he would show leniency.
Fugaku ignored their silent requests, crossing his arms over his chest. His gaze turned icy as he addressed the room.
"Remember this: we are Uchiha. And the Uchiha have their pride."
Those words silenced even the doves. Their appeals died unspoken as Fugaku's unwavering resolve washed over them.
The hawks straightened their backs, bracing for the worst. No matter what punishment Fugaku decreed, they were ready to accept it.
"We are fortunate that the Fourth Hokage bears no ill will toward the Uchiha," Fugaku continued, his tone heavy with meaning. "Just moments ago, she told me personally that the village needs stability, and so does the Uchiha. We should not be so foolish as to turn our blades on our own kin.
"Your sincerity will be shown in other ways."
Fugaku paused, letting the weight of his words settle. Finally, he added, "The Hokage will not allow any needless sacrifice."
The room was stunned. The hawks had braced themselves for a purge, but instead, they were being spared.
Even the doves and loyalists seemed shocked by the turn of events.
"What the clan head means is…"
"Prepare yourselves," Fugaku interrupted. "All of you. When war breaks out, the Uchiha will lead the charge and fight on the front lines on behalf of the Hokage."
The sudden shift left the room reeling. They had expected a bloodbath, but instead, they were being tasked with proving their worth in a more constructive way.
Tsunade's stance was clear: she wanted no internal conflicts and no unnecessary losses among the Uchiha.
After a brief silence, cheers erupted once more. Some even shed tears, overwhelmed by gratitude toward the Hokage.
As the room calmed, Fugaku raised his hand again, calling for order.
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DO NOT FORGET POWER STONE AND CHATTING