Adavance chapter in PATREON
patreon.com/Gho_
patreon.com/Gho_
The rest of the Uchiha clan listened carefully.
Almost immediately, murmurs of discontent began to spread.
"Damn it... he's right."
"This time the so-called 'Young Patriarch' really didn't think things through!"
---
"Young Patriarch? Pfft! He's just the patriarch's son. I refuse to recognize him as the next clan head."
---
"I get that this is the Third Hokage's attempt to suppress us... but for our own supposed 'leader' to fall for it and then try to drag us into the flames? Unacceptable!"
---
"Exactly! A clan leader should act in the best interest of their people. If he can't even see through such an obvious scheme, what right does he have to lead?"
---
"That's what I've been saying all along! Fugaku isn't fit to be clan head. With his judgment, he's going to lead our Uchiha clan straight into a ditch!"
---
"Yeah! He's the kind of idiot who gets sold off and still thinks he's making a profit."
---
"The only one fit to lead us is Uchiha Chiichi. Just look at everything his family has done for the clan!"
---
"Agreed!"
---
The entire room filled with chatter as people voiced their frustration, most of it directed at Fugaku.
Comparisons between Fugaku and Uchiha Chiichi quickly painted a clear picture — and Fugaku was falling far behind.
Even those who had supported Fugaku couldn't deny that Chiichi's leadership had brought real benefits to the clan in recent years.
---
Even the Sixth and Seventh Elders, both of whom had previously supported Fugaku, exchanged uneasy glances.
---
"This... isn't good," one muttered.
---
Fugaku's face turned red with anger, his fists clenching tightly. Meanwhile, his father, Uchiha Tenma, wore a dark scowl.
---
Seeing the tension rising, Tenma stood abruptly and raised his hand.
---
"Enough!" he barked. "Everyone, quiet down and listen to me!"
---
The room gradually fell silent.
Tenma bowed deeply to the assembled clan members.
---
"I apologize for Fugaku's earlier comments," Tenma said solemnly.
"He spoke thoughtlessly — but please understand, his intentions were good. He only wanted what's best for the clan."
"This is my failure as a father. I'll make sure he understands the gravity of his mistake and ensure it won't happen again."
---
Tenma shot a sharp glance at Fugaku.
Fugaku reluctantly stood and mimicked his father's bow.
---
"I apologize for what I said earlier," Fugaku said stiffly. "But since we all know the Third Hokage is targeting us... shouldn't we seize this chance to prove our value? If we succeed, we'll show the village that the Uchiha clan is vital to Konoha."
---
"Heh... 'Prove our value?'"
Uchiha Chiichi's cold laugh cut through the room.
---
"Are you suggesting that the Uchiha clan hasn't already proven itself?" Chiichi asked icily.
"Are you saying we need to beg for recognition now?"
---
Chiichi's gaze hardened as he glared at Fugaku.
---
"Do you think Konoha just popped out of the ground one day?" Chiichi continued.
"This village was built by the Uchiha and Senju clans — side by side. Our contributions are unmatched. Only the Senju family can claim to have sacrificed more, and they're barely around anymore."
"We don't owe anyone an explanation. We have nothing to prove."
---
The crowd erupted with agreement.
---
"That's right!"
"We've given enough!"
"We don't need to prove anything!"
---
Fugaku's face turned crimson with rage. His anger flared even brighter as he saw the smug grin on Chiichi's son, Uchiha Hiroshi.
Meanwhile, Tenma's face darkened.
"Damn it..." Tenma thought grimly. "This is spiraling out of control."
---
"Quiet!" Tenma roared, silencing the crowd once again.
---
"Are you all suggesting we disobey the Hokage's orders and trigger a civil war?" he demanded.
"Do you understand what that would mean for Konoha — and for us?"
---
Several clan members exchanged worried glances.
He had a point. This wasn't just a matter of pride — it was a dangerous game that could cost the Uchiha clan everything.
---
Chiichi's sharp voice cut through the hesitation.
---
"Don't twist my words, Tenma," Chiichi sneered.
"I didn't say we should rebel. I said we shouldn't blindly follow orders designed to sabotage us."
---
Chiichi's gaze hardened.
---
"I'll speak with the Third Hokage personally. Maybe we can't change where we're being deployed... but we will secure some level of command on the battlefield."
"Otherwise, we're walking into a slaughterhouse."
---
"That's right!"
"Agreed!"
"We want control of our forces!"
---
Even those who had previously supported Fugaku now stood with Chiichi.
Tenma felt his chest tighten.
"Damn it... Fugaku's ruined everything," he thought.
---
Later that day, Tenma returned home with Fugaku in tow.
The two sat in silence for a long while.
---
"Son," Tenma said at last, "I've secured one final chance for you."
"After the war, whoever contributes the most will take the role of clan head. This is your last opportunity to prove yourself. If you fail..."
Tenma's voice grew heavy.
---
"...then you must accept that you're unfit to lead."
---
Fugaku's fists clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his palms.
---
"I won't fail," Fugaku swore. "I'll show them... I'll show all of them."
---
But his mind was racing.
"What if Chiichi dies in the war?" he thought grimly.
"If he dies... then my path to leadership will be clear."
A dangerous gleam flickered in his eyes.
---
---
The Hokage's Office
Uchiha Chiichi stood before the Third Hokage with unwavering confidence.
---
"Hiruzen," Chiichi said bluntly, "we'll fight for Konoha... but we demand battlefield authority. If you expect us to risk our lives, then we deserve a voice in command."
---
Before Hiruzen could answer, Utatane Koharu slammed her hand on the table.
---
"What nonsense is this?" she barked. "Are you trying to pressure the Hokage? Do you have no sense of duty or loyalty to Konoha?"
---
Chiichi's expression darkened.
---
"Oh?" Chiichi scoffed. "Now you want to talk about loyalty?"
His eyes narrowed.
---
"Was it 'loyalty' when you and your cronies plotted to weaken our clan? Was it 'duty' when you schemed to sabotage us?"
---
Koharu's face twisted with rage.
---
"You... you're being presumptuous!"
---
A sudden burst of chakra pressure filled the room as Chiichi flared his power.
Koharu staggered back, nearly falling.
---
"I dare you to bark at me again," Chiichi growled.
"I'm the Vice-Captain of the Konoha Police Force... and you? You're nothing but an old hag spitting venom from the shadows."
---
Anbu agents appeared instantly, surrounding Chiichi with kunai drawn — but he didn't even flinch.
---
"Enough!" Hiruzen barked.
He sighed deeply.
"Fine," the Hokage muttered. "We'll grant the Uchiha some command rights on the battlefield."
---
Chiichi smirked.
---
"Good choice."