6-10

*Chapter 6: The Showdown*

"You... you all..."

Uchiha Fugaku's chest heaved violently as he stood, staring in disbelief at the Uchihas before him.

The young Uchiha jōnin—almost all of them—stood on Itsuki's side. And yet...

"Why? Itachi!"

Fugaku turned his gaze to the corner, where a young boy raised his hand, standing silently.

Uchiha Itachi.

His son. His pride. He had chosen Itsuki's side?

Fugaku's expression grew complicated as he stared at the boy.

Standing with Itsuki now meant opposing him.

Itachi gazed calmly at his father, silent but unwavering in his resolve.

He had listened to Itsuki and to his father. Ultimately, he had looked at the clan and the village with his own eyes and made his choice.

"Ahem!"

Uchiha Sōgi cleared his throat, casting a sharp glance behind him. "Shisui, what are you doing?" he barked.

Shisui smiled sheepishly, turning his head away as if he hadn't heard. He kept his hand raised, making no move to lower it.

Sōgi glared at Shisui, torn between curiosity and resignation.

The backbone of the pacifist faction, the son of Uchiha Kagami, had also joined the hawks?

"Haha!"

Uchiha Satsuna chuckled, snapping out of his reverie and signaling the hawks to raise their hands as well.

With him and the two behind him, Itsuki held a clear majority.

Out of 25 jōnin, four abstained, thirteen stood with Itsuki, and the remaining eight...

Among them, there were bound to be neutrals.

If you counted all 33 Uchiha jōnin, the ones siding with Itsuki totaled fifteen—nearly half.

And who could say that those absent wouldn't side with Itsuki?

"Impressive! Without anyone noticing, you've swayed so many of the clan's jōnin to your side," Fugaku said, regaining his composure and fixing his gaze on Itsuki. "Itsuki, are you planning a coup?"

The atmosphere grew heavy.

Many, including Shisui, shifted their attention to Itsuki.

"How could I?" Itsuki said with a wry smile. "Clan leader, I assure you, I have no intention of igniting a war."

But I will make those who prey on the Uchiha suffer in agony.

Itsuki's words relieved some, while others, like Satsuna, couldn't hide their dissatisfaction.

"No intention of starting a war?" Fugaku pressed, not retreating an inch. "Yet you keep expanding the Uchiha's power, forcing the village to make the first move?"

"Clan leader, you know what? In some ways, you're incredibly naive."

Itsuki shook his head.

Deep down, Uchiha Fugaku was a man who yearned for peace.

Because of this, he instinctively worked toward that goal.

That was what Itsuki found most puzzling about him.

When anyone in the Uchiha clan threatened the village's peace, Fugaku would strike with overwhelming force, obliterating them.

So the question was...

Why didn't you go after Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō when they disrupted the peace?

It was baffling!

Frankly, you only came down hard on your own people. That's being tough in the wrong place!

As a clan leader, that's unacceptable—especially in the original timeline, where, faced with Itachi's blade, you chose surrender to avoid family bloodshed!

Damn it!

Did you think you deserved the Uchiha's trust with that attitude?!

"Oh, I'm naive? Please, enlighten me," Fugaku said, his expression still calm.

Itsuki scoffed. "The clan only has so many people. Even if I expand by a hundred squads, it's still the same number of people, just under different titles. Isn't that right?"

"Or are you suggesting that if I invite people from other clans, they'd join us?"

Fugaku fell silent.

Those who knew him well noticed a hint of awkwardness.

Forgive him; it was an instinctive reaction. Hearing about expanding the Uchiha's strength immediately made him want to object.

Damn the Third Hokage and his crew for making him this way.

Uchiha Hachidai quickly interjected, "Clan leader, do you agree with this outcome?"

"He has no choice but to agree because there's still one last step to take!"

Suddenly, Itsuki removed his casual outerwear, revealing a fitted combat uniform, and stepped onto an open space.

"Clan leader Fugaku, let's spar. The Uchiha respect strength above all. If I defeat you, surely you'll have nothing more to say?"

The crowd froze momentarily, excitement gleaming in their eyes.

As Itsuki said, the Uchiha revered power above all else.

Fugaku, Satsuna, and Sōgi, however, furrowed their brows ever so slightly.

Why would Itsuki, with the situation so favorable, risk a direct challenge to Fugaku?

Even with confidence in his abilities, why risk complicating matters?

Moreover, as clan leader, Fugaku had earned the moniker "The Fierce Eye" during the Shinobi World War, rivaling even the legendary "Crimson Flame."

Itsuki was only fifteen, far from his prime.

If Itsuki lost, all his efforts might be for naught.

Unless he was absolutely sure of victory.

Against Uchiha Fugaku, the clan leader?

Who could be that confident?

"What’s the matter, Clan Leader Fugaku? Don't tell me you're afraid?"

Itsuki’s taunt drew a cold snort from Fugaku. Rising to his feet, he strode toward Itsuki. "Kid, don't get too cocky, or you'll regret it."

"Then teach me a lesson!"

Itsuki chuckled darkly as the three tomoe in his Sharingan spun, radiating immense power.

Matching him, Fugaku's Sharingan appeared, three tomoe glowing ominously.

"Come to think of it," Fugaku muttered, "I’ve never faced you in battle, Itsuki."

As Uchiha clan leader, Fugaku had mentored many young Uchihas, with Shisui and Itachi among his most notable pupils.

Yet the once-famous prodigy Itsuki had always evaded him.

Fugaku had assumed Satsuna had said something to Itsuki, but today’s events proved that this boy had long been walking his own path.

The two locked eyes.

Their auras clashed before the battle even began.

Sensing the tension, the surrounding Uchihas grew more eager.

One was the clan leader, hailed as the Uchiha’s strongest.

The other, a rising star, known as the Crimson Flame of the battlefield.

Who was stronger?

Suddenly, both began weaving hand signs.

"Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu!"

Their movements were equally precise, the only difference being the flames' colors.

A crimson fireball, reflected in the crowd's eyes, collided with Fugaku's flame and overwhelmed it, forcing it back.

Overwhelming power!

Fugaku’s expression shifted.

He had heard of the Crimson Flame’s prowess, but this was his first time experiencing its eerie strength firsthand.

"Boom!!!"

The crimson fire engulfed Fugaku in a massive explosion.

Without hesitation, Itsuki wove new signs and aimed behind him.

"Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Jutsu!"

Countless crimson flames, like a meteor shower, scattered toward the ground.

Fugaku’s form reappeared there.

Body Flicker Technique!

But the Phoenix Sage Fire was already upon him.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

The flames struck Fugaku, riddling his body with holes before it dissolved into smoke.

A Shadow Clone!

"Behind you!"

Fugaku’s voice rumbled behind Itsuki as he completed his fire jutsu signs.

"Behind you!"

The same words echoed from behind Fugaku.

His pupils contracted sharply.

Battle-hardened instincts forced him to use the Body Flicker Technique again.

"Too late!"

A wicked grin spread across Itsuki’s face.

"Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation!"

A massive wave of fire erupted, engulfing Fugaku completely.

(To Be Continued...)  

*Chapter 7: Pride Unbound by Time*

"Boom!"

The crimson flames gradually dissipated.

Fugaku's figure appeared several meters away, kneeling on one knee and panting heavily. His posture was disheveled, a rare sight for the seasoned warrior.

He stared at Itsuki, his eyes brimming with astonishment.

*Such exceptional battle experience!*

*An incredibly active chakra flow!*

*The overwhelming power of those blood-red flames!*

*And the flawless mastery of hand seals and ninjutsu!*

But the most terrifying aspect was *those eyes*, piercing through every move he made. Even among elite jōnin, Itsuki's strength was outstanding.

The seamless chain of relentless strikes left Fugaku barely room to breathe.

"Clan Leader, do you still want to continue?"

Itsuki's voice broke the silence, light yet laced with an icy edge.

His gaze locked on Fugaku, an aura of indifference paired with an oppressive chill emanating from his blood-red Sharingan, each tomoe radiating unparalleled pressure.

"I must admit, Itsuki, you've truly shocked me!" Fugaku's breathing steadied as he spoke in a deep tone. "You are undeniably a prodigy, but... you're too dangerous!"

His gaze turned sharp, resolute. "If the Uchiha clan were left in your hands, you would lead us to ruin."

Itsuki's eyes narrowed, murderous intent erupting like a tidal wave.

"Fire Style: Great Fire Annihilation!"

"Boom!!"

A massive surge of firepower, even more devastating than before, roared toward Fugaku.

Itsuki made no effort to conceal his intent to kill.

"No...!"

A desperate cry escaped Uchiha Kuroko as he watched the terrifying display of firepower. The sheer magnitude of Itsuki's Fire Style was enough to send shivers down his spine. Even the clan leader's own techniques paled in comparison.

He instinctively moved to intervene, only to be stopped by Uchiha Itachi.

"Itachi, what are you doing? That's your father!" Kuroko shouted, his voice trembling with urgency.

Itachi remained composed, his tone calm. "You're one of my father's men. Trust him. And don’t underestimate Brother Itsuki."

His final words were soft, almost inaudible, his gaze conflicted.

The events unfolding before him were something he neither wished to see nor could avoid—it was inevitable.

*Swish! Swish! Swish!*

In the nick of time, Fugaku's movements accelerated dramatically, narrowly evading the Great Fire Annihilation.

Itsuki observed coldly, his sharp eyes catching Fugaku's chakra becoming more focused, adapting to his attacks.

"What’s wrong, Itsuki? Did my words hit a nerve? Are you angry?"

Fugaku lifted his head, his demeanor calm, even closing his eyes—a gesture of unnerving confidence.

"Hmph." Itsuki chuckled darkly. "Angry? Yes. But not for the reasons you think."

"Oh?"

"I'm enraged not because you’ve touched a nerve, but because it’s you, Uchiha Fugaku, leading the Uchiha to destruction without even realizing it. Were you an ordinary clansman, I wouldn’t care. But as the clan leader, your ignorance is the real danger."

Taking a deep breath, Itsuki continued, "Honestly, I have no interest in power. If it weren’t for your foolishness, I wouldn't have to step forward at all."

"Clan Leader Fugaku, just look at what you’ve done to the Uchiha!"

Itsuki pointed to the ground beneath their feet. "Under your leadership, we’ve been forced to relocate our entire clan, driven to the outskirts of the village. We can’t even defend our own home!"

"Don’t make excuses!"

Noticing Fugaku’s attempt to respond, Itsuki cut him off mercilessly. "The Uchiha clan has survived countless hardships over the generations, always retaining our pride. Yet under your leadership, we’ve been humiliated to this extent."

The surrounding Uchiha clansmen clenched their fists, their Sharingan activating unconsciously.

The forced relocation to a remote corner of the village was a disgrace none could forget. Even the more moderate members of the clan couldn’t suppress their anger.

Their home was lost.

And those who mocked them watched as they moved out in humiliation, greedily occupying what once belonged to the Uchiha.

Their pride was shattered.

"I understand your anger," Fugaku said solemnly. "But we cannot lose reason to rage. These are different times—"

"Uchiha pride transcends time!" Itsuki declared, his voice booming. "We are the strongest ninja clan. Being loyal to Konoha does not mean abandoning our pride as Uchiha!"

"*Pride cannot be bound by time!*"

Pointing a finger at Fugaku, Itsuki’s voice thundered, "Weaklings are the ones who make excuses for their failures!"

The clansmen’s eyes burned with passion, Itsuki’s words resonating deeply within their hearts.

Even those hesitant to take sides couldn’t suppress their excitement. They were Uchiha, after all—pride was in their blood.

"You’re incredibly dangerous," Fugaku said coldly after a moment of silence. "You’ll lead the Uchiha to stand against the entire village. Do you think we alone can defeat the might of Konoha?"

"Foolishness!"

Itsuki’s voice lashed out like a whip. "When did I say the Uchiha should oppose the village? We’ve shed blood for Konoha countless times. We’re simply demanding our rightful place!"

"After everything we’ve sacrificed, not only are we denied fairness, but we’re actively suppressed. And why? Because we’re strong?"

"How ridiculous!"

"Decades of compromise—has it worked? Fugaku, after all this time, haven’t you realized? The more we give in, the more they take!"

"So..."

"Fight for peace, and peace will remain. Compromise for peace, and peace will be lost."

"Your compromises have failed. It’s time for me to act. We’ll reclaim our pride and glory!"

Itsuki raised a clenched fist high, his voice echoing.

The Uchiha followed suit instinctively, their breathing heavy, their fists raised in unison.

Fugaku’s heart raced.

In just a few words, Itsuki had stirred the clan to the brink of rebellion. If he so much as called out, they would storm the Hokage’s office without hesitation.

*Dangerous.*

*Too dangerous.*

Clenching his fists tightly, Fugaku said coldly, "Itsuki, your thoughts and actions are a path of darkness. I won’t let you lead the clan astray."

"Ha!" Itsuki laughed, eyes glinting with amusement. "You say you’ll stop me, yet your heart agrees with me. Admit it, Clan Leader—you’re Uchiha through and through!"

The clan's eyes turned to Fugaku.

"You’re right," Fugaku admitted after a long silence. "Your words move me. Were I an ordinary clansman, I would follow you without hesitation. But as the clan leader, I must think of the whole clan."

"Then let’s end this."

Itsuki stretched his fingers, smirking. "One of us will fall. The one who stands will bear the clan’s hopes and glory."

Fugaku fell silent before nodding firmly. "Very well."

The tension between them skyrocketed as their chakras flared.

(To be continued...)  

*Chapter 8: The Same Eyes*

“Itsuki, you have great ideas and remarkable talent. A young man like you is destined to become a pillar of Konoha, shielding the village from storms and bringing pride to your clan,” Fugaku said suddenly.

He added, “But precisely because you're young, you often only see the surface of things. There are truths in this world that your current eyes cannot yet perceive.”

“Oh!” Itsuki chuckled and replied, “My eyes can’t see through? And yours can? You don’t have more tomoe than I do, do you?”

Fugaku smiled faintly. “Is that so? Then take a closer look—are our eyes really the same?”

Slowly, he opened his previously closed eyes.

A pair of extraordinary eyes appeared before everyone.

They weren’t ordinary three-tomoe Sharingan. They resembled Itachi’s, but with a shuriken pattern and three additional tomoe on the blades.

The sight of these eyes left some clan members puzzled.

However, Uchiha Setsuna and Uchiha Sōgi stood up in shock.

“Impossible!”

“A... Mangekyō Sharingan…”

Uchiha Setsuna murmured, “Fugaku, you actually possess these eyes?”

He was overwhelmed with a mix of excitement, urgency, and anger.

Fugaku wielding these eyes while fighting Itsuki? There was no way Itsuki could win! His initial advantage would be utterly destroyed.

Having seen Madara’s eyes, Setsuna knew too well the power contained within these Mangekyō Sharingan.

But Fugaku possessing such eyes while allowing the clan to face such persecution—unforgivable!

Uchiha Sōgi, equally shaken, began to speculate wildly.

What was Fugaku planning, hiding these eyes all this time? Would he act recklessly? The price for awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan was always immense.

If Fugaku were to be provoked and take extreme actions, peace between Konoha and the Uchiha would be irreparably shattered.

“This is the advanced state of the three-tomoe Sharingan,” Fugaku said calmly. “The Mangekyō Sharingan.”

“Advanced state of the three-tomoe?”

The Uchiha were stunned.

Some of them had heard whispers of a more profound Sharingan beyond the three-tomoe, but none had ever seen it.

And their clan leader had it!

Their eyes burned with excitement as they stared at Fugaku’s Mangekyō.

“Well, Itsuki? Do you agree with what I said earlier?”

“I see further than you.”

Fugaku’s aura intensified, bearing down on Itsuki like a ferocious beast.

Yet Itsuki chuckled, his expression unchanged, his grin even wider, showing no trace of being intimidated by Fugaku’s Mangekyō.

Of course not!

He had known about this for ages. Reacting with shock now would be idiotic!

Still, the specific abilities of Fugaku’s Mangekyō were a mystery.

In his past life, some said Fugaku’s Mangekyō specialized in genjutsu, rivaling Tsukuyomi. Others claimed it had space-time abilities.

Whatever it was, Itsuki had prepared for it.

“Our eyes are indeed different.”

Fugaku smirked slightly, crossing his arms in a posture that exuded superiority. “Then...”

“I remember you opened the Mangekyō like this, right? Let me try!” Itsuki mimicked Fugaku’s earlier actions, closing his eyes.

Fugaku: “…”

I was just… just…

Building momentum?

Yes, building momentum!

Damn it! Itsuki, enough!

This is the Mangekyō!

Can you take it seriously? Show some respect for the Mangekyō!

Fugaku’s expression grew more menacing, his glare sharpening.

“Alright!” Itsuki suddenly said, slowly opening his eyes.

A pair of strange eyes emerged.

Not three-tomoe!

And certainly not the same as Fugaku’s. His eyes bore a sinister triangular pattern.

Those caught in Itsuki’s gaze felt a chilling, snake-like sensation crawling up their spines.

But without a doubt, even those who had never seen a Mangekyō Sharingan instantly recognized these as Mangekyō.

The second Mangekyō Sharingan!

Uchiha Setsuna’s voice trembled. “The Uchiha will rise again… Two Mangekyō… Two of them!”

Itsuki glanced at the old man and muttered internally: Pathetic!  

Two Mangekyō are enough to make you this excited? If you knew Itachi and Shisui also have them, would you ascend to heaven on the spot?

Looking at Fugaku, Itsuki said, “Clan Leader, did I awaken my Mangekyō? I perfectly copied your actions using my Sharingan!”

Some stifled laughter.

Others, inspired by Itsuki’s actions, closed their eyes, only to be kicked by their companions.

Fugaku stared at Itsuki, dumbfounded. “Itsuki, you…”

Itsuki chuckled. “Clan Leader, do we still need to fight?”

After a moment of silence, Fugaku asked, “You awakened the Mangekyō long ago?”

Itsuki didn’t bother hiding it. “Yep.”

“When?”

“After I completed my last mission.”

Fugaku swallowed his words.

The other clan members wore complicated expressions.

Itsuki laughed and teased, “Disappointing, isn’t it? I didn’t awaken it on the battlefield but after the war!”

Who cares?  

What I say goes. You have a problem? Prove it.  

I’ll just say I ate a fruit and leveled up my Mangekyō. You believe me or not?  

In a corner, Uchiha Itachi rolled his eyes. Itsuki shot back: What are you rolling your eyes for? You’re the red-eyed one here!  

Itsuki sighed, deactivating his Mangekyō. “Under the Will of Fire, I went to war at six years old, participated in the Third Shinobi War at eight, and while I didn’t achieve much, the Hokage never gave up on me. He kept encouraging me, believing I could contribute one day. He gave me many opportunities.”

Hearing this, the Uchiha elders’ faces twitched.

That statement was riddled with problems.

The Will of Fire prioritized protecting children, yet Itsuki went to war at six.

In the Third Shinobi War, the Uchiha took on the most dangerous missions, and Itsuki called those "opportunities."

Even more absurdly, Itsuki downplayed the achievements of the "Scarlet Flame," who was as powerful as the "Yellow Flash."

Yet while Minato became Hokage, the Scarlet Flame was vilified.

Two extremes.

The elders remained silent, but the rest of the Uchiha grew restless.

No one was stupid.

Itsuki continued, his tone reverent. “When everyone despised me, only the Hokage stood by me. He privately comforted me, saying that although my meager contributions were erased, he remembered them. One day, he’d publicly honor my efforts.”

“Sure, I haven’t seen any action yet, but he’s planning a detailed strategy. Be it three years, thirty years, or three hundred years, even in death, he’ll keep his promise.”

“Sorry, I got emotional… My throat feels uncomfortable.” Itsuki smiled awkwardly before...

“Heh-tui!”  

“…”

“Honestly, I don’t need any of that,” Itsuki said wistfully. “As long as the village is peaceful, as long as children smile, I’m content—like the Hokage’s grandson, always grinning ear to ear.”

Cough, cough!  

Someone finally couldn’t suppress a cough.

His words had far too many implications.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 9: The Deputy Clan Leader

Even Uchiha Setsuna found himself at a loss for words, caught between laughter and exasperation.

"Itsuki, why are you so outstanding? Even when cursing, you manage to do it with such elegance and flair."

He had just delivered a tirade, tearing Sarutobi Hiruzen down from start to finish without a single curse word, delivering stinging blows straight to the soul.

And yet, his points were irrefutable.

At least, Uchiha couldn’t refute them.

After all, they were the aggrieved party here!

"Itsuki, are you sure you’re an Uchiha? You seem more like someone from the Nara Clan."

As Itsuki's biological grandfather, Setsuna didn’t want to think along those lines.

“What? Did I say something wrong?” Itsuki blinked innocently. “That grandson of the Hokage—”

“Enough, enough!” Fugaku hurriedly interrupted him, cutting him off. “Itsuki, we don’t need to keep fighting, but I want to ask you one last question.”

Using the Mangekyō Sharingan comes at a heavy price; there’s no need to waste it here.

“Exactly!” Setsuna couldn’t help chiming in. “Why do you keep calling him the Hokage’s grandson?”

“Boom!”

Finally, someone couldn’t hold back their laughter.

Itsuki smiled and made a gesture to Fugaku. “Please, go ahead.”

Fugaku glanced at everyone present, his gaze lingering on Uchiha Setsuna for a long time before finally speaking. “Many in the clan want to stage a coup d'état, to take back by force everything the Uchiha have lost. What’s your opinion on this?”

“I’ll stand and watch. What else? Lie down and watch?”

“Itsuki!”

Fugaku’s tone grew heavier.

Despite his position as clan leader, he couldn’t do much about Itsuki’s growing authority. With substantial support from the elite jonin and his status as the grandson of a hawkish faction leader, Itsuki already controlled more than half of the clan’s strength.

Calling him the deputy clan leader felt no different from calling him the clan leader.

Even so, Fugaku wanted to hear his thoughts directly.

“Fine!” Itsuki shrugged. “I’m firmly against a coup. Anyone who dares attempt one will be my enemy.”

The atmosphere shifted immediately.

Some were dissatisfied, while others seemed relieved.

The dissatisfied ones were the majority.

“Why?” Fugaku asked, unable to suppress his curiosity. “You have power equal to mine, the support of so many jonin, and possibly even more backing among those who didn’t attend this meeting. You’ve already become the voice of the Uchiha.”

“So, that means I should stage a coup?” Itsuki countered.

“No, I mean—”

Fugaku hesitated, uncertain.

Itsuki was Setsuna’s direct descendant and should theoretically have inherited his ideals. Some of his actions confirmed this. But now, at this critical moment, he was making a completely opposite choice.

“A coup is the last resort. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, I won’t walk that path.”

Coup d’état? Only fools would consider it!

Do they even understand what Konoha’s strength is?

During the great shinobi wars, Konoha fought against four major villages simultaneously and held its own. Even if the Uchiha are strong, going up against Konoha would result in utter devastation.

Besides, Konoha has long been preparing for this.

In the original timeline, Uchiha Itachi was brainwashed into becoming their weapon. Who’s to say he was the only one? With Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo Shimura pulling the strings, there are bound to be more pawns in play—perhaps several!

Your plans? Konoha already knows them inside out. How could a coup succeed?

The only reason Konoha hasn’t acted yet is Sarutobi Hiruzen’s indecisiveness and their desire to minimize losses while eliminating the Uchiha.

Now that Itsuki has taken charge, the Uchiha are at their strongest since the days of Uchiha Madara. So, let’s play this game and see who outmaneuvers whom!

Shaking his head, Itsuki sneered. “Think about it. Konoha guards against the Uchiha as if guarding against thieves. A coup? Do you think the Anbu monitoring the Uchiha are just loafing around?”

“They’re ten times stronger than us and fully prepared. What are we even supposed to fight with?”

An Uchiha from the hawkish faction retorted coldly, “So what? We’re not afraid!”

“Who said you were afraid?” Itsuki asked, looking genuinely puzzled. “Come on, step forward and tell me who said that. I’ll knock their teeth out!”

The hawkish Uchiha was at a loss for words.

“What do you intend to do, then?” Fugaku pressed.

“That’s a matter for the future!” Itsuki replied, fixing his gaze on Fugaku. “Clan leader, the choice is yours now.”

Fugaku sighed, looking at the gathered Uchiha, and said softly, “I support Itsuki as the Uchiha deputy clan leader. Furthermore, he will also serve as the deputy head of Konoha’s Police Force.”

The Konoha Police Force, created by the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, was under complete Uchiha control, with only reporting obligations to the Hokage.

Fugaku could already foresee the uproar this appointment would cause in the Hokage faction.

It was a clear signal: the hawkish faction is taking over the Uchiha.

But he couldn’t stop it.

Itsuki had left room for negotiation. If he had pushed to become the clan leader, it could have happened today.

This wasn’t just about Itsuki’s strategy and strength. It reflected the growing disappointment and anger of the clan toward Fugaku.

The future? Fugaku could no longer predict it.

Sighing inwardly, he said, “Itsuki, say a few words.”

“Gladly!”

Itsuki cleared his throat, pulling out a thick speech. As the audience gawked, he began in a booming voice, “First, I want to thank the clan for acknowledging my abilities and for their praise. I am grateful for the care and support of the clan’s leadership over the years, as well as the trust, understanding, and help of my fellow clansmen. Thank you from the bottom of my heart…”

Setsuna rubbed his face, resisting the urge to slap his grandson.

Eighth Elder sighed helplessly. This guy is the one I pledged my allegiance to?  

Even Ironfire and Ricefire twitched visibly.

“Ahem!” Uchiha Sōgi coughed loudly, cutting Itsuki off. “Itsuki, just get to the point.”

Itsuki gave him a pitiful look. “Elder, I spent three days writing this speech. It’s over 100,000 words! Can’t I at least finish the introduction?”

“One hundred thousand words?”

Many people nearly fainted.

“Deputy Clan Leader!!!”

“Fine!” Itsuki pouted. “First of all, we’re revising the clan’s security. Patrols and sentries will increase in number and frequency. The current arrangements have been compromised. Even the barriers need a complete overhaul.”

The Uchiha compound had its own barriers, which had led to complacency with patrols and sentries.

A mistake of epic proportions.

Why was Itachi able to single-handedly annihilate the clan in the original timeline?

Because their entire setup had been compromised. When the enemy knows everything, you’re essentially defenseless.

“How did it leak?” Fugaku asked, furious.

His pacifism didn’t mean he was careless about the clan’s security. This was the foundation of their survival.

“This must be investigated thoroughly.”

Setsuna and Sōgi wore similarly grim expressions.

Itsuki grinned. “I leaked it!”

“You…”

Fugaku cursed silently, unable to hold back.

“Don’t get worked up!” Itsuki said cheerfully. “The current setup has been in place for years; it’s time for a change. Patrols, sentries, and barriers—after all this time, I’m 90% sure the enemy has figured it all out.”

Fugaku and the others remained silent, grimly acknowledging the truth in his words.

“Overhauling the barriers will be costly, and—”

“Don’t worry about that. I’ve already prepared the funds.”

Itsuki cut him off with a smile.

“The new barrier system will be controlled by the four of us: you, me, Elder Setsuna, and Elder Sōgi. As for patrols and sentries, you and I will handle it. Rotations will change daily, and no one else will be informed.”

A conservative elder frowned. “Deputy Clan Leader, don’t you trust us?”

“You’re a genius!” Itsuki said, looking at him curiously. “How did you know I don’t trust you?”

As he spoke, the triangular Mangekyō Sharingan pattern appeared in his eyes, making the air feel suffocating to many.

(End of chapter)

**Chapter 10: Four Orders**  

When it came to dealing with the Uchiha, Kazekaze Itsuki was nothing short of a seasoned expert.  

For over three years, he had spent his days roaming the clan’s grounds, learning everything he could about the Uchiha—down to the smallest details of their personalities and daily lives.  

There was one thing he was absolutely certain of:  
In the Uchiha clan, everything revolved around one principle—**power**.  

The Uchiha respected nothing more than raw strength.  

Words? A thousand of them weren’t worth a single punch.  

Now, with his Mangekyō Sharingan activated, Itsuki exuded an aura so overwhelming it felt like a towering mountain pressing down on everyone present.  

And yet, not a single member of the clan showed anger. Instead, their expressions were filled with excitement.  

Even the pacifist elder bowed his head in deference before the Mangekyō.  

"The Uchiha’s current plight stems from many factors, one of which is this: too many voices, too much chatter," Itsuki said, his tone calm but cutting. "For a clan, having too many mouths speaking out of turn is never a good thing. Wouldn’t you agree, Elder?"  

Itsuki turned his piercing gaze toward the pacifist elder, a smile playing on his lips.  

The elder’s face turned crimson with embarrassment. He wanted to retort, but under the oppressive aura of Itsuki, no words came out.  

"And what’s your name?"  

"Shin... Shinma," the elder stammered. "Uchiha Shinma."  

"Good. Elder Shinma, the Uchiha Police Force is looking to expand. Would you be interested in becoming a squad leader?"  

Itsuki's face remained all smiles.  

Elder Shinma fell silent.  

Becoming a squad leader was indeed a good opportunity, but it would mean placing himself directly under Itsuki’s control—essentially giving him the power to dictate his actions at will.  

"What’s the matter? Not interested? Or are you unwilling to contribute to the Uchiha?" Itsuki’s eyes narrowed as the triangular patterns in his Mangekyō began to rotate.  

The sharp, icy pressure made sweat bead on the elder’s brow.  

"I understand."  

Elder Shinma finally bowed his head.  

Fugaku coughed lightly to break the tension. "Itsuki, please continue."  

"Very well. Regarding the changes to the clan’s barrier, sentries, and patrols—that’s my **first order**. My **second order** pertains to the Konoha Police Force: stop meddling in unnecessary affairs."  

Stop meddling?  

The clan leaders stirred at this declaration.  

The Uchiha's reputation for strict enforcement of the law had been a double-edged sword, fostering resentment among the villagers. As enforcers, they were inherently unpopular. Coupled with their proud and aloof demeanor, this had turned the Uchiha into virtual pariahs within the village.  

Itsuki’s words directly challenged this status quo.  

"Ninja missions are divided into ranks. From now on, the police force should treat law enforcement the same way," Itsuki explained. "Handle only the most critical cases—murders, for example. Leave the minor issues alone."  

"How can that work?"  

A dissenting voice arose. "We’re the police force! This is our duty. If we abandon our responsibilities, how can we call ourselves the Uchiha Police Force? How can we even call ourselves Uchiha?"  

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd.  

Fugaku and the other elders remained silent, though their expressions betrayed their own concerns.  

Strict law enforcement had become an ingrained habit of the Uchiha, perpetuated by the system the village had imposed on them. It had been a trap laid long ago, designed to isolate and vilify them.  

"Quiet!" Itsuki clapped his hands. "The reason I’m telling you to leave the minor issues alone is that we have more important things to focus on."  

More important things?  

The Uchiha exchanged uncertain glances.  

What could be more important than fulfilling their duties?  

"Release!"  

With a swift series of hand seals, a puff of smoke appeared, revealing several scrolls before the crowd.  

"These are tied to my **third** and **fourth orders**," Itsuki announced.  

"The third order: study these techniques. Your skills are embarrassingly inadequate. Instead of wasting time chasing petty thieves, focus on strengthening yourselves. Don’t you agree?"  

Fugaku stepped forward and opened one of the scrolls. His eyes widened in astonishment.  

"Itsuki, where did you get these?"  

Each scroll contained advanced jutsu of B-rank or higher. Water, fire, lightning, earth, and wind—there was even information on yin-yang release and bloodline limits.  

Uchiha specialized in fire techniques, but who would complain about having access to more jutsu?  

"From the battlefield," Itsuki replied calmly. "During the Third Great Ninja War, I captured many enemy ninja and extracted these techniques using genjutsu."  

The Third Great Ninja War?  

That was three years ago!  

To think he had collected so many techniques and kept them hidden all this time—for today’s moment, no less.  

Fugaku was impressed but wary.  

"And finally," Itsuki said, his expression growing serious, "my **fourth order** is a critical mission for all of you."  

The Uchiha’s demeanor turned solemn. Even Fugaku braced himself. Was Itsuki about to reveal his true ambitions?  

"Help the Uchiha!"  

What?  

Everyone froze in confusion.  

"What do you mean, help the Uchiha?"  

"Because of the war and dangerous missions, many among us—women, children, and the elderly—are left uncared for. That’s your mission!"  

Before anyone could respond, another puff of smoke revealed a large chest.  

"This will be overseen by Uchiha Shisui," Itsuki declared, gesturing to the chest. "It contains five hundred million ryo in funds."  

The crowd erupted in shock.  

The Uchiha were wealthy by ninja standards, but such a sum was staggering even for them.  

"Where did you get this much money?" Uchiha Setsuna demanded, rising to his feet.  

"Did you think I’ve been lazing around all these years?" Itsuki countered with a smirk.  

His preparations were complete. Now was the time to sound the horn for the Uchiha’s resurgence. To stabilize his position—and deliver a decisive blow.  

*(End of Chapter)*