[Ding, indirectly killed the Uchiha patriarch, reward obtained: Evil value +1000]
Uchiha Yuan's death had an unexpected benefit for Yuichi. The system reward confirmed that the patriarch was truly dead, not just faking it.
"Release Uchiha Fugaku," Yuichi ordered calmly.
With Uchiha Yuan dead, Yuichi saw no reason to keep Fugaku imprisoned. Fugaku still had great value in his plans.
The tension between the Uchiha clan and Konoha's leadership was rising, and Yuichi knew that conflict would serve the village leaders' interests.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, was a cunning man. To maintain favour and avoid becoming a target, Yuichi needed to tread carefully. He wasn't quite strong enough yet to challenge the Hokage outright and ensure his win.
But once his power reached Kage level or he awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, the balance of power would shift.
'When I achieve Kage-level strength, Shikai Ryūjin Jakka will be my trump card,' he thought.
Even without Bankai, the sword's flame-based abilities would allow him to fight against even the strongest of ninjas. Plus, once the Mangekyō Sharingan was unlocked, his combat power would be unstoppable.
But now wasn't the time to get ahead of himself. Yuichi knew he had to create distractions, especially if he wanted to keep Hiruzen's eyes off him. Releasing Fugaku would be the first step in his plan to divert attention.
'The patriarch is dead. As a member of the Uchiha clan, I should at least make an appearance,' Yuichi thought as he made his way to the patriarch's residence. The atmosphere there was heavy with grief.
Upon his arrival, sharp eyes immediately turned toward him. Uchiha Lin, Uchiha Wu, and Uchiha Shimata were glaring at him, the last of whom reached for his sword.
"You bastard! You killed the patriarch, and yet you dare show your face here!" Shimata shouted.
Yuichi raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.
"You can spout nonsense all you like, but I had no reason to kill the patriarch. I respected him more than anyone. What's your motive for accusing me?"
Ignoring Shimata's growing rage, Yuichi walked toward Uchiha Yuan's body.
"Don't start a fight here," Uchiha Wu warned, stepping in to hold Shimata back.
"This isn't the place for that."
Yuichi smirked inwardly. He knew these men were already his enemies, but he wasn't worried. They wouldn't dare strike at him here—not yet, at least.
The chief elder of the Uchiha clan approached him, his expression neutral but his eyes watchful.
"Yuichi, the patriarch is gone. It's time to release Fugaku," the elder said.
"Don't worry, Elder," Yuichi replied smoothly. "Fugaku will return shortly."
The elder nodded. "Good. You and Fugaku are both talented. I hope you can work together for the good of the Uchiha."
Though the elder said this, it was clear where his loyalty lay. Uchiha Fugaku was engaged to Uchiha Mikoto, the elder's granddaughter. Naturally, the elder supported Fugaku as the future leader of the clan.
Yuichi gave a sly smile. "I have no problem joining forces with Fugaku—as long as he's willing to make a few sacrifices."
The elder frowned, misunderstanding Yuichi's comment. He assumed Yuichi was referring to the position of patriarch, a role that Fugaku could never give up.
But Yuichi wasn't talking about power; he had something far more personal in mind.
'I wonder how much evil value I'd gain from stealing Fugaku's fiancée?' Yuichi mused silently.
Uchiha Mikoto was indeed beautiful, and Yuichi had seen her a few times. He could imagine the elder's fury if he knew what was going through Yuichi's mind.
Before long, Uchiha Fugaku arrived, dishevelled and desperate. He had learned of his father's death while rushing back, and his grief quickly turned to rage.
"Yuichi, I'll kill you!" Fugaku roared, his voice thick with fury.
Before he could act, Uchiha Lin and Uchiha Wu restrained him.
"Young patriarch, don't be rash," Lin urged.
Fugaku had once attacked Yuichi and paid the price. Now that he was free, his allies didn't want him making the same mistake twice.
Yuichi clicked his tongue.
'Too bad,' he thought.
If Fugaku had attacked, Yuichi would have relished the chance to subdue him again. As captain of the Konoha Guard, it wouldn't have been hard to justify locking Fugaku up once more.
"Fugaku, you seem deeply affected by the patriarch's death," Yuichi said, his tone mocking.
"Though it doesn't look like your grief runs as deep as it should."
Fugaku glared at him, his blood-red eyes swirling with the Three Tomoe Sharingan. Yuichi recognized the potential for Fugaku to unlock the Mangekyō Sharingan, just as Fugaku had in the original storyline. If Fugaku's feelings for his father were strong enough, this tragedy could push him to awaken the legendary power.
Yuichi's expression hardened. 'If he unlocks the Mangekyō Sharingan before I do, I'll have to kill him,' he thought coldly.
The Mangekyō Sharingan was too dangerous to let anyone else possess it, especially someone like Fugaku.
Lin leaned in close to Fugaku. "This isn't the time nor the place. You can't win against Yuichi right now. Be patient."
Fugaku clenched his fists, knowing Lin was right. In his current state, still recovering from his previous capture, he wasn't strong enough to defeat Yuichi. Even at his peak, Fugaku would have struggled against him.
During his time in Yuichi's captivity, Fugaku had suffered, though Yuichi hadn't personally ordered it. His subordinate, Uchiha Kenta, had taken charge of the "hospitality," leaving Fugaku with experiences he would never forget.
"I'll make you pay, Yuichi," Fugaku vowed silently.
'One day, I'll settle this score.' He thought.
As Fugaku stared at him, Yuichi could feel the hatred radiating from the young Uchiha. It was fine, though. Yuichi had no intention of making peace with Fugaku. In fact, he looked forward to seeing just how much Fugaku's hatred would grow.
"You blame me for your father's death," Yuichi said, smirking as Fugaku's glare intensified.
"But let me tell you, things are only going to get worse."
Fugaku's Sharingan flickered with rage. He already suspected Yuichi was behind his father's death. If it hadn't been for Yuichi's schemes, his father might have lived a little longer. But Fugaku's anger only served to amuse Yuichi.
'Good,' Yuichi thought. 'Let him hate me. It will make his eventual fall all the more satisfying.'
As Yuichi left the residence, he felt a thrill at the tension he had created. His plans were in motion. Uchiha Fugaku was enraged, the elders were wary, and Konoha's leadership remained oblivious—for now.
Everything was falling into place, and Yuichi couldn't wait for the chaos that was sure to follow.
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