The funeral of Uchiha Yuan was a grand affair, with not just members of the Uchiha clan attending but also representatives from Konoha's major clans. Even the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, made an appearance.
After the ceremony, Hiruzen approached Uchiha Fugaku, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry for your loss. Your father and I were old friends. If you ever need help, don't hesitate to come to me."
Though Hiruzen's words sounded kind, they rang hollow. The supposed friendship between him and Uchiha Yuan was a façade; in truth, they had never gotten along.
However, Hiruzen didn't mind offering vague support. Should Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Yuichi clash for power, the Third Hokage was ready to back Fugaku if it suited his purposes.
"Thank you, Lord Hokage," Fugaku replied, his tone distant. He knew the reality of his father's relationship with Sarutobi Hiruzen all too well. Many of the people present at the funeral, despite their somber expressions, were likely celebrating Uchiha Yuan's death in their hearts.
Yuichi, too, was in high spirits. Uchiha Yuan had been a thorn in his side, and now that obstacle was gone.
'I've always been focused on growing stronger, never really taking the time to appreciate beauty,' Yuichi thought to himself as his gaze landed on a woman in a black kimono.
The woman was Uchiha Mikoto, Fugaku's fiancée and the future mother of Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Sasuke. In the original timeline, Mikoto was the epitome of a traditional, gentle wife. Now, in this timeline, Yuichi saw her as something more—a target.
Mikoto, sensing Yuichi's lingering stare, turned to face him. Her expression tightened as she met his gaze. There was something unsettling in the way he looked at her as if his eyes could strip away her clothes.
Feeling uncomfortable, she quickly turned away, clutching her kimono more tightly around herself. She knew about the growing conflict between her fiancé and Yuichi, and it was clear that this rivalry would only deepen.
"Captain, did you notice Uchiha Mikoto? Want me to get her for you?" Uchiha Kenta, chimed in, noticing the captain's interest.
"Mikoto is the number one beauty in the Uchiha clan. She's way too good for that ugly Fugaku," he added.
Yuichi glanced at Sasuke indifferently. "Do you think I need your help to take her?"
Kenta chuckled awkwardly, realizing that the captain didn't deny his interest in Mikoto. He even seemed to welcome the idea.
Taking both the position of patriarch and Fugaku's fiancée would be the ultimate victory. Kenta couldn't help but pity Fugaku, especially when a falling leaf landed on the future clan leader's head, a perfect symbol of his misfortune.
The day after the funeral, Uchiha Fugaku began lobbying to secure his position as the new patriarch. He had wanted to claim the title immediately after the funeral, but opposition from within the clan had delayed his plans.
Of the three elders in the Uchiha family, only the chief elder supported him. The other two remained neutral, waiting for someone to offer them enough incentives to declare their allegiance.
For these elders, loyalty came at a price. They didn't care who became patriarch, as long as they received the right rewards. If Yuichi made a better offer, they wouldn't hesitate to support him instead of Fugaku.
While Fugaku was busy meeting with the second and third elders to negotiate, Yuichi had different plans. He made his way to Uchiha Mikoto's house. Mikoto lived with her grandfather, but the old man was out today, accompanying Fugaku as he worked to rally support.
Hearing a knock at the door, Mikoto's heart sank. She opened it cautiously, already suspecting who had come to visit. Her suspicions were confirmed when she saw Yuichi standing there.
"Why are you here?" she asked, her tone sharp with unease.
"I'm not here to see your grandfather. I came to see you, Mikoto," Yuichi replied smoothly, stepping forward and lifting her chin with a hand.
"Let go of me, Yuichi. Show some respect," Mikoto snapped, swatting his hand away. Though she had a gentle demeanour, she was strong-willed when it came to standing up for herself.
Yuichi's eyes narrowed slightly. "I'm the captain of the Konoha Guard. I could arrest you right now if I wanted to," he said, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her closer.
"What do you want from me?" Mikoto asked, her anger barely contained.
"You know what I want, Mikoto. I'm the only thing standing in the way of Fugaku becoming patriarch. All you have to do is agree to my terms, and I'll step aside."
"And what terms are those?" she demanded, though she already had a sinking feeling in her gut.
Yuichi smirked. "I think you're smart enough to figure that out. Surely you can guess."
"You're shameless!" Mikoto spat, stepping back in disgust.
"I never thought you were this kind of person. I won't agree to any of your terms."
Mikoto had never considered Yuichi to be a bad person before. He was handsome, even among the Uchiha, who were known for their good looks. But now, his image in her mind was shattered.
"Why not?" Yuichi asked, his voice low and smooth. "Compared to Fugaku, I'm better in every way, aren't I?"
Mikoto remained silent, her anger simmering. She couldn't deny that Yuichi was stronger and more handsome than Fugaku, but her engagement had been arranged long ago.
Although she and Fugaku were not yet married, and their relationship hadn't become physical, Mikoto was committed to him. In her traditional, conservative mindset, she already saw Fugaku as her husband, and betraying him was unthinkable.
Even with Yuichi threatening her with the patriarchal seat, she wouldn't bend. Fugaku had an advantage—his father had been the patriarch, and that legacy still held weight within the clan.
"It seems the prospect of me becoming patriarch doesn't bother you," Yuichi said, his eyes darkening.
"But what about your grandfather? Don't you care about his safety?"
Mikoto's eyes widened, her pulse quickening. In an instant, she activated her Three Tomoe Sharingan, glaring at Yuichi with defiance. "What are you planning to do to my grandfather?"
Yuichi raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised to see her Sharingan. "I didn't expect you to have the Three Tomoe. You're stronger than I thought."
Mikoto's display of strength only fueled Yuichi's desire to break her, but her firm stance in protecting her fiancé and family made it clear that she would not submit easily.
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