c151 – Knowing You Can Do Something but Not Doing It
After a long discussion, the final reward was decided.
"Xuan, from today onward, the Uchiha clan's ninjutsu library and archives will be permanently open to you. At the same time, you will receive elder-level dividends from the clan's industries and estates," declared Uchiha Fugaku, his expression stern and authoritative.
"Continue your efforts, and bring further honor to Uchiha!"
"Wow…"
Gasps echoed through the hall. The reward was extraordinary.
Even those trying to keep composure could not fully hide their envy. Dozens of Uchiha shinobi turned their eyes toward Gen Uchiha, filled with admiration rather than malice.
After all, he had endured danger and achieved merit. A heavy reward was deserved. Favorability also mattered, if one's reputation was poor, jealousy would sprout no matter the contribution. But for Gen, who had risked his life for clan and village, the recognition felt natural.
Yet for him, this reward was not as overwhelming as the earlier honors granted by the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
With his standing in the clan, would Uchiha leadership truly bar him from the library? To deny the only Uchiha recognized by the Hokage would invite alienation. The profit shares too mattered little he had never cared much for wealth in a world where power outweighed coin.
Still, the sincerity of Fugaku and the elders was visible. For an ordinary clansman, such a prize would move them to tears.
Gen smiled faintly. There was indeed a difference between simply browsing scrolls and formally receiving full access, just as there was a difference between plundered money and legitimate income.
In the moment it took for his thoughts to settle, his face lit with excitement.
"Thank you, Patriarch, and honored elders, for your trust. I will remain humble, continue training, and never bring shame to Uchiha!"
Fugaku and the elders nodded, pleased.
"In addition to escorting our people back safely, I carry another warning," Gen added gravely.
"What is it?" Fugaku's tone grew heavy.
"The enemy who ambushed me did so because of my Sharingan. He has but one eye something is wrong with the other. He seeks new eyes, and even spares to stockpile. Every Uchiha who awakens Sharingan is at risk. The more tomoe, the greater the danger."
"The foe can appear and vanish with a space–time technique. Even inside Konoha, vigilance is essential."
It was a warning given in earnest, though he knew against such an enemy Obito Uchiha, wielder of Kamui even Fugaku or Shisui would struggle unless they possessed a Mangekyō.
Sooner or later, Sharingan would be harvested. How many, depended on the enemy's cunning and the clan's caution.
The hall grew grim. Those with Sharingan looked shaken, while those without felt relief tinged with guilt after all, clan was clan, bound by blood.
"Stealing our eyes, twisting Uchiha Madara's legacy, dragging our name into disgrace…!" Shisui's voice rang out, his anger uncharacteristic.
Shisui loved the clan and the village both, a man who in canon even considered using Kotoamatsukami on Konoha's elders to avoid civil war. For him to condemn the culprit so fiercely struck a chord.
His words were a spark anger erupted. Dozens of voices cursed the shadowy attacker, spitting venom though shinobi were poor at insults compared to jutsu.
When the clamor dimmed, Fugaku raised his voice: "The true culprit does not represent Uchiha. He stands against Konoha and against us. From now on, no one moves alone. I will meet with the elders to decide further measures."
He turned toward Gen. "You returned in time. We thank you."
Gen only smiled. "It is my duty. If my presence makes the danger clearer, then it was worth the journey."
The words softened the tense mood. Gratitude, though unspoken, filled the hearts of the gathered.
"Good. It is enough that you have returned," Fugaku said warmly. "When will you leave for the front lines again?"
"Tomorrow at dawn."
"So soon?"
"I cannot delay. Orochimaru-sensei has entrusted me with many duties. To linger too long would burden him."
Hearing this, Fugaku and the elders exchanged proud glances. To be valued by one of the Sannin reflected well on the clan. The assembled shinobi too felt respect rise within them.
Once, Shisui had been the clan's shining star outside the police force. Now, Gen stood as his equal.
"In that case," Fugaku said, "rest well tonight."
The crowd, watching closely, noticed every detail of Gen's respectful demeanor. Favorability for him climbed higher still.
"Thank you, Patriarch. But before I rest, allow me to leave one final suggestion regarding the enemy."
"Oh?" Fugaku leaned forward, intrigued.
The elders, Shisui, Mikoto with young Itachi and Sasuke, all waited expectantly.
"This advice cannot be spoken openly," Gen said. "If revealed aloud, it will lose its value. Please allow me to write it down."
Curiosity burned through the hall, though none dared press him.
"Very well," Fugaku agreed.
Gen stepped forward, greeting Mikoto with a smile and ruffling young Itachi's hair, drawing a rare childish grin from the boy. Mikoto's gentle nod made Itachi beam even brighter.
Then, with chakra at his fingertip, Gen traced four characters across the table.
Some frowned in confusion. Others widened their eyes in shock.
"This…!" Fugaku whispered. "The forbidden art sealed for generations—its misuse once split our clan."
Izanagi.
"The three-tomoe jōnin are our pillars," Gen explained. "If one falls, it is a heavy blow. With this, they may at least escape death. If nothing else, destroying one's Sharingan before capture thwarts the enemy's schemes. Better to use the forbidden than allow it to be used against us."
He bowed his head slightly. "Of course, I only advise. Whether to pass it on lies with you and the elders."
Fugaku's eyes narrowed. After a long pause, he said, "This is no small matter. I will confer with the elders tonight. Rest, Gen. You've done enough."
"…Understood."
With that, Gen bid farewell and departed swiftly.
But he knew: if they delayed, the idea would likely be buried. Izanagi was both salvation and temptation a power that could undermine any leader's authority. To grant it freely risked chaos within the clan itself.
At dawn, Gen left as planned. At the gate, Shisui and Itachi came to see him off.
From Shisui, he learned the elders had rejected the proposal.
For the first time, his counsel had been dismissed.
Gen said nothing more. He had given warning. The rest was fate.
Let the elders pray they never drew Obito's eye…
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