For the benefit of the Uchiha Clan, Fugaku Uchiha argued firmly.
If they failed to express the Uchiha Clan's stance this time, more such incidents would likely occur in the future.
After stating that Shisui Uchiha was still too inexperienced when facing Chinya, Fugaku continued, "Fourth Hokage, the Uchiha Clan has always stood with Konoha. During the Third Great Ninja War, we also played an irreplaceable role.
Fourth Hokage, we do not seek any reward — it is simply our duty as shinobi of Konoha.
However, since the war ended not long ago, our clan has suffered many losses.
To put it bluntly, many Uchiha shinobi were used as cannon fodder in battles against the Mist ninja.
Whether Chinya intentionally targeted the Uchiha Clan back then is unknown, but my clansmen already had serious grievances against him.
Under these circumstances, making such a decision — Fourth Hokage, I can understand your position, but how can my clansmen, who are still mourning their losses, possibly accept this?
Therefore, I hope the Fourth Hokage will reconsider and revoke this decision!"
Fugaku had little choice but to bring up the Uchiha's wartime contributions now — he had little else to offer.
Minato Namikaze truly understood Fugaku's difficulties and frustrations.
Although he currently served as the Fourth Hokage, there were many decisions he couldn't make independently.
At present, besides the retired Hiruzen Sarutobi, Konoha's upper echelons included Danzo, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado.
Even though Hiruzen had retired, many of Minato's decisions still required Hiruzen's approval.
One could say Minato walked a narrow path as Hokage.
Take this instance — the establishment of the Konoha Defense Unit. Initially, he had opposed it, yet under pressure from Hiruzen and Danzo, he eventually fell into line.
He had strongly opposed appointing Chinya as head of the new department, yet his objections fell on deaf ears. In the end, he managed only to secure a deputy leadership position for Chinya.
Minato naturally recognized the tremendous contributions made by the Uchiha Clan during the recent war, and he knew perfectly well how inappropriate it was to establish a new department meant to counterbalance them now.
Yet this decision had already been finalized and couldn't be changed.
Minato's expression turned solemn. "The creation of the new department is absolutely necessary and cannot be altered anymore.
Clan Leader Fugaku, I understand your concerns. I'm aware of Chinya's dominance and the tensions between you and him, which is why some Anbu operatives will also be assigned to this new department. All Anbu members joining the department will take orders directly from Shisui Uchiha.
There are decisions beyond any of our control — we cannot always choose our own path...
Still, I promise you that conditions for the Uchiha Clan will steadily improve. Clan Leader Fugaku, please trust me."
Minato looked at Fugaku with sincere eyes.
Fugaku's face shifted through various emotions.
Minato Namikaze's words just now made one thing clear to him — this decision wasn't his to make. The true authority obviously rested with Danzo and Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Minato himself didn't actually hold any real authority in this matter.
Yet the promise Minato had made was as the Fourth Hokage. Though he currently lacked power and autonomy, that didn't mean he would remain powerless forever.
Once Minato seized genuine authority over the Hokage position, he would help the Uchiha Clan escape its current predicament.
In other words, Fugaku Uchiha now faced a choice.
Whether he should closely align the future of the Uchiha Clan with Minato Namikaze.
Fugaku studied Minato carefully.
Minato was humble, warm-hearted, and intelligent. Though his personality appeared gentle, he wasn't soft-hearted; his will was firm — otherwise, he wouldn't have earned such remarkable military achievements in those chaotic times.
In truth, Fugaku had always viewed Minato favorably. Otherwise, when Minato first became Hokage and came to visit, Fugaku wouldn't have rolled out the welcome mat so enthusiastically or proactively explained how the Uchiha Clan wished to rebuild trust with Konoha.
However, this recent incident made it clear that Minato's term as Hokage hadn't been going smoothly at all.
Truthfully, Fugaku had no other choice but to rely on Minato.
Among Konoha's higher-ups, only Minato showed genuine goodwill toward the Uchiha Clan.
His father, Uchiha Masaki, had once believed that Hiruzen Sarutobi held goodwill toward the Uchiha Clan. But Uchiha Masaki was mistaken.
Hiruzen needed balance. His kindness was merely strategic — it existed solely because he needed the Uchiha Clan for battle.
Fugaku refused to believe that Chinya's actions against Uchiha clan members could have occurred without Hiruzen's authorization.
Taking a deep breath, Fugaku considered his options.
Linking the Uchiha Clan closely with Minato seemed like his only viable path forward.
Minato was still young. He could serve as Hokage for many years to come.
Meanwhile, men like Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo — those aging pillars of Konoha — were nearing the end of their time.
Minato's future looked promising indeed.
Fugaku spoke seriously to Minato: "Fourth Hokage, I agree to your request. However, please understand one thing — I'm agreeing only because it is you, the Hokage, who asks. Moreover, any orders issued by the Fourth Hokage will be absolutely executed without question by our Uchiha people. We will firmly stand by your side.
I hope the Fourth Hokage will continue to extend your protection and support to our Uchiha Clan. Our Uchiha will always remain Konoha's Uchiha!"
At this moment, Fugaku formally declared his allegiance to Minato.
Upon hearing Fugaku's words, Minato revealed a sincere smile.
"I certainly will! Thank you for your understanding, Clan Leader Fugaku. With that said, I won't keep you from resting any longer. I'll take my leave first."
Minato stood up to depart.
Fugaku Uchiha and Shisui Uchiha also rose to see him off.
After seeing Minato off, Fugaku turned to Shisui standing beside him and said, "Shisui, come with me. We need to talk."
Shisui Uchiha nodded slightly.
Fugaku Uchiha and Shisui Uchiha sat facing each other on the tatami mat.
Looking at Shisui, Fugaku sighed and said, "Shisui, I believe you've already figured it out—the new department, the Konoha Defense Unit, was created specifically to keep an eye on our Uchiha Clan. Even though you're its deputy leader, your position in this new department won't be easy."
Shisui replied firmly, his eyes resolute: "Sure, I'm ready. The Fourth Hokage — the village leader — has his own struggles. He truly wants to mend things between us and the village. That's why I'm willing to give it my all—for both sides!"
Fugaku's expression darkened. He didn't feel relieved at all—only more helpless.
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