Evening settled over the old Naka Shrine of the Uchiha Clan, casting long shadows from the towering black pillars. The shrine had survived the destruction of Konoha by distance, a solemn relic untouched while most of the village lay in ruin. Inside, the remaining jonin and clan elders gathered, voices rising in heated argument.
"Konoha needs a strong Uchiha leader right now!" shouted Akito Uchiha, a seasoned jonin whose left eye bore a faint scar from fighting in the First Great Ninja War. "We cannot let outsiders dictate our fate!"
"Exactly!" added Ayase Uchiha, his dark eyes burning with frustration. "Jiraiya is far too frivolous, too playful to command respect. The village chose a fool over one of our own. It's an insult to every Uchiha who bled for Konoha!"
"No! Listen to reason," countered Ginji Uchiha, young but perceptive, his tone measured. "We are in no position to challenge him openly. The other clans are wary of us, and the Third will never side with us. Acting rashly now would be disastrous for the whole village."
"So what?!" Mikio Uchiha slammed his fist against the wooden pillar. "The clan leader has the Mangekyo Sharingan! Only he has the vision, the power, and the experience to guide us. He alone can secure our future."
"Silence!" Fugaku Uchiha's voice rang across the hall, slicing through the tension like a blade. In just his early twenties, he carried the weight of being the clan leader. He had inherited leadership young, a responsibility he didn't relish. "I will not have you bickering like children. Focus your energy on survival, not petty disputes!"
"You only hesitate because it wasn't your family that died!" Akito spat, his voice trembling with rage.
Fugaku inhaled deeply, forcing himself to remain calm. The Mangekyo's power flared slightly, and the room seemed to hold its breath. The red glow gleamed in the low light, its crimson iris carved with three sweeping black blades, each arc cradling a solitary black orb. It instilled dread in even the three tomoe jonin who spoke up. "M-my apologies, clan member. That was out of line," Akito said quickly, bowing his head.
Fugaku straightened, eyes burning with quiet authority. "I know many of you lost loved ones. But now is not the time for blind rage. We must think of the living, not only the dead. Survival requires control, not recklessness. Do you understand?"
They all nodded.
"We'll see what Lord Jiraiya and Lord Hiruzen have to say at the meeting. That's final."
Honestly, Fugaku had no interest in taking the Hokage position by force. It would only sow more discord when they need unity now more than ever.
Not to mention, more Uchiha survived the explosions than any other clan. Thanks to the Sharingan's quick perception, many Chunin and even a few exceptional genin survived. This soured the other clans' feelings towards them.
"Yes, clan leader!" they chorused, their voices unified but still trembling.
Ayase's jaw tightened. "It is difficult to calm grief with words, but… we will follow you, Fugaku. If you say the clan must wait, then we will wait. But know that every Uchiha here aches for action."
Fugaku nodded. "Patience is itself a form of action. Let the village and the Hokage prove themselves first. The Uchiha must endure."
----
An hour later, Fugaku arrived at the meeting place. The devastation across Konoha was still evident; little construction had been completed, and a large canvas tent served as the venue. Inside, Jiraiya lounged casually, while Hiruzen and Danzo stood with measured posture, papers and scrolls stacked neatly on the table before them.
Fugaku frowned slightly at the appearance of Danzo. He didn't know too much about him, but he knew that Danzo wasn't a fan of the Uchiha.
Fugaku inclined his head to Jiraiya. Showing just enough deference without being too subservient. "Lord Jiraiya."
Jiraiya's eyes flicked over him, surprise passing over his features before softening. "Welcome, Lord Fugaku."
Seated opposite the three, Fugaku let his gaze sweep over the table, noting Danzo's sharp eyes and the subtle tension in Hiruzen's posture. The arrangement felt like a chessboard, each gesture and glance a move in the ongoing game of power and survival.
Jiraiya spoke first, voice steady and diplomatic. "Fugaku, what is your stance regarding the Hokage position? As one of the founding clans of Konoha, the Uchiha have the right to have their voice acknowledged in governance."
Fugaku inclined his head. "I think you would serve well, Lord Jiraiya. However, the Uchiha request a role in leadership at the very least, even if not the Hokage position itself."
Hiruzen tilted his head, eyebrow raised. "A leadership role? You have the police force."
"The police force and military oversight alone do not grant us influence over critical decisions," Fugaku frowned slightly and explained. "We provide Konoha with security and strategic might. Such contributions must be recognized in policy and counsel. At minimum, the Uchiha require the position of Hokage advisor."
Danzo's lips tightened, his fingers drumming the table. He opened his mouth to object, but Hiruzen's raised hand kept him silent.
Fugaku's eyes flicked to Danzo, reading the subtle contempt there. "We do not seek conflict with the Hokage. Our aim is protection, oversight, and survival. Nothing more."
Jiraiya nodded. "Agreed. The position is yours. I hope we can work together well in the future."
Danzo finally spoke, voice clipped but careful. "It is… acceptable." His tone carried thinly veiled tension, a reminder that the Uchiha's power was still a thorn in his side.
Jiraiya rose, extending a hand to Fugaku. "Then it is settled. Together, we'll rebuild Konoha."
Fugaku stood, grasping Jiraiya's hand firmly. "Together. For the village and for the clan."
As the meeting concluded, the air seemed slightly lighter. Even Danzo's shadow of disdain could not diminish the quiet satisfaction Fugaku felt. The Uchiha would survive this new era, not through rebellion or brash action, but through patience, wisdom, and the undeniable strength of their bloodline.