Akiro finished explaining the current problems with the Police Force.
Now, it was time to address the real issue between Konoha and the Uchiha.
"The fundamental problem between the Uchiha and Konoha isn't the conflict you've always believed in. You've misunderstood the core of it."
He paused, then slowly voiced his thoughts.
"So… you also believe we shouldn't rebel?"
Uchiha Tetsu's face lit up with joy. That was exactly the conservatives' belief.
As expected, Akiro thought the same way—just as he had hoped.
At the side, Uchiha Setsuna looked displeased.
Hadn't this guy just spoken like a radical earlier?
Why was he suddenly sounding like this now?
"No. Perhaps I didn't fully express myself just now. What I mean is—our enemy isn't every shinobi in Konoha. Our true enemy is Sarutobi Hiruzen and the Elders' Council, along with their forces.
As for other clans and those who haven't chosen sides, we have no need to make enemies of them. Even if we must resist in the future, our target should be Sarutobi and his circle—not the entire village!"
In Akiro's view, if the Uchiha shifted their target from all of Konoha to only the Hokage's faction, their pressure would lessen greatly.
When the clan spoke of rebellion before, it wasn't just against Sarutobi—it meant opposing the whole of Konoha.
But if the target was narrowed, there was no need to create needless enemies.
And it wasn't as if Konoha had no discontent toward Sarutobi. At least the Hyūga clan had long been lukewarm toward him.
Otherwise, why was it that during the Konoha Crush Plan, Hyūga shinobi were barely seen on the battlefield?
At that time, the Hyūga were the foremost clan of Konoha. Yet they hardly fought at all. Wasn't that proof of their dissatisfaction?
Especially since it had only been a short time since they had been forced to hand over Hyūga Hizashi.
Even if Hyūga Hiashi never said it aloud, in his heart, he had not forgotten.
"You're right! Akiro speaks the truth. We need to topple Sarutobi Hiruzen—not fight all of Konoha. We only want to reclaim what was originally ours!"
Setsuna, who had worn a stern face all along, suddenly broke into a smile. Clearly, Akiro's explanation satisfied him greatly.
Because in his eyes, if the Uchiha weren't aggressive outwardly, they would simply be whittled away into nothing.
"Akiro, are you saying we should rebel?"
Fugaku's heart sank. This was dangerous thinking.
"This isn't rebellion. It's self-defense. Clan head, do you really think that even if we do nothing, they'll leave us alone? Isn't that too naive?
For years, it's been Danzō targeting us—but without the Hokage's tacit approval, would he dare act so brazenly?"
"That's why, in truth, Sarutobi Hiruzen never wanted the Uchiha to grow too strong. This is just an extension of the Second Hokage's policy, still being enforced to this very day."
"We've tried doing nothing before. But what came of it?
In the Second Shinobi War, in the Third Shinobi War—the Uchiha sacrificed the most. Yet the honors went to the Sannin, or to Namikaze Minato.
During the Nine-Tails' attack, we did nothing wrong—yet we were driven to the outskirts of the village, surrounded by other clans and ANBU watching our every move.
Clan head, look around at those other clans near us. Doesn't it feel like if we rebel, they'll instantly swarm to crush us?
And under these conditions, they're still forcing us toward rebellion. Do you think this is even a choice you get to make?"
To Akiro, Fugaku was far too naive.
The situation had already reached the point of no return, yet Fugaku still dreamed of reconciliation between the Uchiha and Konoha.
The truth was—it wasn't that the Uchiha couldn't integrate. It was that the others never wanted them to.
Before Fugaku could respond, Akiro pressed on:
"And one last thing. Clan head Fugaku, I believe you are no longer suited to lead the Uchiha. Your indecisiveness will only drag this clan to destruction!"
Yes.
This was what Akiro had wanted to say all along: Fugaku must step down.
Only then could real change begin. And if he altered this crucial point in the story, perhaps it would even trigger a reward.
No matter what, his first step was to become head of the Uchiha clan.
"What!?"
Before Fugaku could even react, the surrounding Uchiha were stunned.
They had argued fiercely before, but no one had ever suggested deposing Fugaku.
Yet now that Akiro had said it, Setsuna's heart stirred.
Indeed—Fugaku was far too weak. Facing Sarutobi and his circle, he failed to secure the clan's interests. Instead, they were suppressed at every turn.
And Fugaku had no solution.
But Akiro was different. From the ideas he had already presented, Setsuna saw hope.
Better to risk it all than to wait for death.
"Akiro, do you know what you're saying?"
Fugaku snapped back to his senses. His face darkened, his gaze on Akiro sharp and dangerous.
He hadn't imagined this youth could harbor such dangerous thoughts—not only calling for rebellion, but demanding Fugaku step down as clan head.
"I know exactly what I'm saying. Clan head, please step aside. Compromise will never bring peace to the Uchiha.
Either you lead us to leave Konoha entirely—or you lead us to stand against Sarutobi and the others, outmaneuvering them in every way short of battle.
But no matter which path, you lack the resolve. You are no longer fit to be the head of this clan!"
The first option, leaving Konoha, was likely impossible. Not even Uchiha Madara could take the clan away. Fugaku certainly could not.
The second option, however, was possible. Yet Fugaku had no will to act. Even with the Mangekyō Sharingan, he chose to sit and wait for death.
Akiro truly could not understand him. If Fugaku wanted to die, fine—but why drag the entire clan down with him?