The next day.
The Uchiha clan assembly proceeded as scheduled.
It was still early. Many key figures had yet to arrive.
Inside the Uchiha council hall—
Silence reigned.
So quiet that even a falling needle would be heard.
The calm before the storm.
Inabi and Tekka had already spread the word.
The hawkish Jōnin within the clan had all received notice—
"Blazing Demon" Yusuke would challenge "Wicked Eye" Fugaku.
A clash of dragons within the Uchiha itself.
Footsteps echoed from the entrance.
Step. Step. Step.
Yusuke entered, clad in a Jōnin flak jacket bearing the Uchiha fan crest, a long sword fastened at his waist.
The moment he appeared, attention shifted toward him.
Several Jōnin who were close to him stepped forward to exchange greetings.
Within the clan, Yusuke's standing already rivaled that of some elders. Among the younger generation, his prestige was second only to Fugaku.
Yet he had always immersed himself in training, never interfering in clan affairs.
Today was different.
He found a quiet corner and closed his eyes to rest.
Inabi and Tekka did not dare disturb him.
Only when Clan Head Uchiha Fugaku entered and formally declared the meeting open did Yusuke rise and return to his seat in the front row.
The so-called clan assembly was largely a summary of important events from the previous month.
In truth—
It was tedious.
As Fugaku droned on about statistics and internal matters, Yusuke felt drowsiness creeping in, just as usual.
Despite constant pressure from Konoha's higher-ups, the Uchiha appeared outwardly prosperous.
Fugaku seemed satisfied.
The dovish Clan Head remained immersed in the illusion of peaceful coexistence with Konoha's leadership.
Two prodigies stood side by side—
"Blazing Demon" Yusuke.
"Shunshin no Shisui."
His son, Uchiha Itachi, showed boundless promise.
The Uchiha's future looked bright.
Perhaps the next Hokage would emerge from their clan.
When that day came, the village's discrimination would dissolve naturally.
The once-renowned Uchiha would again awe the shinobi world.
Fugaku believed it.
But Yusuke was painfully clear-headed.
Danzo's Root had already aimed its blade at the Uchiha's throat.
If this continued—
Destruction was inevitable.
The meeting dragged on for nearly an hour. Yusuke nearly drifted off.
Finally, the formal report concluded.
Fugaku stood and offered closing remarks.
"That concludes last month's summary."
"I hope everyone continues their efforts."
He scanned the room with a mild smile.
"Is there anything further? If not, this assembly is adjourned."
As his words fell, some clan members began to rise.
But many hawkish Jōnin subtly shifted their gaze toward Yusuke.
Others noticed.
A strange tension thickened the air.
"…Hm?"
"Something's happening."
Under countless watchful eyes, Yusuke slowly stood.
"Clan Head."
His voice was calm—
Yet firm as steel.
"I challenge you."
The words landed like a stone hurled into still water.
The hall exploded.
"Yusuke is challenging the Clan Head?!"
"He's not joking, is he?"
"With his talent, give it ten years—the position would naturally be his!"
"Why force it now? This seems reckless."
"He's strong, but defeating Fugaku-sama won't be easy…"
"This isn't his usual style."
Whispers rippled through the chamber.
Yusuke had never publicly clashed with Fugaku. On the surface, their relationship had always appeared cordial.
He had never displayed ambition for power.
Even the role of Vice Captain of the Military Police Force had been forced upon him by Fugaku.
And yet—
He now sought the Clan Head's seat?
It defied expectations.
Those who had been notified beforehand remained silent, watching.
At this point, debate was meaningless.
Among the Uchiha—
Strength decided all.
Fugaku's smile faded.
A trace of surprise flickered across his eyes.
"Yusuke… you wish to challenge me?"
Yusuke met his gaze without hesitation.
"I bear no personal grievance."
"But I believe you are unfit to lead the clan."
A faint chill entered Fugaku's eyes.
"So you came prepared."
"In that case… I accept."
His authority could not go undefended.
The Uchiha already stood on unstable ground. If he refused this challenge, his position would crumble.
Yet from another perspective—
This was also an opportunity.
A chance to reinforce his dominance.
Victory and defeat.
Only strength mattered.
Fugaku narrowed his eyes.
"There's no room here."
"We'll settle this at the training grounds."
"Today, I will teach you a lesson you won't forget."
Though Yusuke bore the title "Blazing Demon," Fugaku had full confidence in his own power.
A prodigy of the younger generation—
But not yet ready to ascend.
In Fugaku's view, Yusuke would never betray the clan. At most, he had been stirred by the hawkish faction.
A firm reprimand.
A display of strength.
That would suffice.
Yusuke smiled faintly.
"Who teaches whom…"
"Remains to be seen."
"Clan Head—be careful."
Though their words clashed, there was no hatred between them.
The surrounding Uchiha exhaled in relief.
"At least they're not enemies."
"The clan can't afford internal bloodshed."
Every Jōnin present understood the reality.
Both Fugaku and Yusuke were pillars of the Uchiha.
Fugaku—the "Wicked Eye"—master of Sharingan genjutsu.
Yusuke—the "Blazing Demon"—whose Fire Release had reached near perfection.
Which of them was stronger—
No one could say.
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