Fugaku's bluntness was so extreme that even Tatsuma didn't know how to respond. It was as if the conversation had abruptly shifted from discussing attitudes to dealing with real money.
Uchiha Taku and Uchiha Fugaku sought help from the Hokage faction, and Sarutobi Hiruzen expressed his willingness to assist. Tatsuma conveyed this on hi behalf.
So, according to normal logic, Fugaku should provide a plan, the Hokage faction would then find a way to implement it, and the village's involvement should be kept discreet and off the public record.
As a "mediator," Tatsuma also couldn't officially represent the Hokage faction; otherwise, he wouldn't need to organize a private dinner under his own name to invite Fugaku.
Tatsuma wasn't even sure if Fugaku hadn't reacted in time or if he was pressuring him to make a commitment to the Hokage faction. After all, Fugaku seemed to possess both intelligence and lack of intelligence simultaneously, and even observation made it hard to draw conclusions quickly.
Tatsuma pressed his lips together and said, "Brother Fugaku, your question is quite interesting. Regarding maintaining stability within the village and the positive development of the ninja clans, the village will naturally make every effort."
Fugaku was clearly dissatisfied with Tatsuma's response. He continued to stare at Tatsuma, as if to say, "If we're going to discuss this openly, let's do it openly."
"Tatsuma, you can't possibly be unaware of the answer I'm looking for. What I want to know is how the village can enable me to smoothly become the next Clan Head of the Uchiha, despite the lack of support from many clan members."
You must understand that I cannot involve myself in bloodshed. No matter what, those are my clan members; I cannot take action against them just for the sake of a Clan Head position."
After hearing Fugaku's words, Tatsuma was certain that Fugaku was pressuring him. If the village required him to handle the radicals, then Fugaku was asking the village to help him deal with the opponents.
However, the manner of speaking was too direct, so direct that even Yashiro was uncomfortable, silently staring at the bottom of his dipping sauce bowl.
Yashiro suddenly felt that he shouldn't be involved in this kind of discussion. Before today, it had never been the case for the Uchiha to purge themselves for the village or for the village to intervene in ninja clan matters for the sake of a Clan Head position.
For the first time, he felt that being favored and promoted to a trusted confidant by the Clan Head might not be a good thing. If today's discussion were to be leaked, both the Uchiha and the village would likely hold him responsible first.
Even if he was just a listener, having done or said nothing, if an accident occurred, he would be the one blamed.
At this moment, neither Fugaku nor Tatsuma paid any attention to Yashiro's inner turmoil. Tatsuma furrowed his brow, realizing that Hiruzen had sent him to test the Uchiha's attitude and limits.
Hiruzen had not provided any tangible help or leverage from the village. This meant that any promises Tatsuma made could be disavowed later by Hiruzen, leaving him at odds with both sides.
Tatsuma even began to reflect if his aggressive approach had triggered Fugaku's backlash. Yet, Fugaku's response left him in a difficult position; he couldn't answer affirmatively or negatively. Tatsuma didn't have the authority to agree, but at the same time, Hiruzen's willingness to cooperate made it hard for him to reject Fugaku's demands.
Thoughts and ideas swirled in his mind, and Tatsuma unconsciously frowned. Even with his sharp intellect, it took him several seconds to respond:
"Brother Fugaku, your clan members are also Konoha ninjas. They are part of Konoha and children nurtured by the village. The village cannot take action against its own children."
Upon hearing this, Fugaku's expression turned grim. His left hand rested on the table, as if ready to rise at any moment.
But Tatsuma quickly followed up with his words, continuing, "However, some of these children have indeed disappointed the village. I'm not referring to the Uchiha clan members, but to those who have harmed the village's interests.
For these traitors, the village has always maintained a firm and clear stance. The village will protect every child, but it will not allow any harm to this big family to exist."
Since he couldn't agree or refuse, Tatsuma aimed to strategize, leaving room for maneuvering for both sides, and then plan further.
Fugaku sensed some key points in Tatsuma's response. The pressure he exerted on the table eased, and he said, "In fact, my clan members, apart from Uchiha Madara who betrayed the village and Uchiha Setsuna with his faction who attempted rebellion, have not harmed the village. If it's about baseless accusations, neither the other clan members nor I, who am directly involved, would agree."
Tatsuma's slight relaxation allowed Fugaku to seize the initiative. Tatsuma noticed this but didn't feel the same tension as Fugaku. Having the initiative wasn't necessarily an advantage.
Regaining the initiative from Fugaku wasn't difficult. Tatsuma's expression returned to composure as he leaned slightly back and said, "There is a devil in everyone's heart. If they have the intent, they will take action. It's just a matter of having the right opportunity."
People dislike those who speak halfway, just as readers dislike authors who write fragmented chapters. However, within a certain threshold, such "hooks" can make the other party both frustrated and curious, prompting further questioning.
Fugaku, who was eager to hear Tatsuma's plan, instinctively looked into Tatsuma's eyes after his pause and leaned forward in response to Tatsuma's backward lean.
It was a small detail, but it indicated that the conversational initiative had shifted back to Tatsuma. No longer teasing Fugaku, Tatsuma explained:
"If you simply want to prevent them from stopping you from becoming the Uchiha Clan Head, you just need to associate their names with the matter of 'humiliating the Uchiha.'
No need for any extreme measures; even something as minor as not paying for a meal can be exaggerated and guided. With a little effort, people might start saying, "Here comes the Uchiha who doesn't pay for meals."
Given your personalities, you'd definitely pursue it. At that point, just revealing the names of those who actually didn't pay for their meals would make the Uchiha feel ashamed of having such clan members. How many within the Uchiha would still support them?
Of course, I'm just using this as an example. Not paying for a meal is too trivial; while it might tarnish reputation, the impact wouldn't be very significant."
Fugaku nodded. He understood well the idea of blackening other candidates, but that wasn't what he wanted. It was something his father's methods could achieve—securing the position. What he wanted was to stabilize his hold on it and lead the clan to better development. So he asked, "What if my ambitions are greater?"
"Then it's even easier. The Uchiha Security Department often oversteps its bounds. What if the one being overstepped is a high-ranking official from the Land of Fire or even a foreign dignitary?
In this way, the Uchiha themselves would be difficult to handle, so another department, like ANBU, would need to take over. If, during the takeover by ANBU, this Uchiha is subjected to "unfair treatment" and happens to resist, what do you think will happen with your Uchiha temper?"
"They will resist."
"Perfect. The more they resist, the worse the situation becomes. ANBU will adopt a stricter approach, escalating the issue step by step until the Uchiha has no chance to participate in internal clan disputes anymore. As long as those who truly deserve it are dealt with in such a manner, the remaining loudmouths and parrots will naturally become insignificant."
After Tatsuma finished speaking, Fugaku squinted, understanding Tatsuma's plan. But he still feigned ignorance and asked, "Are you saying that ANBU will get involved?"
"I'm just giving an example."
Tatsuma dismissed this idea directly. The plan was only a draft, and since Fugaku had not yet agreed and Hiruzen hadn't even heard it, how could it be finalized?
Fugaku felt a bit disappointed that he couldn't outwit Tatsuma. As for the plan Tatsuma proposed, he couldn't make a decision on it.
The plan sounded straightforward and easy to execute, but it was too simplistic. It seemed to exploit the Uchiha's tendencies to benefit from them, and the village could use this tactic against Fugaku's enemies.
However, it could also be used against Fugaku's own people, or anyone with a typical Uchiha temperament. Fugaku even began to wonder if the village had used such a method against the Uchiha Clan before, but it had never been escalated to the level Tatsuma described.
Fugaku didn't fully believe that Tatsuma had come up with the plan in such a short time. It was more likely that, as a member of the Hokage faction, Tatsuma had the authority and knowledge to handle such operations, making him so proficient.
Yet, Fugaku had to admit that the plan Tatsuma spoke of was indeed feasible. There weren't many peers who could truly impact his position. As long as he dealt with a few key individuals, at least among his generation, the others opposing him would be powerless.
As for whether to reach such a cooperation with the village in the future, thoroughly cleansing the remnants within the clan could indeed allow him to be more at ease and facilitate the better development of the Uchiha. However, it would mean losing power and humiliating the clan!
After thinking for a long time, Fugaku finally said, "Tatsuma, I will carefully consider your suggestions after I return. As for the village's guidance on the development of the Uchiha, I am very supportive. However, I currently do not have much influence within the clan, and my father, with his advancing age, is gradually becoming powerless. So, it may not be possible to coordinate with the village for reforms quickly."
To cleanse the Uchiha Clan? The prerequisite is for him to secure the position of Uchiha Clan Head, but he didn't promise to cooperate immediately after securing it.
Tatsuma, sitting opposite Fugaku, understood his intentions clearly but didn't confront them. Instead, he smiled and said, "Just a small suggestion. As for internal reforms within the Uchiha, that is an internal issue. The village hopes to see every ninja clan improving, but also respects the wishes of each ninja and clan."
Tatsuma's sudden amiability made Fugaku somewhat uneasy, raising suspicion. Was there a trap he couldn't see?
But he quickly dismissed his suspicions, smiling at Tatsuma and saying, "The topics we discussed today were quite heavy, and we didn't even enjoy dinner properly. Next time you're free, I'll host you."
Such meetings are never enough after just one session. Both sides have gathered enough conditions to discuss further, and the next meeting will involve more detailed negotiations.
Tatsuma nodded. This time, he didn't refuse. His improved attitude was because he wasn't the one in a hurry. It was fine if Fugaku didn't agree now. Once the Hokage faction approaches other Uchiha members with a friendly attitude, it will be Uchiha Fugaku who will be anxious. As for the next invitation from the Uchiha, it's acceptable.
Because the next guest won't be a well-meaning guest like Fugaku today, but a troublesome guest with a lion's share of demands!
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