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"Kyomu, you called for me."
Obito pushed open the door, followed by Fugaku. If Fugaku were not in his prime and Obito younger, the title of Uchiha Clan leader would undoubtedly belong to Obito, given his relationship with Kyomu.
Regardless, once Obito turned eighteen, the position of clan leader would inevitably fall to him. This was indisputable. Consequently, Obito's status within the Uchiha Clan had risen, and Fugaku had given him significant authority within the family.
The Uchiha clan, known for their extreme pride, showed a clear hierarchy. The fact that Obito walked ahead of Fugaku without the latter showing displeasure spoke volumes.
Obito's manner of addressing Kyomu hadn't changed, reflecting their close bond. Fugaku had no intention of competing with Obito over this relationship.
It's not just Obito; others like Kakashi, Guy, Yugito, and Rin also called Kyomu by his first name, indicating their close relationship and high status.
Seeing Obito enter, Kyomu smiled and motioned for him and Fugaku to sit on the guest sofa. Once they sat, Kyomu circled his desk and sat beside Obito.
"Slap."
Kyomu playfully slapped Obito's leg, smiling as he scolded him, "Sitting with your legs crossed in front of me?"
"You're doing the same," Obito retorted nonchalantly. "Kyomu, what's up? I've got some free time these days."
Kyomu's smile widened, appreciating Obito's ease around him. Despite wielding great power and respect from others, having a friend who treated him casually was refreshing.
In the next moment, Kyomu grew serious, and Obito followed suit, knowing the importance of the situation.
"Obito, Fugaku, I've located Madara's hiding place," Kyomu began with a bombshell. "Additionally, I know the locations of some Uchiha shrines."
Upon hearing this, Fugaku and Obito exchanged glances. Fugaku quickly responded, "Lord Ryukage, does Madara's hideout contain... the Uchiha artifacts?"
"Naturally," Kyomu nodded. "I brought you here to retrieve what rightfully belongs to the Uchiha. Moreover, now that the Land of Fire is part of our territory, it's time to reclaim the treasures left by your ancestors in those shrines."
Fugaku agreed, "Indeed, it's time. The Uchiha no longer need a retreat. We can move forward boldly."
The Uchiha Clan, with a millennium of history, undoubtedly had contingency plans. Scattered shrines across the ninja world were the Uchiha ancestors' way of ensuring survival.
These shrines contained the clan's trump cards, unknown to outsiders but crucial for survival and resurgence.
Among these treasures were the legendary Uchiha artifacts: the Kusanagi Sword, the Totsuka Blade, the Yata Mirror, and the Yasaka Magatama.
These artifacts, passed down through generations, were Uchiha's foundation. Also, the Uchiha Fan, an artifact of immense power, was taken by Madara.
With these artifacts, the Uchiha could transform their Susanoo from its first stage to a complete form, providing unparalleled strength.
Fugaku's decision to retrieve these artifacts signified total commitment to Ryugakure, binding the clan's fate with Kyomu's.
"Minister Fugaku, I've heard the Uchiha have five great artifacts. Is that true?" Kyomu asked, curious.
"That's true," Fugaku confirmed, "but to be precise, we have six."
"Oh?" Kyomu raised an eyebrow. "The sixth artifact is..."
"There are two Kusanagi Swords," Fugaku explained, glancing at the blade at Kyomu's side. "The first resembles your Yoei, while the second is a multi-edged sword, incredibly sharp and capable of changing length."
"You Uchiha ancestors were quite generous," Kyomu remarked.
Fugaku smiled. "Lord Ryukage, we're honored by your words."
Kyomu laughed, patting Fugaku's shoulder. "Minister Fugaku, retrieving all these artifacts, won't you miss them?"
"The Uchiha deserve to restore our ancestors' glory. We're excited, not regretful," Fugaku declared. "We await your command to shine the light of the Sharingan across the ninja world again."
Kyomu nodded, pleased. His plan for the Fourth Ninja War was coming together, with the Uchiha as the vanguard.
"Then, Minister Fugaku, please retrieve the artifacts from the shrines. Obito and I will head to Madara's hideout."
Fugaku nodded but then made a request, "Lord Ryukage, may I bring my second son, Sasuke?"
"Sasuke?" Kyomu considered, "Is it about the distribution of artifacts?"
"Yes," Fugaku replied. "Sasuke's talent surpasses any Uchiha in our history, even Madara. I plan to have him use four of the artifacts."
He continued, "Three of these are Susanoo artifacts, left by our ancestors. They can only be wielded by the inheritor of Susanoo."
Kyomu understood. "These artifacts can be passed down multiple times?"
"They can, but the knowledge to transfer and store them was taken by Madara," Fugaku sighed. "This delayed our retrieval, fearing they'd be lost. But now, with your discovery, we can reclaim them safely."
Kyomu connected the dots. "The process must be similar to transfer seals?"
"Indeed, but more complex," Fugaku agreed, blaming Madara for their prolonged hardship. "Had Madara cooperated with you, we wouldn't have suffered these past decades."
Kyomu didn't comment, standing up to leave. "The future is set. We only need time to solidify it. Obito and I will head to the Mountain Graveyard. Prepare to leave, Minister Fugaku."
"Yes, Lord Ryukage."
With that, Obito activated Kamui, pulling both himself and Kyomu into the Kamui dimension.
Once they left, Fugaku turned to Shisui, who had been diligently waiting in the office.
"Shisui, I hope you understand my decision regarding the artifacts."
"Clan Leader, Sasuke's talent justifies him having the artifacts. It's not favoritism," Shisui assured. "I understand, as does Itachi. Everyone will."
"Good," Fugaku nodded. "Then, I'll be off. Visit home when your duties allow."
Shisui was momentarily taken aback, then smiled. "Understood, Clan Leader."
After Shisui's response, Fugaku left, beginning his journey to retrieve the Uchiha artifacts.
Meanwhile, Kyomu and Obito, guided by White Zetsu's spore clone, arrived at the Mountain Graveyard.
"Hey, sitting even in death," Kyomu laughed, seeing the skeleton seated upright. "Madara's arrogance remains."
Obito's gaze also landed on the skeleton, devoid of reverence, only mockery.
Surveying the surroundings, Obito remarked disdainfully, "A rat hiding in the shadows, unworthy of the Uchiha name."
"Maybe he hoped for a glorious return," Kyomu mused.
"The old era is over. Even if he returned at his peak, what could he do?" Obito's logic was sound, earning Kyomu's approval.
"Obito, your understanding and style have improved," Kyomu praised. "You've mastered the art of being smooth."
"Shut up," Obito retorted, rolling his eyes, but his attention was quickly drawn to a large fan.
"The Uchiha Fan!" Obito rushed to grab it, ignoring the nearby scythe. "Haha, I've got an artifact. Kakashi will be so jealous! I won't let him touch it!"
"Such ambition," Kyomu teased. "Now, pack up Madara's belongings, especially the books. Don't leave anything."
"Got it."
Obito eagerly strapped the fan to his back, starting to gather the preserved books.
Kyomu then turned to White Zetsu's spore clone, "Nagato knows the secret of the Rinnegan, right?"
"Lord Ryukage, as you predicted, he knows," the spore clone confirmed, hinting at allegiance.
"This gets interesting," Kyomu smiled at Madara's remains. "Should we reset Madara's plans?"
(End of Chapter)