"Natsuhiko-sensei, is there really no other way?"
Fugaku looked at Natsuhiko with a pleading expression, a rare sight for him.
However, coupled with his sharp eyes and serious face, it seemed more like a threat to Natsuhiko.
Fortunately, Natsuhiko didn't mind and calmly replied, "Well... there might be a way."
Fugaku was slightly surprised, not expecting such a straightforward response. He thought Natsuhiko would either outright refuse or evade the question.
But to his surprise, he got the answer he wanted so quickly.
This made Fugaku somewhat doubtful, not daring to rejoice too soon.
Then he heard Natsuhiko continue, "Captain Fugaku since you have some knowledge of Shinobi Cards, you should know about the ranking mode in this game."
Fugaku nodded.
The ranking mode, also known as the ladder, was the most popular game mode in the Tavern.
In this mode, players were divided into five ranks: Academy Student, Genin, Chunin, Jonin, and Hokage, based on their ranking.
Players could improve their ranking by battling other players, thus advancing their rank.
This mode lasted three months per season, and rewards were distributed at the end of each season based on player ranks and standings.
Due to the lucrative rewards of this mode, it was trendy among players.
Natsuhiko continued, "So, Captain Fugaku, you should know that the player ranked first in each season will have the right to challenge the current Duel King."
"If they manage to defeat the current Duel King, they will become the new Duel King."
Seeing Fugaku's confusion, Natsuhiko smiled and explained further, "Don't think of it as just a title."
"Players who become the Duel King will also receive a series of corresponding rewards."
"Such as an unreleased portable Dueling Disc, a special hairstyle package from Tony-sensei's Konoha Hair Salon, the opportunity to become the image spokesperson for Shinobi Cards, participate in various promotional activities, and so on."
"More importantly, the Shinobi Tavern will release a special card pack for the new Duel King, with new cards designed according to their ideas."
"After all, becoming the Duel King is no easy feat, so even if their card designs are a bit unconventional, we'll try to accommodate their requests as much as possible, and I believe the players will understand."
"..."
Although Natsuhiko-sensei had clearly provided him with a path, Fugaku felt like there were countless pitfalls ahead.
Fugaku wanted to ask further, but Natsuhiko only gave him a meaningful smile before disappearing.
Only the echoes of his words lingered in the small grove.
"Since this concerns Shinobi Cards, it's best to resolve it using Shinobi Cards' methods."
"If you want Uchiha Madara's themed deck, then come challenge me."
"I'll be waiting for you on the Duel King's throne!"
Fugaku murmured to himself as he stood there.
"Using Shinobi Cards' methods..."
"Is this a response to what I said about 'the way of the ninja' earlier?"
He shook his head wryly.
It seemed Natsuhiko-sensei was a bit petty.
But since using the ninja way couldn't save Uchiha Madara's image, perhaps... trying a different approach might...
Fugaku stood there for a long time before finally seeming to make a decision and disappeared in a flash.
The entire grove returned to tranquillity, with only the faint chirping of insects remaining.
...
In the evening.
In a large mansion in the Uchiha Clan territory.
The patriarch of the Uchiha Clan, Uchiha Fugaku the First, was sitting cross-legged on the veranda, playing shogi to entertain himself.
At this moment, Uchiha Fugaku walked over from one end of the veranda.
"Father, the matter has been resolved."
He knelt beside him and bowed slightly.
"Ah, I see."
Uchiha Fugaku The first held a chess piece in his hand, studying the complex situation on the board, and casually asked, "Shou didn't injure the other person, did he?"
"That kid named Natsuhiko has been gaining attention lately. We don't want others to get any handle on our clan."
Fugaku hesitated for a moment before replying, "Father, Shou lost this time."
There was a crisp sound.
The silver general in Fukuyama's hand fell onto the chessboard, scattering the pieces, making it impossible to discern their original position.
Even the clan leader, who was slightly stunned, couldn't recall the original state of the board.
Helplessly, he chuckled, swept the pieces into the chess box, and shook his head.
"It's fine to lose. It's a good lesson for Shou to not look down on others."
"But afterwards, you need to keep a closer eye on him. After all, his grandfather is the Elder, and with his protective nature, he might not let it go easily."
Fugaku replied, "Father, rest assured. I've already reminded Shou. With his personality, he definitely won't go around talking."
"As for the injuries, I let him blame them on me."
"But in doing so, my reputation as the fierce-eyed Fugaku will probably become even more prominent."
Fugaku The First chuckled at this, pointing at Fugaku, "I wonder who you inherited those eyes from. Since you were little, you've always had such a fierce look."
"I remember Mikoto used to be scared to tears by you when you were little. I didn't expect you to..."
*cough cough cough.*
Fugaku coughed lightly, interrupting his father's words.
"Alright, let's talk about the main issue."
Fugaku the First smiled and, after pondering for a moment, said, "As for Natsuhiko and the Shinobi Tavern, I must admit, I don't quite understand their purpose."
"I'm getting old, and my ability to accept new things is lacking."
"Fugaku, do you think we should continue to observe or follow what other clans did and cancel our authorisation?"
Fugaku shook his head and gave his carefully considered answer.
"No, Father. Precisely because this is something new, it offers our clan a chance to rebuild our image."
"So we should intensify our efforts and establish a good relationship with Natsuhiko-sensei."
It would be best to cooperate with him, perhaps even invest in the Shinobi Tavern.
Fugaku The First raised an eyebrow at this, "It seems you have a high opinion of this 'Natsuhiko-sensei'."
Fugaku nodded, "After all, he transformed that pervert into a hero capable of rivalling the likes of Madara Uchiha and Uchiha Itachi in just two months."
Fukuyama couldn't help but be speechless, "Are you talking about Old Sasuke? Back then, he used to feign amnesia and sneak into the women's bath. I caught him doing that many times. I never thought his reputation would improve after he died."
"Father, it's because sometimes the dead are more useful than the living," Fugaku said.
"We can boast about the dead all we want without worrying about them being exposed to the truth."
"But the living, like us Uchiha Clan, despite being so popular during our time at the academy, we are shunned by others due to our personalities when they get to know us."
"So I plan to follow the route of Sarutobi Hiruzen, using novels, movies, and other means to change the younger generation's perception of Uchiha Itachi."
"After all, Uchiha Madara is dead. Even if we change his character image, we're not afraid of people seeing the real Uchiha Madara."
Fukuyama hesitated upon hearing this.
"Is this really a good idea? After all, he was once the leader of our clan."
Fugaku replied, "Father, much of our clan's current situation can be attributed to him. Starting with him to solve our problems is only natural."
"I believe the Uchiha Madara in the Pure Land... would be pleased with this."
No one knew whether that person would be pleased or not. But seeing Fugaku, confident and full of ideas, he felt relieved.
After taking a deep breath, he said, "In that case, you should give it a try."
"I'm sure you already have a preliminary plan. What's the first step?"
Fugaku hesitated for a moment before showing a determined expression.
"To save Uchiha Madara, first, I need to become the Duel King."
Uchiha Fugaku za first: "???"
(End of This Chapter)
P.S. So, I have been seriously sick for the past 8-9 days and have not been able to post regularly. Also, Webnovel took down my latest translation project like a retard (upon some Weiner's report), So I am planning to move my books to QQ, Royalroad, and Scribblehub. Do let me know your suggestions regarding this matter, though. Even though I am not fully healed right now, I still desire to keep my dear readers happy, so I will be uploading five chapters on Webnovel and % chapters on Patreon altogether. I hope you guys enjoy and pray for my health, and you may also subscribe to my dry ahh Patreon to pay for medical bills, sly smile.
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