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Unlike previous gatherings where the Uchiha members would often boast or criticize the Hokage, this meeting had a new and serious objective.
'This isn't right! Why is the clan suddenly considering rebellion now?' Toshiro wondered, watching Hikitsune argue with Yinagi from the second branch. He hadn't expected such a topic to arise.
This shift in attitude could be partly attributed to him. The last time he demonstrated his strength against the Kyuubi, it instilled significant confidence in many clan members. If they knew he had also mastered Sage Mode, their instinct to rebel would likely be even greater.
"You are advocating for betrayal and rebellion. The village has placed great trust in us by giving us the responsibility of the police force. Doing this will drag the village to the brink of destruction," Yinagi protested.
"Humph! Trust us?" Hikitsune scoffed. "The police force was handed to us merely to keep us weak and under surveillance. Trust? If they trusted us, they wouldn't have issued such orders during the Nine-Tails incident. We're all ninjas; I don't need to explain what that means."
"These... these..." Hideya faltered under Hikitsune's intense gaze and questioning, struggling to find a retort. "These are just prejudices from some elders against the Uchiha!"
His voice was weak, betraying his lack of confidence. Toshiro watched, impressed by Hikitsune's questioning and thinking. He hadn't realized there was such a guy in his clan.
Curious, Toshiro glanced at Uchiha Homura, who remained silent at the back. He wondered if Homura had orchestrated this. Over the years, he had seen Homura grow smarter and more strategic.
To Toshiro's surprise, Homura simply rolled his eyes and remained silent.
"Ahem!" Fugaku interrupted, sensing the tension. "This matter is of great importance. I believe we need to hold a clan meeting to discuss it thoroughly and decide."
To Toshiro, this seemed like a delaying tactic. Fugaku was clearly trying to diffuse the situation. He knew that once such a matter was opened for discussion, it would lead to endless debates, dragging on without resolution. Often, things would end inconclusively.
"Captain! We must reach a conclusion on this matter today! Bringing it to the clan meeting is just a stalling tactic!"
Although Fugaku had hoped to delay, Uchiha Hikitsune was well-prepared.
"Once the Sandaime Hokage's decision to let Orochimaru go leaks to the public, his prestige will be greatly damaged," Hikitsune continued. "We can ally with some small and medium-sized clans, build strength for you or Toshiro to become hokage, and then use public opinion to pressure the Third Hokage. If it works, we might finally wash away the shame of all these years!"
"And if that doesn't work, we have a second plan ready! When the time comes... we have to be decisive in our actions..."
"But with the strength of the clan leader and Toshiro, we can put pressure on the clans, big and small, and they will have no choice but to accept it, even if they don't want to."
As Hikitsune spoke confidently, Toshiro was taken aback. He hadn't expected this group to be so strategic, planning to win over less successful clans to gain power and use public opinion against the Third Hokage. They even had a backup plan in place!
At this point, not only Toshiro but also the elders of the clan in the room were stunned. Hikitsune had taken them all by surprise.
Several normally reserved clan members were now energized by Hikitsune's words, their eyes lighting up with a readiness to act. The idea that Konoha, now held together by the aging Sandaime Hokage, was vulnerable seemed plausible. With the Fourth Hokage dead, Jiraiya and Tsunade absent for years, and Orochimaru recently defecting, who could challenge Toshiro and the Fugaku now?
Some bold clan members thought it too troublesome to win over small and medium-sized clans, manipulate public opinion, and pressure the Third Hokage. Why not be more direct? If they killed the Sandaime Hokage, who would dare oppose them?
"You, you, you... You all... really want to rebel?" Yinagi's hands and feet turned cold. He stood up, trembling, and pointed at Hikitsune. Overcome with emotion, his words were awkward.
But Yinagi was also a battle-hardened ninja. After a few breaths, he regained his composure. "Do you realize that this could destroy the peace we've just achieved? If this happens, you will be the sinners of Konoha!"
Uchiha Yinagi's concern was not unfounded. While large-scale wars had ceased, small conflicts still erupted along the borders. The great nations of Lightning, Earth, Wind, and Water were not at peace, and any upheaval in Konoha could spark another war.
"Rebellion? No, this is not a rebellion. Konoha was founded by us, Uchiha. How can it be called rebellion? We are reclaiming our rightful place!"
This statement caused the Uchiha present to gasp and the fire to light under their eyes. Hikitsune continued:
"We are the original founders, the rightful guardians of Konoha. It's time we reclaim what is ours."
"Sinners?"
"How wonderful, Elder Hideya, that you can still debate who the sinners are with me here!"
"With all the suspicion that the hokage shows towards us and also with their plans to move us out to the outskirts, where no one lives, the village's next action is not far from my imagination. I bet even you can understand. What will you do then?"
Everyone present understood the implications of being suspected of disloyalty by their superiors. The outcome was clear.
"If it weren't for your first branch's constant conflicts with the civilians and ambitions, how could the village doubt us?"
"Besides, the Sandaime Hokage has always been generous to us. Why would he do what you're suggesting?"
Hearing this, Hikitsune looked at Yinagi like he was looking at an idiot.
Toshiro watched silently as the leaders of the first and second branches argued. He had no interest in their squabbles over the position of the Hokage.
"Toshiro! As the strongest in the clan, what do you think of this?"
Despite Toshiro's indifference, Uchiha Fugaku knew he couldn't ignore the opinion of someone who had learned senjutsu. He quickly sought his input.
"Hmm~"
"This kind of thing... I don't care, as long as you guys come to a decision!"
"If you choose violence, I can provide the necessary force."
Currently, Toshiro has little interest in the positions of Hokage, clan leader, or even the concept of war or peace. Rather than watching these arguments, he felt his time would be better spent finding Orochimaru.
Wasn't Orochimaru's immortality ninjutsu more interesting than this bickering?
Immortality! Just the thought excited him. Compared to that, any concerns about clan, Hokage, or war seemed trivial. They could make all the trouble they wanted. With his current strength the Hokage and Danzo would not even entertain the idea of attacking the clan.
What truly occupied his thoughts was the hope that Orochimaru hadn't yet completed that ninjutsu, and he knew it required a different body.
He had no interest in becoming a gender bending guy or anything of the sort. But if he were facing old age, cloning might be a viable option... not a bad idea at all.
Hearing Toshiro's response, Fugaku sighed with relief. He had feared that Toshiro might support the other side's plan, which would have made the situation uncontrollable.
Thankfully, Toshiro maintained the third branch's typical stance, neither supporting nor opposing such matters. This allowed Fugaku to continue his strategy.
"For such a major issue concerning the whole clan, we need to gather all those qualified to participate in the discussion and deliberate together!"
"Fugaku-sama..."
"Hikitsune, I know you're considering the clan's best interests, but this matter is too important for us to act rashly!"
The meeting at the garrison involved fewer than 20 people, all key members of the clan. However, compared to the entire clan, this was a small number. Fugaku used this as an excuse to delay the matter for now.
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