Uchiha Nan stood there, his smile growing ever more pronounced as he basked in the crowd's cheers.
"Tiehuo, the clan meeting will start tomorrow afternoon at the usual place, Nanga Shrine."
"Yes!" Uchiha Tiehuo nodded in agreement, and then Uchiha Nan waved his hand, dismissing everyone.
In just one morning, Uchiha Nan's actions caused an uproar within the Uchiha clan, even overshadowing the shocking news of Tobirama's death.
Uchiha Nan intended to overthrow the clan leader, Uchiha Tomita, and take his place.
One big revelation after another; the Uchiha clan hadn't had such engaging gossip in a long time. It was exhilarating!
At this moment...
In Uchiha Tomita's home, the spacious and bright living room felt cramped, with over a dozen Uchiha clan members staring sharply at Uchiha Tomita, who sat upright.
His wife, Uchiha Meiya, was busy serving drinks to the guests. The usual snacks were insufficient, causing her some stress.
So many people arrived unexpectedly, and there was no time to prepare.
However, the Uchiha present weren't interested in snacks or tea. As supporters of Uchiha Tomita, they were perplexed by recent events in Konoha.
First, Senju Tobirama was killed during negotiations—a shocking development yet to be fully processed.
Then, the family's genius, Uchiha Nan, disrupted everything by challenging the clan leader. Rumor had it that he also spread the news of Tobirama's death.
They were too familiar with Nan. If not for his Sharingan, one might suspect he was from the Senju clan.
Uchiha Tomita held a pipe, taking deep drags to calm his anxiety.
His subordinates were confused, and so was he. In just two days, everything changed dramatically—like a decade's worth of events compressed into a short time.
Uchiha Tomita felt old and out of touch with the times.
Just two days ago, he planned to ask Senju Tobirama for more compensation after signing a peace agreement.
To fight this war, he deployed all the ninjas trained by the clan to the battlefield.
The clan's weapons industry provided shurikens, kunai, and other weapons to Konoha, amounting to astronomical figures.
And there were countless military rations pills!
It was all about money!
Ninjas risk their lives for money!
There were all sorts of compensations, and Tobirama was dragging his feet—a verbal battle was inevitable.
But now it's all gone.
Tobirama is dead!
He died suddenly, with no warning.
Uchiha Nan, the captain of the guard team whom Tomita had promoted, changed his usual demeanor and now sought to overthrow him and become the clan leader.
Soon, Tomita's living room was filled with smoke. Half of the Uchiha present were habitual smokers, initially planning to restrain themselves at the clan leader's home.
But with Tomita leading, they joined in.
Puff, puff...
An Uchiha blew out a smoke ring. Seeing Tomita still smoking, he grew impatient and wanted to speak.
"Clan leader, what should we do about the meeting tomorrow afternoon?" someone asked, prompting others to chime in.
"Yes, clan leader, Uchiha Nan must have been planning this for a long time. He was the first to learn of Tobirama's death." Uchiha Tomita recalled Nan's past demeanor, which was entirely different from now.
As the clan leader for over a decade, he was skilled at reading people. He hadn't seen through Nan before.
Disguise!
Some people can maintain a facade for so long.
The young truly are formidable.
Only after Tobirama's death did Nan reveal his true intentions. He had long aspired to be Hokage!
Tomita admired Nan's genius. His character and strength were exceptional.
At this moment, it was indeed the closest Uchiha had come to becoming Hokage, but Tomita was puzzled.
Why did Nan believe he could succeed?
Uchiha Nan was strong. He had easily defeated Uchiha Kagami that morning. Few in the Uchiha clan were stronger.
Even against Nan, Tomita wasn't confident of winning. In combat, Nan might already be the strongest Uchiha.
But leadership isn't just about combat prowess!
Does he think he can be clan leader just because he's strong?
Tomita quickly surveyed the Uchiha in the room.
Almost all had activated the three-tomoe Sharingan, and all were jonin—a formidable team. Led by him, they could even challenge Senju Tobirama, though the cost would be unbearable for Uchiha.
What's the use of being strong?
You need power and influence to thrive!
With Tobirama gone, he felt vulnerable. Without unlocking the Mangekyō Sharingan, there was no significant difference among the Uchiha.
"Okay, enough complaints."
"Uchiha Nan is a family genius. Having just returned from the battlefield, arrogance is understandable. We're all family. I was elected clan leader after Madara left Konoha."
"Since Nan believes he's more suited to be clan leader and has called a clan meeting, let's settle it there. Let the Uchiha decide who's more suitable."
Tomita interrupted the discussion, speaking calmly but with a chill that all present felt.
Nan was in for trouble this time!
"Clan leader, you know I'll support you!"
"Me too, me too!"
"That brat Nan is too arrogant. He has no idea what you've done for the family."
"Nan must pay the price!"
The Uchiha collectively expressed their loyalty to Tomita.
"Alright, no matter what, Nan is a family genius and a Konoha hero. He's just young and impulsive. When you all reach his age and strength, you might be just as arrogant."
Tomita interrupted, expressing a tolerant attitude toward Nan. Geniuses are tolerated wherever they go.
When he and Fugaku age, Fugaku might not be able to lead Uchiha, and Nan would be a good choice.
But not now. As clan leader, he could step down voluntarily, but he'd never tolerate being ousted.