After confirming his acceptance as a disciple, Sasuke promptly left.
He knew his father likely needed to discuss matters privately with the new clan leader, and his presence would be disrespectful.
Besides, Sasuke vowed to work even harder, especially after hearing his father speak highly of their new leader's extraordinary strength, even admitting he wasn't a match. It was this leader who'd single-handedly averted catastrophe that night, protecting the clan from ruin.
This filled Sasuke with determination, though thinking of his brother's betrayal again ignited shame and anger, further motivating his decision to follow Yuhara as his teacher. After all, this was the first time he'd seen his usually reserved father praise someone so openly.
"You've really created trouble for me, Fugaku-kun," Yuhara teased once Sasuke had left. "You know I've never trained a student before. But tell your younger son to get ready—my student won't have it easy."
"Clan leader, I only have one son," Fugaku said solemnly. "Sasuke is my only child now. Please train him to become a capable shinobi."
Fugaku's seriousness momentarily embarrassed Yuhara, but he quickly redirected the conversation. After all, Yuhara had expelled Itachi from the clan, and Sarutobi Hiruzen had expelled him from the village, effectively erasing Itachi as Fugaku's son.
As they chatted on their way to the shrine, Fugaku quietly shared his speculations linking Sarutobi Hiruzen to Obito, shocking Yuhara. Yuhara had never imagined Fugaku's imagination was so vivid to make such connections.
Then again, Yuhara realized that without foreknowledge of the plot, Fugaku's misunderstanding was quite plausible—especially given what Fugaku had seen in Naruto's home. Yuhara considered if he should exploit this later to trouble Sarutobi.
Like Sarutobi destroying Root's files—which didn't bother Yuhara since he could fabricate anything afterward—combining Naruto's identity, Danzo's issues, and evidence left by Danzo, Yuhara believed with careful planning, he could severely damage or even completely topple Sarutobi's standing as Hokage in the future.
Though that was for later, planning ahead came naturally to Yuhara as someone originally from a cautious and strategic background.
When he didn't yet have a system and foresaw disaster looming over his clan, he'd already planned an escape. It might sound dishonorable now, but running was better than waiting helplessly for death, right?
"I understand your thoughts, Fugaku-kun, but let's keep this quiet for now. We need careful planning," Yuhara finally advised.
"I understand, Clan leader."
Soon after, Yuhara and Fugaku reached the shrine, finding Shisui, Uchiha Sō, and Uchiha Takechi already waiting.
They'd intended to meet the day before, but Yuhara had been occupied. Without delay, he immediately explained the three conditions he'd secured from Sarutobi, details of yesterday's meetings, and his discussion with Nara Shikaku.
Upon hearing this, all four—Shisui, Fugaku, Sō, and Takechi—showed expressions of admiration and respect.
Reflecting briefly, Yuhara realized their feelings clearly. Whether it was Takechi advocating aggressive rebellion or Sō seeking peaceful negotiation, their goal was simply fair treatment for the clan and its prosperity in Konoha.
Now Yuhara had eliminated Danzo, secured vital conditions from Sarutobi, and inflicted severe losses on the Hokage, creating opportunities for their clan's future. How could they not admire and respect this young leader?
Sō and Takechi especially felt reassured, knowing they'd chosen wisely. Yuhara could be forceful when needed, compromising at the perfect moment to secure the best outcomes. His actions clearly demonstrated they'd made the right choice.
"Alright, everyone, calm down," Yuhara said, smiling gently once he understood their reactions. "Though we gained these benefits and Sarutobi promised cooperation, the final outcome still depends entirely on our own actions. External conditions matter, but internal change is equally critical. If we don't improve ourselves and fulfill our promises, even Konoha's forced cooperation won't help. People aren't fools; our situation would revert to exactly as before."
"We understand clearly, Clan leader!" all four quickly acknowledged.
"Good. Since we're all on the same page, you must already know what comes next," Yuhara tapped the table lightly, growing serious. "First, I'll reform our internal education system—affecting both adults and especially children. Adults' thinking is already deeply rooted; their perspectives can change, but it's challenging. Children, however, are nearly blank slates. Teaching them proper ways of thinking and understanding is essential now."
"Second is reforming the Police Force. We must establish proper, legal guidelines. This reform will be complicated, but absolutely necessary. I've obtained permission to expand the Police Force, but initially, people might be reluctant to join due to its poor reputation—partly our own doing, partly due to Konoha's leadership. Only by proving our reliability can we earn trust and attract new members."
Pausing briefly, Yuhara continued firmly, "This process will be incredibly challenging and arduous. External problems have temporarily subsided, but internal reforms have only just begun. Everyone, I need your help to build a better future!"
"We await your orders, Clan leader! Let's restore Uchiha's greatness once more!"
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P/S: If you are interested, you can read up to 30+ at patreon.com/Emik01.