"Start!" The referee gave the order, his right hand chopping down sharply.
Naraku pulled out his shuriken and threw it at Fugaku. Uchiha Fugaku did the same, and their weapons clashed mid-air.
The shuriken collided perfectly, both shinobis skilfully deflecting each other's attacks. Every thrown tool was countered with precision.
Naraku's last shinobi tool hit the ground. He channelled chakra to his feet and jumped, forming hand seals rapidly, ending with the Tiger seal.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
Almost at the same time, Uchiha Fugaku unleashed the jutsu. The two fireballs collided head-on!
A wave of heat spread through the field as red light filled the area. Thankfully, the clan members watching were all Chūnin or Jōnin and could withstand the heat.
Naraku and Fugaku kept pouring chakra into their flames.
Eventually, Naraku began to fall behind—his youth leaving him at a disadvantage in chakra reserves.
Fugaku's expression remained calm, indifferent as ever. But his chakra output intensified, making his flames grow even larger.
The referee activated his Sharingan to monitor the battle closely and intervene immediately if things went out of control.
"As expected of Fugaku…"
"So strong!"
The spectators murmured among themselves.
"As expected of you, Big Brother Fugaku!" Naraku gritted his teeth, emphasizing the words "Big Brother." His loss was not due to lack of skill—but age.
"The outside world calls me a Copy Ninja," Naraku said, stepping back and stopping his jutsu. "But today, I'll show you my original ninjutsu!"
He leapt to the wall, feet sticking to the surface with chakra, then quickly formed a new set of seals. Afterwards, he grabbed his right wrist with his left hand as visible chakra began to gather in his palm.
Blue lightning sparked and crackled—its high-pitched squeal sounded like a thousand birds chirping.
It was Naraku's signature original jutsu: Chidori.
"The lightning is forming in his hand!"
"Is this control over the Lightning Release?!"
"Why does it sound like birds?!"
The Uchiha around the field gasped in shock. They activated their Sharingan, attempting to analyze Chidori.
Normally, copying jutsu was easy for Sharingan users. But this time, they realized the technique was far more complex—highly refined chakra control, nature transformation, and incredible speed were all required. Copying it wouldn't be easy.
Naraku's unique chakra affinity allowed him to use multiple elemental releases. During combat, he could counter opponents with the same elemental techniques, often overwhelming them.
And now, instead of just copying jutsu, Uchiha Naraku had created his own.
A feat that only true prodigies could accomplish.
The elders exchanged looks—serious, but impressed.
"Brother Fugaku, I won't hold back. My Chidori isn't meant to be stopped halfway. Surrender now!"
"Chidori, is it?" Fugaku replied. Though cautious inside, his face stayed calm. "Then come at me."
"Ahh!" Naraku yelled as lightning surged through his body. His speed and strength spiked from the Lightning Release enhancement.
In the blink of an eye, Naraku appeared before Fugaku.
But instead of aiming for his opponent, Naraku plunged the Chidori into the ground beside him.
Boom! A loud crack split the air as a large hole appeared.
Fugaku broke into a cold sweat. Even with his Sharingan activated, he hadn't expected Naraku to move so fast. He had seen the motion, but his body couldn't react in time.
"You lose," Naraku said coldly.
Fugaku stood still. Naraku had held back. He could have landed a direct hit.
Fugaku's usually expressionless face revealed a hint of frustration. This was the first time he had faced Naraku's original jutsu—and it had caught him off guard. He could now think of ways to counter it, but...
"...I lost," Fugaku admitted, bitterly.
From the stands, Uchiha Sanzō—Naraku's father—nodded slightly, proud of his son's performance.
"Brother," Sanzō said to Uchiha Daizō beside him, "It doesn't matter who takes the position. No need to push them into harming each other. Naraku recently rescued the villagers of Uzushio from the border—he made a great contribution. He was personally praised by Lord Hiruzen. Fugaku is older, but let him give way this time."
"...Yes," Daizō nodded without expression.
Uchiha Naraku received five more votes from the elders.
Final tally: 60 votes to 56. Naraku was declared the winner and elected clan head.
"Uchiha Naraku wins. The inauguration ceremony will be held in three days. From then on, Uchiha Naraku shall carry the honour of leading our clan," Daizō announced calmly.
He didn't use chakra to amplify his voice, but everyone present heard him clearly.
The Uchiha elite broke into applause.
Later, at Naraku's residence…
Uchiha Daizō and Uchiha Sanzō sat at the head of the table in the main room. Naraku sat below, respectfully reporting his plans.
"Now that you've won the election, Naraku," Daizō said flatly, "you will lead the clan. Do you have any vision for the Uchiha's future?"
That distant, proud demeanour ran deep in the Fugaku family—from Daizō to Fugaku, and later even Itachi.
"Uncle," Naraku began, "The Uchiha clan has been repeatedly suppressed by Konoha's upper leadership. Despite our recent achievements, they've transferred us to the Eastern Blue Coast to guard against the Land of Water."
"But the Land of Water is chaotic. It lacks the strength and will to invade the Fire Country. The assignment is not strategic—it's political."
"Our clan controls the Konoha Military Police. We are funded by the village, yet we independently train our ninjas. While other clans suffer on the battlefield, we remain secure and grow stronger."
"If I were the Third Hokage, I'd be considering using us to balance against other countries."
He let the silence hang, then continued.
"Our mission as the police force is law and order. But what if the Hokage summons us to war? Do we accept? If we do, we lose men. If we refuse, we invite suspicion—and conflict."
Daizō and Sanzō fell into deep thought.
"If we obey this time, will we be forced to obey every time? And if not, how do we prepare for the consequences?"
Naraku's gaze was firm.
"The biggest issue is that the Guard Division's reputation is poor among villagers and fellow shinobi. We're seen as oppressive. If we want to survive and earn our place—we must change that."