Hearing Fugaku mention the clan's struggles, Yusuke nodded. "Yes, I'm aware of them."
"Danzo has always been at odds with our Uchiha clan. In past internal disputes, the elders have leaned toward him. The Third Hokage seems to want us to balance each other out," Fugaku sighed.
"Since becoming clan leader, I've carefully maintained relations with all sides. But my abilities are limited. Despite my efforts, I've failed to secure the influence our clan deserves, and tensions with the village keep growing."
Itachi looked up at his father with worry. His father had never shared these clan matters with him, and this was his first time hearing of the family's crisis and the burden on Fugaku's shoulders.
Though only six, Itachi's maturity far surpassed his peers. From his father's words, he sensed the clan's peril and the weight his father carried.
Seeing Fugaku reveal such sensitive matters in his presence, Yusuke realized the clan leader was truly overwhelmed by the clan's issues.
Only in such desperation would a clan leader confide in a junior like him.
Noticing his son's concern, Fugaku smiled and patted Itachi's head, reassuring him not to worry. Turning to Yusuke, he said, "The clan lacks ninjas who can stand on their own, and among them, I've seen no one who could be the clan's true pillar. Until I heard of your outstanding performance in the Third War. I was thrilled and have been watching you closely."
Fugaku's expression grew serious, his eyes locking onto Yusuke's. "But from your actions, I see no sense of clan honor! Tell me, Uchiha Yusuke, what place does the clan hold in your heart?"
His tone was stern, emphasizing Yusuke's name heavily.
Faced with Fugaku's rebuke, Yusuke felt a pang of guilt. He'd focused on training and ninjutsu development, contributing little to the clan.
Yet, he had no intention of abandoning it. Since confirming his Uchiha identity after transmigrating, Yusuke had resolved to save the clan from its tragic fate—just not through political maneuvering.
"Clan Leader, I am an Uchiha, but looking at the situation, do you see a path forward for the clan?" Yusuke asked calmly in return.
Fugaku closed his eyes, letting out a long sigh. Opening them again, his gaze sharpened. "Even if the path isn't clear, the Uchiha clan must persevere. We cannot let it fall on our watch! With your exceptional talent, you should take up this responsibility, not forsake the clan!"
"I haven't forsaken the clan. I've only abandoned saving it through politics," Yusuke said, revealing his true thoughts for the first time.
Fugaku's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
"Under deliberate suppression from various factions, the Uchiha's space in Konoha has shrunk. There are ways to fight back, but I lack the cunning for it," Yusuke said, meeting Fugaku's piercing gaze without flinching.
"So I've poured everything into growing stronger. If the clan had a powerhouse like our ancestor Uchiha Madara, all these schemes and suppressions would be meaningless, and our problems would resolve themselves!" Yusuke declared, no longer hiding his pursuit of power—or ambition.
Fugaku stared, stunned, his eyes filled with disbelief. He'd never imagined Yusuke aimed to reach Uchiha Madara's level.
Since the Sage of the Six Paths, only two had achieved such power: the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, and Uchiha Madara.
"That's why I rarely attend clan meetings. While you and others wrestle with village politics, I've been training relentlessly," Yusuke continued, justifying his absences with conviction, ignoring Fugaku's dazed look.
The meeting hall fell silent. Fugaku pondered the feasibility of Yusuke's vision, while Yusuke waited quietly.
For Yusuke, his goal was unwavering. He'd skipped clan meetings before and would continue to do so.
"Perhaps only someone with your ambition and vision could reach Madara's heights," Fugaku said after a long pause, then asked, "So, what should the clan do now?"
Yusuke thought for a moment. "If it were me, facing pressure from other factions, I'd retreat to advance. Of course, that means preparing to retreat fully if needed. Relinquishing power and focusing on strengthening our clan's ninjas could be a way to survive."
Fugaku shook his head. "I've considered that, but most clansmen wouldn't agree."
Yusuke nodded, saying no more. In his mind, he thought, If the clan leader's authority were strong enough, he could decide with a single word. But such hypotheticals weren't worth voicing.
"For future clan meetings, I'll ensure you're excused. But for critical ones, I'll personally notify you, and you must attend!" Fugaku said, his gaze firm and unyielding.
Yusuke nodded. "Understood. Thank you for your understanding, Clan Leader." With Fugaku conceding so much, rejecting this would be ungracious.
With clan matters settled, Fugaku's expression softened. "There's another reason I asked you here today."
"Please, go ahead," Yusuke said.
"What do you think of Itachi?" Fugaku asked, gently patting his son's shoulder.
Yusuke paused, realizing why Fugaku had included Itachi in their talk. He likely wanted Yusuke to take Itachi as a disciple.
There seemed no other reason for the question—surely not to propose a match between Itachi and Yusuke's sister, Izumi.
"Itachi's six and about to enter the Ninja Academy. I've recently started teaching him ninjutsu. You might think I'm exaggerating, but I believe his talent rivals yours! I'd like you to be his teacher and guide his ninjutsu training," Fugaku said earnestly.
In truth, he believed Itachi's talent surpassed Yusuke's, but he kept that modest.
Itachi, sharp as ever, guessed his father's intent. Hoping for a suitable teacher, he looked at Yusuke expectantly.
Yusuke smiled and nodded. "I can see Itachi's extraordinary talent. I'd be honored to be his teacher. I just didn't expect to take two disciples in one day—it's a strange feeling."
Yusuke had always planned to connect with Itachi, a pivotal figure in the Uchiha's fate. Having Fugaku propose he mentor Itachi was ideal.
Fugaku didn't ask about the other disciple, instead instructing Itachi to perform the formal apprenticeship bow.
Itachi stood from his cushion, knelt on the floor, and gave Yusuke a deep bow. "Uchiha Itachi, please guide me, Teacher."
Yusuke helped him up, officially accepting Itachi as his second disciple. Looking at the young, composed Itachi, Yusuke thought of his sister, Izumi.
"Izumi's about to enter the Ninja Academy too. With Kabuto and Itachi, maybe I should apply to lead a Genin team?" Yusuke mused.
Unaware that Izumi was Itachi's love interest in Itachi Shinden, Yusuke would never have considered this if he knew. In his mind, Itachi's brotherly devotion made him "unbendable."
"Yusuke, have you truly not awakened your Sharingan, or are you hiding your strength?" Fugaku asked after the ceremony.
"I haven't awakened it. I've researched and found it requires intense emotional trauma, so I gave up," Yusuke said helplessly.
Fugaku nodded. "That's generally true. The Sharingan is triggered by Yin Release, or mental energy. With your mental prowess, you should be able to awaken it without external trauma."
Pausing, Fugaku gave Yusuke an odd look. "Your father wasn't an Uchiha. Could it be you didn't inherit the clan's kekkei genkai?"
Yusuke wasn't surprised. "Honestly, I suspect the same."
Though the Uchiha bloodline was dominant, and offspring from mixed marriages typically inherited the Sharingan, a partner with a strong kekkei genkai could result in a child inheriting that instead.
In rare cases, a child might inherit both.
But Yusuke's father was an ordinary man, with no reason to override the Uchiha bloodline, making Yusuke's lack of a Sharingan puzzling.
(End of Chapter)
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Do You Know:
The Sharingan awakens through emotional trauma, enhancing perception and genjutsu.