Chapter 7: The Gathering Storm

Time: 12:22 AM.

Location: Clan Head's study. ………

"Lord Fugaku, it is Uchiha Nanshu!"

Standing outside the study, Nanshu announced his name. He had thought he could finally catch a breath, but he hadn't expected to be summoned to see the Clan Head the moment he lay down; the information network of the Uchiha Police Force was not to be underestimated.

But with such high vigilance, why had they failed to notice the abnormal behavior of Itachi Uchiha over these past two years? Nanshu muttered inwardly.

After Nanshu announced his name, a man's voice came from inside the study.

"Come in."

"Yes!"

He opened the sliding door and entered the room.

The first thing he saw upon entering was the man sitting on a cushion. In the dimly lit study, Uchiha Fugaku sat quietly in place. He had a composed expression, sharp-angled features, and a tall, sturdy build. His pair of pitch-black eyes examined this junior, whom he usually took care of, with a cautious gaze.

"Excuse me, did you wish to see me? Lord Fugaku."

Uchiha Fugaku examined him for a few moments before signaling for Nanshu to sit down. The atmosphere in the air was slightly oppressive.

Sitting there quietly, despite not speaking, he exerted an inexplicable pressure with every movement. Coupled with the fact that he had barely spoken since Nanshu entered, that cold silence felt like needles pricking his back, making Nanshu feel uneasy. Nanshu couldn't quite grasp what Uchiha Fugaku was thinking.

"Nanshu, do you know how the massive walls of Konoha came to be?"

Uchiha Fugaku spoke. His calm tone was as casual as a daily greeting, yet it carried an indescribable pressure. It was a suppression from the mental level, as well as a sense of intimidation from a position of superiority.

Nanshu did not know what Uchiha Fugaku meant, so he could only be as cautious as possible.

"Um... according to the seniors in the clan, it was a wall built during the time of the First Hokage. You could say the age of the wall is the history of Konoha Village itself."

Nanshu thought to himself that this history had been described before; the First Hokage sat on a rock and witnessed the scene of the wall being built with his own eyes. But honestly, in terms of the power levels that collapsed in the later stages, that wall didn't feel like a fortress to defend against external enemies, but rather more like a trap to catch a turtle in a jar...

"That's right. When Konoha Village was first established, it was just a small village with a few clans. Because we hadn't signed a peace treaty with the Senju Clan at that time, the village itself was not stable. But not long after that, the Uchiha Clan made peace with the Senju. The two strongest clans of the Warring States period joined hands to create the foundation of Konoha Village, and even this wall was a symbol of that 'testimony'—it was built by the Uchiha and Senju together."

"On the very day it was completed, the First Hokage stood in front of the wall and left these words for the people of the Uchiha Clan. He said: The friendship between the Uchiha and the Senju is like the wall protecting Konoha Village; I hope it will never crumble until the end of the future."

"At that time, the Uchiha and the Senju were entities mentioned in the same breath, and the other clans were like children in front of us, not worth mentioning."

"But as time passed, the pride and memories of the past no longer exist."

"Today, the massive wall standing at the border is a giant prison for the Uchiha. We are firmly trapped inside the wall, unable to go out and unable to escape."

Uchiha Fugaku stood up and walked to the window, looking at the pitch-black night outside with a worried expression.

"We Uchiha should have been the clan the village was most proud of. In terms of contribution, the Uchiha Clan gave almost everything during the Second Shinobi World War. Even I lost my closest friend during the Second Shinobi World War..." (Referencing TV settings; in this work, Fugaku possesses the Mangekyo.)

"But the current high-level officials of Konoha treat the Uchiha as a thorn in their side, targeting us everywhere."

"The strategy of monitoring us has already caused dissatisfaction among many clansmen. If this continues, I worry that something will happen. Nanshu, can you understand what I mean?"

"Is the Clan Head worried that some clansmen will take risks?"

"It's not worry; they have never intended to hide it." Uchiha Fugaku turned back and sat down on the cushion again. His face was serious, and his eyes stared straight at Uchiha Nanshu as if to see through him.

"For example, tonight you broke the squad rules I established and openly violated the patrol guidelines by running to the territory of the Hyuga Clan."

"Lord Fugaku, please allow me to explain..."

Nanshu stood up, wanting to offer an explanation, and he was confident that his reasons were perfectly justified.

However, before Nanshu could even open his mouth after standing up, he was pressed back down by a wave of Fugaku's hand.

Fugaku said earnestly: "I know you were following the order issued by the Third Hokage a few days ago, so I don't mean to blame you. But do you know what it means for the clan and for the high-level officials for the Uchiha to contact other major clans without authorization?"

"That is something the high-level officials do not want to see, and it is also something I do not want to see."

Uchiha Fugaku's tone suddenly became serious.

"The Uchiha are currently in a troubled autumn. I hope that you, as well as the Hawks in the clan, will not continue to provoke the high-level officials with such meaningless matters."

"You are still young; there is no need to get involved this early. Do you understand what I mean, Nanshu?"

Fugaku stared at Nanshu seriously as he spoke. It seemed he had mistaken Nanshu's actions today as being instigated by the Hawks behind the scenes. After all, many of the Hawks were young members of the clan, so even if Nanshu were a Hawk, it wouldn't be surprising.

Nanshu didn't know what to say. Although Fugaku had misunderstood him, it seemed better to let him continue to misunderstand. After all, the Uchiha were either Hawks or Doves; a centrist in such a period was basically someone who pleased no one.

Besides, Fugaku himself actually leaned towards the methods of the Hawks; otherwise, he wouldn't have thought of launching a rebellion in the end.

"Alright, let's end the discussion on this matter for now."

Nanshu's silence was interpreted by Fugaku as acquiescence. He rubbed the bridge of his nose with a headache and let out a heavy sigh.

"Next, tell me the details of this matter carefully. I want every detail."

Nanshu nodded. As for the gag order from the Third Hokage, he ignored it directly. After all, unlike Itachi Uchiha, he stood entirely on the side of the Uchiha, so he didn't care about Konoha's stance.

"The beginning of the matter is like this: tonight, when I was patrolling..." ………

By the time the sky was just beginning to brighten, Uchiha Nanshu finally dragged his tired body out of the study.

Uchiha Fugaku did not impose any substantial punishment on him, only saying that he would not pursue his responsibility given that the matter had not escalated.

However, his work in the Police Force was suspended, and being placed on leave at home for a month was considered an explanation to the outside world. After all, this matter had to take into account the reactions of other clans and the high-level officials.

"You did well in this matter. If it is truly as you said, perhaps we Uchiha will get a chance to catch our breath."

"More importantly, you basically didn't leave any handles behind. That is what puts my mind at ease the most."

"It's just..."

A look of worry appeared on Fugaku's face. He said: "It's just that I hope there won't be any complications. If it is truly as you said, perhaps it is indeed time for the Uchiha to change."

"There shouldn't be any problems. Although the Cloud Ninja envoy was injured, he didn't die. This time, we Uchiha sold the Hyuga a big favor. Given the character of the Hyuga Clan, they won't just do nothing. I think the Hyuga Clan Head will respond in a few days."

Nanshu felt that since he had pulled the Hyuga Clan out of a fire pit, and Hyuga Hiashi knew better than anyone that this pit could have killed the Hyuga Clan, he should know how big a favor he owed the Uchiha. With Hyuga Hiashi's temper... um, Nanshu was looking forward to his follow-up mission; just thinking about it made him happy.

To start off by winning the gratitude of the Hyuga Clan—who would dare believe it if he told them?

A trace of smugness appeared on Nanshu's face.

"Alright, there is nothing else here. Go back and get some good rest!"

Fugaku chased Nanshu out of his study, feeling somewhat tired. He had no malice toward Nanshu himself, as he was a clansman, and he was a young man with a promising future who had awakened the Two-Tomoe at such a young age. Plus, he was someone who could act for the sake of the clan... um, a promising future indeed.

Besides, calling him in for a lecture this time was actually just for show to deal with some trouble.

But before Nanshu truly left, Fugaku still warned him again and again, especially telling Nanshu to stay away from some "bad atmosphere" within the clan, saying that a young person like him should not be brainwashed by hatred, but should instead keep a peaceful mindset and think about the future of the clan.

Nanshu expressed his utmost understanding of this, while secretly sighing in his heart.

I hope you can still think this way in over a year...

Oh, maybe it won't even be a year.

After all, it is hard to say how deep an influence he has had since coming to this world; it would be quite normal even if the rebellion and the night of the clan's annihilation arrived early.

In short, regarding Fugaku, an elder who seemed serious but was actually very caring toward his clansmen, although he had severely criticized him all night under the guise of asking questions, his essence was still tolerant and kind, hoping that the clansmen would not act recklessly.

Furthermore, although the action last night was somewhat reckless, it had won the goodwill of the Hyuga Clan, which was undoubtedly a good thing for the Uchiha; at the very least, when he left, Nanshu could clearly feel that Fugaku was in a good mood.