Chapter 102: Please, Clan Leader, Step Down

"No wonder it's Shisui; being able to reach this point proves I didn't misjudge him—Uchiha's revival looks promising!"

Approaching Fugaku's mansion, the Grand Elder looked up at the Barrier lighting the sky and the Clan Elite sealing off the surroundings, then he exhaled.

"Having gathered so much power, it seems today's matter can be smoothly completed."

He, leaning on his cane, was escorted by guards step by step to the Clan Leader's gate; at this moment Shisui, the Second Elder, several Elders, Ba Dai, Yang Zhe, Dao Huo and dozens of Elite Forces were fully armed and standing here.

"Grand Elder."

When he arrived, Shisui stepped forward and let out a light shout.

The Grand Elder nodded and said gravely, "Today's matter rests on you; the future of the Uchiha lies in your hands."

At this moment the area was completely sealed by Shisui, only two people remained inside Fugaku's house, and everyone standing here were supporters of Shisui—this was the ideal outcome. The Grand Elder even thought that if Fugaku were wise enough to peacefully hand over the Clan Leader position, he could also strive to preserve the lives of the couple.

Shisui nodded, and together with the Grand Elder approached the crowd, gazed at the tightly shut door, and after a moment of silence said in a deep voice, "Knock, inform Clan Leader Fugaku, prepare the Clan Council."

Someone immediately stepped forward to obey, but moments later the door opened, and Uchiha Mikoto stood there, calmly looking at Shisui.

"He's in the back courtyard; come in."

After saying that she turned and left; Shisui did not hesitate and led the group forward.

When the group arrived at the back courtyard, Fugaku was sitting on the long corridor, and several Elders, seeing this, naturally walked to his two sides and sat down in a line.

Shisui walked to Fugaku's front; behind him stood Ba Dai, Yang Zhe, Dao Huo, and then the Clan Elite, and he led everyone to half‑kneel in the snow and pay respects.

"Ten days have passed; you convened the Clan Council—has it been effective?"

Fugaku ignored the Elders on both sides and asked directly.

"I have already begun to ease the conflict between the clan and Konoha; the Third Lord has promised to treat the clan kindly thereafter."

Shisui gave a brief reply and then enumerated the recent issues and changes across the clan's ranks; the Elders listened and nodded one after another.

The Grand Elder's gaze at Shisui grew even more satisfied.

Fugaku remained unmoved and, with a hint of meaning, said, "Konoha has made many promises; how many have been fulfilled? What you have done can only last a short while; our conflict with Konoha still remains."

"So the Clan Leader insists on a Coup?"

Shisui lowered his head; he could not speak his future plans openly, so he asked in a low voice.

Fugaku gave no answer, but the Second Elder urged first, "Shisui has already done well; in just ten days he has reached this level. Both ninja and ordinary clan members are satisfied. If we give him more time, perhaps he can truly help the clan solve these problems."

A few Elders on either side glanced at Shisui, hesitated briefly, then nodded in agreement, but more Elders, including the Grand Elder, kept steadfast gazes and remained unmoved.

"It's already too late; having done so much, they must have noticed by now. The only option is a Coup, or…"

Fugaku's words trailed off; the Second Elder's expression changed, he sighed and looked away, while Shisui lowered his head as chakra slowly gathered in his eyes.

"Has the Clan Leader, insisting on a Coup, ever thought of the clan members? Of his family?"

Behind several people, half‑kneeling among the crowd, Uchiha Shi Liuye suddenly looked up and asked.

"Shi Liuye?"

Fugaku recognized Shi Liuye, gave a faint smile, closed his eyes, sensed Shisui's change, and when he opened his eyes again he possessed a Three Tomoe Copy Wheel Eye; his aura gradually rose, showing a hint of madness.

"Hahaha, everything I do is for the clan!"

Fugaku broke his usual demeanor, his mad posture and terrifying aura startling everyone; all half‑kneeling in the snow, despite the wind and snow, cold sweat streamed down.

Shi Liuye, stared at directly by Fugaku, felt his hair stand on end, a fierce sense of danger arising, yet he kept his gaze on Fugaku and firmly said, "You were indeed renowned before, but now every decision you make endangers the clan. For the sake of the clan, please step down as Clan Leader."

"Please, Clan Leader, step down!" the crowd shouted in unison, resolute; the Elders on both sides remained silent, but that was their stance.

"I see, Shisui, is this your enlightenment?"

Fugaku's voice was exceedingly cold, his madness laced with murderous intent that spread like a blanket over everyone in the courtyard, though the overwhelming pressure focused on Shisui.

Snow settled on Shisui's shoulders; under the murderous intent he seemed slightly weighed down, he opened his eyes, slowly raised his head, and said, "Lord Fugaku, for the clan, please abdicate!"

Two sets of Three Tomoe eyes met, and the aura shifted abruptly.

Fugaku's expression paused, he looked around, let out a light laugh and said, "Very well, then let us test your capacity."

With that, he drew a long sword from somewhere unknown and slashed toward Shisui's neck; the blade was coated with brown chakra, which formed a blade that instantly cut a path through the courtyard.

Shisui was cut into two pieces, his flesh turning into crows that swirled around.

The people in the courtyard quickly escaped, bringing a group of Elders to surround the area, and the clan members tasked with guard duty also appeared.

Moments later Shisui drew a short blade and walked out of the crow flock; only two remained in the scene, and he watched Fugaku gradually come to understanding.

"I see."

Fugaku did not speak again; his aura was ferocious, yet his expression suddenly became calm.

Both wielded weapons, letting the wind and snow fall, until at a certain moment their gazes changed and instantly drew close to each other.

Long blade met long blade, their sword techniques were fierce, each strike lethal and relentless, sparks flying as metal clashed.

Their momentum was astounding, speed incredible; a dense storm of blade shadows swept the entire courtyard, melting the snow wherever they passed, and the onlookers stepped back.

Fugaku's swordplay opened and closed grandly; in aura, force, and speed he surpassed Shisui, and after dozens of exchanges he once again sliced Shisui at the waist.

With a "bang", the two‑sectioned wooden post fell to the ground, and Shisui's body halted atop the courtyard's artificial hill, breathing lightly.

"No wonder, Clan Leader Fugaku."

Fugaku, calm and composed, swung his long sword, his gaze sweeping over the wound at Shisui's waist, and advanced again.

At the same time, beyond the illusion, several Elders facing Shisui changed expression; seeing Fugaku and Shisui exchange just a glance, Shisui showed a hint of painful expression.

"Illusion? What is Fugaku doing?"

The Grand Elder remained calm, noting that Fugaku's Three Tomoe ocular power could hardly contend with Shisui, merely bringing disgrace upon himself.

Sure enough, Fugaku's expression changed quickly.

Within the illusion, Shisui swiftly retreated, flinging dozens of shuriken in several directions one after another.

Fugaku did not dodge or evade, charging straight; as the shuriken were about to fly, his eyes rotated and he instantly hurled three kunai forward.

The kunai pierced through swiftly toward Shisui; Shisui sidestepped, and ten‑plus shuriken were pierced by the three kunai, leaving holes and embedding in the wall.

Fugaku swung his sword again, cutting down several shuriken blocking the front, then charged at Shisui, but at that moment a "tong" sound came from behind, like metal striking metal.

He turned his head and saw several shuriken colliding with each other, then they unexpectedly changed direction and spun back toward him.

"What?"

Fugaku was surprised, quickly sidestepped and swung his sword to evade.

However, the shuriken was in his blind spot, moving at an uncanny speed; with a "Puff!" a shuriken flew straight into his left arm, embedding in the flesh.

At the same time, Shisui landed without any hesitation, formed seals with both hands and summoned several duplicates that rushed toward him.

(End of Chapter)