Chapter 76: Madam, You Don't Want Either (Ten‑Thousand‑Word Chapter)

Yuzhi, you really told them that?

The next day, inside the Hokage's office.

The Third Hokage looked at Minato Namikaze and Nara Shikaku before him, and an inexplicable expression appeared on his face.

These two had already told him everything they had experienced, but after listening he still felt something was off.

Yuzhi, who was in charge of receiving him, didn't find it strange; the kid has strength and reputation, and has been carefully cultivated by Uzhibo ChaNa.

Moreover, he received intelligence that the kid had already joined the clan council, making him an elite within the family.

He also has some history with Minato Namikaze and provided information about an orphan of the Uzumaki Clan, making him the most suitable to handle meetings with Namikaze and Shikaku.

But the attitude conveyed by his words was truly intriguing.

Really, no one went to pay respects to Uchiha Fugaku?

Yes, the Clan Leader's residence is empty.

So that kid met you, and even deliberately took you to another place?

Exactly, Lord Hokage.

Are you sure you didn't misunderstand his meaning?

We are sure.

Facing the Third Hokage's repeatedly nervous questioning, Minato Namikaze and Shikaku did not get irritated, but answered honestly and cooperatively.

Of course they also understood what was up with the Third Hokage, after all they are smart people.

The current upheaval in the Uchiha Clan reveals far too many issues, and the subsequent handling must be approached with caution.

"It seems this Uchiha situation is more interesting than imagined…"

Receiving the two's affirmative reply, the Third Hokage quickly gathered information in his mind and analyzed it seriously, and suddenly felt he had found the answer!

"Well met, Fugaku, ChaNa…"

Unsurprisingly, the Uchiha are probably already in chaos as he had thought.

Within the family, they are likely competing for the Clan Leader's position, and who among the former Clan Leaders still has the mind to visit?

As for opening the Police Department, there are two interpretations; one is naturally that those close to the Leaf Village have taken the advantage.

The other is that they hope to stabilize the Leaf Village this way, allowing internal competition to continue.

But whichever it is, it's a good thing for the Leaf Village!

The Police Department's authority is too great, and the Third Hokage knew this even before becoming Hokage.

He hadn't never asked his teacher why to do this, and his teacher's answer was simple.

"Uchiha are the Leaf's Uchiha; I despise them because they tend to be extreme, and also because of Madara Uchiha."

Even now the Third Hokage can recall that afternoon, the scene where he discussed with his teacher in the Hokage's office.

"Eliminating them is simple; just spread rumors to pit them against the village, then stir up some incidents.

That way they can be completely isolated, making every resident of the Leaf Village despise them, and eventually they will jump out on their own.

I need not bear any responsibility, and can wipe them out in one net; the current Uchiha are not the same as the former Uchiha."

He still deeply approves of his teacher's words.

Because the Uchiha are all lunatics, and they no longer have Madara Uchiha.

"If I were Senju Fei Jian, I might do so, but as the Second Hokage, I must consider from the village's perspective.

The shinobi world is unstable, the Uchiha's power is great; their strength can protect this village, so I must make use of it.

Moreover, granting the Police Department seemingly expands their authority, but it also exploits their character weaknesses.

"Compromise sometimes doesn't mean retreat; force is always a last resort, and the road ahead is still long."

These words have been etched in the Third Hokage's mind, and he still revisits them to this day.

Because the principle contained within applies not only to the Uchiha.

But what makes him sigh is that the road he must walk is still far away.

He truly cannot match his teacher, in either capacity or skill.

"But now I finally have this opportunity!"

Sarutobi Hizan stroked his chin, then suddenly laughed.

"Since the Uchiha want people, let's cooperate with them; Shikaku, what do you think?"

"This"

Nara Shikaku almost lost his composure, but finally he helplessly nodded and said.

"I understand, I will cooperate with them."

"Thank you for your effort, Shikaku."

Sarutobi Hizan nodded with satisfaction, then continued.

"Minato, you have had considerable contact with Yuzhi; what is your impression of him?"

"Yuzhi is a very intelligent, outstanding, trustworthy person who treats friends warmly."

Minato Namikaze thought for a moment, then gave a high appraisal.

"Hmm, although I know his reputation is good, I still want to learn more about him."

Sarutobi Hizan thought for a moment before speaking.

"I'll leave this matter to you, Minato; if he encounters any difficulty, you can keep an eye on it."

"Of course, focus on understanding; understood?"

Minato Namikaze felt his mind stir slightly upon hearing this, as if he realized something.

"I understand, Lord Hokage."

"Alright, thank you both; I think you still have work to attend to, so I won't keep you here nagging any longer."

"Then we'll take our leave first, Lord Hokage."

Suimen and Lukyu both gave a slight bow, then the two turned and left the office.

Sarutobi Nichizan sat there pondering, and after a while he finally spoke.

"If possible, try to learn about Yuzhi's current situation; I recall he is a person of Uzhibo ChaNa."

"Yes, Lord Hokage."

In a corner of the office, a voice suddenly rang out.

"Besides that, make sure the matter 'Uchiha internal strife, Clan Leader's sudden death' becomes a topic of discussion throughout the village."

"Yes, Lord Hokage."

As the conversation ended, the Hokage's office fell quiet again.

Sarutobi Nichizan leaned back in his chair, looking out the window, and couldn't help but let the corner of his mouth lift.

"Die well, Fugaku, ChaNa."

Perhaps because he knew it was inappropriate, his voice sounded especially soft.

"No matter how you actually died, this death of yours is greater than all your lifetime contributions."

——

"You're really boring; you dug out someone else's eyes and that's one thing, but you keep staring at them without feeling disgusted."

At Yuzhi's home, Hikari watched Yuzhi sitting there, staring blankly, and couldn't help making a snide comment.

Although she was indeed angry yesterday, after all, no matter who discovers they've been deceived by a friend, it feels unpleasant.

But she wasn't an unreasonable person; after some thought, she realized something.

Yuzhi was helping her, and likewise helping himself.

At that time Yuzhi might not have had his current power; he needed his own strength to purge the chief culprits of the Uchiha Clan.

If he hadn't said that, he could never have any compromise.

In fact, thinking back, that night when she was just rescued by him, she truly had no ability to resist.

She was even sealed by Yuzhi; if Yuzhi had ill intent, given his actions last night, her eyes would already have been gouged out.

But Yuzhi didn't; instead he chose to save her, pulling her back from the dark abyss.

Not only did his actions let her feel the taste of "friendship," but he also subtly influenced her, leading her to gradually find the "light" she had always longed for inside.

After thinking this through, Hikari's aura basically faded.

And at that time Yuzhi had already left the house, which made her feel a bit regretful.

"Why am I angry?"

She silently vowed in her heart never to do this again.

Even after spending this time together, she knew Yuzhi's nature wouldn't care about such things.

But after being rescued and undergoing this series of experiences, she now fully regarded Yuzhi as her friend.

What made her feel a bit depressed was that Yuzhi truly didn't care about those things, and he also ate the dinner she had carefully prepared.

But the guy kept staring blankly at a pair of eyes, which was quite strange.

"These eyes belong to Uchiha Fugaku's eyes."

Yuzhi, hearing Hikari's words, couldn't help but smile and reply.

"You should know these eyes are a Mangekyou Sharingan; of course I'm interested."

"You aren't without them."

Hikari tilted his head, then continued.

"And you don't find it disgusting; what use do you have for those people's eyes?"

"It seems those evil Uchiha old ghosts back then didn't give you much information to study, huh?"

Yuzhi couldn't help laughing at those words, while Hikari frowned.

Evil Uchiha old ghosts?

Suddenly, her complexion turned a bit uneasy; Yuzhi's remark seemed…

But even after being with Yuzhi for a long time, she would subconsciously overlook certain things.

Yet when Yuzhi said that, it seemed to scold her as well?

"These eyes aren't just for me to hold; you must also keep some on you."

Yuzhi seemed to realize he had said something inappropriate; he forced a smile and immediately changed the subject.

"For the Uchiha, we actually have some very special techniques, and these techniques must rely on the Sharingan to activate."

"Then I could just use my own eyes?"

Although Hikari still remembered Yuzhi's words, she now cooperated and asked.

"No, that's only done as a last resort, because once you use the eyes you'll become completely blind."

"So harsh? What is the effect?"

"It can reverse, within a period of time, events that were detrimental to you, turning them into things that never happened, only selecting favorable outcomes to become reality."

"In short, if you're attacked by an enemy and certain death is inevitable, you can use this technique to reverse reality, resurrect yourself, at a cost…"

"Is that our eyes?"

At this moment Hikari was a bit stunned, especially seeing Yuzhi nod; she was even more shocked.

"The clan also has such a technique?"

She truly didn't know these things; after all, after she accidentally opened her eyes, besides harsh combat training, it was constant brainwashing to make her accept she was a weapon.

Other aspects, the Uchiha never taught her, or rather never intended to teach her.

After a while, she finally spoke again: "You want to give me such an important thing?"

What's there to be strange about? If you have a question, the answer is simple.

Yuzhi seemed to guess what she was going to say, and he spoke up in advance.

Because you're my friend, and also the person I trust most.

When not insane, he is indeed trustworthy.

Moreover, whether you like it or not, from a bloodline perspective we are also family.

Yuzhi spread his hands, continuing to smile as he spoke.

Of course, family also has degrees of closeness, but I think we are the closer kind.

Friend. Family

Hikari whispered softly; in her memory, she lost her family early, and thus she awakened her eyes.

Since then, she has had no friends, nor has she ever experienced familial care.

Yuzhi is her friend, no doubt, and moreover, from a bloodline perspective they are indeed family!

Family?

After a while, Hikari finally showed a smile.

I understand, thank you, Yuzhi.

Don't be polite, I said we are not only friends but also family.

Yuzhi smiled and replied softly.

Evolving from 'Friend Hero' to 'Family Hero' is not easy, but no matter how you say it, he has managed to do it.

Family? It's much closer than friends; although he also strikes hard at 'family', just as he said, this also distinguishes closeness.

Obviously, compared to other clan members, Hikari is more worthy of his trust; after all, he dug her out himself...

However, this Mangekyou Sharingan is a bit of a waste.

Hikari nodded, then turned her attention back to this pair of Mangekyou Sharingan.

Use them to perform………

Izanagi.

Using Izanagi is really a waste; you remember I told you, eye techniques can be transplanted.

So I suggest you look up the clan's records; if this pair of eyes' eye technique suits you, maybe...

I don't know if it's because after evolving into 'Family Hero', Hikari trusts herself more.

She actually brought this up on her own, though her expression also became solemn.

However, I need to remind you that transplanting eye techniques is a very painful matter.

Such pain is hard for ordinary people to bear; if you find the information, I also hope you will think twice.

Hearing Hikari say that, Yuzhi also couldn't help but withdraw his smile.

Speaking honestly, the idea of transplanting eye techniques sounds absurd.

Moreover, he has been wondering why, aside from Hikari, no one else in the clan has done this.

After thinking it over, his answer amounts to only a few possibilities.

First, to transplant an eye technique, one must possess a Mangekyou Sharingan.

Second, Yuzhi, who has obtained the Eye Technique Transplant Technique, knows that transplanting such a pair of Mangekyou Sharingan would likely be rendered useless.

This is not the Transcription Seal sealing pupil power and technique into another eye, but completely transferring a technique.

Such a cost is also frighteningly high, and furthermore the Uchiha clan themselves have hardly activated even a few Mangekyou Sharingan.

Such a technique would thus fall into obscurity; added to Hikari's mention of 'abnormal pain', this is why the current situation arises.

Is that so?

Yuzhi stroked his chin; he is now also somewhat hesitant.

But thinking of the eye technique contained in these eyes, his gaze becomes firm again.

Thank you for the reminder; in fact I have already found the Eye Technique Transplant Technique, and I have also examined the eye technique within these eyes.

This is very suitable for me, and likewise suitable for us; it possesses one ability: under specific conditions, to predict fragments of the future.

With this technique, I think our subsequent experiments will become much easier, and this also concerns our future.

Yuzhi doubts the Uchiha clan's medical and scientific abilities; this bunch of physics-obsessed folks, what good research have they done?

Obviously, Yuzhi has no confidence in them; in that case, it would be better to use eye techniques to predict the future.

At least it can help him eliminate wrong options.

Have you already obtained it?

Hikari was a little surprised, but she quickly reacted.

So, are you now hesitating whether to use it?

Hmm, but it's already decided now.

Yuzhi did not deny it; he lightly nodded, then joked.

After all, we share weal and woe; you have endured it, so I naturally cannot fall behind.

If for a period of time I cannot use my eyes, I will have to rely on your protection.

It won't happen; the eyes can be used normally.

Hikari shook her head and directly recounted her experience.

After the pain, there will be some discomfort, but it does not affect normal eye use.

Of course, if you truly cannot use them temporarily, I will protect you.

Then it will be trouble for you.

Yuzhi nodded, and his gaze once again fell upon this pair of eyes.

He originally also worried that Hikari would be unhappy, after all this might very well make her recall unpleasant past.

But now she has brought it up herself, so Yuzhi naturally has nothing to worry about.

Moreover, he also obtained sufficient information from Hikari, which gave him ample mental preparation.

Having had this technique for so long, now there's finally an opportunity to use it, really...

Yuzhi gave a self‑deprecating laugh; he's actually had this ability for quite a while.

After all, back then he didn't even have the Mangekyou Sharingan, but now he can finally try this ability that has almost been lost among the Uchiha Clan.

Quickly forming seals, Yuzhi's chakra began to surge continuously.

Moreover, as the seals formed, his eyes involuntarily turned into the Mangekyou Sharingan state.

His hand quickly placed over Uchiha Fugaku's eyes, and in that instant those eyes also took on the Mangekyou Sharingan state.

The pattern in his eyes began to slowly rotate, and those eyes did the same as well.

Gradually, a special power began to flow through Yuzhi's body into his own eyes.

At that very moment, he felt something being forced into his eyes.

And at that same moment, he felt something explode in his brain, a wave of indescribable pain instantly assaulting him!

"Ah!"

Even though Yuzhi had been prepared, upon suddenly feeling such extreme, indescribable pain he couldn't help but cry out in anguish.

This pain is far worse than he imagined. —

Uchiha Clan, Clan Leader's residence.

Uchiha Meiqin sat at home in a black kimono, the surroundings unusually quiet at this moment.

She never actually expected that misfortune would come crashing into her uncontrollably like this!

Although Uchiha Fugaku never discussed clan matters with her, and after marriage she never bothered to inquire.

But she also knew that her husband was worried and troubled over clan affairs.

Moreover, she had heard Uchiha Fugaku complain more than once about those elders' faults, yet she never imagined things would have come to this point!

"Why has it come to this……"

She kept asking herself inwardly, but she had never received an answer, and she was well aware of one thing.

Her husband's death was certainly not just a failure to negotiate; in the end, killing intent arose and both sides perished together!

No one would believe such a thing—not her, nor any other clansmen.

But the final result was that this was being propagated both within and outside the clan.

One could say this has driven Uchiha Fugaku's reputation to rock bottom!

"They don't investigate how he died, they don't let it rest after his death, and moreover……"

Looking at the Clan Leader's residence in Keluoque, Meiqin's unease began to mount.

Apart from those who followed Uchiha Fugaku coming over, no one else has come to pay respects.

Furthermore, no one has discussed with her the future clan leader's affairs; they act as if they've been completely forgotten.

Even if everything is exactly as everyone says, this manner of handling things makes her realize.

Perhaps, some people have designs on the clan leader!

"If this cold treatment continues for a few more months, I might very well hang myself."

The family feud is ruthless, and Meiqin has always known that.

But before, at least someone held them back, and out of consideration for clan ties, the loser could at least withdraw with dignity.

But now the clan leader and elders are dead, and the clan's order has completely changed.

The Uchiha Clan has indeed seen fierce internal strife before, and many have paid with their lives.

Their current situation can be described as extremely harsh!

"We can't just wait for death; we must think of some countermeasures."

Meiqin's thoughts raced, but just then she suddenly saw Itachi walk out, and she immediately composed herself.

She couldn't show an anxious expression in front of the child, even though Itachi appeared unusually mature.

"Itachi, you're up this early?"

"Yes, Mother, I'm going to train."

Itachi Uchiha remained as aloof as ever, and his emotions were very calm.

It seemed as if his father's death had affected him in no way at all.

"I'll be entering school soon; I want to train more now so I can get better grades upon enrollment."

"Is that so?"

Meiqin pressed her lips; she truly didn't want Itachi to go out, fearing her son might encounter some accident.

But in the end she still sighed; at least they are now still in the cold‑treatment phase, which means they are safe.

"Stay safe, Itachi."

"I understand, Mother."

Itachi lightly nodded; he didn't have much to say.

He had never thought of telling his mother what he had seen; his only thought was to resolve everything himself.

He now seems to have given more thought to the meaning of life; although Orochimaru claims life is meaningless, nobody truly wishes to die.

To make anything meaningful, one must have a goal, and he now has one.

He will have his own way, his own actions, and his own thoughts to accomplish all this!

"Sigh."

Watching Itachi's retreating back, Meiqin couldn't help but sigh.

She always felt this child had become somewhat different, but she couldn't say exactly what.

This child has been serious since childhood; although his talent is high, he seems to lack any of the usual childlike demeanor.

But Mikoto doesn't intend to dwell on it any longer; she needs to think carefully about how to solve the current problem.

"Relying on Fugaku's former followers could never sustain all of this."

Mikoto calmly thought that Uchiha Fugaku's former supporters were many, but their status was not high.

Now the greatest control within the clan is probably held by the followers of those two elders.

Those people can attend clan meetings; they are the clan's true elite!

But when she thought of them, Mikoto couldn't help shaking her head.

Because they are elite, their opinions are likely many, and originally they followed the elders, while Uchiha Fugaku never explicitly supported any elder.

That used to be a very effective balancing method, solidifying the Clan Leader's authority, but now it would be fatal!

"What should we actually do?"

Mikoto now feels extremely helpless; she repeatedly ponders which of these people are trustworthy.

But after thinking it over, she finds that there really seems to be no one she can trust!

"Wait, it seems there's one person."

Just as Mikoto was at her most desperate, she suddenly thought of someone.

That person had met Uchiha Fugaku a short time before the clan's great upheaval.

That person enjoys a solid reputation both in Leaf Village and within the clan, and even Mikoto's friend Kushina mentioned him last night.

Although he is still young, Mikoto heard Uchiha Fugaku say that he can already attend clan meetings.

She also heard that, while he is a subordinate of Elder Shana, he also has some issues with Uchiha Fugaku.

But their recent meeting proved he is not that compliant, as Uchiha Fugaku would say—

"His temperament may be tied to his experiences; only concrete benefits can move him."

Obviously, that person is Yuzhi!

And Yuzhi, who cares only about practical gains, is not someone Mikoto likes, but at this stage he seems the only reliable one.

After all, Yuzhi is the youngest; if there truly is any "inside story" this time, someone his age could not possibly be involved.

Profit drives the heart; how could others possibly give up the flesh they covet for a child?

"Should I go find him, and what can I offer?"

But thinking of it is one thing; figuring out how to do it is another.

In name she is still the Clan Leader's wife, but in reality she herself is unsure what tangible benefits she can still obtain from the clan.

"Wait, there might be something he would be interested in?"

In an instant, Mikoto recalled something; she remembered Uchiha Fugaku had once said he would give Yuzhi a secret before he died.

What the secret is, Mikoto doesn't know, but she decides to gamble on it!

After all, Yuzhi never investigated the secret, which gives her a chance.

If she can succeed, with Yuzhi's protection ensuring safety, she can take out everything she has stored at home.

"It seems I have to go see him."

——

"You bastard, why do you have to act tough? I told you that feeling isn't pleasant."

In Yuzhi's house, Hikari knelt on the floor, cradling Yuzhi's head on her lap and gently pressing his temples.

Yuzhi kept his eyes tightly shut, his face stained with a few drops of blood, his expression tinged with lingering fear.

The pain of the Eye Technique Transplant was unimaginable; the invading force made him feel as if his brain were exploding.

Not only his brain, but his eyes as well were in excruciating pain.

Honestly, he wished he could just pass out then, but clearly he absolutely could not.

No one helped him with the transplant, so he had to grit his teeth and endure it himself.

After all, if the process were interrupted, Uchiha Fugaku's eyes would be ruined, and his own eyes might also develop problems!

Moreover, as foreign power continuously surged in, his eyes began to strain and showed some adverse reactions.

Fresh blood kept oozing from the corner of his eye; if his vision hadn't remained unchanged, he would have thought his eyes were failing.

He himself didn't know how long had passed before it finally stopped.

Anyway, when it was all over, his whole body felt weak, and the indescribable pain still spread through his mind.

After resting until now, he felt a bit better; the lingering discomfort still appears, but it no longer hinders him much.

"I can't let you endure that pain again, didn't I say we'd share each other's hardships?"

Yuzhi opened his eyes, a crimson Sharingan flashing in his gaze, and he said jokingly.

He does want to shut off his Sharingan, but unfortunately he cannot do so now.

Moreover, his eyes are a bit swollen, clearly still adjusting to the transplanted power.

"Cheapskate."

Hikari shook her head; although she knew he was joking, the words sounded pleasant to her.

"In this condition, it may last a day or two; I recall it took me a day or two to recover."

"A day or two? That's fine."

Yuzhi nodded; being unable to close his Sharingan for a day or two isn't a big deal.

Although Uchiha Fugaku and the elders died in a sudden massacre, the clan fell into some chaos.

Fortunately, his actions were swift, both deterrent and division of spoils, handling the clan's elite.

With them around, neither internal clan matters nor the police department will face issues for the time being.

However, once I recover, I need to keep an eye on the Police Department's side, and I also need to visit Minato Namikaze's place.

The Uchiha Clan hasn't officially announced the clan leader yet, so Yuzhi, who is the clan leader in practice, still needs to maintain his previous demeanor.

Moreover, he remembers that he needs to take the Jonin exam, which is also important.

Although the clan members won't care too much about this, after all Yuzhi has proven his ability through his actions.

But Yuzhi doesn't want to keep the Chunin title; he also wants to become a Jonin, so saying so won't be so embarrassing.

"What are you thinking about?"

Hikari saw Yuzhi spacing out and couldn't help asking curiously.

"I'm thinking about the Jonin exam."

Yuzhi answered casually, then he smiled and asked.

"By the way, Uchiha Ying is also a Chunin; want to take the Jonin exam together?"

"Jonin?"

Hikari isn't particularly sensitive about this, but she also knows that this seems to be a symbol of status for Leaf Village ninja.

Although she doesn't mind, since Yuzhi plans to participate, it's fine for her to come along and have a look.

"Sure, let's go together."

"Then I'll have someone recommend you when the time comes."

Yuzhi smiled and nodded; this really isn't a problem for him right now.

"By the way, I want to give you something."

Hikari saw that Yuzhi had regained some energy but was still lying on her leg, and instead of rushing off, he thought for a moment before speaking.

"Give me something?" Yuzhi blinked, curious, and asked: "What is it?"

"Yes."

"Excuse me, is Yuzhi at home?"

Before Hikari could finish speaking, a woman's voice cut her off, making her frown slightly.

Yuzhi also sat up and looked curiously toward the door.

He recognized the voice somewhat; it sounded like Uchiha Meiqin's.

"How did she come here?"

Yuzhi's expression was a bit strange; he was still pondering when to go see this 'widow' in order to complete his task.

As it turned out, he hadn't even gone yet when the other party showed up at his door.

Moreover, he still hadn't figured out how to deal with this 'widow'.

To be honest, should I deceive her?

After thinking it over, Yuzhi felt that telling the truth would be better.

It's impossible to fool someone for a lifetime.

He couldn't believe in 'love growing over time'; he was afraid that someone would endure humiliation and burden, and when he let his guard down, things would overturn.

Telling her directly would also let him stay vigilant at all times.

Furthermore, explaining the reason clearly and guaranteeing her survival would be about enough.

"Anyway, I'm supporting you; just don't get into trouble."

Thinking about this, Yuzhi came up with a plan; although cruel, a long-lasting pain is still worse than a short one.

"I just have to be the bad guy."

Yuzhi pressed his lips; fortunately, Meiqin also has her own weak point, and with that weak point she truly can't cause too much destruction.

"Do you know who's outside?"

Hikari, though her words were interrupted, was still a bit annoyed; she turned her head to look at Yuzhi and asked.

"Well, that's the clan leader's wife."

Yuzhi nodded, then smiled and said.

"I don't know what she wants from me, but it'd be good to meet her."

"Do you need me to avoid?"

"Up to you, but this time I'm going to be the bad guy."

"Although I admit you're a good person, you've never really been a good person."

"."

Yuzhi glared at Hikari, then went straight to guard the door.

"Madam, how did you come here?"

Yuzhi looked at the black‑kimono‑clad Uchiha Meiqin before him and, for some reason, recalled many serial numbers he'd seen before his transmigration.

But he quickly shook his head, smiled, and greeted this former clan leader's wife.

Upon hearing Yuzhi's address, Meiqin instantly realized he definitely knew something, which put her in a spot.

Especially seeing Yuzhi constantly activating his Sharingan made her even more worried.

But since she'd already come, she could only grit her teeth and continue.

"It's not a disturbance; please come in, Madam."

Yuzhi kept his smile and then let Uchiha Meiqin inside.

But after they entered, Yuzhi noticed Hikari was missing; a quick sense told him she was merely hiding.

Just when they entered, Yuzhi discovered that Hikari was gone; after a slight sense, he knew Hikari had merely hidden.

Yuzhi muttered softly, then smiled and looked at Uchiha Meiqin.

Yuzhi muttered a sentence under his breath, only then did he smile and look at Uchiha Clan Mei Qin.

I'm sorry, my living conditions are poor; please don't hold it against me, madam.

It's fine; the family has mistreated Yuzhi.

Meiqin glanced at Yuzhi's home, sighed in her heart, and seemed to understand why Yuzhi placed so much emphasis on practical benefits.

I don't know, madam, what brings you to see me this time?

After Meiqin sat down, Yuzhi didn't bother with pleasantries and directly asked.

Yuzhi, I came this time without any ill intent.

Meiqin stared into Yuzhi's eyes and spoke softly.

I came this time simply to inquire about a few matters, and also hope to fulfill one of Fugaku's dying wishes.

Oh?

Yuzhi tilted his head, curious, and asked.

I don't know what you want to know, madam, nor what Clan Leader Fugaku's dying wish is.

Yuzhi, do you still remember what Fugaku discussed with you earlier?

Seeing that Yuzhi had no intention of closing his Sharingan, Meiqin could only continue helplessly.

Of course I remember.

Yuzhi nodded, feeling a bit amused; the secret that Uchiha Fugaku wanted to give him was something he didn't need to ask about.

As a result, it seems Uchiha Meiqin is now using this as a bargaining chip to find me; could she be seeking refuge?

Just thinking about that possibility, Yuzhi couldn't help but feel a bit tense.

Really, not being family, not entering the same household, do they always manage to find the culprit whenever they look for someone?

Yuzhi, I hope to fulfill Fugaku's dying wish, but at the same time I also want to learn some things.

Meiqin didn't know what Yuzhi was thinking; she took a deep breath and spoke very seriously.

Yuzhi, don't you find it strange how the clan leader and elders could have let this happen? This is obviously impossible!

Moreover, afterward everyone condemned the clan leader; there is definitely a serious problem here.

Yuzhi, as the family's future and hope, I implore you to support the Uchiha's orthodoxy.

Even if you worry about the situation, Yuzhi, I only hope you can protect Itachi; for that I am willing to pay any price.

Meiqin had thought it through; Yuzhi's tone since entering, and his attitude of keeping his Sharingan open, indicated that he had probably already made some decisions.

However, for negotiations like this, the smartest approach is naturally to propose two conditions—one that others might find hard to accept, and one that is relatively easy to accept.

Meiqin's goal is naturally the second one; she only hopes Yuzhi can protect her child, and that would be enough.

You really are a good mother.

Upon hearing this, Yuzhi's face momentarily turned strange; an image of Itachi Uchiha killing his parents flashed in his mind.

He shook his head, and Yuzhi suddenly laughed.

Any price, madam? You really have gone to great lengths; as for the situation you want to know about, it's actually quite simple.

After the clan leader and elders died, everyone eligible to attend the clan meeting began organizing discussions on how to respond to the crisis.

Actually, everyone understands one thing: the clan leader is incompetent, and the elders are incompetent as well.

Having said that, Yuzhi paused slightly, and under Meiqin's astonished gaze he continued.

We have always been unable to understand one thing: why the clan leader would support the so-called two factions, allowing them to clash within the clan.

It seems to be for maintaining balance, but in fact it splits the clan, even making the two sides regard each other as strangers; do you think this is appropriate?

Meiqin's face turned somewhat pale; she already had an ominous premonition.

Moreover, the elders, having been given such license, became even more extreme in their power struggles within the clan, their thoughts growing more radical and the clan's division worsening.

You say, does such a clan truly have a future if it continues like this? Isn't their current state of 'mutual burning together, perishing together' actually the best outcome?

Yuzhi

What Meiqin feared most has come to pass, though she never expected that even the youngest Yuzhi would be involved as well!

Besides, how did the position of clan leader come to Uchiha Fugaku's forefathers? I suppose you, Lady Meiqin, would also know.

Since he could, why can't others?

At this moment, Meiqin seemed on the verge of breaking down.

She quickly activated her Sharingan, her body tensed, and she warily looked at Yuzhi before her.

Don't make a futile resistance; it's meaningless.

Yuzhi gently shook his head; although his eyes still felt a bit uncomfortable, it didn't affect him.

At this moment, the three tomoe in his crimson eyes spun rapidly, and he spoke slowly.

Actually, I'm curious—do you really know what secret Uchiha Fugaku wanted to tell me?

Perhaps you're guessing, but I can now tell you the answer: the secret he wanted to exchange for is the Mangekyou Sharingan.

But unfortunately, I already have these eyes.

Almost in an instant, the three tomoe in his eyes merged into a single sheet, and a cold aura instantly spread through the room.

That suffocating feeling wildly struck Meiqin's heart, and now she had a terrifying thought.

Could it be him? To accomplish all this silently and without sound, only the Mangekyou Sharingan could do it!

Unfortunately, she couldn't open her mouth; her whole body felt stiff, and she could only stare straight at Yuzhi.

Yuzhi stood up, walked slowly to her front, and after a while smiled as he spoke.

Rest assured, you will get what you want; from the beginning we never intended to do anything to you.

Your husband got what he deserved, although it was cruel for you.

But I hope you can calmly consider what his actions mean for the entire clan.

Also don't forget, you also have the blood of the Uchiha Clan flowing in you.

【Main line mission completed: He Can Take His Place】

【Calculating rewards】

Seeing this message, Yuzhi's spirit was shaken; this mission is now considered completed—could it be because I told Uchiha Meiqin the truth?

Yuzhi couldn't figure it out for a moment, but he was in a great mood now that the main line mission was completed, which meant he would receive extraordinarily high rewards!

Looking at Uchiha Meiqin, tears streaming down her face, Yuzhi suddenly thought of something, and only then did he slowly speak.

「Madam, forget him; even without this time, the family's dissatisfaction has already reached its peak. 」

Whether it's him or those elders, their fate will be the same; live well, I can guarantee you will be absolutely fine.

Also, you want to forget today's events, and you certainly don't want your child to be affected because of that dead man, right?

After revising for a long time and thinking it over, I still felt it would be better to let Meiqin know.

You can't deceive someone for a lifetime; if they were to commit suicide, that would just add trouble. Although hatred may be maxed out now, at least we can give them some training.

(End of chapter)