Chapter 123: I Need to Be Alone!

If a Mangekyo Sharingan were to fall into foreign hands, it might as well be seen as Madara Uchiha himself being at large.

The Nine-Tails is no secret in Konoha.

If that person covets the Nine-Tails and takes action, it will become the flashpoint for the split between the Uchiha clan and Konoha.

As head of the Uchiha clan, he could not fail to see the current tensions between the Uchiha and Konoha.

Internal clan sentiment continues to escalate; if anyone uses the Sharingan against Konoha, trust in the Uchiha will plummet to rock bottom—this is entirely foreseeable.

At this thought, Uchiha Fugaku’s back hairs instantly stood on end.

He realized the Uchiha clan was now in grave danger.

It was as if a pile of explosive tags were buried beneath his seat, and the person holding those tags was the mysterious individual who had seized Obito Uchiha’s Mangekyo Sharingan.

Whether or not this person was a rogue Uchiha, if he used the Sharingan against Konoha and caused irreversible consequences, the Uchiha clan would be pushed into the abyss.

This person must be found!

The Mangekyo Sharingan must be recovered!

Uchiha Fugaku could not help but clench his fists, then looked at Fujinaka Genma and said, “Chief Genma, the Uchiha clan is willing to fully cooperate with the Anbu to find the one who stole the Sharingan.”

“The one who stole the Sharingan must certainly be found.”

Fujinaka Genma nodded, then tapped his finger on the table and said, “But, Clan Leader Fugaku, Itachi surely know the rift and distrust between the Uchiha and the village do not originate here.”

“As long as the crack remains, someone will always find him and widen it.”

Uchiha Fugaku frowned; he was intelligent and understood Fujinaka Genma’s meaning perfectly.

But it was also true that the Uchiha clan was targeted by the higher-ups—they were not unwilling to change the situation.

Could Minato Namikaze and Fujinaka Genma be trusted?

This was what Uchiha Fugaku worried about.

Was this an opportunity to weaken the Uchiha clan’s power and interests?

It was not impossible—this man, young as he was, had already eliminated his predecessor upon taking office; he could not be underestimated.

Watching the silent Uchiha Fugaku, Fujinaka Genma understood his concerns.

For Uchiha Fugaku, clan interests came first.

Unless it was a situation of shared glory or shared ruin—such as a great ninja war—the Uchiha clan would find it hard to fully support Konoha’s decisions.

But conversely, Konoha’s decision-making circle also lacked the Uchiha clan.

“Clan Leader Fugaku, I have already discussed with the Fourth Hokage the formation of a Strategic Council beneath the Hokage, merging the former Hokage Advisors into it.”

Fujinaka Genma laid out the bait.

The so-called Strategic Council was a think tank with only advisory power, no decision-making authority.

The candidates he and Minato Namikaze had discussed were Hiruzen Sarutobi, Tōnami Koharu, Mizukami En, Shikamaru Nara, Hyūga Hiashi, and Uchiha Fugaku.

Although it had only advisory power, its actual influence was still considerable.

Especially when backed by a powerful interest group.

So Uchiha Fugaku was immediately tempted.

This was undoubtedly an excellent platform for the Uchiha clan to have a voice among the elite.

“I hope Clan Leader Fugaku will join the Strategic Council and contribute more strength to Konoha.”

After speaking, Fujinaka Genma took a sip of tea, then rose to his feet—but paused, adding with deep implication: “Clan Leader Fugaku, though it may sound arrogant, I must say this.”

“I am not afraid of an Uchiha coup or their departure from Konoha; even if the Uchiha possess the Mangekyo Sharingan, my strength and the Fourth Hokage’s are sufficient to suppress all.”

Uchiha Fugaku’s spirit trembled violently, a sudden unease rising in his chest.

Was this a pure warning—or an implication?

Had his own Mangekyo Sharingan been exposed?

“The reason I came here tonight to speak with Itachi at length is because I do not wish to see Konoha consume itself.”

As Fujinaka Genma walked toward the door, he halted, turned back, and said: “I hear your son is exceptionally talented—his name is Itachi, correct? If Itachi are willing, I would take him as my disciple.”

Without waiting for Uchiha Fugaku’s response, Fujinaka Genma vanished instantly.

He knew Uchiha Fugaku could not answer him now.

Indeed, that was true.

Uchiha Fugaku’s mind was now a tangled mess from Fujinaka Genma’s words—he needed to be alone.

Leaving the Uchiha clan, Fujinaka Genma did not care how Uchiha Fugaku felt.

He and Minato Namikaze had already shown their sincerity; now it was up to the Uchiha clan to decide whether to try.

He knew Uchiha Fugaku possessed the Mangekyo Sharingan, but had not outright revealed it.

He was not the least bit afraid.

Still, this visit had achieved its preliminary goal: both the Hyūga and Uchiha clans had agreed to send someone to the Anbu.

It was a good start.

After explaining the situation to Minato Namikaze in the Hokage’s office, Fujinaka Genma did not return to the Root—he went to help at his own shop.

The leader of the Root serving customers? That’s practically a miracle!

In the evening, Fujinaka Genma picked up Hyūga Mio from work and took her straight home for dinner.

Hyūga Mio and her mother Akie were already very familiar, working harmoniously together in the kitchen.

Soon, a lavish meal was served.

They ate while chatting casually.

“Genma, Mio—when are Itachi two planning to get married?”

Mother Akie suddenly asked.

Fujinaka Genma froze; Hyūga Mio blushed deeply, glancing shyly at Fujinaka Genma and murmuring, “I’ll follow Genma’s lead…”

Her voice was as soft as a mosquito’s buzz.

Akie turned to her son.

Fujinaka Genma sighed helplessly: “Mom, Mio and I are only sixteen.”

That’s way too young!

Hyūga Mio felt a tiny pang of disappointment but immediately smiled: “Auntie, we’re still young, and Genma has work to do.”

Akie looked at Hyūga Mio with affection, then said to Fujinaka Genma: “Then at least get engaged first!”

Hyūga Mio’s heart swelled with quiet joy, and she stole a cautious glance at Fujinaka Genma.

Fujinaka Genma turned his head; Hyūga Mio immediately flustered and looked away.

He smiled inwardly, then said aloud: “Of course we can get engaged first!”

Perfect!

Hyūga Mio nearly jumped for joy, her cheeks flushed crimson.

Akie beamed with delight—half her son’s lifelong matter was settled.

“Tomorrow I’ll go to your sensei Kushina and arrange it—Hyūga is a great clan; we can’t afford to be disrespectful.”

Akie began chattering on.

“Itachi decide…”

Fujinaka Genma nodded vigorously.