Uchiha Clan Land.
Fugaku, who took over the power from the four elders, has already become the new leader of the Uchiha Race.
Although some radicals have grievances about this and want to nominate other clansmen for the position of Clan Leader, they have no choice but to comply with the orders of the four elders and accept Fugaku's management.
It was only after becoming the Clan Leader that Fugaku realized that the position was not easy to hold.
However, becoming the Clan Leader of the Uchiha was something he had dreamed of.
Initially, he thought he would have a fierce struggle with Ruri, but he did not expect the other to defect with some clansmen, immediately losing the trust and support of the four elders, who then focused their energy and attention on him.
This was an unexpected gain, perhaps.
Although Ruri's defection made the Uchiha's situation in Konoha even more awkward.
Within the high-level ranks, the Uchiha gradually became untrustworthy.
The two Advisors and Root Leader Danzo criticized the Uchiha Race for their missteps more than once at the Jonin meetings, and the only person still speaking for the Uchiha was the Third Hokage Hiruzen himself.
Even though Fugaku wanted to refute some remarks, the charges against Ruri for defecting from Konoha and injuring comrades were already substantiated. Every time a Jonin meeting was held, many peculiar looks would focus on the Uchiha issues, making Fugaku feel embarrassed.
He couldn't help but resent Ruri's vile behavior in defecting from the village, which was tantamount to smearing the clan's face.
No one in the family spoke up for Ruri either.
At the assembly meeting, not only did he injure the four elders, but he also undermined the village jointly established by the Uchiha and Senju Clans. For the Uchiha Race, who aimed to seize the position of Hokage, Ruri's defection disrupted all their plans, causing their past efforts to go to waste.
Against this backdrop, those who left with Ruri were naturally nailed to the pillar of shame for the clan.
If it weren't for the current wartime situation, they would have already sent people to pursue these Uchiha traitors.
"Fugaku, how does it feel to be a Clan Leader for the first time? Does it give you a satisfying sense of achievement?"
Uchiha Rika, a confidant of the four elders, approached Fugaku at home and teased him.
"There's no sense of achievement, just the heavy burden of figuring out how to make the clan prosper."
Fugaku forced a smile.
Initially, he was indeed immersed in the joy of becoming Clan Leader, but the ensuing busy affairs nearly exhausted him.
In addition, he had to properly manage relations with the high-level leaders, and many things seemed awkward to handle.
Especially concerning Danzo, who was seriously dissatisfied with Uchiha affairs, insisting Uchiha be held accountable for their negligence and subjected to Anbu surveillance.
If it weren't for the Third Hokage stopping and suppressing Danzo's voice, this time wouldn't have been so easily resolved.
This made Fugaku very grateful for the care of the Third Hokage.
Although he knew the Third Hokage did this simply to value the power of the Uchiha Race, aiming to assimilate them into the village and maintain a balanced situation, even offering help during critical times, it reassured Fugaku.
If there were no reason for helping the Uchiha, Fugaku would be wary if the Hokage had any ill intentions towards the Uchiha.
"Don't be so pessimistic, even if the rest of the high-levels are against the Uchiha, as long as a firm connection with the Hokage is maintained, there won't be much problem."
"Oh?"
"That's also the intention of the four elders. The task of having a Hokage born from the Uchiha Race is enormous. It's always beneficial to maintain a good relationship with the incumbent Hokage."
Rika said so.
This was also the Uchiha's only way to survive in Konoha.
Because by then, whether the Uchiha voluntarily abandon the Hokage or are abandoned by the Hokage, the Uchiha in Konoha would face extinction.
They could only survive at the mercy of the Hokage.
"I understand the four elders' intentions."
Fugaku nodded solemnly.
"It's good that you understand."
"How is the health of the four elders?"
Fugaku inquired.
Ever since Ruri defected, he heard that the health of the four elders hasn't improved, presumably due to illness from deep worry.
"Don't worry, the elder's health is very good, plus now they are retired, there's ample time to recuperate. You don't need to worry about things over there. By the way, when do you plan to head to the frontline?"
Rika asked.
"Now that things in the clan have mostly settled down and the high-level issues are being suppressed by the Third Hokage's help, I plan to lead the clan members to support the frontline battlefield the morning after tomorrow."
Fugaku thought for a moment and said.
"Though it's redundant to say, make sure to protect yourself. The frontline battlefield is different from the village; even with the Sharingan, you might die at any time."
"I understand, I'll be cautious. Is there anything else I need to do with the four elders?"
"Nothing, you're now the Clan Leader of the Uchiha, you should act according to your own ideas."
Rika shook his head, indicating that the four elders had no requests.
"Please thank the elders for their trust on my behalf."
Fugaku was somewhat moved.
The four elders' actions clearly intended to delegate power, making him truly the Clan Leader of the Uchiha Race rather than manipulating from behind the scenes, turning him into a puppet Clan Leader to control the Uchiha.
This trust made Fugaku very grateful.
After all, no one else could compare to the authority of the four elders within the Uchiha, and if they insisted on controlling from behind the scenes, Fugaku could not resist their remote control.