At this moment, Uchiha Fugaku brought out the full force of the authority and presence he had cultivated over the years as the clan's young patriarch.
Combined with his naturally fierce features, his aura was overwhelming. Even Uchiha Kei, who knew Fugaku was actually someone inclined to compromise, had to admit: on looks and aura alone, Fugaku really was intimidating. He looked every bit the hardliner of hardliners—the Uchiha among Uchihas, a born rebel against the Hidden Leaf Village.
No wonder the Uchiha hardliners had all been fooled, following him closely to their eventual ruin.
Had they known that beneath that exterior was a man so easily manipulated, both the hawks and doves in the clan probably would've kicked him off his seat as clan head out of sheer frustration. Even the doves weren't just waiting around to die.
And yet, it was this same awe-inspiring Uchiha Fugaku who now spoke in a low, grave voice: "Is what you said true? Kei-kun, as a member of the Uchiha, you should understand what your words mean for our clan."
Uchiha Kei shook his head. "I can't say for sure that what I said can actually be achieved. After all, I only had Minato test it for me. While his feedback supports the theory behind my claims, Minato isn't an Uchiha, so I can't confirm whether it would work on us."
Fugaku narrowed his eyes. "So you came to me hoping I would help you test this special genjutsu you've developed on the Uchiha?"
Kei nodded. "The genjutsu game only activates if the target offers no resistance. And very few people in this world can calmly accept a Sharingan-based genjutsu, even among the Uchiha."
"In fact, before coming to you, I already approached some Uchiha with three-tomoe Sharingan in the Konoha Police Force."
Fugaku nodded in realization. "And they all rejected you, didn't they?"
Kei spread his hands. "Who would believe in a loser who rejected the clan's guidance as a child, stubbornly tried to become a great shinobi on his own, and ended up mocked and scorned as the disgrace of the Uchiha?"
Fugaku's expression shifted slightly, then he said solemnly, "Kei-kun, I know that the clan's unfair treatment made you resentful. But that's because they failed to recognize your talent. In my eyes, you are a genius equal to anyone."
"As the next clan head, I promise you in the name of that future position—we will make it up to you. All the honor you deserve will be returned to you."
With that, Fugaku even gave a slight bow to Kei as a gesture of deep apology. Latest content publıshed on 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭·𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦·𝘯𝘦𝘵
For the heir of one of the Five Great Clans to bow to a scorned, low-status member—it was shocking in the rigid hierarchy of the shinobi world. But it made clear that Fugaku was genuinely trying to apologize on behalf of the entire Uchiha clan and hoped to earn Kei's forgiveness.
"Huh?" Uchiha Kei blinked in confusion, unsure how to respond.
Apparently, Fugaku had completely misunderstood him.
Those earlier words were just part of Kei's conversational setup—to guide the topic toward his real goal: getting Fugaku to help him secure the support of other powerful Uchiha, and turn them into sources of emotional value.
But Fugaku had interpreted it all as heartfelt complaint and sarcasm.
Still, it wasn't a bad result. Who would've thought Fugaku held Kei in such high regard? High enough to offer an apology and commitment on behalf of the clan? That was a surprise.
After all, in a cutthroat, rigid world one, where hierarchy ruled all—
Even powerful shinobi had to take orders from idiot daimyōs, and couldn't disobey. And the Hyūga clan next door? Even more suffocating.
Fugaku's behavior could only be described as rebellious.
Then again, when you look back on Fugaku's life, this wasn't so out of character after all.
Uchiha Kei decided not to correct Fugaku's misunderstanding. Accepting his goodwill didn't hurt. Plus, if Kei's genjutsu game truly could enhance the Sharingan, then it would benefit the entire Uchiha clan. Fugaku's apology and promises were only what Kei deserved.
In that sense, Fugaku was actually quite smart—and a qualified future clan leader. When faced with a potentially invaluable asset who had been wronged, offering support was better than giving praise when things were going well.
Realizing this, Kei smiled and said, "You're too kind, young patriarch. I'm Uchiha—and only Uchiha."
That was both a promise and Kei's stance.
Though the system had its issues, it undeniably brought real benefits. If this virtuous cycle continued, Kei would reach great heights.
Eventually, the thought of fleeing would be replaced with the desire to protect *his* Hidden Leaf and *his* Uchiha.
Or rather—he'd return to the resolve he had back in the Ninja Academy.
Hearing Kei's reply, a softer look appeared on Fugaku's stern face. He was clearly pleased.
After all, in Fugaku's eyes, Kei was truly extraordinary. Though only a Chūnin, Kei's vision and talent in creating new techniques far surpassed the so-called geniuses in their clan.
Those arrogant Uchiha would never understand Kei's value.
But that was expected. They hadn't been trained as leaders, and their inherited pride blinded them to the bigger picture.
What's more, Kei wasn't just talented—he had a deep friendship with Namikaze Minato, the standout of the younger generation in the Hidden Leaf. Their bond was genuine, on par with the friendship between the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi and his comrade Danzo Shimura.
Given Minato's current potential, his people skills, and his background as a student of Jiraiya, one of the Legendary Sannin—his chances of becoming Hokage were very high.
Maybe not the Fourth, but the Fifth was a real possibility.
If Minato became Hokage, then Kei, his closest friend, would rise with him. That would be the Uchiha clan's chance to finally gain a seat among the Hidden Leaf's leadership.
Talent, vision, future prospects—it was all there. Fugaku wasn't blind. He knew exactly what he was doing by building ties with Kei.
Of course, Kei understood all this too. Dealing with someone as calculating as Fugaku wasn't as relaxing as hanging out with Minato.
After all, in the adult world, there's no such thing as pure, sincere emotion. Interests are what really matter.
Right now, Kei and Fugaku both needed something from each other. That made their relationship solid. They were true allies, willing to help each other and grow together.