CH - 232 New Uchiha Leader

Observing the two bickering figures before him, Uchiha Fugaku couldn't help but wear a wry expression. With Uchiha Itachi detained, the rest of the clan had mobilized, eager to assert the Uchiha's stance and reclaim their honor. And he had opted to wait alone in the hall to keep their activities discreet, but now he found himself questioning if even one of them had grasped the gravity of the situation.

Yet, as he observed the casual banter between Uchiha Obito and the Grass Village leader, a fleeting smirk touched his lips. Speaking of Which, the Grass Village leader's audacity was really unmatched, even amidst the scrutiny of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, he still managed to allure many rogue and defected shinobi.

Lost in contemplation, Fugaku pondered his next words. Finally breaking the silence, he addressed the duo with a mix of exasperation and expectation, "Have you two decided to grace us with your presence at last?"

His remark prompted a realization in the two, who exchanged sheepish glances. They had nearly forgotten the purpose of coming here, distracted by their squabble. With reproachful looks directed at each other, they hastily composed themselves and took their places opposite Fugaku.

Observing the solemn ambiance enveloping the Uchiha clan's domain, Obito couldn't help but feel a pang of remorse. "I never imagined the Uchiha clan would come to this..."

Fugaku cast a glance at Obito, his expression a mix of contemplation and curiosity. Did Obito foresee the Uchiha's downfall long ago? Looks like he's really a genius.

Gathering his thoughts, Fugaku turned his attention to Akihiko, his expression still tinged with complexity. After a moment of reflection, he remarked calmly, "The Grass Village leader is quite cunning."

But before he could elaborate, Akihiko interjected dramatically, "Oh, if that's how you see it, I might as well take my leave. Farewell, then!"

Fugaku watched in mild exasperation as Akihiko made a show of preparing to leave, even lifting his foot as if poised to depart. The display mirrored the nonchalant demeanor of the Grass Village's leader, causing Fugaku to inwardly sigh. Struggling to find the right response, he finally managed, "My apologies, I was just rambling."

"Ah, much better. Frankly, as the head of the clan, how can you fault the Grass Village? You, of all people, should grasp the Uchiha clan's current predicament." Akihiko settled back into his seat, his tone laden with genuine concern. "Consider this: Grass Village merely sells newspapers. Is there a fault in that? It's business, plain and simple. Furthermore..." He paused briefly before continuing, "Setting aside the facts, can we honestly absolve Konoha of any responsibility?"

Fugaku's eyebrows arched slightly, recognizing a familiar ring in Akihiko's words. There was logic in his argument. The rift between the Uchiha and Konoha had been festering for longer than just a few days. The uprising of the Uchiha was a premature response to external pressures.

As a leader and a parent, Fugaku felt torn. Despite his desire for peace, the pressure from within his clan, particularly from Itachi and Shisui, coupled with the rising fervor of the militant faction, left the Uchiha with little choice but to rebel. Yet, Fugaku couldn't ignore the inevitable failure that awaited them.

Initially, the thought of leaving Konoha hadn't crossed his mind. Over the years, the Uchiha clan had forged deep ties with the village. And in the face of their rebellion's failure, he believed that Uchiha should just peacefully disappear.

However, witnessing Obito's transformation alongside the Uzumaki Clan in Grass Village ignited a new train of thought within him. As the clan head, a husband, and a father, he couldn't bear to witness the demise of his people and his family, including his wife and young son, due to unforeseen circumstances.

In the face of the dire circumstances confronting the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Fugaku acted decisively, without a hint of hesitation. "Please," He stooped down and handed over the signed talent acquisition plan, a silent acknowledgment of the gravity of the situation.

There were no requests, no pleas for understanding. Fugaku simply bowed, his demeanor reflecting his unwavering resolve.

Both Akihiko and Obito were taken aback by the unexpected submission of the usually proud and resolute clan leader. Obito, in particular, found himself surprised by Fugaku's humility in the face of the Uchiha's plight.

Before Akihiko could respond, Fugaku spoke again, his tone grave and solemn. "Rest assured, I understand the predicament of the Uchiha clan all too well. The militant faction will stop at nothing to preserve the honor of our clan."

After all, Deep down, Fugaku knew the danger posed by the militant faction. Their thirst for power had clouded their judgment, and even if they were to leave Konoha, they would continue to pursue their reckless ambitions.

With unwavering determination, Fugaku turned to Uchiha Obito, his gaze unwavering. "Henceforth, I relinquish my position as clan leader. Uchiha Obito, you will lead the Uchiha clan from this day forward."

As Fugaku's words hung in the air, both Akihiko and Obito were taken aback, the latter particularly stunned by the unexpected appointment. He never imagined he would be entrusted with such a responsibility, especially at this critical juncture when he was still a student grappling with personal debts.

Before Obito could voice his thoughts, Fugaku interjected once more, his tone resolute. "Please, Obito, do not refuse."

Fugaku's expression remained steadfast as he shook his head, a tinge of bitterness evident in his smile. "I no longer possess the right to lead the clan."

Whether it's Itachi's betrayal or his own inability to protect the clan, Fugaku felt the weight of failure as the clan leader.

In his eyes, Obito was the most suitable candidate. Kakashi's report had highlighted Obito's rising stature within Grass Village, earning the trust and respect of its leader. Thus, Fugaku believed Obito could guide the remaining clan members to establish themselves in Grass Village successfully.

With a solemn gaze fixed on Obito, Fugaku spoke earnestly. "I entrust this duty to you. Please, take care of our people. It is the responsibility of a clan leader.

As Obito absorbed Fugaku's words, he remained in a state of shock. However, before he could articulate a response, Akihiko's furrowed brows drew his attention. "Are you prepared to make such a sacrifice?" Akihiko's question hit Obito like a lightning bolt, causing his eyes to widen in realization.

Turning back to Fugaku, Obito gazed at him with a mix of astonishment and concern. "Fugaku-sama, you..."

Fugaku met Obito's gaze with unwavering resolve, acknowledging the gravity of his decision. "It is also the duty of a clan leader," he affirmed calmly. "Furthermore, if I do not shoulder this burden, Sasuke will bear the brunt of the clan's hatred. And as for Itachi..." A bitter smile flickered across his features. "It is also the duty of a father."

Fugaku understood that fleeing would only perpetuate the cycle of hatred, leaving behind a legacy of resentment and discord for his family and clan. As the leader and patriarch, he could not allow such a fate to befall them. In embracing his responsibilities, he hoped to guide his people toward a future untainted by conflict and resentment.

As Akihiko seemed to ponder Fugaku's request, a surge of panic gripped Fugaku's heart. "Please, do not intervene in this! Don't knock me out and take me away!"

Akihiko's eyes widened in astonishment. "How did you..." His voice trailed off as he gazed into Fugaku's eyes, a realization dawning upon him. However, before he could articulate his thoughts—

"...I've gleaned some knowledge about Grass Village... If I were to remain alive, I would only sow seeds of hatred among the living," Fugaku spoke enigmatically, his words laden with meaning that Obito struggled to grasp. With a humble bow, he pleaded once more, "Please, Grass Village Leader!"

In response, Akihiko remained silent, his gaze fixed on Fugaku. Then, turning to Obito with a serene smile, he passed the mantle of decision-making. "You are now the clan leader, Obito. The choice is yours."

Obito met Akihiko's gaze with a mixture of bewilderment and gratitude. "Despite your irksome ways, I am grateful." With unwavering determination, he proclaimed, "I, Uchiha Obito, shall guide the Uchiha clan into the future. Please accept the Uchiha clan, Grass Village Leader!"

As his words fell, Akihiko nodded in affirmation and accepted the 'Talent Recruitment' document from Uchiha Fugaku "Prepare yourselves. It's time to depart."

At the confirmation from Akihiko, a smile of relief spread across Fugaku's face, sensing a weight lift from his shoulders. Observing Obito's demeanor, he detected a similar sense of reassurance and contentment.

Subsequently, the trio delved into discussions regarding the evacuation strategy. Following Akihiko's proposal, Obito would utilize Kamui to transport them. With Fugaku having already assembled the Uchiha clan members, the evacuation process appeared straightforward—simply take them into Kamui space, evade Konoha's barriers and their safety would be ensured. Fortunately, for Obito, executing this plan posed no considerable challenge.

At that moment, Uchiha Fugaku's memory sparked, prompting him to clap his hands in realization. "Apologies, I nearly forgot."

As he spoke, the side door swung open, revealing a familiar figure, tightly bound and gagged, struggling against his restraints. Fugaku introduced, "This is Konoha's Hokage Assistant, Shimura Danzo. I apprehended him. There should be some..."

However, before he could complete his sentence, Akihiko's eyes widened, then lit up with excitement. He swiftly rose from his seat and dashed over, exclaiming with fondness, "Danzo, It's incredible to see you again! Is this fate?"

Akihiko couldn't fathom why Uchiha Fugaku had delayed revealing Danzo's presence. Had he done so earlier, He would have agreed without much thought.

Meanwhile, Danzo gazed at Akihiko in utter disbelief, bewildered by his unexpected appearance. What on earth was he doing here?