Chapter 53: Are You Truly a Qualified Clan Leader?

Yuhara's words seemed to help Uchiha Fugaku deflect some unnecessary responsibility, but those who understood knew this was the most significant criticism of Fugaku. Yuhara's implication was clear: Fugaku might be a good leader in normal times, but he was unfit for the critical period the clan was facing.

Fugaku understood Yuhara's words, and his expression turned unpleasant. However, he managed to control his emotions and silently watched Yuhara, wanting to see why he was deemed inadequate.

"Clan leader, and everyone present, the clan is facing an unprecedented crisis, which the elders should have already noticed. Ever since I was attacked by the Root's ninjas, everyone should be aware of Konoha's true attitude, right?" Yuhara sighed softly and began to speak.

"Konoha wants to provoke us into action because they know our clan is divided. One faction advocates using force to reclaim what we lost. Imagine if I were to be assassinated, my body never found, and Konoha denied involvement. The clan's emotions would be stirred, siding with the hardliners, and the clan leader would have no choice but to support them.

In such a scenario, Konoha would have the pretext of Uchiha's rebellion. Guess what would happen next?"

Yuhara paused, observing Fugaku's reaction, but Fugaku's expression remained unreadable. Perhaps he already knew the outcome, or maybe he simply didn't believe it. Regardless, Yuhara was determined to continue.

"My answer is simple: it would be the clan's annihilation."

Yuhara's calm tone conveyed a chilling truth, making everyone, whether moderate or hardliner, look grim. Those previously reprimanded by Yuhara were somewhat prepared for this, but Fugaku's supporters found it hard to believe or accept such an outcome.

"Uchiha Yuhara, stop spreading baseless fear!" Uchiha Inaho, a supporter of Fugaku and captain of the police force, retorted. "Even if such a thing were true, I believe the clan leader will lead us through it."

"Unfortunately, he cannot and never has," Yuhara responded, not even sparing a glance at Inaho. "You may wonder why things have come to this. There are two main reasons.

First, the Second Hokage always despised the Uchiha, both from a historical and village perspective. Uchiha Madara's assault on the village with the Nine Tails and subsequent death alongside the First Hokage only fueled this disdain. Despite seemingly empowering us by establishing the police force and taking Uchiha Kagami as a disciple, it was a trap.

The police force's connection to the prison naturally isolated us from political power. Kagami and the police force merely served to keep us under surveillance. Isn't it clear now?"

Yuhara sighed, while most Uchiha present, except for the elders and Shisui, looked increasingly uncomfortable. They wanted to refute Yuhara, but didn't know how. Fugaku remained silent, recognizing some truths in Yuhara's words.

"The Third Hokage and his successors inherited the Second's hostility. This enmity persists. A few years ago, the Hyuga clan's incident demonstrated this. If such an event happened to us, how would we react? This brings me to the second reason: Konoha's leadership wants to set an example.

If I were successfully assassinated and the clan made a decision, what would our fate be?"

Yuhara posed three questions, each more troubling than the last, making the clan's looming crisis apparent. Even Fugaku's supporters began to understand why Itachi wasn't present and wondered why Shisui was allowed to stay.

Yuhara continued, his tone firm. "Fugaku, despite your diligence, you lack capability and decisiveness. The clan has reached this point not only due to external factors but mainly because of you!

The external environment is harsh, yet you only think of compromise. The internal division remains, and you've never tried to unify us. Fugaku, are you truly a qualified leader?"

Yuhara's words hit like a hammer, especially for Fugaku. He remained silent, unsure how to respond. The shrine was enveloped in an oppressive silence, everyone watching Yuhara and Fugaku, waiting for Fugaku's response and Yuhara's next move.

Suddenly, a commotion outside the shrine broke the silence, causing everyone to frown, including Yuhara. A young Uchiha ninja entered and whispered, "It's Itachi. We stopped him from entering, but…"

Itachi Uchiha? The name caused varied reactions, and all eyes turned to Fugaku, whose face darkened. Before he could speak, Shisui stood up. "I'll handle this. Yuhara, you said the clan needs discipline. Even though I see Itachi as a brother, he must follow the clan's rules!"m