Chapter 17, Uchiha needs coup

"Root."

Natsuki patted Itachi's shoulder, clenching his fists.

"This is the root of the issue."

"Are you referring to strength?"

He shook his head. "Yes and no."

"Yes, because strength is important in the ninja world. When our Uchiha's strength surpasses that of Konoha, then anyone from our clan can become the Hokage."

"But, no, because even if we conquer Konoha, there are still other villages – Kumogakure, Iwagakure, Kirigakure, and Sunagakure."

"In the era of Madara and Hashirama, Hashirama's strength could overwhelm all the ninja villages, making him the Hokage."

"The current Hokage is a result of compromise among some ninja clans."

"Without strengthening ourselves, the title of Hokage will be meaningless."

"In my sharingan, you've witnessed numerous disasters, yet you fail to adopt a long-term perspective."

"I suspended Uchiha to help them see clearly, preventing them from being blinded by immediate injustices."

"We need to be strong individually. When each Uchiha master can stand alone, Konoha will be at our mercy, pleading for one of us to become the Hokage."

Fugaku was intrigued by what he heard. He gripped his shoulders and exclaimed, "You should be the leader of this clan."

Natsuki smiled and playfully slapped Fugaku's hand away. "The clan leader is joking. As long as Uchiha is prosperous and powerful, it doesn't matter who the clan leader is. If Uchiha is destroyed, then it doesn't matter who the clan leader is."

A moment of silence fell over the group.

[Ding…]

"Shisui!"

"Yes!" Uchiha Shisui nodded emphatically.

"It's almost time. Many Uchiha have resolved their psychological issues now."

"It's time for us to break out of this cycle."

"It's time to prepare for a 'coup.'"

Fugaku remained silent for a moment. "Let's inform those people according to the previous plan."

Natsuki handed a sealed scroll to Itachi, saying, "Itachi, here are some family assets and business plans I've outlined."

"It's going to be tough out there. Everything depends on you."

They had previously decided that Uchiha Itachi and Shisui would lead a group of clan members to leave Uchiha.

Natsuki and Fugaku would stay in Konoha. Initially, Fugaku wanted Natsuki to lead the team, but considering Konoha's wealth of talents, Natsuki could still poach many skilled individuals from the village. This way, they could have more control over their destiny.

Itachi received the sealing scroll, feeling a weight in his heart.

In recent times, his perspective had undergone a significant transformation, as if a new world had unfolded before him.

In the past, his vision had been limited to Konoha Village, too narrow.

Though reluctant to let go of Sasuke, Shisui's gentle temperament and lack of ambition restricted him from holding a prominent position. He could only be utilized as a warrior, guided by Itachi and supported by the three elders.

Fortunately, Natsuki was there, providing reassurance.

"Don't worry, Father. I'll do my best. I entrust Sasuke to you."

Natsuki waved his hand. "Don't make it a life-or-death matter. Your father is still in the clan. I'll take good care of Sasuke."

"Clan leader, come and gather them."

...

Shrine and temple.

"I understand that each one of you here desires prosperity for our Uchiha clan."

Natsuki sat at the head, and everyone else took their seats beside him.

The Uchiha members below mainly consisted of hawk radicals, with many former members of the police force among them.

"But the prolonged oppression from Konoha has denied us the treatment we rightfully deserve."

"For so long in Konoha, our Uchiha clan has never had a single Hokage."

"Even the position of an elder doesn't belong to us Uchihas."

As Natsuki spoke, the Uchiha members below began to react, their emotions running high.

Most Uchihas are passionate and easily swayed individuals.

"A few days ago, I had the Fourth Elder suspend all of you from your posts just to make a point."

"Konoha, in reality, cannot function without our Uchiha!"

"We, the Uchiha, should be granted the rights we deserve!"

Uchiha Yaoya inquired from below, "But Deputy Chief, how can we attain these rights?"

Natsuki subtly gestured to Shisui, and the Sharingan in Shisui's eyes began to rotate vigorously.

Natsuki covertly used the pupil magnifier to amplify the influence of other individuals present.

"The essential process to secure our rights involves us becoming strong enough. What the Uchiha clan lacks is autonomy."

"Guarding the police force forever won't enable us to easily become Hokage; it only continues to provoke others!"

"We Uchiha can't remain mercenaries forever; we need to establish our own industry!"

"We need to be powerful! So powerful that Konoha can't overlook us!"

"Why is it that the Land of Fire consistently emerges as the strongest when attacked by other nations?"

"Because the Land of Fire is the wealthiest and most prosperous!"

"We, in the Land of Fire, have an abundance of lives to spare!"

"The Land of Fire can lose countless lives, while other nations falter after just a few casualties!"

"We need economic development! We need population growth! Let Konoha plead with us to become Hokage!"

Natsuki's voice resonated strongly, and through Shisui's Mangekyou Sharingan, the influence in his pupils descended like mercury to the ground.

Numerous eyes were already activated on other individuals, not to mention the multitude of people present.

By stirring the emotions of these individuals, Shisui, next to Natsuki, witnessed tears of blood forming in his eyes. Thankfully, he had the pupil magnifier.

The Third Elder stood nearby. Seeing that Shisui could hardly endure any longer, he promptly raised his arms and shouted!

"Economic development! Uchiha's revitalization!"

Observing the fervent clan members below, Shisui collapsed after imparting an order of loyalty to Uchiha Natsuki.

...

Hokage's office.

An ANBU was delivering a report.

"Reporting to the Third Hokage, today, the Uchiha clan held a gathering for unknown reasons."

"The participants mainly consisted of Uchiha radicals, and the nature of the gathering is unclear."

"However, not long after the gathering began, slogans promoting the 'revitalization of Uchiha' started emerging with enthusiastic voices."

The Third Hokage rubbed his forehead wearily. Wasn't Uchiha supposed to show friendliness? Many Uchiha members even withdrew from the security team. What is Fugaku up to?

"Boom!" A massive explosion resounded from a distance, and an intense surge of chakra permeated the air.

The Third Hokage's expression turned serious. That was coming from the Uchiha clan.

Amidst the rising smoke and dust from the Uchiha clan, the ANBU received a message through the summoning beast.

"Sandaime-sama! A conflict erupted within the Uchiha clan, causing widespread disturbances. It was Uchiha Itachi and Fugaku who initiated the action."

"The ninjutsu employed by Itachi Uchiha and Fugaku was too powerful, preventing our investigators from advancing."

"Gather the ANBU forces and head to the Uchiha clan immediately."

With a swift movement, the Third Hokage leaped out of the window, disappearing into the distance.