A deathly silence fell over the tent after Luo Lei's words.
The high-ranking members of the Uchiha clan, though visibly in disagreement, bowed their heads in submission.
Frustration and powerlessness were palpable on their faces.
What else could they do?
Tolerate.
Endure.
It was all that was left for the supposed number one clan of Konoha.
It wasn't that the Uchiha clan wanted to actively resist.
The sight of the ashes on the tent floor, all that remained of their fallen comrade, was a constant and terrifying reminder of the power they faced.
However, at this moment, they could only silently accept.
What Luo Lei said was law.
"Ha ha...", Luo Lei laughed with disdain.
He was too weary to continue lecturing the Uchiha.
Deep down, he wondered what impact it would have on him if the Uchiha clan were truly destroyed in the future.
But for now, as long as they behaved submissively in his presence, he didn't feel the need to take more drastic measures.
After all, he didn't consider himself bloodthirsty. His demonstration of power had been enough to establish his dominance.
"Alright, everyone, withdraw," ordered Futian. "I need to have a private conversation with Luo Lei."
"Yes, Patriarch..." they responded in unison, a collective sigh of relief escaping their lips as they hurried towards the exit.
The urgency in their movements was palpable.
None wished to remain in Luo Lei's presence longer than necessary. The pressure emanating from him was simply overwhelming, crushing their usual pride and confidence.
As they withdrew, the realization of their mistake began to settle. With cooler heads, they recognized that they had overreacted.
Anyone with a minimum of common sense would understand that, at this critical point in the World War, the Hokage would never issue such an absurd order as the elimination of the Uchiha clan.
Luo Lei had played with them, and they, in their fear, had fallen right into his trap, activating their Sharingan in a pathetic attempt at intimidation.
Fugaku was the last to leave. He cast a long, meaningful look at Luo Lei before crossing the threshold.
Frustration was evident on his face. As the proclaimed genius of the Uchiha clan, he had always lived under the shadow of commoners like Luo Lei and Minato.
Now, even as the young patriarch of the clan, the gap seemed to have widened even further.
Especially when comparing his eyes to Luo Lei's, the difference was abysmal, like the distance between heaven and earth.
With these heavy thoughts, Fugaku left the tent.
"Phew!" Futian exhaled deeply once everyone had withdrawn. He slumped into a nearby chair, his face a mask of bitterness.
"I know well the situation of our clan, but I find myself powerless to change it."
"Naturally," replied Luo Lei, shrugging. "A radical change and it would cease to be the Uchiha clan."
Futian forced a smile at the obvious sarcasm.
"I have no further business here," declared Luo Lei, stretching. "Tomorrow we'll face the Kirigakure army. It will be a quick battle."
"Why such haste?" questioned Futian, his expression turning serious. "The Mizukage has arrived in the Land of Waves. Even without the Seven Swordsmen, Kirigakure's forces are formidable."
"The Kaguya clan and others have sent hundreds of their best ninjas," he added gloomily. "We've been forced to retreat; we can't contain them any longer."
"Certainly, your clan's strength is... inadequate," observed Luo Lei. "They don't even possess a Mangekyō Sharingan. Lamentable."
Futian felt each word like a stab, but he contained himself. "My son, Fugaku, is a genius. Surely he will awaken the Mangekyō soon. Besides, even without it, we're still the most powerful clan in Konoha."
"Is that so?"
Luo Lei's eyes gleamed with a dangerous flash. "It occurs to me there's a way to help Fugaku awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan."
"....What?"
Futian jumped up. "Luo Lei, if you have any condition, name it. The Uchiha clan will do the impossible to fulfill it."
"It's very simple...", Luo Lei sketched a malicious smile, slowly approaching Futian.
In a low voice, he whispered in the Uchiha leader's ear: "I came to the Land of Waves out of mere boredom. I want Mikoto Uchiha, who is bathing in a nearby tent, to accompany me for a few days."
Futian's expression instantly transformed, his fists clenching with barely contained fury.
Mikoto wasn't a simple clan member; she was destined for his son. The desire to attack Luo Lei was overwhelming, but awareness of the intruder's power kept him in check.
"Do you wish for the Uchiha clan to vanish from the face of the earth?" Luo Lei continued with concern.
"If Mikoto becomes my woman, you'll secure your clan's future. I'm ruthless with my enemies, but generous with my own."
Futian remained silent.
"Keep this secret," warned Luo Lei. "Otherwise, your son will never awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan."
With these words, he vanished from the tent, leaving Futian alone with his internal torment.
Furious, he destroyed a nearby chair. Luo Lei's audacity, his disrespect towards the Uchiha clan, was a direct affront.
Did he not fear the consequences of his actions?
However, a disturbing doubt arose in his mind: "How did he know Mikoto was bathing?"
After long internal deliberation, he reached a bitter conclusion. "For the sake of the clan and my son's Mangekyō Sharingan, we must satisfy Luo Lei."
He knew Mikoto didn't love his son, that their union would depend on the clan's power. Now, that very lack of affection could be the key to securing the Uchiha clan's future.
"Either way, the clan is in a precarious position," he reasoned. "We gain a powerful ally, and Fugaku will have the chance to awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan."
________
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