Chapter 170: Clan Meeting

Chapter 170: Clan Meeting

"The world of ninjas has always been about strength, and the Uchiha clan is no exception."

Haneda drew his sword, holding it horizontally in front of him, and said with a smile, "This is also a good opportunity to show some strength."

Fugaku wasn't keen on revealing his Mangekyō Sharingan, fearing it might make Konoha wary and stir ambition within the clan for the Hokage position. After all, one of their ancestors had wielded the Mangekyō Sharingan and brought much destruction to Konoha, with rumors suggesting that the First Hokage's death was not long after because of this.

But Fugaku also didn't want to directly oppose Haneda and didn't know how to respond.

Haneda continued, "If you're hesitant to reveal it, Fugaku, that's fine. Having two Mangekyō users could indeed make the village nervous. In that case, how about this? During the clan meeting, I'll reveal my Mangekyō and speak up for you. My reputation from the Third Shinobi World War will help keep those who look down on you in check."

Haneda's great feats during the war weren't due to his Mangekyō, but to his skill with Lightning Style, kenjutsu, and combination jutsus!

Fugaku felt warm at Haneda's words and instinctively agreed. He suddenly remembered another matter and asked, "By the way, Haneda, now that the war is over, would you prefer to continue taking missions for the village, or would you rather join the police force?"

Since Jonin are often required to take on challenging missions, Haneda realized joining the police force would allow him to avoid them more easily and replied, "Just list my name in the police force—skip me on patrols, please."

"Understood."

---

Night descended as Uchiha ninja, finishing their patrols and shifts, made their way to the clan's shrine. Only those who had awakened the Sharingan and attained a certain rank were eligible to attend the meeting, with most of those present ranked as Special Jonin or above.

Fugaku arrived early with close allies, and soon, Haneda entered, observing that the underground meeting room was already mostly filled with the clan's elites. However, the higher seats, meant for the Elder Council represented by the First and Second Elders, were still empty. Checking his watch, Haneda noted that the Elders were already late.

Though he'd grown accustomed to waiting because of Obito, he knew this would reflect poorly on Fugaku's authority as clan leader. Haneda frowned and looked at Fugaku, who gestured for patience. Yet Haneda, unlike with Obito, didn't feel it necessary to wait for others unnecessarily.

Standing up, he said, "Fugaku, it's time. Let's start the meeting."

??!!

The murmuring in the room ceased instantly as everyone turned to Haneda. Many stayed silent, familiar with the Elders' lateness and unwilling to provoke Haneda, who had proven his prowess in the past. However, not all were pleased.

"Haneda, the First and Second Elders haven't arrived yet."

Others, feeling bolder, admonished him directly, "Haneda! We can't start without the Elders!"

Haneda activated his three-tomoe Sharingan and scanned the room, focusing on an older man known for almost being elevated to Elder status himself.

"The clan leader is here. Why shouldn't we start? Do you mean to imply the Elders outrank the clan leader?" Haneda asked sharply.

The elder, unwilling to cross that line, didn't respond.

At that moment, the Elders entered. The First Elder smiled and said, "The clan leader holds the highest rank, of course. But as Elders, it's our duty to offer experienced guidance, and correct any missteps in his decisions."

With a brief, unimpressed glance at the Elders, Haneda sat down and tapped his fingers on the table, signaling Fugaku to proceed. Haneda understood they had balanced acknowledging Fugaku's role while subtly asserting their influence, though he knew that future meetings would demand clearer respect.

"Since everyone's here, let's start the meeting," Fugaku announced.

Uchiha were known for their efficiency and got right to the point.

Fugaku quickly introduced the topic: "According to recent intelligence, the village has grown dissatisfied with the Third Hokage's leadership post-war, and he intends to retire. Jiraiya nominated Minato Namikaze, but it seems the Third leans toward Orochimaru."

"The rule set by the First and Second Hokage dictates that the Hokage is chosen through a vote by the Jonin, public support, and final appointment by the Daimyō. But in practice, the decision often lies with the Jonin vote. The Uchiha clan, as Konoha's largest clan, holds roughly one-fifth of the Jonin votes. Both Orochimaru and Minato know the significance of our influence."

"Tonight, we're here to discuss who the clan should support."

The Third Elder immediately stood up, saying, "Of course, Orochimaru! He's already recognized in the village for both his accomplishments and his strength."

The Second Elder agreed, "Yes, Orochimaru performed impressively in both the Second and Third Wars, and the Hokage clearly favors him. Even the Nara clan leader supports him."

The support for Orochimaru was evident, but Fugaku hesitated, uncertain whether to voice his preference for Minato. After seeing Haneda's encouraging look, however, he gathered his courage and spoke, "I think Minato has great potential."

The room fell silent as Fugaku elaborated, "Orochimaru has ample support; Uchiha backing would be merely adding to his advantage. Minato, however, is mainly supported by Jiraiya, Kushina, and a few Jonin. If the Uchiha back Minato now, we offer a valuable edge that could sway other clans who are hesitant or neutral."

The First Elder exchanged a look with the Second Elder, who then pressed Fugaku, "If Orochimaru has a much higher chance of becoming Hokage, why take the risk and support Minato, Clan Leader?"

Fugaku, following Haneda's earlier advice, replied, "To secure the future of the Uchiha."

"Orochimaru has too much support, and our endorsement would barely register. Minato, on the other hand, is a new generation star with both power and achievements. He's the clear frontrunner for Fifth Hokage."

This reasoning gained Fugaku support from some who were already inclined to back him and even won over some neutrals.

Yet the First Elder intervened. "The Fifth Hokage? Orochimaru is only in his thirties and could easily serve as Hokage for a decade. If he sees the Uchiha as rivals because of the election, he could treat us like the Second Hokage did. Ten years is a long time—can you guarantee the Uchiha's welfare during that period, Clan Leader?"

The mention of the Second Hokage's oppressive measures against the Uchiha struck a nerve, silencing even Fugaku's supporters.

At that moment, Haneda rose, commanding everyone's attention.

"Simple," he declared. "I'll ensure it."

As he spoke, Haneda's Mangekyō Sharingan flared to life, stunning the entire assembly. With his eyes surveying the room, Haneda made his stance clear.

"As Haneda Uchiha, I fully endorse Fugaku's stance. We will support Minato for Hokage. Now… who agrees and who objects?"