Uchiha Clan (4)

Mirai's mind raced as he pieced together the fragmented information. The profile of the mysterious attacker became clearer, each clue painting a picture of the enigmatic foe. The attacker wore a mask to conceal his identity and operated in the shadows, suggesting a deep familiarity with espionage and subterfuge.

The presence of Wood Release, even if a weaker imitation, hinted at a connection to the legendary Senju Hashirama, whose abilities were thought to be unique and inimitable. This alone would make the attacker a significant threat, but combined with the Mangekyō Sharingan, the danger increased exponentially.

Moreover, the attacker's mastery of a Space-Time Technique, allowing him to phase through attacks and move with unparalleled agility, indicated a level of skill and power that few could match. This ability to phase through objects and evade attacks was particularly troubling, as it made the attacker nearly invincible in direct combat.

Mirai's thoughts turned to the events of that fateful night. The attacker had infiltrated the heavily guarded compound where Kushina was giving birth, a feat that required not just skill but intimate knowledge of the village's defenses. He had also managed to retreat even after being wounded by Minato, suggesting a high level of strategic acumen and perhaps an understanding of Minato's own techniques.

As he continued to ponder, Mirai's eyes narrowed as he considered the possibilities. Who could possess such a combination of abilities and knowledge? The connection to both the Uchiha and Senju clans suggested a lineage or history intertwined with the village's founding families. The use of a Space-Time Technique further narrowed the possibilities, pointing towards someone with a rare and advanced understanding of jutsu.

His mind churned with the implications of the information he had gathered. As he considered Kakashi's suggestion that Uchiha Madara himself might have been the attacker, he quickly dismissed the notion. The legendary Madara would have been an overwhelming force. Even with the combined strength of both Minato and himself, facing Madara would have likely resulted in their defeat. The devastation would have been far greater, and the village might not have survived the onslaught.

Instead, Mirai concluded that the true culprit was more likely a remnant of Madara's legacy or someone who had discovered and harnessed his secrets, following his will. This individual had the means and motive to use the Nine-Tails to strike at Konoha, using abilities derived from Madara to create chaos and further their own agenda.

…

It didn't take long for Mirai to disperse his thoughts and fix his gaze on Fugaku's eyes, his expression calm but his resolve unyielding. He repeated the same words he had said to Kakashi. "Even if he is the real Madara or someone related to him, no matter who he is, I will never let him go."

Silence engulfed the room as Mirai's killing intent surged, making the atmosphere heavy and oppressive. The Uchiha members's faces paled with fear, and even the experienced Fugaku and Setsuna found themselves stiffening for a moment.

Reigning in his emotions, Mirai began speaking calmly, as if the earlier surge of killing intent hadn't belonged to him. Fugaku and the others exchanged confused glances but listened intently.

"When I returned to Konoha." Mirai began, "I was shocked to learn about my brother's death and even more disturbed by the poor situation of his orphaned son, Naruto. This village, which Minato and Kushina gave their lives to protect, failed to honor their memory by neglecting their child."

He paused, letting his words sink in. The room was silent, every Uchiha present hanging on his every word.

"My dissatisfaction with the Third Hokage and his council isn't new." Mirai continued. "During the war, many of their decisions were questionable, to say the least. Sacrifices were made that shouldn't have been, and now, their negligence and schemes continue to harm those they should be protecting. Even during my brother's reign, they couldn't forsake their powers and their interference made it hard for Minato to make any progres."

Fugaku's eyes narrowed slightly, understanding the gravity of Mirai's discontent. "And what do you plan to do about it?" He asked.

Mirai's expression hardened. "I intend to drive Sarutobi Hiruzen away. His time as Hokage should end."

Mirai took a deep breath, preparing to make his next point. "Konoha is like a windmill. It relies on the wind to turn its blades and generate power. The Hokage is that wind, driving the village forward, pushing it to greater heights. But Hiruzen is like a weak breeze. He lacks the strength to propel us further. Under his leadership, we stagnate, unable to do any improvement."

The conversation and Mirai's statement left Fugaku and the others with dry lips and hearts pounding in their chests.

Fugaku regained composure and leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "And you believe you can achieve this? Driving out the Third Hokage and his council is no small feat."

Mirai nodded, his resolve unshakable. "I do. But I cannot do it alone. I need allies, and I believe the Uchiha clan, who have also suffered under these same policies, could benefit from this change as well."

…

Setsuna's eyes eerily glowed crimson, his Sharingan opening instinctively. In Mirai, he saw not just a wind, but a hurricane of change—a force similar to what he had seen in Hashirama and Madara. He laughed, the sound grabbing the attention of everyone in the hall. For the first time in years, he felt as if he had returned to his youth, his long-dormant blood boiling once again.

Setsuna's mind drifted back to the past. After Madara's defection and the Second Hokage's decision to distance the Uchiha from the governance of Konoha by relegating them to the Police Force, Setsuna had gathered like-minded Uchiha and attempted a rebellion. However, it was easily quelled by Tobirama, and Setsuna was imprisoned for a time.

He had realized then that his lack of strength was the reason for his failure and decided to guide the younger generation as an elder, but now he found a chance and an opportunity In Namikaze Mirai, to shift the tides in their favor and they absolutely must ride his wind.

Turning to Fugaku, Setsuna's voice was filled with both nostalgia and newfound determination. "Fugaku, has your Uchiha blood already exhausted itself? How long are you going to drag on in this state?"

Fugaku took a deep breath and closed his eyes, his mind waging a silent battle. The room was thick with anticipation, the air heavy with the weight of the decision he was about to make. Finally, he opened his eyes and sighed, the sound carrying the burden of his thoughts.

"As long as it doesn't endanger the clan." Fugaku said slowly, "We will stand by your side."

Mirai smiled slightly, a confident smile that spoke of plans already set in motion and a vision of the future taking shape.