Nanga Shrine.
At this moment, the supporters of Kagami Uchiha were locked in a heated argument with the clan leader's followers.
From the scene, it was evident that the clan leader's side held the upper hand.
Not only that, but the three clan elders of the Uchiha Clan were also staunch supporters of the clan leader's faction.
Sitting in the farthest corner, Fugaku Uchiha observed the chaos in the shrine with cold detachment, muttering to himself:
"Ah, power.
The teacher was absolutely right; once someone tastes the allure of power, ninety-five percent of them become combative and relentless."
As he murmured, Fugaku grew increasingly convinced that the path he had chosen was the right one.
Breaking apart the so-called great clans, mixing everyone together—where everyone was both a commoner and a noble—would create the ideal village.
In truth, his beliefs were quite similar to Kagami Uchiha's, but he found Kagami's softness and naive hope for the clan unrealistic.
In Fugaku's eyes, Kagami had both the strength and the character to become the clan leader, yet he chose the most difficult and least effective path.
Before long, the argument began to wind down.
One side continued to accuse the clan leader of inaction, while the other side, led by Kagami, grew increasingly silent and disheartened.
The outcome was clear—who gained more support from the clan members was obvious at a glance.
Feeling bored, Fugaku propped himself up on his knees and slowly stood, ready to leave the shrine.
Just then, one of the clan elders suddenly called out to him, asking in a deep voice:
"Fugaku, you are also a member of the Uchiha Clan. Do you support the clan leader in expelling this soul-less fool who doesn't care about the clan?"
Hearing this, Fugaku paused, turned to glance at them, and replied dryly:
"I don't care."
With that, he walked out of the shrine without looking back.
Bad news travels fast.
Before long, the news that Kagami Uchiha had been expelled from the Uchiha Clan spread within the circles of Konoha's major families.
However, it seemed that the Uchiha Clan had learned the meaning of restraint this time.
They targeted only Kagami himself, sparing his wife and children from any repercussions.
Even those clan members who had sided with Kagami faced no consequences.
Still, this event created a noticeable rift within the previously united Uchiha Clan.
Hokage's Office.
Silent and expressionless, Kagami sat on the sofa, staring blankly at the steaming tea on the table.
Beside him, Hiruzen Sarutobi had uncharacteristically left his desk and was sitting on another sofa, puffing away at his pipe.
After what seemed like an eternity, Hiruzen furrowed his brows and finally spoke.
"Kagami... are you okay?"
This wasn't a question from the Hokage to an advisor but from one classmate to another.
Hearing this, Kagami's stubbled face forced a weak smile as he replied softly:
"I'm... fine, Lord Hokage."
Seeing this, Hiruzen sighed heavily again.
"Kagami, you know how difficult it is for me to intervene in matters involving large clans. After all, there are so many other clans in the village watching.
Besides the Uchiha, there's also the Hyuga Clan.
The reason the Hyuga repay the village so selflessly is to preserve their traditions..."
Hiruzen continued to ramble on, expressing his helplessness as Hokage.
Kagami, however, continued to force a smile and nod in understanding.
When Hiruzen finally finished, Kagami looked up at him and spoke slowly:
"Lord Hokage, I understand everything you've said, and I know how hard your position is.
But I came here today to resign. Please allow me to step down from my position as an advisor to Konoha's leadership."
"Kagami... you..."
Hiruzen began to speak but was interrupted by Kagami raising his hand.
"Lord Hokage, I am no longer a member of the Uchiha Clan, so I no longer have the qualifications to hold this position.
Besides, ever since I became an advisor, I've neglected my child's education.
My wife often complains that I leave early and return late, with no time to spend with them.
So..."
Kagami looked up at Hiruzen, his eyes unreadable.
Seeing this, Hiruzen let out a heavy sigh and asked in a low voice:
"What about the future? What do you plan to do?"
Hearing this, Kagami chuckled self-deprecatingly.
"I'll educate my child and try to raise him into an outstanding ninja, someone who can succeed you."
Hearing this, Hiruzen smiled faintly, saying nothing more.
While Hiruzen was comforting Kagami, far away in the Land of Water's Kirigakure, Rinjin also received news from Konoha.
Along with the news came a visit from young Fugaku Uchiha.
At the time, Rinjin had been observing the daily activities of Kisame Hoshigaki and happened to have some free time. He decided to find a secluded spot and used the Flying Thunder God Technique to return to his home in Konoha.
Konoha, Tea Room.
When Rinjin entered the tea room, he found Rii and Fugaku locked in a staring contest.
"Yo, another round of 'who blinks first'?" Rinjin teased.
Hearing the familiar voice, Rii and Fugaku simultaneously broke their gaze, their faces lighting up with surprise as they turned to look at Rinjin.
"Brother!"
"Sensei!"
Their cheerful voices rang out as Rinjin chuckled and responded warmly. He walked over to the low table, poured himself a cup of tea, and sat down.
At that moment, Fugaku scooted over to Rinjin without hesitation.
"Sensei, did you hear about what happened in my clan?"
"I did," Rinjin replied, sipping his tea and nodding.
"Sensei, what's your opinion on it?"
Opinion? What opinion could I possibly have?
The Uchiha Clan is splitting! Half of them will follow me?!
Even though I've been subtly steering things in this direction all along, isn't it a bit much to ask the mastermind for his opinion?
I can't exactly jump up and shout, "Yahoo!" now, can I?
Thinking this, Rinjin shook his head in exasperation, indicating he had no opinion.
Seeing this, Fugaku pouted like a child.
"Sensei, can you at least teach me how to deal with someone powerful and influential?"
"Who do you want to deal with?" Rinjin asked curiously.
"The clan leader!" Fugaku declared.
"Just beat him up!" Rinjin replied without hesitation.
Hearing this, Fugaku's face turned dark.
"Sensei~ I mean making him lose his power and influence!"
"Ah..." Rinjin rubbed his chin thoughtfully before smirking and asking, "Do you really want to become a crafty old schemer?"
"I do!" Fugaku answered without hesitation.
Seeing this, Rinjin's eyes gleamed mischievously as he chuckled.
"That's easy. All you need to do is strip away his aura of mystery!"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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