Rukawa chuckled softly, unbothered.
"You're right. As a seasoned politician, Hiruzen wouldn't personally carry out a clan extermination."
"But he doesn't have to. He can make someone else act as his executioner."
"And who better for that role... than Uchiha Itachi?"
"Afterward, all Hiruzen has to say is—it was Itachi who went mad and wiped out the Uchiha Clan. No one would question it."
"In this way, the old fossil can destroy the Uchiha without lifting a finger. Blame falls on Itachi, while he comes out spotless. A flawless plan."
"And you? When Itachi raises his blade, you won't stop him. To 'avoid father and son clashing,' you'll surrender—under the noble excuse of 'respecting his decision.'"
Fugaku stiffened, stunned.
How does he know all this? Can he read minds?
Because truthfully, that was exactly what Fugaku had just been contemplating.
If Itachi really turned his blade against his kin, Fugaku wouldn't fight back. He'd rather fall himself than hurt his son.
Terrifying.
Absolutely terrifying.
Rukawa had seen through him like an open book. For the first time, Fugaku felt the man before him was unfathomable.
But he couldn't let that show. So he played tough.
"Hmph! If Itachi really dared do that... I'd break that traitor's legs myself!"
"Tch."
Rukawa sneered, stretching lazily.
"Whatever. Whether you believe me or not doesn't matter."
"I'll act when the time comes. All I need from you is to evacuate the clan in advance."
He paused, then added nonchalantly:
"After all, you're just a background character. Whether you show up or not really doesn't matter."
Fugaku twitched.
So now even a Kage-level is just a background character to this kid, huh?
Arrogant didn't even begin to cover it.
But if I had this power… I'd be arrogant too. Damn, I'm jealous.
Fugaku calmed himself, straightened his back, and spoke solemnly:
"Fine. I'll look into what you've told me."
"But right now—my most important question is this: My son, Uchiha Rukawa… is he alive or dead?"
His gaze was locked on the imposter, demanding an answer.
Though he'd always appeared distant with Rukawa, he was still his son. And a father never stops worrying.
Rukawa raised an eyebrow.
So the guy's not totally heartless after all.
"Don't be impatient," Rukawa said calmly. "Like I told you before—that question isn't important right now."
There it is again.
Just hearing the word "important" made Fugaku's temples throb.
SHING!
Suddenly, his eyes turned blood-red—the tomoe spinning into a unique pattern.
He'd activated his Mangekyō Sharingan!
Clearly, Fugaku had had enough.
Rukawa raised his hands slightly in mock surrender and finally gave a serious answer.
"Fine. I can't tell you yet. But after the Uchiha crisis passes, you'll get your answer."
"Damn you! I want a straight answer, now! Or we settle this with fists!"
BOOM!
Fugaku's chakra surged, the sheer pressure cracking the table beneath him.
"Oh? So you want a fight? Then bring it."
BOOM!!!
Rukawa's own aura exploded outward—utterly overwhelming. The tea table beneath him shattered into pieces.
Tension soared. A battle was imminent!
But then—
"Clan leader! Trouble!" came a panicked shout from the courtyard.
Tea Table: "Why am I always the only one who suffers…"
The voice outside shattered the killing intent in the room.
"Hmph. For your sake, I hope I get my answer. If not—I'll make sure you pay for it."
Fugaku snorted coldly and turned to leave, but not before throwing in one last threat.
Whew…
Once outside, he let out a long breath.
His back was drenched in sweat.
That… was close.
Rukawa's pressure had been overwhelming. Fugaku, a top-tier ninja, had felt genuine fear.
Good thing I didn't attack.
He told himself it wasn't fear.
This is my home. If we fought here, Mikoto might've gotten caught in the crossfire.
That's why I didn't act. Not because I was scared. Definitely not fear.
Just then, Mikoto—who had been tidying up the dinner table—looked over and noticed him.
"Honey? You're sweating—what happened?"
"N-Nothing. Clan matters. I'll go take care of it."
He wiped his face and hurried out.
…
Outside in the courtyard, an average-looking Uchiha ninja was kneeling on one knee.
"What's going on?" Fugaku asked coldly.
"Clan Leader! The Hyūga Clan is here. They brought a whole group—and even their clan head, Hiashi, is leading them."
"They've surrounded the entrance. Sir… they're clearly here to pick a fight!"
Fugaku frowned deeply.
The Hyūga? At a time like this?
The Uchiha and Hyūga had always looked down on each other, but they kept their rivalry in the shadows.
Now Hiashi himself had shown up?
That was not normal.
Could this be Sarutobi's doing…?