Revitalizing the Uchiha clan starts with becoming a Kage.

After all these people had left.

In the vast, forbidden chamber of the Uchiha clan, only Fugaku, Shoji, and Shisui remained. They knew very well that their clan leader must have something to say to them, and both of them remained silent, waiting for Fugaku to speak.

"Speaking of which, it has been almost fifty years since our ancestor Madara and the First Hokage reached an agreement and the Uchiha clan joined Konoha. In these long decades, it is laughable to think that our clan, as one of the founders, has never truly integrated into the village. Many clansmen may have always felt that this was the result of our ancestor Madara leaving the village and then being defeated by the First Hokage in the Valley of the End."

"In the years that followed, some members of the clan even felt that if Madara had not done this, or had directly defeated the First Hokage, our clan would not have ended up where we are today."

"But I don't think so, because the Uchiha clan has always been out of place in this village. This is not due to any external reasons or unexpected factors, but because..."

"A difference in ideas and existence!"

Following Fugaku's words, Tsukasa raised his eyelids and spoke in a very serious tone.

Fugaku was slightly taken aback.

Then he smiled and nodded: "Yes, it's the difference in ideals and existence. I knew I hadn't misjudged you, Shoji. I've thought about it before: if our clan had initially joined a village like Kumogakure, Iwagakure, Kirigakure, or even Sunagakure, would our subsequent development have been completely different?"

"Of course, I am not blaming Madara. In fact, in that era, it was a very wise decision to join forces with the First Hokage to establish Konoha and usher in the era of ninja villages. Later, Madara also realized that our clan was incompatible with Konoha and wanted to lead our clan to break away from Konoha. That's right, more than forty years ago, Madara had already planned to let our clan break away from Konoha directly."

"At that time, with the deterrent power of our ancestor Madara, our clan would surely be able to regain a foothold in other areas of the ninja world. Given the style of the First Hokage, he would definitely not attack our clan."

"However, unfortunately, almost 90% of the clan refused. Among the remaining people, due to the advice of most of the clan members, especially their relatives, they could only silently choose to give up, leaving Ancestor Ban alone in disappointment as he left the village."

"Many clansmen always felt that it was Madara who betrayed the clan and the village, but in my opinion, it was the clan that betrayed Madara. At that time, the general opinion of the clansmen was that Konoha was already the number one ninja village in the ninja world, with a supreme status and strength. Our clan was a ninja clan with an important position in Konoha. Many people were unwilling to give up such a life."

"But these people have never considered why the Uchiha clan had such a high status in the ninja world at that time. Undoubtedly, it was not because we were the Uchiha of Konoha, but because we were the Uchiha who had Madara Uchiha, one of the only two strongest ninjas in the world. Unfortunately, many people cannot see this, or they are blinded by greed."

"This has led our clan step by step to where we are today."

Fugaku said this with a mix of deep emotion and complex feelings.

"Chieftain..."

Shisui pursed her lips, looking as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.

"This is all in the past, there's no need to dwell on it. Besides, it's not too late for us to make this decision now."

Jiang Si, standing to the side, remained calm and spoke softly.

From Shoji's perspective, the past is no longer important. Moreover, Shoji, who has the original plot to refer to, knows better than anyone what Madara Uchiha was thinking at the time. The Uchiha clan might have been wiped out if they had followed Madara Uchiha away.

Because at that time, the spots were no longer just spots.

Madara, deceived by Black Zetsu and caught up in a fanatical pursuit of the Infinite Dream, is an extremely dangerous person.

It was actually the right thing for the clan not to leave.

However, Jiang Si did not say these words aloud, as now was not the right time.

"Is it all in the past? Heh, you're right. Jiang Si, for you, it is indeed in the past, but for me, and for Elders Xuan Lan, Zong Xuan, and Qian Hui, it's not simply a matter of the past."

"That was an era that several elders experienced firsthand, and for me, after Ancestor Ban left, it was my grandfather who inherited the position of clan leader, and it was he who made the decision that the clan would no longer follow Ancestor Ban."

"therefore!"

Fugaku leaned forward slightly, looking at Shoji with an unprecedentedly serious expression.

"This breakout plan includes responsibilities that I and the elders must fulfill, and tasks that we must complete. Do you understand, General?"

Both Shoji and Shisui were stunned when they heard Fugaku's words. Shoji, in particular, was genuinely surprised that his clan leader would have such a strong obsession here.

'A clan's mistakes, a clan's regrets—must they all be severed and ended by one's own hands?'

This thought involuntarily surfaced in Jiang Si's mind.

His initial resistance gradually faded, because he was also a genuine Uchiha clansman and could fully understand Fugaku's mindset.

And in the next second.

"Buzz!"

Fugaku closed his eyes briefly, then opened them again in an instant. The three jet-black tomoe that were clearly visible in his pupils condensed at high speed.

Both Jiang Si and Shi Shui showed varying degrees of shock.

The newly revealed Sharingan consisted of three thin lines and three black dots, along with a surge of powerful eye energy.

At this moment.

Everything that can be clearly perceived.

"Furthermore, I also possess the same Mangekyou Sharingan as you, so in terms of strength, Shoji and Shisui, you two have absolutely nothing to worry about!"

95. The upcoming action

Fugaku looked at Shoji and Shisui with a calm yet confident smile and said.

At this moment, both of them showed the same shocked expression on their faces.

Shisui was shocked that his clan patriarch also possessed the Mangekyou Sharingan, while Shoji was surprised that his clan patriarch would reveal his Mangekyou Sharingan at this time. In the original story, Fugaku never revealed his eyes to outsiders until his death. Shoji also thought that in this life, after he devised his escape plan, Fugaku would not easily reveal his eyes.

Unexpectedly.

In front of himself and Shisui, Fugaku deliberately revealed his Mangekyou Sharingan.

This also made Shoji fully realize how determined his clan leader was to stay behind and cover the retreat!

"Chief, your eyes?"

Compared to the general.

Shisui's shock was more pure and direct. He really didn't expect that there would be three pairs of Mangekyou Sharingan in his clan. He had always thought that he was the only one who had accidentally awakened this pair of eyes.

Who would have thought today would be a series of spectacular wins!?

My best friend's general is a kaleidoscope.

Fugaku, the head of the clan, is also a kaleidoscope.

It must be said that at this moment, Shisui was truly questioning his life. Moreover, as the possessor of the Mangekyou Sharingan, Shisui understood very well the terrifying nature of this pair of Sharingan.

What if the clan's plan wasn't to secede from Konoha, but rather to stage a coup?

In the instant I thought of this moment.

They couldn't help but shudder and subconsciously glanced at Jiang Si a few more times. However, Shi Shui didn't know that his worries were completely meaningless. Jiang Si had known about this information for a long time and formulated this escape plan based on it.

It's the same old story.

The Mangekyou Sharingan is indeed a manifestation of extremely strong power.

But that doesn't mean they're invincible.

The kaleidoscope effect varies from person to person, and Susanoo is not that powerful.

All three of them have ordinary Mangekyou Sharingan, not Eternal Eyes. Normally, Susanoo can only be activated to the third form. People with extremely strong ocular power might be able to try the fourth form, but normally, they still need Eternal Eyes. Only the fourth form of Susanoo can truly overpower the Tailed Beasts!

Therefore, the general never considers a coup as his primary plan, because he has always been able to rationally assess the strength of his own side.

A coup? Don't be ridiculous, only a madman would do that.

Before doing anything, you must always prioritize considering the benefits and risks!

"I awakened these eyes at the end of the Third Shinobi World War. At that time, I was leading my clan on the battlefield against the Mist Ninja. To be honest, I regret that a year ago, I obeyed the Third Hokage's orders and did not go to support the Fourth Hokage. If I had been more decisive then, with the Mangekyou Sharingan's ability to restrain the Tailed Beasts, I might have been able to save the Fourth Hokage's life. Our clan would not be in this state today. These are all my mistakes, so the responsibility of covering the retreat must fall on me!"

After taking a deep breath, Fugaku said in a deep voice.

"I understand what you mean, clan leader. Since you've put it this way, I naturally won't insist any further. Let's proceed with the plan as you see fit. But I'd like to say one last thing: everything is for the sake of the clan's eventual evacuation from Konoha. If possible, we should avoid any clashes. The Uchiha clan needs a living clan leader, not one who chooses to die in battle for some reason!"

Not to mention Shisui, whose feelings were still somewhat complicated.

The generals clearly adjusted very quickly.

Since Fugaku has said so, he naturally won't insist on his demands anymore. However, some things still need to be made clear in advance. Shoji is a little worried that his clan leader might do something stupid again at the last minute, which would be the most terrifying thing.

"Hehe, don't worry, Shoji, I am the head of the Uchiha clan!"

Fugaku said with a smile.

"Ok!"

"Alright! Let's settle on that! Time is of the essence, so we all need to get started immediately!"

An imminent plan to break away.

Shoji had clearly stated at the clan meeting that the vast majority of non-combatants would be evacuated from the village before Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, and the others could react. Once this was accomplished, their clan's escape plan would be half complete.

It's also the most important half.

As for the rest, it all depends on Hiruzen Sarutobi's final decision in the village.

The choice that the Third Hokage, who is so steady that he could even be described as a coward, makes will determine the fate of the Uchiha clan.

Hopefully, I can get out of this unscathed!

Standing atop the steps of the forbidden Nanga Shrine, gazing at the sun already beginning to set in the west, Shoji silently pondered to himself.

"Jiang Si, is it really appropriate to let the clan chief and the others cover the retreat? It could cause a huge impact not only on the clan chief and their side, but also on the entire village!"

Shisui, who had clearly deliberately lagged behind, waited until Fugaku had left before approaching Shoji. His handsome yet youthful face showed a hint of worry as he looked in the direction Fugaku had gone and asked in a low voice.

“But this is the clan leader’s decision, the determination of the ‘previous generation.’ This is not something we can interfere with. I think Shisui, you should understand this as well, as an Uchiha, as a ninja!”

Jiang Si turned to look at Shisui and replied with a very serious expression.

"This? Sigh... I understand, but this plan to break away, as you said, while it won't provoke hostility from the entire village, it will certainly raise suspicion among some. If a conflict breaks out, and the clan chief and elders further provoke it, the result will be..."

"You must learn to trust the clan chief and the others, Shishui!"

Jiang Si gently shook his head, interrupting Shi Shui's words.

"This is our clan's decision. The clan leader and elders are the most suitable candidates, which is the biggest reason why I finally agreed to the clan leader's adjustment to this part of the plan!"

"Of course I understand what you're worried about, but this is no longer just a matter for one person or a few people. It's very difficult for anything to go smoothly according to one person's wishes. This is the best solution I can think of!"

Jiang Si looked at Shisui, who had become somewhat silent, and then continued.

"However, to be honest, I initially thought you would oppose the clan's departure from the plan, because it would be a kind of betrayal of the village and damage to the village's interests. Considering that there is a 50% chance that our clan will join Iwagakure, and the future, I really thought you would agree to it outright."

96. Conversation and Gathering

Listening to Jiang Si's words.

Shisui's lips twitched slightly, then he sighed deeply and said, "You guessed right, Shoji. At first, I did resist your plan, and even earlier, I would have categorically rejected it. But in the current situation, with the conflict between the clan and the village about to reach, no, it should be said, has reached an irreconcilable point, I have realized that only your plan is the most appropriate one."

“I don’t deny that I don’t want to see any turmoil in the village, but just like you said, Shoji, I am a Uchiha, and I can’t just stand by and watch the village completely purge our clan. My family, my comrades, the people I respect, and the people I need to protect are all here.”

"Both the clan and the village are inseparable parts of me. If I don't want to see them clash, the best outcome is naturally to separate them. Even if there will likely be some intense clashes, at least that's something we can barely control, isn't it, Shoji? As for the future, if we can't even grasp the present, what future can we talk about? If I had to say, I'm not agreeing with your ideas and choices."