Chapter 52: Start Playing Tricks On Uchiha Setsuna
Bullying is an unavoidable element of life in the Hokage world, woven into its small yet intricate social culture.
However, Uchiha Yuma never expected to witness Uchiha Inari, once regarded as a clan genius, being bullied.
As he thought it through, the situation became clearer. The fact that Uchiha Inari was being bullied presented a potential entry point for his plans.
The reason was simple.
As a once-prominent figure within Uchiha Setsuna's faction, Inari's current predicament could only mean one thing—he had been abandoned by Setsuna.
The most likely explanation? Yuma's meteoric rise had forced the old man to sacrifice a pawn to protect his own position.
At this realization, Uchiha Yuma sneered inwardly.
"Setsuna is nothing but a conniving traitor without any real talent," he thought.
This wasn't surprising. In the original story, Setsuna was the one who initially opposed Uchiha Madara when the latter proposed leading the clan out of Konoha. Instead, Setsuna aligned himself with Konoha.
But later, when Uchiha's standing in the village did not improve as expected, Setsuna dared to challenge Senju Tobirama directly. This act of defiance landed him in prison.
After his release, Setsuna relied on his seniority to impose his influence over the younger Uchiha, including Uchiha Fugaku.
"How pathetic," Yuma thought. "This old man is nothing more than a cowardly opportunist."
That said, Setsuna's abandonment of Inari could work in Yuma's favor.
Inari's plight created a unique opportunity. Winning him over would not only strengthen Yuma's standing within the clan but also provide an insider's perspective on Setsuna's weaknesses and strategies.
With these thoughts, Yuma stepped forward, effortlessly stopping the two bullies from tormenting Inari further.
"Who are you?! How dare you interfere with my business!" shouted one of the bullies, his face twisted in irritation.
However, his companion quickly recognized Yuma.
"Wait!" he whispered urgently. "That's Lord Yuma!"
"What?!" The first bully's face paled as he realized the gravity of the situation. He immediately bowed deeply. "I'm so sorry, Lord Yuma! I didn't realize it was you. Please forgive me for any offense!"
Yuma waved his hand dismissively. "Enough. Leave."
"Yes, my lord!" they responded in unison before scurrying away.
As silence settled over the area, Inari's confused voice broke through.
"Why... why did you help me?"
Turning around, Yuma gave a small, enigmatic smile. "Nothing much. But tell me, Inari-kun, would you be interested in having a conversation with me?"
Inari was taken aback.
If he remembered correctly, he had offended Yuma before. And yet, not only had Yuma helped him just now, but he was also extending an olive branch?
"Uh... sure," Inari replied hesitantly, still unsure of Yuma's intentions.
"Good. Let's go," Yuma said, leading the way.
The two of them arrived at a quiet lake. Standing side by side, they gazed at the mirror-like surface of the water in silence.
Finally, Inari broke the stillness.
"What exactly do you want to talk about, Yuma-kun?" he asked cautiously.
Without beating around the bush, Yuma turned to him and said bluntly, "Since that old man Setsuna has given up on you, how about joining me?"
"What?!" Inari's eyes widened in shock. "You want me to follow you?"
"That's right," Yuma replied confidently. "You know my reputation within the clan. If you side with me, I can guarantee that your situation will improve."
Yuma knew the best way to deal with his fellow Uchiha—especially the younger generation—was through directness and confidence. And given Inari's current predicament, he was certain this approach would work.
Just as expected, Inari hesitated only for a moment before responding solemnly, "Then please guide me from now on, Lord Yuma!"
Yuma's lips curled into a satisfied smile.
"You've made the right choice, Inari-kun. Unlike Setsuna and his schemes, I rely on true power."
To prove his point, Yuma activated his Sharingan.
"In fact... I'm not just any Uchiha."
As he spoke, the Sharingan in his eyes transformed. The intricate patterns and surging power of the Mangekyō Sharingan radiated from him, leaving Inari stunned.
"This is...!" Inari gasped in disbelief. "The Mangekyō Sharingan?! The legendary eyes of our clan?!"
"Exactly," Yuma confirmed, a hint of pride in his voice. "As a Sharingan wielder yourself, you should know that the power in my eyes cannot be faked."
Inari stood frozen, staring at Yuma's eyes in awe.
It all made sense now—Yuma's astonishing growth, his dominance within the clan, and his recognition across the ninja world.
"If someone like Yuma doesn't awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan, who else could?" Inari thought to himself.
At that moment, his initial hesitation dissolved completely. He bowed deeply.
"From this day forward, I pledge my loyalty to you, Lord Yuma. Whatever you need, I will do without question!"
Yuma's smile deepened.
"Good. In that case, I have a task for you right now."
"Name it, my lord, and I will see it done," Inari replied with unwavering determination.
"Tell me everything you know about Uchiha Setsuna's weaknesses," Yuma said calmly.
A week had passed since Yuma's return to Konoha.
In that time, he had achieved more than simply gaining Inari's loyalty.
His strength continued to grow, and his influence within the Uchiha clan was steadily expanding.
And as for Setsuna's plans?
Yuma smirked.
The old man wouldn't see what was coming.