Chapter 17: Chapter 12 : A Deal Between Adults!!
At this moment, Wicked Eye Fugaku exuded the aura of authority he had cultivated over years as the Uchiha clan's heir.
Paired with his naturally stern and intimidating appearance, his commanding presence was instantly amplified.
Even Uchiha Kai, who knew Fugaku's true nature as a compromiser, had to admit that Fugaku's demeanor could easily deceive anyone.
Based on appearances alone, Fugaku looked every bit the epitome of a hardliner—an Uchiha among Uchiha, the quintessential leader, and a born rebel against Konoha's system.
It was no wonder that the hardliners within the Uchiha clan had been so thoroughly fooled by him. They had followed him loyally, only to eventually be led astray by his misjudgments.
Had they known that beneath the facade of a born rebel was someone so pliable and easily manipulated, both the hawks and doves in the clan would likely have ousted him from his position as clan head out of frustration and anger. Even the doves wouldn't just sit around waiting for death to come.
Yet, despite his imposing presence, Uchiha Fugaku's voice carried a weight of solemnity as he spoke:
"Is what you're saying true, Kai-kun? As a member of the Uchiha, you must understand the significance of your words to our clan."
Uchiha Kai shook his head.
"I can't completely guarantee the feasibility of what I've said. After all, I only asked Minato to run some tests for me. While Minato's feedback supports the theory, he isn't an Uchiha. I can't be certain whether it would work the same way for our clan."
Fugaku narrowed his eyes.
"So, you came to me hoping I'd assist you in testing this special genjutsu you developed on an Uchiha?"
Kai nodded.
"Exactly. The condition for activating the genjutsu is that the target must not resist it. And frankly, there aren't many people in this world who would willingly accept a Sharingan-based genjutsu. Even among the Uchiha, it's a rarity."
"In fact, before coming to you, Fugaku-san, I already approached several members of the Konoha Police Force with three-tomoe Sharingan."
Fugaku nodded in understanding.
"But they all refused, didn't they?"
Kai shrugged.
"Who would trust someone like me? A failure who rejected the safe, clan-approved path as a child, insisted on forging my own way, trained tirelessly to become a great ninja, and ultimately became a laughingstock known as the Uchiha disgrace?"
Fugaku's expression shifted slightly at those words. After a brief pause, he responded in a measured tone:
"Kai-kun, I understand. The unjust treatment you've endured within the clan has left you resentful. But that's only because those people failed to recognize your talent. In my eyes, you are a genius who is second to none."
"As the next head of the Uchiha clan, I, in the name of the future clan leader, can assure you that you will be compensated in the future and that all the honor you deserve will be returned to you."
With that, Uchiha Fugaku actually gave a slight bow, expressing deep apologies to Uchiha Kai.
It's an extraordinary event in the ninja world when the clan heir of a major ninja family bows and apologizes to an ordinary Uchiha member who is not favored within the clan.
This gesture speaks volumes about Fugaku's sincerity, as he is representing the entire Uchiha clan in apologizing to Kai, hoping for forgiveness and asking Kai not to hold any grudges against the Uchiha.
However...
"Huh?" Uchiha Kai was stunned, blinking in confusion, not knowing what to say.
It seems that Uchiha Fugaku's misunderstanding was a bit too deep.
What Kai had said earlier was simply to guide the conversation in a certain direction, continuing the flow of words to bring up the next topic. He wanted Fugaku's help in dealing with the other powerful Uchihas, making them contributors to his emotional value.
But it was misinterpreted by Fugaku as a complaint and a sarcastic remark.
Of course, this wasn't a big deal, but who would have known that Fugaku held Kai in such high regard, so much so that he, as the future clan leader, would apologize and make promises to him in the name of the Uchiha clan? This was truly unexpected.
After all, in the cutthroat, hierarchical world of ninjas where survival of the fittest reigns, the difference in social status can literally crush a person.
Just look at how even powerful ninjas must obey the commands of the daimyos, without the right to rebel.
Similarly, among the major clans in Konoha, the atmosphere of the Hyuga clan next door is even more overwhelming.
Thus, Fugaku's actions could be considered quite "unconventional."
However, when you think about Fugaku's life, you realize that he really is that kind of person.
After considering it, Kai didn't correct Fugaku's misunderstanding. After all, there was no harm in accepting the other's good intentions.
Moreover, if his genjutsu could truly enhance the Sharingan, it would indeed bring great benefits to the Uchiha clan. Fugaku's apology and promises were something he deserved in the first place.
In this regard, Fugaku was quite clever and, as a future clan leader, qualified—when facing a special talent who could potentially bring immense benefits to the Uchiha clan but had suffered an injustice, offering help in times of need was always better than adding to a situation that was already flourishing.
Realizing this, Uchiha Kai smiled and said, "You're too kind, Fugaku-san. I am Uchiha, nothing more than an Uchiha."
This is a promise, and it reflects Uchiha Kai's attitude.
Although the system has some flaws, it can truly bring benefits and improvements. As long as the positive cycle continues, Uchiha Kai's strength will eventually reach a high level.
At that time, his mindset will naturally shift to "protect my Konoha and my Uchiha clan.jpg."
Or rather, it will return to the original intention from his time at the Ninja Academy!
After hearing Uchiha Kai's response, Fugaku's serious face softened, showing a hint of warmth. It was clear that he was pleased with Kai's answer.
After all, in the eyes of Fugaku, Uchiha Kai was truly unique. Although he was just a chunin, his insight and talent in creating new jutsu far surpassed the geniuses within the Uchiha clan.
How could those arrogant Uchihas possibly understand Kai's value?
However, this was to be expected. Those Uchihas had never received training as potential leaders, and coupled with their inherited prideful nature, they lacked the long-term perspective.
Moreover, Uchiha Kai wasn't just talented himself; he also had a close friendship with Minato Namikaze, the top young talent in Konoha, who was a true and trusted friend.
Their relationship was comparable to that of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and his close friend, the Konoha's "Darkness" Danzo Shimura.
Minato Namikaze's current display of talent, his abilities, and his connections with most people were impressive, especially with his background as one of the Legendary Sannin's, Jiraiya's protégé. There was a great possibility that he would become the Hokage in the future.
Looking ahead, while Minato was unlikely to become the Fourth Hokage, he had a very real chance of becoming the Fifth.
Once Minato became Hokage, Uchiha Kai, who had a close relationship with him, would undoubtedly rise alongside him. At that point, the Uchiha clan would have a chance to enter the higher ranks of Konoha and secure a position within the upper echelon.
With talent, foresight, and a bright future ahead, Fugaku wasn't blind to these things. He knew that the clan needed to maintain a good relationship with Uchiha Kai.
Of course, Kai was also aware of all this. He felt that dealing with Fugaku, the clan heir with his own inner calculations, was not as easygoing and pleasant as spending time with Minato.
However, Uchiha Kai didn't care about that. After all, in the world of adults, how many relationships are truly sincere? Interests are the only things that are truly reliable.
At this point, Uchiha Kai and Uchiha Fugaku each took what they needed, so their relationship was undoubtedly one of close comradeship. They were willing to help each other and progress together.
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