Chapter Sixty-Two: Clash of Wills

“It seems that Fugaku already knows about this matter, but he hasn’t shown any reaction,” the elder sitting in front of Shisui said.

“It’s only natural that someone would inform Fugaku, considering I’ve visited so many people. Besides, this was meant to be an open strategy from the start. As long as I can defeat him, nothing else will be an issue.”

The elder fell silent for a moment, then asked, “Shisui, are you truly prepared?”

“I am ready,” Shisui replied firmly.

Silence settled again. Age brings many thoughts, and Shisui did not disturb the elder’s contemplation.

After a long pause, the elder finally said with a sigh, “I hope the relationship between the Uchiha and the village will move in a positive direction under your leadership. Otherwise…”

“Don’t worry, I know what needs to be done.” Shisui’s voice was resolute, his gaze unwavering.

They spoke for a while longer about matters that would follow once Shisui became clan head. Eventually, the elder began to see him off.

“It’s getting late, Shisui. Go home and rest well. There’s a big battle tomorrow, after all.”

“Yes, a battle indeed,” Shisui said with a hint of emotion, then rose to his feet. “I’ll take my leave then.”

“Alright, I won’t see you out.”

Shisui left and returned home under the cover of night. Though his mood was not as tranquil as his name suggested, that night was indeed a peaceful one.

The next day arrived. At the Uchiha clan grounds, in the basement beneath the Naka Shrine, the clan assembly took place as usual.

“Those villagers have gone too far lately. We’re just performing our duties to maintain public order, yet not only do they refuse to cooperate, they curse us behind our backs. They’re utterly ungrateful.”

“And the Hokage isn’t much better. Aside from the police force, there’s barely a trace of us Uchiha in any important department in Konoha. It’s obvious they don’t trust us.”

The usual complaints and grievances filled the air, but today there were noticeably fewer voices. Most seemed to be quietly waiting for something to happen.

“Ryota-senpai, why are you so quiet? Didn’t you suffer unfair treatment before?”

The Uchiha ninja addressed as Ryota glanced at the younger member beside him, then cast a look towards Shisui, who sat not far away.

“Something big is about to happen today.”

“What is it?” the uninformed junior whispered.

Before Ryota could reply, Shisui, whom he had been watching intently, stood up.

The entire basement fell silent. Everyone’s attention was fixed on Shisui.

“Clan head, do you have any practical solutions to the problems everyone is facing?” Shisui addressed Fugaku, who stood at the front.

His tone was calm, betraying nothing of what he intended to do next.

Fugaku was silent for a while, then answered, “I will negotiate with the Third Hokage and try to secure more benefits for the Uchiha.”

“Clan head, you’ve negotiated many times before, but the situation hasn’t improved.”

“The Nine-Tails incident damaged the senior leadership’s trust in the Uchiha. Getting them to compromise isn’t easy.”

Shisui didn’t let Fugaku say much more; he cut straight to the point.

“But isn’t the clan head’s responsibility to tackle the hard problems and ensure the clan’s development? Clan head, since you haven’t fulfilled your duty, I request you step down and let me become the clan head.”

Though many had been expecting this, when Shisui spoke those words in such a setting, everyone began discussing animatedly.

At the front, Fugaku looked at Shisui with a complicated expression.

“Shisui, when I first heard about this, I thought someone was trying to sow discord between us. I never expected it to be true.”

“Clan head, I have my reasons for wanting to lead the clan—to make the Uchiha better. I hope you understand.”

Shisui had considered confiding in Fugaku, asking for his help to realize his vision, but ultimately decided against it. Such an important matter required him to become clan head and take full control.

“So, for the sake of the Uchiha, I must step down? Are you saying I’ve hindered the clan’s progress?” Fugaku’s anger showed at being impeached so publicly.

“No. It’s just that, if I become clan head, I am confident I can lead the clan to greater heights.”

Without waiting for Fugaku to respond, Shisui continued, “Clan head, there’s no need for further words. Let’s proceed directly to the vote.”

“...Very well.”

Fugaku turned to the clansmen before him. “Let’s begin the vote. Raise your hand if you support me stepping down and Shisui becoming clan head.”

Hands went up one after another. When no more moved, Fugaku counted—astonishingly, half the assembly supported Shisui.

“Was my leadership as clan head truly such a failure? Half the clan…” Fugaku thought, his confidence shaken.

Shisui was also surprised. He had only managed to win over forty percent, yet now fifty percent were backing him. Clearly, Fugaku had disappointed many.

“Clan head, according to our rules, if more than forty percent agree, I can challenge you to a duel. If I win, I become clan head.”

“Shisui, are you so confident you’ll defeat me?” Fugaku’s gaze remained complicated as he looked at Shisui.

“It’s not a matter of confidence—it’s something I must do.”

As he spoke, Shisui awakened his Mangekyo to declare his resolve.

It wasn’t a secret that Shisui possessed the Mangekyo, but for many, this was the first time they had seen his eyes.

“So that’s the Mangekyo Sharingan?”

“Just seeing them open gives off an oppressive aura.”

The clansmen whispered among themselves, but Shisui only stared at Fugaku.

Fugaku spoke, “Are these eyes your trump card? What if I have them as well?”

He had awakened his Mangekyo long ago, though few knew. Originally, he intended to keep it secret, but today he had to reveal it.

He had his own pride and would not tolerate a casual challenge.

As Fugaku finished speaking, he too unleashed his Mangekyo, locking eyes with Shisui. Though their battle had not begun, the two pairs of Mangekyo seemed already engaged in a silent duel.

The clansmen in the basement were astonished.

“The clan head has Mangekyo Sharingan too? I never knew.”

“Me neither!”

“So our clan has two pairs of Mangekyo? With this power, who in Konoha could stand against us?”

“That may be true, but right now I’m more concerned with who will win between Shisui and the clan head.”

Shisui was surprised as well, but remained steadfast. As he always said, it was not a matter of confidence—it was something he had to accomplish.