It wasn't just them; even the clan members who had originally supported Fugaku began to think their leader had lost his mind.
Even if he was dissatisfied with these people's attitudes, how could he throw a tantrum and do something as self-destructive as sacrificing ten thousand to kill a thousand?
Those two jonin were potential successors to the Hokage—key figures crucial to changing the Uchiha clan's fate. Now they'd offended both at once.
Honored Chief, what exactly are you thinking?
Many secretly wondered whether the chief might have shifted allegiance toward the radical faction.
While everyone contemplated different thoughts, wondering how to broach this subject, a chunin entered to report, "Honored Chief, Minato Namikaze-senior ninja and Seiki Shimaseki-senior ninja say they've come to attend this meeting as requested. Would you like to see them?"
Fugaku smiled and said, "Bring them in."
After speaking, he also sent an encouraging glance toward the two individuals, saying, "Sanhuo, Zhili, and Elder Baihe, it's up to all of you now!"
Sanhuo and Zhili managed a faint smile, muttering, "We... we'll try..."
But before they could finish speaking, Elder Baihe cut in loudly, "No problem—we've got this!"
Their lips twitched—damn it, old bastard, why did you accept on their behalf? Why drag them into this matter unnecessarily?
Just as they spoke, Seiki Shimaseki and Minato Namikaze entered side by side.
Fugaku coughed slightly, asking, "You two, do you have anything you'd like to explain?"
As soon as the words fell, everyone's hearts tightened.
Chief, please don't sound so aggressive!
Minato Namikaze wore an apologetic look and said, "Forgive me, but I must not get involved in Uchiha matters. However, Kakashi and Obito are both my students—I simply couldn't remain indifferent about something like this."
Seiki Shimaseki nodded along, adding, "Obito and Kakashi are both my friends. Today, I'm here only as their friend interrupting your gathering."
Both remained humble and polite instead of trying to bully their way through with authority, which was what some had feared.
Yet precisely because of their humble manner, many felt an even deeper sense of dread inside.
They knew all too well—Minato Namikaze and Seiki Shimaseki didn't just stand for themselves, but for powerful forces at their backs.
In such circumstances, they wouldn't need to act personally—the moment either expressed a stance publicly, countless voices would rise automatically to support them.
Thinking this, some among them scrambled to ease the tension.
"No interruption at all! No interruption at all!"
"Everyone's friends here. Just talking things through clearly should be enough."
But Elder Baihe frowned in disgust, grumbling, "What good is talking things through? The real problem is their eyes—they ought to be ripped out!"
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Everyone grimaced in pain—he was impossible to follow!
Minato Namikaze directed his gaze toward him, politely asking, "Esteemed elder, may I ask what makes you think this way?"
Baihe answered matter-of-factly, "Doesn't need any special reason. Preventing Uchiha bloodline from spreading outside itself constitutes sufficient justification."
Minato explained patiently, "It's simply a matter of transplantation without altering the bloodline itself. When Kakashi has children in the future, they will inherit only the Hatake name."
Baihe frowned. "That still won't be acceptable. There has never been such a precedent."
"The absence of precedent stems from the fact that all clans were enemies during the Warring States era. Now, however, things are different—the various clans within the village are comrades… Are you suggesting the Uchiha clan exists apart from the village itself by clinging to outdated ideas?"
Minato's tone startled everyone in the room.
"That's not it at all. How could that even be the case?"
"Haha, ha-ha, our Uchiha clan has always believed 'I love everyone and everyone loves me.'"
Baihe felt a surge of frustration but knew better than to challenge such politically correct views outright.
His irritation seeking an outlet, he noticed Sanhuo and his companion keeping their heads down like ostriches. His anger flared instantly. "Sanhuo! Zhili! What do you two think about this?"
The two cursed under their breath before hesitantly raising their heads.
"Well... although the clan's eyes should definitely be reclaimed... perhaps we could wait until Kakashi Hatake dies in battle or naturally grows old before reclaiming them."
"I feel the same way."
Minato smiled slightly. "That actually sounds quite reasonable..."
Baihe cut in darkly, "Absolutely not! How can we allow outsiders to steal the power of the Uchiha!"
"Then let me rephrase," Minato replied helplessly. "The Sharingan was Obito's gift to Kakashi. Shouldn't the Uchiha have no right to take it back?"
"Nonsense! What does the decision of a child even count for?" Baihe countered firmly. "Moreover, the Sharingan belongs to the entire Uchiha clan; he had no right to make such a decision on behalf of the whole family!"
"In other words, the interests of the clan outweigh individual emotions?" Seiki, who had remained silent until now, suddenly asked.
Baihe saw nothing wrong with that and answered without hesitation, "Exactly."
Seiki smiled faintly. "But what about the greater good of the village?"
"Of course the clan's inte—" Before he could finish, someone beside him quickly covered his mouth.
"Haha! What he meant was, of course the clan's interests can't override the greater needs of the village!"
Baihe shoved the hand away from his mouth, clearly dissatisfied. "Even so, would retrieving Obito's eye really affect the village's overall affairs?"
"Undoubtedly it would," Seiki stated flatly while analyzing, "First, Obito's act of giving the eye upon his deathbed represents battlefield friendship. Your approach would certainly impact people's enthusiasm for battle! If this affects the outcome of the war, can you afford the consequences?"
"Second, their bond, transcending life and death as well as clan boundaries, perfectly embodies the Will of Fire—the legacy passed down through generations and promoting unity among clans. Their deeds undoubtedly help everyone understand the Will of Fire more profoundly. Do you truly intend to betray the Will of Fire with such actions?"
Everyone looked at Seiki with shocked expressions. To link the simple act of giving an eye with wartime morale and the philosophical Will of Fire—what incredible skill at elevating the topic!
One could only say it was only fitting—someone who had inherited Hokage-sama's endless lectures on... ahem... the Will of Fire?
Baihe glared wide-eyed, his throat letting out an incomprehensible "gurgling" sound.
That's a total KO!
Sensing the right moment, Fugaku stepped in to mediate. "How about this—we meet halfway? Since Jonin Seiki insists Kakashi Hatake's deeds are so significant, let him prove himself on the battlefield."
"As long as Kakashi Hatake can show his worth in war—prove he won't shame the reputation of the Sharingan—then our Uchiha clan will drop this matter!"
Seiki and Minato exchanged glances. After a brief pause, Seiki replied, "Fine."
Fugaku then turned sideways, "Elder Representative Baihe, what's your opinion?"
Baihe turned his head away awkwardly. "Alright then."
With everything settled smoothly, everyone finally exhaled in relief.
After a moment of relaxation, they couldn't help but secretly marvel—they hadn't expected their clan leader to actually pull through like that!
Fugaku and Seiki shared a knowing grin, silently applauding each other's performance.
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