Hearing Yato's words and observing Fugaku's reaction, as an experienced older man, how could Kei not understand what kind of materials Fugaku kept in his room?
Clearing his throat awkwardly, Kei said to Yato, "That kind of greeting isn't very popular around here, so it's best you don't use it again—it could easily lead to misunderstandings."
"Now, what brings you here today?"
Yato listened to Kei's words, but his attention was elsewhere—the commotion behind the door was far too entertaining.
If one listened carefully, they could distinctly hear Fugaku's pained cries as his mother dealt with him.
Only then did Yato snap back to attention and reply, "I haven't returned to the Clan Grounds since coming back from the exchange with the Sand Ninja."
"Plus, with Lady Uzumaki Mito's recent passing, I thought I should report these matters to you."
Understanding Yato's intentions, Kei—no fool himself—recognized this as Yato deliberately showing respect to his authority as clan head.
This pleased Kei somewhat, especially since Yato's abilities far surpassed his own.
Though Kei remained clan leader, those with great strength—particularly the inherent pride of the Uchiha—often struggled with deference.
Receiving Yato's recognition and courtesy was therefore quite gratifying.
After wrapping up other matters, Kei began updating Yato on events during his absence.
As the Uchiha Clan's current strongest fighter, Yato had every right to know about the clan's developments.
Yato, for his part, was happy to listen—after all, he occasionally contributed valuable insights that benefited the clan.
As it turned out, Kei's report was straightforward: the past three months had been largely uneventful.
In fact, the Third Hokage had even paid a visit, expressing hopes for more harmonious cooperation and mutual development.
However, Kei concluded with one particular remark the Hokage had made during his visit.
The Third Hokage had said:
"The young ones of the Uchiha Clan are becoming more and more outstanding."
"Even Yato's younger brother—that boy Shisui—is being raised well."
"He truly has the makings of a Hokage!"Uchiha Yato listened as Uchiha Kei faithfully recounted the words of the Third Hokage, and a dark line formed on his forehead.
Not only did he say it, but he even acted it out with gestures.
Right now, Uchiha Kei was fully embracing his inner Oscar-worthy acting skills.
He meticulously reenacted Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression, demeanor, words, and even the way he sprayed spit while speaking.
After finishing, Uchiha Kei looked at Uchiha Yato with smug satisfaction and asked,
"What exactly does the Third Hokage mean by this? Is he telling our Uchiha Clan to behave?"
Uchiha Yato pondered for a moment before replying,
"He wants unity in the Hidden Leaf Village."
"Under the right conditions, he doesn't want the Fourth Hokage to be from our Uchiha Clan. Instead, he hopes we can properly contend for the Fifth Hokage position."
Uchiha Kei had roughly guessed these things, but he couldn't understand why the Third Hokage didn't want the Uchiha Clan to compete for the Fourth Hokage.
Uchiha Yato had a different perspective on the matter, but he couldn't voice it outright.
After all, trouble comes from careless words—that saying wasn't just empty talk.
Currently, there are far too many candidates vying for the position of the Fourth Hokage in Konoha.
To begin with, the Three Ninja under Sarutobi Hiruzen's command are the most formidable competitors.
Next, there's Uchiha Yato and other candidates balanced out by various clans.
For example, Hatake Sakumo.
After all, Hatake Sakumo is still alive now, making him a highly probable candidate for the Fourth Hokage. However, his personal desire for power isn't particularly strong.
But until the final outcome is decided, no one can predict how things will unfold.
In the original timeline, Minato Namikaze became the Fourth Hokage not only because of his formidable strength but also because the war elevated his reputation at the right time.
Most importantly, he belonged to the Hokage Direct Lineage, and the Third Hokage saw an opportunity to turn Minato into his Workplace Puppet.
Otherwise, why would the prestigious Fourth Hokage receive no assistance from the Anbu or other members during such critical moments?
Even the Second Hokage managed to establish his Guard. No matter how lacking the Fourth Hokage's abilities were, he should have had at least one or two people supporting him within a year.
In essence, it was Sarutobi Hiruzen's refusal to fully relinquish power that led to this tragedy.
However, to put it bluntly, these are merely Uchiha Yato's personal interpretations of this world, combined with his preconceived notions from his past life about the Naruto universe.
Whether there are other factors unknown to Uchiha Yato remains unclear, and he can't jump to conclusions yet.
Hearing Uchiha Yato's analysis, Uchiha Kei began to ponder as well.
This is how people are, let alone an entire clan.
Originally, the Uchiha Clan's situation was somewhat delicate, so they had hoped to integrate with the Hokage or Konoha.
But now, the relationship between the Uchiha Clan and Konoha is quite favorable.
Naturally, they would want more. Because of this, Uchiha Kei also hoped to compete for the position of the Fourth Hokage.
For one, Uchiha Yato's strength is undeniably impressive even within the Uchiha Clan, making him a standout candidate for Konoha.
His own son, Uchiha Fugaku, is no slouch either and could be considered a strong contender for the Hokage seat.
Hatake Sakumo was essentially saved by Uchiha Yato, and his child gets along well with members of the Uchiha Clan, making him practically an honorary Uchiha without the bloodline.
Considering this, the Hokage Direct Lineage has three candidates, and the Uchiha Clan also has three. It's not impossible to compete for the position.
Just then, Uchiha Yato, ever the spoilsport, chimed in.
Seeing Uchiha Kei's expression shift from troubled to a foolish grin, Uchiha Yato smiled and said,
"If you didn't exaggerate those words, the Third Hokage's message was clear: we shouldn't compete for the Fourth Hokage position."
"But if you go out now and try to fervently support someone, the Third Hokage could easily dismiss it as the Uchiha Clan's wishful thinking."
"While it wouldn't have a major impact, it would still tarnish the Uchiha Clan's reputation again. You wouldn't want the clan to face that kind of situation once more, would you?"
Hearing Uchiha Yato's analysis, Uchiha Kei, who had been elated moments ago, instantly deflated like a frostbitten eggplant.
Uchiha Yato didn't pour more cold water but instead added,"Let's take it one step at a time."
"Wanting more power is ultimately about ensuring our clan lives better, isn't it?"
"Our clan already enjoys some respect among civilians, and overall, things aren't bad."
"Taking the next step depends on timing."
Hearing Uchiha Yato's words, Uchiha Kei's eyes darted around before he replied with a mischievous grin.
"Given your current strength and the Uchiha Clan's foundation..."
"What if we staged a coup? Do you think we could take the position of the Fourth Hokage?"
Uchiha Yato looked surprised at the suggestion, eyeing the scheming Uchiha Kei.
With a smirk, Uchiha Yato replied,
"Guess~"
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