Otherwise, what's the point of being the clan leader if he can't even control the clan's direction...
The feeling of power slipping away, already not solid enough in his hands, was something Uchiha Fugaku disliked.
He didn't have any substantial animosity towards Aomi, but Aomi's existence threatened his interests, which was enough to make Uchiha Fugaku wary.
Aomi glanced at Uchiha Fugaku and felt no fondness for this man...
A clan leader who lets his son slaughter clan members without intervening, what else is there to say?
None of those who trusted and followed him were doing so to be killed by Uchiha Itachi.
This indecisive and contradictory nature...
Just as Aomi was about to speak with a smile, Tsunade stormed over, completely ignoring the surprised Uchiha on the side.
Uchiha Hachida blinked.
What are the clan ground guards doing? Letting outsiders in without guidance?
Oh, it's the princess of the Land of Fire, so it's fine; there's no place in this village she can't go.
"Aomi, come with me, someone wants to see you!"
Tsunade ignored Aomi's look of refusal, ruffled his black hair forcefully, and scrutinized his attire, "It's fine, no need to change, stick with this outfit!"
"Tsunade, I, the clan leader, have matters to discuss with Aomi, let's postpone it for another day."
Uchiha Fugaku pressed his face and said solemnly, "Our Uchiha Clan will hold a clan meeting tonight."
Tsunade turned back with a sneer, glancing at Uchiha Fugaku.
She wasn't familiar with this man, but in an instant, Tsunade understood Uchiha Fugaku's intentions.
This was to put pressure on Aomi!
"Uchiha Fugaku, do you know who wants to see Aomi?" Tsunade sneered and said, looking playfully at Uchiha Fugaku, her eyes conveying a very direct provocation.
Uchiha Fugaku surveyed the clan members assessing his expression, feeling a sinking sensation in his heart.
Though he was reluctant to offend Tsunade, withdrawing at this time would make him lose face as clan leader.
"Whoever it is, Uchiha Aomi belongs to the Uchiha Clan, and attending the clan meeting is necessary!"
Uchiha Fugaku waved his hand authoritatively, "Doesn't Princess Tsunade, a descendant of Senju, understand this principle?"
"Oh, it's my grandmother Uzumaki Mito who wants to see Aomi."
Tsunade observed Uchiha Fugaku's instantly stiff smile and replied with a smile, "Clan Leader Fugaku, do you agree?"
Uchiha Fugaku froze in place.
Even against Sarutobi Hiruzen, Uchiha Fugaku could manage a couple of contentious words without making the situation so awkward.
But when it came to Uzumaki Mito, Uchiha Fugaku didn't even want to argue.
Only to see Uchiha Fugaku forcing an awkward smile, quickly turning to leave.
He initially wanted to snort coldly but swallowed it back down.
"Ladies and gentlemen, apologies, an elder has invited..."
Aomi maintained that gentle demeanor, unchanged from before, "I'll be off then, if anyone needs my help in the future, just come to my house directly..."
The Uchiha nodded repeatedly.
They understood that Aomi's words might be platitudes, but after Tsunade mentioned Uzumaki Mito, it sounded increasingly pleasant.
Look at Aomi, gentle and courteous, calm and composed!
Compare that to Uchiha Fugaku, it's hard to comment...
Uchiha Hachida gazed at Aomi's departing figure, chuckling.
Uchiha Honoo nudged him, whispering, "Talk to Uncle about how Aomi gets along so well with Tsunade, and even manages to connect with Uzumaki Mito?"
Uchiha Hachida, knowing nothing, acted inscrutably, waving his hand, "The matters involved here are deep, with complex interests at play..."
"In any case, everyone, if it's about Aomi, feel free to come and discuss with me, we have a good relationship..."
The Uchiha looked at Aomi's back, walking side by side with Tsunade, chatting and laughing.
They then looked at Uchiha Hachida, standing with arms crossed, and everyone felt a twinge of jealousy, inwardly cursing:
"Dammit, Uchiha Hachida gets to put on a show!"
"How is this kid so lucky, that old fart Setsuna should have let me get beaten back then!"
Meanwhile, inside Aomi.
Senju Tobirama spoke gravely, "Aomi, accept my power, this matter is not simple!"