The clan head was, of course, the father of Itachi and Sasuke: Uchiha Fugaku.
This powerful ninja, who in the original storyline would later be killed by his own son, had most likely awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan as early as the Third Shinobi World War. His strength was not to be underestimated.
Although Uchiha Maí had no idea why Fugaku had summoned him, he was not particularly nervous. More than four years of observation, combined with his knowledge of the original plot, made Fugaku easy to understand.
Konoha had always dealt with the Uchiha through provocation and restriction, deliberately pushing them toward rebellion. This was an open strategy, not a hidden one.
Under such circumstances, most members of the Uchiha clan gradually grew distant from the village, their resentment deepening. Many became part of the radical faction within the clan.
Fugaku, however, belonged to the moderate faction.
As the clan head for many years, he had always worked to ease tensions between the Uchiha and the village. He understood clearly that the Uchiha clan could not win against Konoha in an open conflict.
His eldest son, Itachi, as well as the prodigy Uchiha Shisui, would later inherit this way of thinking and also become moderates.
That said, Fugaku was not as extreme as Itachi. In the original story, when opposition within the clan grew uncontrollable and resentment reached its limit, even he was ultimately forced to stand with his clansmen, bound by their collective will.
Compared to a ruler, Fugaku was more like a caretaker who devoted everything to the Uchiha clan. Because of this, even the radicals respected and trusted him.
As long as one bore the Uchiha name, there was no need to worry about Fugaku betraying them. In this regard, he was far superior to the Hyūga clan.
Uchiha Maí held Shisui's hand as they chatted casually on their way to Fugaku's residence.
Despite being the clan head, Fugaku's home was no more extravagant than any other. Aside from several rooms and basic training facilities in the courtyard, there was nothing special.
At the moment, Fugaku was sitting on the tatami with his wife, Uchiha Mikoto, chatting softly. Beside them was a baby cradle, where the future exterminator of the clan slept quietly.
Babies, after all, slept most of the time.
Seeing Shisui bring Maí along, Fugaku smiled, rubbed Shisui's head, and picked up a skewer of red bean dumplings from the low table, placing it into the child's hands.
Patting Shisui on the back, he said with a smile,
"Here. Take this and go play with your little brother Itachi."
Understanding the situation, Mikoto stood up, gently guiding Shisui out of the room while pushing the cradle, leaving Fugaku and Maí alone.
"Clan Head, did you call for me?" Maí asked.
Fugaku rubbed his forehead, looking somewhat troubled, and went straight to the point.
"I heard that you beat up the Hokage's son at the academy."
"You found out that fast?" Maí asked, surprised.
"And someone like you actually pays attention to the Ninja Academy?"
Fugaku sighed and explained,
"The situation is special right now. I can only tell you this much: many newly graduated genin may soon be sent to the battlefield.
"The Hokage is also the head of the Ninja Academy. Under these circumstances, it's normal for the village leadership to pay close attention to it."
Fugaku did not elaborate further, but he still offered some explanation to Maí.
In the shinobi world, especially before the events of Shippuden, it was normal for adults to discuss the state of affairs with children.
During the Warring States period, clans fought endlessly, and it was common for children as young as seven or eight to go to war. Even after the formation of the hidden villages, true peace never came - conflicts only grew larger in scale.
What were once small skirmishes became full-scale wars.
At that time, a seven- or eight-year-old who could fight was already considered an adult.
This situation only began to improve several years after the end of the Third Shinobi World War.
"It was just a normal sparring match," Maí said, somewhat guiltily.
Fugaku: "…"
A normal sparring match, and you gave the Hokage's son a concussion?
After a moment of silence, Fugaku said helplessly,
"You still went too far. And the Hokage himself was present at the time.
"In other words, you seriously injured his son right in front of him."
"The Hokage was there?" Maí asked in surprise.
"Otherwise, how do you think I found out?" Fugaku replied.
"Today, the Hokage inspected the academy. After returning to his office, he summoned me.
"He put his hand on my shoulder and said: 'Fugaku, you did well. You've raised an excellent ninja. That Uchiha Maí from your clan took down Asuma in just a few moves.'
"'You did very well. You disciplined that unfilial son for me. I should properly thank you.'"
Fugaku's imitation of the Third Hokage was spot-on, though the lingering fear in his eyes was impossible to hide.
Everyone in Konoha's upper ranks knew about the problems within the Sarutobi family. Asuma had caused the Third Hokage endless worry.
The old man likely did feel some gratitude - but more than that, it was a warning. An Uchiha seriously injuring the Hokage's son was far too sensitive an issue.
"I didn't expect him to be that weak," Maí muttered.
Fugaku: "…"
So now it's his fault for being weak?
With a bitter smile, Fugaku continued,
"Regardless, it's impressive that you won. Asuma isn't weak.
"I've already apologized to the Hokage. The matter is settled. You don't need to worry.
"But in the future, if Asuma provokes you again, be more restrained. Breaking a bone would be enough. The head is a sensitive area."
Once again, Fugaku chose to stand on his clan's side.
If this had been the Hyūga clan, Maí might have been severely punished or even handed over to the Hokage.
This was the pride of the Uchiha clan - the strongest bloodline clan in the shinobi world. The Hokage's son was injured, an apology had been made. What more was there to say?
"Understood," Maí nodded.
Once Asuma recovered, he would beat him again - minimum result: one fracture.
"The Hokage said you defeated Asuma using taijutsu and intelligence," Fugaku continued.
"Train well. Taijutsu has great potential. The Uchiha are not limited to Fire Release and shuriken techniques."
Fugaku offered a few more words of encouragement.
In recent years, many young Uchiha had fallen into a narrow mindset, focusing solely on Fire Release and weapon techniques aside from their bloodline.
It wasn't entirely wrong - but it was incomplete.
As clan head, Fugaku knew many secrets of Uchiha history.
Taijutsu was a viable path.
In the past, Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama both possessed extraordinary taijutsu skills. Their physical strength and combat ability were overwhelming.
They could overpower tailed beasts with raw force, and their close-combat skill was just as refined as high-level weapon techniques.
At one point, Madara was even known on the battlefield by a specific title due to his combat presence.
(End of Chapter)