The next day.
The Uchiha clan assembly proceeded as usual.
It was still early, and many key figures had yet to arrive.
Inside the Uchiha council hall, silence reigned—so quiet that a falling needle could be heard.
It was the calm before the storm.
Masato and Tetsuya had already spread the word.
The hawkish jōnin of the Uchiha had essentially all received notice that Akihito would be challenging the clan head.
The "Flame Oni" Akihito versus the "Wicked Eye" Fugaku—this would undoubtedly be a fierce clash between two dragons of the same clan.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Footsteps echoed from the entrance of the hall.
Uchiha Akihito strode in, dressed in a jōnin flak jacket emblazoned with the Uchiha fan crest, a long sword hanging at his waist.
The moment he appeared, he drew the attention of the clan members.
Several jōnin who were on good terms with him stepped forward to greet him.
Within the clan, Akihito's status was already not inferior to that of certain elders.
Among the younger generation, his prestige was second only to Clan Head Uchiha Fugaku.
It was just that he had always immersed himself in training and never interfered in clan affairs.
Akihito found a quiet corner and closed his eyes to rest. Masato and Tetsuya did not dare disturb him.
Only when Clan Head Uchiha Fugaku appeared and announced the start of the assembly did Akihito return to his seat in the front row.
The so-called clan assembly was essentially a summary of important events that had occurred within the Uchiha over the past month.
The entire process was, frankly, rather dull.
As Fugaku droned on with statistics and reports, Akihito felt as sleepy as ever.
Although the Uchiha had been repeatedly targeted by Konoha's higher-ups, the clan as a whole still appeared prosperous on the surface.
Fugaku was quite satisfied with the current state of affairs.
This dovish clan head remained immersed in the illusion that peaceful coexistence with Konoha's leadership was possible.
"Flame Oni Akihito" and "Shunshin no Shisui"—two great prodigies standing side by side!
His own son, Uchiha Itachi, also showed boundless potential. The Uchiha's future seemed bright.
Perhaps the next Hokage would even come from the Uchiha…
When that day came, the targeting from Konoha's leadership would naturally dissolve.
The once world-renowned Uchiha would again shake the ninja world!
But Akihito was fully aware of reality.
Danzō's Root had already aimed its blade at the Uchiha's throat. If this continued, the clan's destruction was only a matter of time.
The meeting dragged on for nearly an hour. Akihito was so bored he nearly fell asleep.
After finishing the main topics, Fugaku stood and offered a few perfunctory closing remarks.
"That concludes last month's summary."
"I hope everyone continues their efforts."
He smiled and looked around the hall.
"Is there anything else? If not, this assembly is adjourned."
As Fugaku's words fell, some clan members began preparing to leave.
Meanwhile, many of the hawkish jōnin simultaneously turned their gazes towardUchiha Akihito .
Sensing this, the rest of the hall began to pick up on something unusual.
"Hm?"
"Something's going on?"
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Akihito slowly rose to his feet.
"Clan Head, I challenge you."
His voice was soft—yet firm, leaving no room for doubt.
It was like a stone dropped into a still lake, sending ripples in every direction.
The entire hall erupted.
"Akihito is challenging the clan head?"
"He's not joking, is he?"
"With his talent, in another ten years the position would naturally fall to him."
"Choosing to challenge now seems a bit reckless."
"His strength is impressive, but defeating Clan Head Fugaku won't be easy."
"Harvesting fruit before it's ripe—this isn't Akihito's usual style."
Whispers spread throughout the hall, opinions divided.
Akihito had never clashed with Fugaku before. In fact, their relationship had always seemed cordial.
He had never shown any ambition for power.
Even his position as Vice Captain of the Police Force had been something Fugaku practically forced upon him.
And now he was stepping forward to contend for the position of clan head?
It defied logic.
Those who had been notified beforehand remained silent, adopting a stance of detached observation.
Now that things had reached this point, discussion was meaningless.
According to Uchiha custom, strength would decide everything.
The smile on Fugaku's face slowly faded, a flicker of surprise flashing through his eyes.
"Akihito… you wish to challenge me?"
Akihito met Fugaku's gaze without the slightest trace of awe.
"I have no intention of making things difficult for you."
"But I truly believe you are not suited to lead this clan."
Fugaku's eyes sharpened slightly.
"So you came prepared."
"In that case, I'll grant your wish."
Since someone had issued a challenge, he naturally had to defend the dignity of the clan head.
The Uchiha under his leadership were already facing numerous crises. If he refused to accept, he would no longer be fit to remain clan head.
From another angle, however, Akihito's challenge could also serve as an opportunity to reinforce his authority.
The victor would be king; the loser, nothing. Strength would speak.
Fugaku narrowed his eyes.
"There isn't enough space here. We'll go to the dueling grounds."
"Today, I'll give you a lesson you won't forget."
Though Akihito bore the title "Flame Oni," Fugaku clearly had great confidence in his own power.
A prodigy of the younger generation? It wasn't yet time for him to ascend.
Fugaku understood Akihito well.
He would never betray the Uchiha. Most likely, he had been stirred up by the clan's hawkish faction.
A small punishment to temper the young, while demonstrating his own strength—that wouldn't be a bad outcome.
Akihito chuckled lightly.
"Who teaches whom a lesson… that remains to be seen."
"Clan Head, you'd best be careful."
On the surface, their words clashed sharply, yet there was no true hostility beneath them.
That alone caused many of the Uchiha present to quietly sigh in relief.
"At least they're not mortal enemies."
"The Uchiha can't afford internal strife right now."
Everyone present understood the clan's precarious situation.
Both Akihito and Fugaku were indispensable pillars of the Uchiha.
Clan Head Fugaku, known as the "Wicked Eye," was highly proficient in the Sharingan's ocular techniques.
Akihito, the "Flame Oni," had refined the Uchiha's Fire Release to perfection.
As for which of the two was stronger—
It was impossible to predict.