Another choice triggered?
A flicker of delight rose in Shuoye Uchiha's heart.
His eyes narrowed slightly as he quickly weighed the two options in his mind.
The power of the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan needed no explanation. Awakening it through his own efforts would rely entirely on luck.
As for Lightning Release techniques below S-rank—they were nothing more than embellishments. The Uchiha clan's Fire Release was already more than sufficient. In that regard, the two overlapped.
More importantly—
To act decisively and force Fugaku Uchiha to step down was like driving a blade straight into the heart of power itself.
Cooperating with Fugaku, on the other hand, was like boiling a frog in warm water—seemingly peaceful on the surface, yet hiding enormous danger beneath.
At that thought, Shuoye did not hesitate.
"Choice One."
The next instant, his voice rang out—low, resonant, impossible to ignore.
"Fugaku, you are no longer fit to lead this clan."
"Step down."
The tension in the room solidified instantly, like invisible ropes binding everyone in place.
Shock rippled through the gathered Uchiha.
Even the usually composed Shisui Uchiha widened his eyes in disbelief.
"…What did you say?"
"Shuoye, do you think you can become clan head through such theatrics?"
Fugaku frowned, his voice cold.
He had borne immense pressure as clan head, but never had anyone challenged him so openly.
"I've made myself clear."
Shuoye's tone grew colder—calm, but immovable.
"The future of the Uchiha requires a stronger leader."
"And you can no longer guide us toward glory."
Fugaku's expression darkened.
He could feel the resolve radiating from Shuoye's gaze.
"He's challenging Lord Fugaku? Has he lost his mind?!"
Whispers spread among the clan members like wind stirring fallen leaves.
"I won't repeat myself."
Shuoye's voice remained steady.
"If this continues, Fugaku—your hesitation will drag us all toward extinction."
"You brat! Just because you have some strength, you think you can challenge the clan head?"
A young Uchiha stepped forward angrily.
Shuoye glanced at him.
Just once.
The pressure in that single look crushed the words in the man's throat.
Silence fell.
"Your stepping down is the only way to save the Uchiha's future."
The words cut like steel.
The room felt like the stillness before a storm.
Fugaku's expression shifted repeatedly.
He inhaled deeply.
His fists clenched.
"Shuoye… you think you can replace me?"
"You don't understand what the name Uchiha truly carries."
His tone was cold—testing.
"I will prove," Shuoye replied, each word deliberate, "that the future of the Uchiha requires strength and decisiveness—not outdated hesitation."
No one spoke.
The air grew heavier.
Finally, Shisui broke the silence.
"Shuoye… is this truly necessary?"
"What we need is unity—not internal strife."
Shuoye's gaze did not waver.
"Better to strike first than wait for slaughter."
"This is our only path."
"Fugaku, as clan head, you should understand—indecision breeds chaos."
His eyes were blades, piercing straight into Fugaku's heart.
Fugaku lowered his gaze to the clan crest in his hand—the symbol of authority.
He drew in a long breath.
"You think driving us into open conflict with the village won't lead the clan into ruin?"
"At least now… we can still live in the village…"
His voice wavered slightly.
"You're right."
Shuoye suddenly rose to his feet.
His eyes swept across the room like sharpened steel.
"We can live."
"Like dogs."
His presence surged.
"We do not need a dog's miserable survival."