Acceptance or Refusal

The words "take back with your own hands what was lost" made all the Uchiha elders present draw deep breaths.

The main reason the Uchiha Clan had split into two factions was indeed for the clan—for the sake of reclaiming what they had lost!

No matter how greatly their ideals conflicted or how many disputes had arisen between them, this had never changed from beginning to end.

Strictly speaking, Habara's proposal to merge the two sides was neither particularly brilliant nor especially novel.

After so many years of infighting, there had been no shortage of wise people among them. Similar ideas had long been proposed within the clan.

But as the saying went, thinking of it was one thing; being able to do it and daring to do it were another!

They had fought each other for so many years that their conflicts had reached an unimaginable level. No one could truly say those words, and no one could bring themselves to be the first to yield.

Especially as time passed and they gradually grew old, they had indeed lost the drive and determination to change the current situation.

Moreover, differences in ideals among the younger generation had caused those conflicts to keep being passed down, making it even more impossible for them to yield first.

But Habara was truly different. He was a genius of the clan, yet he belonged to neither faction.

He got along reasonably well with everyone, yet he rarely spent time with his clansmen.

As someone who stood purely in the middle, his position was somewhat similar to Uchiha Fugaku's.

Yet he was clearly not Uchiha Fugaku, because he was someone who had truly and completely never been drawn into it.

Looking at Habara's high-spirited expression, at how full of drive he was—

Even if the elders felt uncomfortable, they had no choice but to admit that Habara was right. They really were old.

"Indeed, we are old. We have more concerns now. Many things are no longer about right or wrong; because of certain positions and our own misgivings, we no longer dare to do what is right."

After a long while, Uchiha Zong finally snapped out of Habara's words. He stared at Habara and asked his final question.

"But merging the ideas of both sides will not be easy. Making us all satisfied is no simple matter. And I also want to know—if we all refuse, what will you do?"

Another extremely realistic question. This was also the most difficult point in Habara's effort to unify the clan's thinking and will.

To put it bluntly, it was also an extremely important test.

Habara had a bit of a headache in the face of this man's question, because he truly did not want to tell the truth.

But after thinking it over, Habara felt it would be best to speak honestly, because this was also a necessary opportunity to demonstrate his will.

Having thought all of this through, Habara drew a deep breath. His gaze swept over everyone present before he slowly spoke.

"It truly will not be easy to merge the ideas of both sides. Therefore, when it comes to key issues where neither side can accept the other's views, someone needs to make the final decision.

"From beginning to end, I never participated in any of the conflicts between you and the Hardliners. I am the one best able to make objective decisions on certain matters.

"A Great Man once said that there can be no freedom without discipline, nor discipline without freedom.

"It is a good thing that you have your own views and ideas. That is your freedom, and it allows you to better use your abilities.

"But on key issues, there must be discipline, because the clan's thinking must be unified. That is beyond dispute!"

Habara's words plunged everyone present into silence.

The hardline attitude Habara displayed was indeed difficult for them to accept, because they had grown accustomed to Uchiha Fugaku's weakness.

But they knew in their hearts that the Uchiha now needed a strong Clan Head to turn everything around, and Habara's words had earned their sincere approval!

They did not know who the Great Man Habara spoke of was, but the clan truly needed discipline. It truly needed to be united.

"As for if you refuse—"

Just as they were thinking, Habara spoke again. This time, however, his voice became somewhat low.

"Then there is only one thing I can do. On one hand, Shisui and I will vigorously reach out to the lower-ranking Uchiha members, whether they are Shinobi or civilians.

"I told Shisui what the true mechanism behind the operation of power is. It is not something you possess by birth. It comes from the obedience of more Clan Ninjas.

"During this period, Shisui and I have spent plenty of time reaching out to and communicating with them. This is only one major direction. The greater direction is—"

At This Moment, Habara's gaze sharpened. The chakra within his body began circulating rapidly, and his tone turned faintly cold.

"If we cannot come to an agreement, then I will kill every last one of you elders.

"You are all too important, and too dangerous. Your ideas can influence those who follow you. You can make them remain quiet, or make them take up weapons.

"And once you are dead, the others will be nothing more than a scattered mob. Under the leadership of two Mangekyo, they will naturally be willing to follow us.

"Do not doubt my resolve, and there is no need to doubt my ability. Even if I cannot do it alone, I can have Shisui do it with me.

"Rather than let the clan sink into decline or even perish in your hands, I would rather eliminate you beforehand and let you become the foundation upon which the clan returns to glory!"

Habara's words rang out forcefully. He had not wanted to say these things, but he knew that if he was going to lay his cards on the table, he might as well make everything clear.

Letting them know his determination was a good thing in itself. Besides, if Habara truly had to act, he was confident that things would not easily go wrong.

Habara also knew that these people might agree to him on the surface while making little moves behind his back.

But the suppression a Mangekyo held over the Sharingan was Really Not a joke. One only needed to look at Uchiha Itachi and Obito charging into the Uchiha Clan alone to see that.

Habara only hoped that these people still retained some desire to preserve the Spark, so they would not force him to do something unpleasant.

After hearing Habara's words, the elders' expressions became exceptionally ugly.

It was not as though they had never anticipated such a possibility, but Habara's blatant declaration filled their Inner Hearts with unease.

Even though Habara acknowledged their importance, hearing someone say to your face that he would kill you would make anyone uncomfortable.

And in their view, Habara's willingness to say it outright meant he was absolutely not worried about them making any small moves—and that he was absolutely capable of doing it!

For a time, everyone fell silent. After quite a while, Uchiha Zong finally broke the silence somewhat weakly.

"We understand what you mean. It seems that, for the sake of our lives, we have no choice but to continue compromising."

Uchiha Zong's words sounded faintly teasing, but they held more bitterness and helplessness than anything else.

"Actually, before you came, we had already prepared a plan. We have two conditions that you must agree to."

"Let's hear them."

Upon hearing Uchiha Zong's words, Habara knew that this matter was basically settled. Still, he wanted to see what other ideas Uchiha Zong had.

"First, after you become Clan Head, Shisui must become Vice Clan Head. He needs to supervise everything you do.

"Because if you do anything out of line, only Shisui will be able to stop you."

Habara froze at this request, but he quickly nodded.

He had not expected the promise he had once made to be brought up as a demand. He had no reason to refuse.

"I can accept that." Habara nodded. "Please continue."

"As for the second, I will say it." At this point, Uchiha Naoki spoke. "Habara-kun, please come to our place tonight. We need to verify something."

"I can accept that." Habara nodded, then smiled. "But I suppose you do not merely want to verify something, do you?"