Let's Make a Deal Between Adults

At that moment, Uchiha Fugaku exuded the imposing aura he had cultivated over years as the clan's young master.

Coupled with his naturally fierce appearance, his authoritative presence was instantly overwhelming. Even Uchiha Qi, who knew him to be fundamentally a compromiser, had to admit that based purely on his appearance and demeanor, Uchiha Fugaku was incredibly intimidating. He made one think he was an unyielding hardliner among hardliners, the Uchiha of the Uchiha, the clan's true ruler, a born rebel against Konoha.

It was no wonder that the hardliners within the Uchiha Clan were all fooled by him, following him closely until he led them astray.

If they had known that beneath that seemingly rebellious exterior lay a soft and pliant core, both the hawkish and dovish factions within the clan would likely have kicked him out of the patriarch's position with displeasure and anger—even the doves weren't willing to lie down and wait to die.

Yet, it was this very imposing Uchiha Fugaku who spoke in a deep voice: "What you're saying is true? Qi-kun, as a member of the Uchiha Clan, you should understand what those words mean to the Uchiha."

Uchiha Qi shook his head. "I can't fully confirm that what I said can be achieved. After all, I only had Minato help me test it. Although Minato's feedback suggests it's theoretically possible, Minato isn't an Uchiha, so I can't confirm if it will be effective for the Uchiha."

Uchiha Fugaku narrowed his eyes. "So, you came to me hoping I could help you test your special Genjutsu on the Uchiha?"

Uchiha Qi nodded. "After all, the activation condition for the Genjutsu Game is that the recipient offers no resistance. And there aren't many people in this world who can calmly accept a Sharingan Genjutsu, not even among the Uchiha themselves."

"In fact, before I came to you, Young Master, I already approached Uchiha with Three Tomoe Sharingan in the Konoha Military Police Force."

Uchiha Fugaku nodded in understanding. "But they all refused, didn't they?"

Uchiha Qi spread his hands. "Who would believe a loser who, as a child, refused to follow the clan's pre-arranged path, was determined to practice hard and become a great ninja according to his own will, but ultimately ended up being called the 'Uchiha's Disgrace' amidst countless jeers and disdain?"

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Fugaku's expression subtly changed before he said in a deep voice, "Qi-kun, I know that the unfair treatment within the clan has made you resentful. But that's only because those people couldn't understand your talent, Qi-kun. In my eyes, you are a genius second to none."

"As the next head of the Uchiha Clan, I can promise you, in the name of the future clan head, that you will be compensated in the future, and all the honor you deserve will be returned to you."

With that, Uchiha Fugaku actually bowed slightly, expressing his deep apology to Uchiha Qi.

For the young master of a major clan in the Ninja World to bow and apologize to an ordinary, unpopular Uchiha was quite a shocking act in the highly stratified Ninja World. This clearly showed that Fugaku was sincerely apologizing on behalf of the entire Uchiha Clan to Uchiha Qi, hoping to gain Uchiha Qi's understanding and prevent him from holding a grudge against the Uchiha.

Only...

"Huh?" Uchiha Qi was dumbfounded, blinking his eyes, looking as if he didn't know what to say.

It seemed Uchiha Fugaku's misunderstanding was quite deep.

When he said those words just now, he was merely guiding the conversation to set the stage for the next topic, hoping to get Uchiha Fugaku to help him deal with other powerful Uchiha, making those powerful Uchiha also providers of his emotional value.

As a result, Uchiha Fugaku interpreted it as complaints and sarcastic remarks.

Of course, that wasn't a big deal, but who knew that in Uchiha Fugaku's heart, Uchiha Qi held such a high position—so high that the future clan head directly apologized and made promises to him in the name of the clan head. This was truly unexpected.

After all, in the man-eat-man, culture-inherited-from-a-young-age Ninja World, the gap in social status could truly crush people.

Don't you see how powerful ninja sometimes have to obey the orders of lords who are as stupid as pigs, and cannot resist? And among the great clans of Konoha, the atmosphere of the Hyūga Clan next door is even more significant.

Therefore, actions like Uchiha Fugaku's were truly somewhat "unorthodox."

However, upon closer reflection of Uchiha Fugaku's life, one would find that he was indeed such a person.

After some thought, Uchiha Qi did not correct Uchiha Fugaku's misunderstanding. After all, there was no harm in receiving the other party's goodwill. Moreover, if his Genjutsu Game could truly bring about Sharingan enhancement effects, it would indeed provide immense help to the Uchiha Clan. Fugaku's promise and apology were also what he deserved.

From this perspective, Uchiha Fugaku was actually quite intelligent and a qualified future clan head—when faced with a special talent who could potentially bring great help to the Uchiha Clan but had been wronged, providing aid in times of need was always better than adding flowers to embroidery.

Realizing this, Uchiha Qi smiled and said, "You are too kind, Young Master. I am Uchiha, and only Uchiha."

This was a promise, and it was Uchiha Qi's stance.

Although the system was a bit of a trick, it could indeed bring benefits and improvements. As long as the positive cycle could continue, Uchiha Qi's strength would eventually reach a very high level.

By then, his earlier "run-away" mindset would naturally transform into "protect my Konoha and my Uchiha.jpg."

Or rather, a return to his original aspirations from his time at the ninja academy!

Upon hearing Uchiha Qi's response, a gentle expression appeared on Fugaku's serious face, clearly pleased with Uchiha Qi's answer.

After all, in the young master's eyes, Uchiha Qi was truly unique. Although he was only a Chunin, his insight and talent in creating new techniques far surpassed the geniuses within the Uchiha Clan.

How could those arrogant Uchiha understand Uchiha Qi's true value?

However, this was also natural. Those Uchiha had not received training for higher positions, and coupled with their ancestral pride, they naturally lacked such long-term vision.

Furthermore, Uchiha Qi was not only talented himself, but he also had an extremely close relationship with Minato Namikaze, the top talent of Konoha's younger generation. They were true confidants, their relationship comparable to that of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and his friend, Konoha's Shadow of the Pot, Shimura Danzo.

Minato Namikaze's current display of talent and ability, along with his network of connections with most people, and his background as one of the Sannin, Jiraiya's disciple, meant there was a high possibility he would become Hokage in the future.

From the current perspective, the Fourth Hokage position might not be likely, but the Fifth was very possible.

Once Minato Namikaze became Hokage, Uchiha Qi, who had an excellent relationship with him, would inevitably rise with him. And the opportunity for the Uchiha Clan to enter Konoha's high command and secure a place for themselves would be then.

Talent, vision, and prospects were all laid out, and Uchiha Fugaku was not so foolish as to miss these. Naturally, he would carefully maintain his relationship with Uchiha Qi.

Of course, Uchiha Qi understood these things as well and felt that dealing with a young master like Uchiha Fugaku, who had calculations in his heart, was not as relaxed and comfortable as interacting with Minato Namikaze.

However, Uchiha Qi didn't mind. After all, in the adult world, there wasn't that much genuine emotion; interests were what truly mattered.

Now, Uchiha Qi and Uchiha Fugaku each got what they wanted, so their relationship was undoubtedly that of close allies, willing to help each other and progress together.

2nd update, seeking readership.

Many thanks to 'Yuhan Yuxuan' for the 100 Qidian coin reward.