When Fugaku saw that the one entering the hall was his son, Itachi, his expression eased slightly before he immediately frowned. "Why haven't you left yet?"
According to the original plan, Itachi should have already led a squad out of the clan compound to track down the Fifth Hokage's whereabouts and prepare to launch a decapitation strike against him.
Bathed in the cold moonlight, Itachi stood at the entrance to the hall and said calmly, "Father, stop this!"
Fugaku's brows drew together as his gaze passed over Itachi and turned toward the outside of the residence.
By now, the commotion outside had turned into agonized wails and furious shouts. Clearly, what had erupted within the clan compound was no ordinary disturbance, but a ninja war!
Realizing this, Fugaku's gaze gradually sharpened. "Itachi, have you defected to the village?"
Faced with his father's accusation, Itachi lowered his eyes. "Father, the rebellion you planned is a tragedy doomed to fail. For the village, and for the clan, I have to stop you!"
"Hmph, you fool!" With a cold snort, Fugaku roared in anger, "Do you think this rebellion is merely the result of my personal ambition? The village can no longer tolerate us Uchiha. We have no way out!"
In Fugaku's view, the Uchiha Clan possessed power capable of threatening the Hokage, yet could never become Hokage themselves. They would inevitably be regarded by the village as a thorn in its side. If they did not strike first, they would surely be controlled by others.
Itachi shook his head. "Lord Hokage will give us justice!"
Fugaku snapped, "The Fifth?! He is nothing more than a powerless puppet himself. What ability does he have to give the Uchiha justice or offer the Uchiha protection?"
Itachi raised his head and met his father's eyes.