Fugaku's Resolve

After listening to Shisui's words, Karot asked in a low voice.

What's your opinion on this?

Shisui spoke without any hesitation.

"I will obey Lord Karot."

Shisui had sworn allegiance to Karot long before, and it was only because Karot and Orochimaru cooperated that Shisui was willing to work for Orochimaru.

Orochimaru waited until Karot finished his breakfast before asking Karot what he thought. After all, Karot shouldn't be disturbed while he was eating.

"What are your thoughts on this Karot?"

Orochimaru finished asking the others, he also wanted to know what Karot thought, and they all looked over.

"This matter concerns the Uchiha Clan after all, so let's leave it to Fugaku to handle."

Karot retorted that such a simple matter required an early morning meeting, asking if they didn't know that the early bird catches the worm. He added that he needed to exercise and didn't have time to waste on old men like himself. Indeed, Karot considered everyone older than himself to be an old man.

Orochimaru nodded. Karot and his own "rush to work" were in perfect agreement. Since it concerned the Uchiha Clan, naming it Fugaku Uchiha was most fitting. Orochimaru trusted Fugaku to make the correct judgment; if not, Orochimaru would find someone else to do so. This was Orochimaru's power in Konoha. Compared to the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen's, cautiousness, Orochimaru was one of absolute strife.

Orochimaru...

Jiraiya wanted to say something, but his wife Tsunade back, Jiraiya seeing that Tsunade shook her head, he didn't say anything more.

Jiraiya gestured to Tsunade with his eyes, asking why she was stopping him. Tsunade glared back. "Don't you know that Karot and Orochimaru are in cahoots? Karot agreed, Orochimaru agreed, even the teacher didn't dare object, and you still want to object? Are you trying to get your hands on something?"

The two exchanged glances and finished their communication in an instant. Jiraiya still didn't express his opinion, not because he was afraid of his wife, but because he trusted Karot and Orochimaru's plan.

"Lord Fugaku, the Lord Hokage requests your presence at the Hokage Building."

Fugaku was enjoying a happy time with his family at home when his plans were abruptly ruined by members of the Anbu.

Fugaku didn't notice anything amiss at this point. After all, the Uchiha Clan had completely sided with Orochimaru, and with Orochimaru's strength, he wasn't afraid of anything the Uchiha might do. Orochimaru's rule was arguably the most relaxed period for the Uchiha Clan, a stark contrast to the Third Hokage's situation. The Third Hokage was wary of the Uchiha Clan becoming stronger, yet also feared Uchiha Clan would become too powerful.

"Lord Hokage"

Fugaku was somewhat surprised when he entered the office. The Third Hokage, Jiraiya, Minato, Kakashi, Shisui were all there—the highest leadership of Konoha. They were having a small meeting. He wasn't afraid of large meetings, but he dreaded small ones. What shocked Fugaku the most was Karot sitting at his desk. This powerful figure was also there, which greatly surprised Fugaku. He thought, "I can't even attend a meeting like this?" Although the Uchiha Clan had sided with Orochimaru, it was only support; they hadn't shown the complete loyalty that Shisui had.

"Fugaku, take a look at this intelligence report."

Kabuto took the information from Orochimaru and handed it to Fugaku, giving him a knowing smile as Fugaku did so.

Why are you smiling at me?

Fugaku felt inexplicably as if he were being targeted by a venomous snake. This feeling was clear; although Kabuto's strength was inferior to his own, this was the Ninja World! There were many "soft" strengths that could kill. Fugaku felt uneasy, but he also paid even closer attention to the information he possessed.

However, when he finished reading the intelligence report in his hand, he was completely dismayed. "I, Fugaku Uchiha, have been wholeheartedly dedicated to the growth and prosperity of the clan, yet you all keep trying to sabotage me!" He unconsciously squeezed the intelligence report so tightly it became deformed, and his face turned extremely ugly. Fugaku, having become the head of the clan, wasn't a fool. He knew that since Orochimaru had shown him the intelligence report, it meant that Uchiha Clan completely.

"Lord Hokage, what do you need me to do?"

Fugaku immediately knelt on one knee before Orochimaru. He knew that the decision this man made would determine the future of the Uchiha Clan. Although the Uchiha had recently produced many geniuses— Shisui, his son Itachi, and even he himself had reached the Mangekyo —these were simply not enough in Konoha. To rebel against Konoha with the strength of the entire clan would require even the patriarch, Madara Uchiha, to shed three pounds of blood. Moreover, Shisui's loyalty wasn't even to him, the Clan Head. He had lost a third of his power. His son's admiration for Shisui surpassed even his own, which meant another third was gone. And even this third of his power was no match for anyone else in this room, which deeply wounded Fugaku.

It's not about what I need you to do, but what you should do.

"Whether you are Konoha Uchiha or just Uchiha depends on your choice, Fugaku."

Orochimaru's chilling voice sent a shiver down Fugaku Uchiha. Fugaku knew Orochimaru's meaning. Moreover, he had no choice. They were dragging the Uchiha Clan into hell! If they succeeded, would the Uchiha Clan still have a place to live in the Ninja World? The Uchiha Clan would have no choice but to wage war against the Ninja World. Victory would mean standing at the pinnacle of the Ninja World; defeat would mean becoming a symbol of failure for future generations. This was the order the Masked Man had given his grandfather: to have the Uchiha infiltrating Konoha destroy Konoha's supplies, assassinate Konoha's high-ranking officials, and destroy Konoha's war potential. This order directly drew the entire Uchiha Clan into their camp. At that point, Konoha wouldn't care whether they were forced into it. Konoha needed someone to be held responsible for this incident, and the entire Uchiha would become a thorn in Konoha's side. This was also the Masked Man's plan. Not only his grandfather's lineage, but the entire Uchiha would submit to him.

"Please rest assured Uchiha, Lord Hokage. The Uchiha will only ever belong to Konoha."

Fugaku said decisively, "Since you've started this, don't blame me Fugaku Uchiha, for doing the same."

"I will give the Lord Hokage my answer tonight."

Fugaku knew this was Orochimaru's chance for him to redeem himself. He had to get this done as quickly as possible.

"Lord Hokage, I need someone to help me."

Fugaku made a request to Orochimaru.

Tell me about it.

"I want Shisui to obey my orders tonight."

Although Fugaku is currently the Clan Head of the Uchiha Clan, he really can't command Uchiha Shisui.

"What do you think, Karot?"

Orochimaru asked Karot about it, since Shisui was indeed Karot's subordinate.

Fugaku was also taken aback by Orochimaru's words. He hadn't expected Shisui to be under Karot's protection.

"Shisui, let's help Clan Head Fugaku tonight!"

"Yes, Lord Karot."