The Beginning of the Confrontation

"Grand Elder, the Clan Head leader has sent someone to see you."

The Grand Elder was plotting with his subordinates in his room when he was unexpectedly disturbed.

"I'll go over there first. I want to see what our 'Clan Head' wants with me."

These Uchiha clan members were used to the Grand Elder's lack of respect for Fugaku Uchiha, because they themselves felt the same way. They despised Fugaku's cowardice. For them, the dignified Uchiha, to be subservient to others for so long was unacceptable to their pride.

"Grand Elder."

When the Grand Elder came out, Fugaku's envoy greeted him respectfully, as the Uchiha was a hierarchical society where status determined everything.

"What brings the Clan Head here?"

The Grand Elder spoke with a gentle smile. It must be said that the Grand Elder was quite the actor. He could be so kind and gentle even to Grand Elder Uchiha, which is why he held such high prestige within the Uchiha Clan and could rival the Clan Head.

"Grand Elder, the Clan Head requests your presence to discuss important matters."

The visitor said respectfully, "After all, the leader is kind and gentle to you; you can't take it too seriously."

After thinking for a moment, the Grand Elder decided to go and see Fugaku. After all, they hadn't officially started their operation yet, and he still had to wear the Uchiha's clothes, so he couldn't afford to break ties with Fugaku.

"Wait here for me. I'll go with you after I've settled things."

"Grand Elder, please feel free to do as you please."

The Grand Elder turned around and went to the room where the meeting had been held. Seeing his subordinates looking at him, he knew they wanted to know why Fugaku wanted to see him.

"Our Clan Head was summoned by Orochimaru today, and came to see me as soon as he returned. He must have suffered some injustice at the Hokage's faction's hands again."

After saying this, the Grand Elder burst into laughter. His Grand Elder, hearing his words, joined him in mocking Grand Elder 'Fugaku cowardice. This was precisely why they rallied around the more radical Grand Elder; in their eyes, only the Grand Elder was capable of leading the Uchiha Clan forward. Now, knowing that the Grand Elder's grandson had obtained the legendary Rinnegan, their belief had turned into certainty.

"Grand Elder, are you going there to persuade Fugaku to join our side?"

Shin Uchiha said that as a strategist under the old general, he would naturally be able to understand the Grand Elder's thoughts.

"Those who understand me will trust me."

"Although I look down on Fugaku Uchiha, I still acknowledge his strength. Not only did he awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan, but his son Itachi also awakened the Mangekyo. This is something we need to strive for. If we have their help, our planned exhibition viewing will be much easier."

"The Grand Elder has a far-sighted vision; I am far inferior to him!"

"I know perfectly well what the Grand Elder's purpose is," Shin Uchiha flattered. He understood perfectly well that the other Uchiha in the room were a bunch of muscle-bound fools. If you didn't explain it clearly to them, how could they understand? So Shin deliberately asked Grand Elder this question, letting him demonstrate his intelligence and making his subordinates more convinced of Grand Elder abilities. Moreover, the Grand Elder was aware of Shin's plan and cooperated, staging a grand performance of not wanting the Uchiha Clan to suffer harm, highlighting the Grand Elder's magnanimity and benevolence.

However, while the two actors were performing and half the audience was watching, a glint flashed in the eyes of one of the Uchiha, disappearing in an instant, unnoticed by anyone.

"Let's go! Don't keep the Clan Head in a hurry."

After giving his instructions, the Grand Elder returned to the main hall, followed by the former Fugaku, who walked out with an imposing aura! The Grand Elder, accustomed to his position of authority, naturally exuded an aura that made Fugaku was behind him turning the microphone, feel immense pressure. He couldn't help but think to himself...

"The Grand Elder's aura carries a strong sense of aggression, completely opposite to that of the Clan Head!"

When the Grand Elder arrived at the Fugaku, he immediately saw Fugaku waiting for him at the gate. He hadn't expected Fugaku to be so formal. He had stayed at his own home for half an hour before setting off, meaning Fugaku had been waiting for him at the gate for at least half an hour.

"We've kept you waiting, Clan Head."

The Grand Elder quickened his pace and arrived in front of Fugaku.

"Because the Grand Elder is worthy."

"Please, Grand Elder."

Fugaku stepped aside and invited him.

The Grand Elder could sense that Fugaku was different. His tone held a more resolute quality than before.

When the Grand Elder entered the Fugaku, he noticed it was quieter than usual. He assumed that Fugaku had dismissed the servants to speak with him. The Grand Elder had indeed guessed something.

"Grand Elder, please have some tea."

After saying that, Fugaku poured himself a glass.

"Good tea."

As a tea connoisseur, the Grand Elder naturally possessed the ability to appreciate the color, aroma, and flavor of tea. Coupled with Fugaku's fluid and skillful tea-brewing techniques, his approach was truly refreshing.

"Grand Elder, it's been a long time since we've had such a peaceful tea together."

Fugaku put down his teacup and said that his relationship with the Grand Elder had never been this tense before, but it had never been since their ideologies diverged.

"Yes! I still miss you from back then."

"Full of drive."

The Grand Elder emphasized the last three words. He admired Fugaku most of that time, fearless of everything. In the end, that Fugaku died, leaving behind a cowardly, hesitant Fugaku, which greatly disappointed Grand Elder. Just when he thought he was about to give up, his grandson gave him hope, a hope that the Uchiha could regain its status in the Warring States period.

"Konoha is brimming with talent these days. They won't allow another Madara Uchiha to appear above them."

The Uchiha's strength Central City among the best in the entire Ninja World. Moreover, as long as they continue to awaken their Sharingan, their strength will continue to increase.

"How will you know it can't be done if you don't try? Besides, our Uchiha Clan is the founding clan of Konoha. They only developed because of us. If it were the Warring States period, they would just be a subordinate clan of our Uchiha Clan."

"Besides, the Senju has already vanished; what other clan can compare to us?"

The Grand Elder became increasingly agitated as he spoke. He had dedicated most of his life to restoring the Uchiha to its former glory. Now, it was just a matter of stomping his foot, and they would succeed. Of course, this was merely the Grand Elder's own wishful thinking.

"Grand Elder, you're too attached to appearances."

"Now that Orochimaru is in power, our situation is slowly improving. Why would you ruin this hard-won opportunity?"

Fugaku couldn't help but shout. Ever since Fugaku saw that intelligence, he felt like a mountain was pressing down on his heart, making it hard to breathe.

"What do you know?"

The Grand Elder Ka could tell that Fugaku was very different from usual.