Need the Capable, Not the Virtuous

Uchiha Sen's words startled many Uchiha powerhouses over forty years old.

Although Uchiha Sen, as a high-ranking official in charge of the defense of the fortress at Mount Taihang, had never explicitly stated his political stance, according to seniority, he should have sided with Uchiha Gakugyo, who was of the same generation.

The Second Elder, Uchiha Tenzou, whispered into Kōshi Uchiha's ear, "In the previous battle, Uchiha Sen almost died fighting Tobirama Senju and was saved by Izuna."

The First Elder nodded upon hearing this, finding it understandable.

Uchiha Sen was originally a combat-type ninja who didn't involve himself in politics. Now that Izuna had saved his life, it was natural for him to lean towards Izuna's side.

With the Clan Head dead, a new Vice Clan Head also needed to be chosen, as the Vice Clan Head's role was essentially to assist the Clan Head.

They cooperated with the Clan Head's actions, and the extent of their power was largely determined by the Clan Head.

Therefore, if Madara were to become Clan Head, Izuna would be the most suitable person to assist him.

As for Uchiha Gakugyo, he would naturally be assigned another important position.

"This... I believe it would be better for Gakugyo to lead. Young Clan Head Madara becoming the next Clan Head is absolutely no problem."

The one making the opposing suggestion was Sora Uchiha, the border defense chief of the northwestern border, a middle-aged ninja around thirty-five to forty years old.

He was slightly younger than Uchiha Sen and Uchiha Gakugyo, but his strength was at the peak of Jonin level, and he was a member of the decision-making council.

"While seniority is important, strength is more crucial now. Everyone saw the performance of Young Clan Head Izuna last time, and he cooperated perfectly with Young Clan Head Madara."

Uchiha Soshu couldn't help but interject, "With Madara as Clan Head and Izuna as Vice Clan Head, the two of them united can lead the Uchiha back to glory."

"Your statement only proves that Young Clan Head Izuna is very suitable to be Vice Clan Head. Whether Young Clan Head Madara should be Clan Head is still debatable..."

Seeing the meeting trending towards heated arguments, the Third Elder, Uchiha Kai, suddenly roared, "What are you arguing about! This is the highest council of the Uchiha!"

The next second, the entire venue fell silent.

Compared to the other elders, Uchiha Kai was usually more amiable.

However, when such a person suddenly became angry, they possessed the most deterrent power.

The First Elder, Kōshi Uchiha, pondered and asked, "Third Elder, do you have any opinions?"

Uchiha Kai no longer sat and stood up directly, saying, "Everyone saw the brilliance of Izuna's strategy in the Mount Kumogakure battle. Not only did he secure our Uchiha's most important defense post at Mount Taihang, but he also bought us time to recuperate. As Vice Clan Head, I don't think anyone would object."

No one had any objections to Izuna taking the position of the new Vice Clan Head.

In some ways, the Vice Clan Head could be defined as the strategist of a war, and having the wisest person in that role would be undisputed.

"Then the answer is simple: the question of who becomes Clan Head, Gakugyo or Madara."

Uchiha Kai continued assertively, "The elderly have their advantages, but the young also have their strengths."

"Then it's easy to solve. What the Uchiha need now are capable individuals, not just virtuous ones."

With that said, even a fool could understand Uchiha Kai's intention.

In that case, let's have a fight.

Whoever wins becomes Clan Head.

After all, no matter who became Clan Head, both the seniority faction and the youth faction could list a multitude of advantages.

Therefore, the simplest and most direct method would be adopted: the strong rise to power, and the losers fall silent.

Izuna muttered inwardly that the current situation within the Uchiha clan, while not entirely free of internal strife, was still much better than when Hiruzen Sarutobi led Konoha.

Although there were elements of personal gain and power struggles, overall, everyone's ultimate goal was the continuation of the clan.

Unlike Konoha during Hiruzen Sarutobi's era, exemplified by Danzo, who had schemed and fought for the Hokage position countless times in secret.

Even when Konoha faced the near-catastrophic disaster of Pain's attack, the vast majority of Root's combat power remained inactive.

That was no longer internal strife; it was a complete coup.

"Second Elder speaks well."

Izuna finally spoke. His words, as the soon-to-be confirmed "Vice Clan Head," immediately drew everyone's attention. "I don't want to discuss this from a personal perspective, but this is the best way."

With Uchiha Kai and Izuna speaking one after another, Madara, who would later become the Ninja Asura, finally clenched his fists, stood up, and said, "Then, let all the clan members be the witnesses."

The aura of the Ninja Asura was finally revealed!

They're really going to fight?!

Everyone was shocked, whether it was the three elders, the decision-making council, or the many Uchiha Jonin below.

Given Uchiha Gakugyo's age, he could no longer improve, yet he was precisely in a ninja's prime.

Madara, on the other hand, was young and still had room for improvement.

If everyone had to guess, they would still think Uchiha Gakugyo had a higher chance of winning.

Uchiha Kai, who was originally neutral, was slightly swayed towards Izuna due to his recent performance.

But honestly, he wasn't that confident that Madara could defeat Uchiha Gakugyo.

Besides Izuna, only Uchiha Sen had this confidence.

He had witnessed the power of Izuna's Mangekyo Sharingan. If Madara possessed the same power...

"What do you think, Gakugyo?"

Uchiha Kai turned his head to look at Uchiha Gakugyo.

Uchiha Gakugyo's desire for the position of Clan Head was not as fanatical as Danzo's later desire for the position of Naruto.

But that didn't mean he didn't want it.

"Since all the elders and the future Vice Clan Head say so, I can't refuse."

Uchiha Gakugyo spoke in a formal, official tone.

The Great Elder, Uchiha, did not want to show favoritism towards his own son, so his expression remained calm. "Then, let the clan head selection battle take place in the training grounds. Prepare to set up a barrier, and neither party should harm the other. Regardless of who wins or loses, you both bear the heavy responsibility for the future of the Uchiha."

Uchiha Training Grounds.

Rumors spread that Uchiha Gakugyo and Madara Uchiha would decide the next clan head through a decisive battle.

The clan immediately erupted in discussion.

After the barrier ninjas set up a barrier to prevent accidents, all clan members who weren't busy with important matters rushed over.

"Who do you think will win?"

Behind Izuna, a group of genin and chunin who had rushed over after hearing the news whispered amongst themselves.

"Lord Gakugyo."

"Lord Gakugyo."

"It's... Lord Gakugyo, right?"

More than ninety percent of them answered this way.

"I think so too. With Young Clan Head Madara's talent, he should be able to surpass Lord Gakugyo in five years, but right now... he's still a bit short."

"But I heard that Young Clan Head Izuna has already been confirmed as the next Vice Clan Head. Congratulations."

"With Lord Izuna's strategy and strength, this is only natural."

Hearing the discussions behind him, Izuna remained silent, only thinking to himself, "That's under the premise that he hasn't awakened his Mangekyo."