Clan Meeting (Part 2)

Uchiha Shifang's hand, which was holding a teacup, suddenly froze. He scanned his surroundings before slowly setting the cup down.

He then looked at Qingguang.

A bad premonition immediately struck Qingguang.

Uncle Shifang, you're my uncle! You're not my father, but you're like one!

Please don't do anything rash.

"Everyone, I've been listening to you argue this whole time. It all boils down to you thinking this mission is a hot potato – tasty, but you're afraid of getting burned, right?"

"For carrying out this mission, isn't the best candidate already here, right before your eyes?" Shifang said with a smile, looking at Qingguang.

[Qingguang~ Uncle here, I've known your thoughts for a long time. With the Mangekyo Sharingan, what's a hot potato and what isn't? Just suppress it with force. Which clan would dare to doubt or fear the Uchiha?]

[Go ahead with confidence, Uncle here has long wanted to see you show off!]

Feeling the gazes of everyone around him, Qingguang could only force an awkward smile and nod.

At this moment, he didn't know what else he could do besides smile.

Uncle, you've truly ruined me...

"Clan head, elders, how about... I take on this mission?"

Qingguang's proactive statement sent Fugaku's mind racing with countless thoughts. His eyes then lit up, and he grabbed Qingguang's wrist, rising to his feet and raising it high.

This was a perfect opportunity to both win over Qingguang to the Neutral Faction and resolve this dispute. How could he miss it?

Why didn't I think of this earlier?

"Everyone, I'm sure no one in the clan is unaware of Qingguang's recent achievements in the Police Department."

"The title 'Smiling Executive Officer' is a designation even the Hokage has praised. Any clan that dares to be dissatisfied with him is openly opposing the Hokage!"

As these two sentences were spoken, Fugaku immediately understood his son's intentions.

Smiling, he raised a hand to stroke his beard, his peripheral vision observing Elder Setsuna and Elder Hanahai's attitudes toward Qingguang.

Setsuna's face was full of conflict. Though still displeased, he suppressed it.

The title "Smiling Executive Officer" held no meaning for him, but he was aware of the news that Qingguang had awakened the Three Tomoe Sharingan at the age of 14.

He naturally admired such a genius immensely.

These stats are even higher than the young Madara's...

As for Hanahai, it was even less of a concern.

Qingguang was the first Uchiha to win the favor of the villagers, even promoting harmony between the Uchiha and other clans.

Yashiro had recently started dating a girl from the Inuzuka Family.

He was naturally overjoyed.

"If no one has any objections, then let Qingguang handle it." Seeing that no one opposed, Shifang said happily, taking a sip of his tea.

With this hot potato successfully passed to Qingguang, the discussion quickly concluded.

After the clan meeting ended, Fugaku exchanged a few pleasantries with Qingguang, his face beaming, and then immediately went home with his father, Fugaku, to claim credit.

As for Qingguang, Shifang smilingly pulled him along for a walk around the Naka Shrine.

"Qingguang, how was my little push to get things moving?"

Qingguang stared straight ahead with a stiff expression: "Uncle Shifang, you truly went through a lot."

Sensing the slight stiffness in Qingguang's voice, Shifang patted his shoulder meaningfully. "You know, child, if you want to unite the entire clan in the future, you're still a bit too shy."

"Other than that, you're perfect."

"Remember to speak up more at future clan meetings. Don't be afraid of saying the wrong thing. I was like this when I was young. If anything happens, I'll take responsibility for you. Just go ahead with confidence, hahaha~"

With that, Shifang walked forward with his hands behind his back, chest puffed out, and a wide stride.

Today, he had truly stolen the spotlight, even snatching the clan head's chance to give the final summary. He had managed to show off quite a bit.

That feeling was really good~

Watching Shifang's retreating back, Qingguang raised his hand as if to say something, but ultimately chose to swallow his words.

Never mind. Although I originally planned to make my move after awakening the Mangekyo.

But with Uncle Shifang's unintentional push, it has led to a good outcome, gaining me some recognition in the clan meeting.

It's a good thing.

The next morning, Qingguang packed his things and headed to the Hokage's office.

"Qingguang, I didn't expect the Uchiha to ultimately choose you to carry out this mission. I truly didn't see this coming."

Hiruzen Sarutobi had initially thought that since Qingguang had only recently returned to the clan, this coveted mission was intended as a gift to curry favor with the Uchiha clan.

It was meant to help Qingguang find allies within the clan, facilitating his future efforts to unify the clan and mend relations with the village.

But now, this "gift" had been accepted by Qingguang.

This is quite something...

Seeing Hiruzen's expression as if his plans had gone awry, Qingguang recounted the events of the previous night's clan meeting.

Hiruzen shot Qingguang a strange look.

While this child was excellent, he truly hadn't expected Qingguang to establish himself so quickly within the clan, earning the affection and trust of so many Uchiha.

"Ahem~ To be honest, this mission is both simple and dangerous. I also have another intention, which is to test your courage and determination."

"Qingguang, are you willing to take on another hidden mission?"

Upon hearing this, Qingguang looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi's slightly guilty words and immediately understood the old fox's intentions.

He immediately knelt on one knee, his face full of loyalty.

"Hokage-sama, any mission you give Qingguang, I will surely complete with all my heart and soul."

"Everything is for the village!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi was extremely pleased with Qingguang's performance. He took out two scrolls from his drawer and handed them to Qingguang.

They were an A-rank mission and an S-rank mission, respectively.

The A-rank mission, needless to say, was to infiltrate Amegakure to gather intelligence and learn as much as possible about anything that could be helpful in the future.

The mission details were extremely vague.

To put it bluntly, it was asking the Uchiha to make a trip over there. Whatever information they obtained, as long as it was information, even if it was of minimal help, it would be considered a completion.

Qingguang glanced at this scroll and put it away without a second thought.

It seemed the main event was the other S-rank mission.

Infiltrate the Land of Rain and await reinforcement ninjas, cooperating to instigate conflict between Sunagakure and Amegakure.

Although the details of this mission were also very simple, its difficulty was completely different from the previous A-rank mission.

Qingguang put it away and looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi with some confusion: "Hokage-sama, are all of Amegakure's current preparations aimed at starting a war with Konoha?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed deeply, his expression worried: "Although it cannot be confirmed, according to the analysis and deductions of the think tank, Konoha is the most likely target."

"Whether they specifically choose Konoha depends on the courage and spirit of that Demigod."

"That's why I'm having you assist in provoking a war between them. Once war breaks out, Amegakure's attention will inevitably be forced to focus on Sunagakure, and we in Konoha will have more time to prepare."