Clan Head Fugane Is a Great Conversationalist

"Please, come in," Fugaku Uchiha said with a smile, leading the two into the room.

Stepping through the doorway, Qingguang looked at the scene before him and felt as if he had arrived in a tranquil and elegant garden.

A small stream flowed slowly, and a waterwheel made of wood and bamboo turned continuously, driving the water in a ceaseless cycle. Various colorful flowers bloomed among the plants, making the environment far superior to Shifang's home.

Upon reaching the living room, a maid served tea and then immediately withdrew.

The clan head was to speak with guests, and one of them was Elder Shifang, who hadn't visited in many years. Accompanying him was the genius Fugaku Qingguang, who had recently returned to the clan.

As a maid who worked in the clan head's household, she naturally understood what she should do at such a time.

"Clan Head, honored guests, if you need more tea, please call for me," the maid said as she bowed and retreated.

After she left, Fugane raised his teacup to his lips. "Elder Shifang, it's been nearly twenty years since that incident. It's been a long time since we've had tea together like this."

"Try this. I had Grandma Cat get this Jade Dew from the Land of Tea."

Shifang's expression didn't change much, only a faint smile appeared as he took a sip.

"Thank you for the tea, Clan Head. To be precise, it's been 17 years and 357 days."

Hearing this, Qingguang quietly lowered his head. "In 8 days, it will be my father's death anniversary."

Shifang and Qingguang's responses caused Fugane's hand, holding the teacup, to tremble.

It's my fault, my mouth. Why do I always have to bring this up the moment I open it?

One sentence and the conversation is dead.

Just as he was unsure how to continue the conversation, fortunately, Qingguang stepped in to bridge the gap.

"If Father could know in the afterlife about the recent changes in the Uchiha, I'm sure he would be greatly comforted."

What Qingguang was referring to was undoubtedly the recent changes in the Police Department. A smile returned to Fugane's face.

"Qingguang, it's all thanks to you."

"If it weren't for your changes, those stubborn fools probably wouldn't have thought of such methods in their lifetime."

This time, it was Shifang's turn to be stunned.

Clan Head, aren't those words essentially scolding everyone in the Uchiha except Qingguang? You didn't even spare yourself or your son, Fugaku.

Is it necessary to be so harsh?

Shifang had known for a very long time that Fugane wasn't very good at conversation, but he never expected that after so many years, the man was still the same. Not only had he not improved, but his condition had worsened.

"Clan Head Fugane, have you heard about Yashiro recently?"

After conversing to this point, with Fugane having killed the mood twice in just two exchanges, Qingguang decided to get straight to the point, skipping any further pleasantries.

Fearing he might hear another classic remark from Fugane, Qingguang realized this was the first time he had ever met someone so skilled at ruining conversations.

"Yashiro's matter? Are you referring to his relationship with Inuzuka Akiya?"

"I've heard about that too. However, the Uchiha have always been on good terms with the Ninja Cat Clan, and the Inuzuka Clan are dog tamers. Cats and dogs don't get along, so this is quite difficult."

At this moment, Qingguang finally realized Fugane's heaven-defying conversational skills. Is the main point really that cats and dogs don't get along?

It's truly a miracle that the clan has survived to this day under your leadership. No wonder many Hawk Faction Uchiha call Fugane a troublemaker...

Qingguang almost choked on his water due to Fugane's remark. He then put down his teacup and said, "Ahem, Clan Head Fugane, I'm actually here because of Yashiro's situation, and I also have a suggestion."

Fugane's gaze first fell on Qingguang, then shifted to Shifang.

Shifang lowered his head to drink his tea and recounted the story of Yashiro and Akiya once more.

Yashiro's predicament made even Fugane frown, feeling pity and regret. "It's a pity for Yashiro's feelings. This is destined to be a case of unrequited love. I only hope he can move on from this failed romance quickly and not live with regret."

Qingguang suppressed his urge to retort, calmed his breathing, and adjusted his mindset before speaking. "Clan Head, while this is the first time such a thing has occurred, if we set this precedent, it will happen frequently in the future."

"Imagine if nearly a hundred young men and women of the Uchiha Clan were to remain single their entire lives due to conflicts between clans. What a lamentable scene that would be."

"You wouldn't want so many of our clansmen to experience heartbreak, would you?"

Although Qingguang's words might have deliberately exaggerated the severity of the problem, the logic was very clear and easy to understand. It even brought up another issue.

That was the population of the clan. For a clan to be strong, a large population was one of the essential conditions.

The Uchiha had always been devoted; if their partner passed away, they would remain unmarried for life. Now that the first romance between an Uchiha and another ninja clan had occurred, there would only be more in the future. If this problem couldn't be resolved quickly, it would likely affect the clan's prosperity to some extent.

"This..." Fugane fell silent, momentarily speechless, unable to think of a better solution.

Just then, Shifang nudged Qingguang's back.

You brat, hurry up and continue. Don't give Clan Head Fugane another chance to speak, or the conversation will die again!

"I have a plan that can change this situation and even ease the relationship between our clan and other ninja clans."

A flicker of excitement immediately crossed Fugane's face. Just as he was about to speak, Shifang interrupted his pre-action flourish. "Clan Head Fugane, why don't you let Qingguang finish speaking first? Give the younger generation more opportunities to express themselves."

"That's true," Fugane said with a smile, raising his teacup and taking a satisfied sip.

An opportunity to express himself?

At this point in the conversation, Fugane was certain that Elder Shifang had definitively sided with Qingguang and become his supporter. And Qingguang, in turn, was preparing to join his Neutral Faction.

Wanting to express himself in front of me is the best proof!

"We just need to open up the Police Department's authority to other ninja clans and civilians."

As soon as Qingguang finished speaking, Fugane, who had just brought tea to his lips, spat it out directly, drenching Shifang.

"Impossible! The Police Department's authority is the foundation of the Uchiha's standing in the village. It can absolutely not be opened to outsiders!"

Fugane never imagined that Qingguang would dare to say such treasonous words. Even the Dove Faction Uchiha wouldn't have such a thought.

How many years had it been since a Mangekyo had been born in the Uchiha? Although the clan's overall strength was still at the top among Konoha's many ninja clans, it was far from what it was in the early days of Konoha's founding.

If they voluntarily gave up their power at this time, the result would be a dead end!

Even though the Uchiha Clan was internally divided by factions, the Police Department was the Uchiha's current foundation. This was a consensus that all Uchiha would implicitly agree upon, no matter how much they fought within the clan assembly.