After the funeral, Haori's life returned to a temporary calm.
Although he knew Madara had begun making moves, he also knew that the most important actor had yet to make his entrance. Naturally, the play could not go on without him.
Haori had spent a long time thinking about how to deal with this upheaval.
As for Obito, Haori felt the same way about him as he did about Uchiha Itachi: he had absolutely no urge to help him.
Besides, Haori could tell that Nohara Rin seemed to have a bit of a crush on him. In Obito's eyes, that was probably Haori's original sin.
Saving Obito would only give Haori more trouble, especially since Obito only cared about Kakashi and Rin.
He could cold-bloodedly kill anyone else, no matter how kind they had been to him. Haori wanted nothing to do with someone like that.
In fact, Haori was even wondering how he could trip Obito up without anyone noticing!
After all, if Rin doesn't die, this guy probably won't be able to awaken his Mangekyo Sharingan.
Although Haori was wary of Madara, that didn't mean he was afraid to sneak around and do a few things of his own.
He even dared to think about how to kill off the entire clan leadership, let alone trip Obito up!
But those matters could wait. If he wasn't assigned a mission, there was nothing he could do anyway.
Besides, his most pressing concerns were, on the one hand, getting stronger, and on the other, building good relationships with the clan's lower-ranking ninja and civilians.
There was no need to say more about strength. Without it, you couldn't take a single step in this world.
As for the second matter, as a transmigrator, he naturally knew that "the world isn't just about fighting and killing; it's also about human relationships."
Since he didn't intend to rely on either of the existing factions among the clan's leadership, of course he had to reach out to those the clan had already written off.
Besides, he had come from that very community. They had looked after him since he was little, and he still remembered their kindness.
Even now that he was allowed to attend clan meetings!
"Why do you look so distracted? What are you thinking about?"
While Haori was lost in thought, Hikari suddenly walked up behind him and asked with a calm expression.
"Nothing. I was just thinking about something else."
Haori quickly gathered his thoughts, turned around, and smiled.
"After all, since we're friends, I've already made you a promise. I can't go back on my word.
There are a lot of things I need to plan out to make sure nothing goes wrong and we stay safe."
"Don't think so much, and don't tire yourself out."
Hikari gently shook her head at his words.
"You just have to remember your promise and keep it. Then make sure you see it through."
Haori was taken aback. He could tell that Hikari's attitude toward him seemed to have changed a little.
But when he thought it over, he understood. "Friendship" was a powerful thing in the world of Naruto.
The change made Haori feel relieved, too. What he feared most was the Uchiha suddenly losing their minds.
"By the way, I might have to attend the clan meeting tonight."
After thinking it over, Haori spoke up.
"Although I don't want to go, I can't avoid it.
But this will also give me a chance to confirm a few things. I've already made some moves in secret, after all."
During this time, Namikaze Minato had already visited Uchiha Fugaku.
In the end, Kakashi had left with Namikaze Minato, taking the eye with him.
The matter had caused quite a stir within the clan, which was why tonight's clan meeting had been called.
"An Uchiha clan meeting?"
Hikari frowned instinctively at Haori's words. She truly despised that clan.
In the end, though, she nodded to show that she understood.
"Actually, you could go out for a walk. You shouldn't stay cooped up at home all day."
Looking at the girl, who remained silent, Haori thought for a moment before speaking.
"Didn't I tell you before? You're free now. No one can force you to do anything anymore.
Why lock yourself away and stay at home all day? How is that any different from before, when you told me about it?"
Haori paused, then continued with a smile.
"Go out and see the world when you have time. Just be careful and use a Transformation Jutsu.
Our eyes are both black, but why not use them to look for a little light?"
Hikari seemed to fall into thought after hearing Haori's little pep talk. But a moment later, she suddenly looked up, puzzled.
"But aren't we Sharingan?"
"..."
"Clan leader, we need an explanation!"
"The power of the Uchiha must not be allowed to fall into someone else's hands so casually!"
Seated in a corner of the shrine, Haori quietly watched the people present put on their impassioned performance.
After Hikari had thrown him off with a single remark, he had promptly left home and come here.
It was his first time attending a clan meeting. He had no intention of speaking, and he didn't know most of the people who were allowed to attend.
It would be hard for anyone to believe that members of the same family could be this unfamiliar with one another.
But that was the truth. The hierarchy within the Uchiha Clan was almost unimaginably strict.
On top of that, factional divisions meant that some people never spoke to one another. Haori had suffered from that himself.
"Everyone, I know you have doubts about my decision, but I made it for the sake of the clan."
From the moment Uchiha Fugaku had made his decision, he had known he would face a large-scale backlash.
When he first heard the news, even he had been shocked by Obito's actions.
But once he had calmed down, he realized this was an enormous opportunity!
Whether he used the eye to bring himself closer to Namikaze Minato, or as a bargaining chip in a bid for the Hokage position, either option was excellent. So when he met with Namikaze Minato, he had made it clear that Kakashi should keep the eye.
Besides, he could see what Konoha was up to. So even now, as his clansmen condemned him, he remained relatively calm.
"If I forcibly take the eye back, people in the village will say we 'disrespect the wishes of the deceased.'
"Especially when the funeral has only just ended. And now there are rumors that Konoha will soon have a new Hokage. We can't afford to take that risk."
"Does that mean you intend to run for Hokage, Clan Leader?"
At Uchiha Fugaku's words, Uchiha Setsuna, who had remained silent until then, suddenly looked up at him.
"That is indeed something I'm considering."
Uchiha Fugaku nodded, making his position clear.
If he became Hokage, many of the clan's problems could be resolved once and for all. Uchiha Fugaku knew that perfectly well.
He hadn't had the opportunity before, but now that he could see a chance, he had to try for it.
"The Hokage position? It's about time it went to us. I fully support the Clan Leader's idea."
Uchiha Setsuna spoke calmly, but the corner of his eye drifted toward Haori, seated in the back row.
He had realized that this kid had genuinely seen through Uchiha Fugaku's intentions.
And over the past few days, he had been pondering something himself: was it worth trading the Sharingan for a chance at the Hokage position?
Rationally speaking, it was. After all, this was an excellent opportunity.
But Uchiha Setsuna also strongly believed in one thing: was it worth selling the power of their bloodline to become Hokage?
Besides, the Hokage position should have belonged to the Uchiha in the first place. They had built Konoha alongside the Senju!
"But..."
Uchiha Setsuna's expression grew serious. He fixed his gaze on Uchiha Fugaku.
"Clan Leader, tell me: can the clan's honor and the power of its bloodline be traded away?"
Uchiha Setsuna's words immediately darkened Uchiha Fugaku's expression.
In almost the same instant, the entire meeting room grew tense.
In the back row, Haori lowered his head slightly, because he could no longer keep the faint smile from showing at the corner of his mouth.
That damned old man was always using the clan's honor to bind and brainwash people. But it seemed that this idea was useful after all.