'Your Majesty, Why Are You Rebelling'

After the funeral, Haori's life temporarily returned to peace.

Although he knew that Madara had already begun making moves, he was even more certain that the most important actor had yet to take the stage, so this play naturally could not continue.

Haori had actually pondered for a long time on how to deal with this massive upheaval.

Regarding Obito, his feelings were the same as those he held for Uchiha Itachi; he had absolutely no desire to play the savior.

Moreover, he could sense that Nohara Rin seemed to have some affection for him, and in Obito's eyes, that was likely his original sin.

Saving him would only bring trouble upon himself, and given that guy's tendency to only care about Kakashi and Rin—

—while being willing to ruthlessly kill anyone else who treated him well, Haori wanted to avoid him at all costs.

In fact, Haori was even thinking about how to swindle him without leaving a trace!

After all, if Rin doesn't die, that guy probably won't be able to awaken his Mangekyo Sharingan.

Although Haori was wary of Madara, that didn't mean he wouldn't dare to do something behind the scenes.

He even dared to plot how to kill the high-ranking members of the entire clan, let alone swindle Obito!

However, these were matters for later; without a mission assignment, there was nothing he could do anyway.

Furthermore, his top priorities right now were, on one hand, his strength, and on the other, building good relationships with the lower-level ninjas and commoners of the clan.

Strength, naturally, went without saying; in this world, one could not move an inch without it.

As for the second point, as a transmigrator, he naturally knew that "the world of martial arts is not just about fighting and killing, but also about human relationships and social sophistication."

Since he did not intend to rely on any of the existing high-level factions, he naturally had to focus on those whom the clan already looked down upon.

Besides, he had originally come from these ranks, and he had been well cared for by these people since he was a child; he still kept this debt of gratitude in his heart.

Even though he could attend the clan meetings now, that remained the same!

"Why do you look so absent-minded? What are you thinking about?"

Just as Haori was lost in thought, Hikari suddenly walked behind him and asked with a calm expression.

"It's nothing, just thinking about some other matters."

Haori quickly pulled back his thoughts, turned his head, and said with a smile.

"After all, as a friend, since I have already made a promise to you, I naturally cannot break my word."

"Many things need to be planned out so that we can ensure nothing goes wrong and guarantee our safety."

"You don't need to think so much, and you don't need to be so tired."

Hearing Haori's words, Hikari shook her head gently.

"As long as you remember your promise and can abide by it and fulfill it, that is enough."

Hearing this, Haori was momentarily stunned; he could tell that Hikari's attitude toward him seemed to have changed slightly.

But after thinking about it carefully, he understood—'friends' were a truly valuable commodity in the environment of the Hokage world.

Such a change also made Haori feel at ease; what he feared most was these Uchiha suddenly having an episode.

"By the way, I might have to attend the clan meeting tonight."

After a moment of thought, Haori spoke softly.

"Although I don't want to go, I can't avoid this matter."

"However, going this time is also a good opportunity to confirm some things, since I have already done some things in secret."

During this period, Namikaze Minato had already visited Uchiha Fugaku.

And the final result was that Kakashi had left with that eye, along with Namikaze Minato.

This matter had caused quite a stir within the clan, which was why there was a clan meeting tonight.

"An Uchiha clan meeting?"

Hearing Haori's words, Hikari subconsciously frowned; she was truly filled with disgust for this clan.

However, in the end, she still nodded, indicating that she understood.

"Actually, you could go out for a walk; don't just stay at home all day."

Looking at the quiet, silent girl, Haori thought for a moment before speaking.

"Didn't I tell you long ago? You are already free; no one can force you to do anything anymore."

"Why must you lock yourself away and stay at home all day? How is that any different from what you told me before?"

Having said this, Haori paused slightly before continuing with a smile.

"When you have time, go out and see the world. Just be careful and use some Transformation Jutsu."

"Although our eyes are black, why shouldn't we use them to seek out the light?"

After hearing this 'chicken soup,' Hikari seemed to fall into deep thought, but a moment later, she suddenly looked up in confusion.

"But, aren't we the Sharingan?"

"..."

"Clan Head, we need an explanation!"

"The power of the Uchiha must not be allowed to fall into the hands of others so easily!"

Sitting in a corner of the shrine, Haori watched the agitated performance of those present in silence.

After being choked by a remark from Hikari, he had decisively left home and come straight here.

This was his first time attending a clan meeting, and he had absolutely no intention of speaking; furthermore, he barely recognized any of the people who were eligible to attend.

It might be hard for outsiders to believe, but within a single clan, the relationships between members could be this estranged.

Yet that was the reality; after all, the Uchiha clan had an unimaginably strict hierarchy.

Moreover, due to factionalism, some members would go their entire lives without ever interacting, and Haori himself could be considered a victim of this.

"Everyone, I know you have doubts about my choice, but I did this for the sake of the clan."

Uchiha Fugaku had known from the moment he made his decision that he would inevitably face a massive backlash.

In truth, when he first heard the news, he too had been shocked by the actions of Obito.

But as he calmed down, he suddenly realized that this was a tremendous opportunity!

Whether it was using this eye to further bridge the distance with Namikaze Minato, or using it as a bargaining chip to run for Hokage.

These were both excellent choices, which was why he had explicitly stated during his meeting with Namikaze Minato that Kakashi should continue to possess the eye.

Besides, he was not blind to the moves Konoha was making, so even now, facing the condemnation of his clansmen, he appeared relatively calm.

"If I were to forcibly reclaim this eye, the sentiment in the village would turn into us 'disrespecting the will of the deceased.' Especially since the funeral has just concluded, and with rumors of a new Hokage in Konoha, we cannot take that risk."

"Does the Clan Head mean to run for Hokage?"

Hearing the words of Uchiha Fugaku, Uchiha Setsuna, who had remained silent until now, suddenly raised his head to look at him.

"I do have that intention."

Uchiha Fugaku nodded, effectively stating his position.

If he could become Hokage, many of the problems within the clan could be resolved; Uchiha Fugaku was well aware of this.

There had been no chance before, but now that he could see a glimmer of hope, he was determined to strive for it no matter what.

"Hokage, indeed, it should be our turn; I fully support the Clan Head's idea."

Uchiha Setsuna spoke calmly, though his peripheral vision could not help but sweep toward Haori, who was sitting in the back row.

He had realized that this kid had truly seen through the thoughts of Uchiha Fugaku.

And over these past few days, he had been pondering one thing—is it worth it to trade a Sharingan for a chance at the Hokage position?

Rationally speaking, it was worth it; after all, this was an excellent opportunity.

Yet Uchiha Setsuna also agreed with one thing: is it worth it to rely on selling the power of one's own bloodline to obtain the Hokage seat?

Furthermore, the Hokage position should have belonged to the Uchiha in the first place; after all, they were the ones who founded Konoha alongside the Senju!

"However."

Uchiha Setsuna's expression turned serious as he stared at Uchiha Fugaku and said.

"Clan Head, may I ask if the honor of the clan and the power of the clan's bloodline are things that can be traded?"

This sentence from Uchiha Setsuna caused Uchiha Fugaku's expression to turn ugly immediately.

In that very instant, the atmosphere of the entire meeting hall became heavy.

Haori sat in the back row, lowering his head slightly, because he could no longer stop a smile from tugging at the corners of his mouth.

This damn old man spent all day using clan honor to bind and brainwash him, but it seemed that this concept still had some use after all.