Ch. 401Clan Grand Tournament
Summary: “Clan Grand Tournament”
1. Key Plot Points & Events
- As Uchiha Yato predicted, the political test involving Shisui and Itachi plays out, but with surprising turns.
- Shimura Danzō is publicly rebuked by Hiruzen Sarutobi and thrown out of the Hokage’s office.
- Sarutobi personally visits the Uchiha Clan grounds, apologizes, but still pressures Fugaku to give up half of the Konoha Military Police Force’s authority.
- Acting on Uchiha Yato’s guidance, Fugaku reluctantly agrees to the compromise.
- Uchiha Yato is deliberately shown to Sarutobi, but Sarutobi shows no interest in recruiting him—only polite pleasantries.
- Fugaku is confused by this and discusses it with Yato afterward.
- Sparkle suggests holding a clan-wide tournament to give Yato a legitimate chance to become known and to boost clan morale.
- Fugaku agrees; Yato offers his magical glass orb as a prize. Planning for the tournament begins.
- The chapter ends with Uchiha clan members bringing news of an unspecified event, setting up the next development.
2. Character Developments
- Uchiha Yato: Demonstrates strategic foresight and political understanding. He explains why Sarutobi won’t trust him, showing he is not naive about village politics. He becomes more integrated into the clan’s plans.
- Fugaku Uchiha: Fully embraces Yato as one of his own, trusting his judgment and wanting to help legitimize him. His willingness to compromise shows pragmatism under Yato’s influence.
- Sparkle: Takes a more active role by proposing the tournament. She remains mysterious and playful but clearly works toward Uchiha Yato’s goals.
- Hiruzen Sarutobi: Appears conciliatory but still pursues the village’s interests by weakening Uchiha authority. He is cautious, unwilling to trust a suddenly prominent Uchiha.
- Shimura Danzō: Continues to be checked by Sarutobi.
3. Significant Themes
- Trust and suspicion: Both interpersonal trust between Yato and the Uchiha, and political mistrust between the clan and Konoha.
- Political maneuvering: Sarutobi uses apology as a cover for extracting concessions; Fugaku makes calculated sacrifices.
- Identity and recognition: Yato’s sudden rise makes him suspicious; the planned tournament is meant to give him legitimacy.
- Clan unity vs. village control: The Uchiha’s struggle to preserve influence within Konoha.
4. Character Interactions
- Sarutobi & Danzō: Sarutobi rebukes Danzō and dismisses him.
- Sarutobi & Fugaku: Tense but outwardly polite meeting; apologies exchanged, but Sarutobi still pressures Fugaku into yielding police positions.
- Fugaku & Yato: Long discussion after Sarutobi leaves. Fugaku asks why the Hokage ignored Yato; Yato explains the distrust. Fugaku then offers to strengthen Yato’s standing.
- Sparkle, Yato & Fugaku: Sparkle appears suddenly, teases Yato, and proposes the tournament. Her cryptic comments hint at future plans.
- Uchiha Clan members (off-screen): Bring outside news that will likely impact the tournament or larger plot.