The Chain Around My Neck

"You wanted me to take the position only because I was strong enough."

"As long as I stood as clan head, Konoha's higher-ups would not dare continue pressuring the Uchiha."

"The clan would regain the right to negotiate because it had a Mangekyō Sharingan user."

"You could continue bargaining with Konoha and keep following your so-called path of integration."

"When negotiations completely failed one day, you could take the clan and leave Konoha."

Fugaku's breathing stopped for a moment.

Lie Yang did not stop.

"If Konoha was willing to compromise, you would stay."

"If Konoha was unwilling to compromise, you would use my name to unite the clan and prepare for relocation in advance."

"You could stay in Konoha if things went well, or establish a separate branch if they did not."

"You prepared every possible way out."

"The only thing you did not prepare for was me."

The color slowly drained from Fugaku's face.

The Shadow Clones outside exchanged glances.

They all knew that every word Lie Yang spoke was Fugaku's true plan.

It was simply a plan Fugaku had never voiced to anyone.

"I..."

Fugaku opened his mouth.

Lie Yang raised his eyes and cut him off directly.

"You wanted me to bear Konoha's pressure for the Uchiha."

"You wanted me to become the clan's banner."

"You wanted my strength to guarantee your ideals."

"While you continued being the clan head who mediated between both sides."

"When the clan needed me, I would step forward."

"When the clan wanted to leave, I would clear the way."

"When the clan wanted to negotiate, I would make the other side shut up."

"Fugaku, what did you take me for?"

Fugaku's hand slowly clenched.

"I never treated you as a tool."

"You did."

Lie Yang's voice was calm, but it left