Before the Clan Meeting

After parting ways with Shisui, Uchiha Yushu found a grove and began to plan things out in his mind.

There were eight elders in total. One was my old man, and he should at least be able to win over one or two. Counting just one, that already makes two.

There shouldn't be much of a problem on Shisui's side, making three. Of the remaining five, two are fence-sitters. As long as I gain the upper hand, I can secure the support of at least five elders.

What remains are the ninjas qualified to attend the clan meeting. The younger generation is basically on my side, and there are also two squad captains from the Police Force supporting me.

By this calculation, Clan Head Fugaku and I are evenly matched in that regard. He holds some advantage, but not much.

Even if I win just by getting people to take sides, it won't mean much. To completely take control of the Uchiha Clan, what I need is strength.

As for fighting, I don't know whether Clan Head Fugaku has awakened the Mangekyō, but judging from our last meeting, even if he has one, he shouldn't pose much of a threat to me.

Shisui only feels threatening because he possesses Kotoamatsukami. Even if Clan Head Fugaku has the Mangekyō, he isn't much of a threat.

Still, I really want my own Mangekyō Sharingan. Then I'd unquestionably be the strongest in the clan. But I have absolutely no clue how to awaken it. I can't exactly imitate those idiotic webnovels from my previous life and kill my sister to prove the Dao, can I?

I already have a cheat. Though it's rather aloof, it should unlock again later. I just don't know what the conditions are.

To sum it up, I have the advantage in support and combat strength. Yep, the advantage is mine this round. Becoming clan head shouldn't be a problem.

Inside a quiet residence in the Uchiha compound.

Three elderly people sat leisurely around a small table, drinking from a jug of wine. A plate of peanuts sat in the middle of the table.

One of the old men said, "Old Yan, you didn't call us here just to drink, did you? Go on, what is it?"

"Don't be in such a hurry, Old Wei. See? Zhiyuan is much more patient than you."

As Uchiha Yan replied to Uchiha Wei, he pointed at the old woman beside them.

"Hehe, this old woman merely knew that Old Wei would be unable to resist asking first."

Uchiha Zhiyuan chuckled.

"This matter is actually quite simple. That disappointing brat of mine wants to become clan head, and I hope you'll support him."

"What, that's all? I've thought Yushu was no ordinary boy since he was little. Don't worry. Once Fugaku steps down, I'll support him."

"This old woman thinks the same."

"If it were that simple, I wouldn't have specifically called you two here. That boy wants to convene a clan meeting in two days and take over as clan head directly at the meeting."

"What?! So soon? Fugaku's body should be fine, so what your boy intends is..."

"That's right. Usurpation!"

"Is the clan turmoil after Elder Madara's departure about to play out again? Forgive this old woman for not participating. I only wish to peacefully lie down in my coffin."

As she spoke, Uchiha Zhiyuan prepared to rise and leave.

Uchiha Wei beside her also began to stand up while cursing under his breath.

"Hehehe. Isn't it a little late to leave now? Did you really think you drank this old man's wine for nothing?"

A sharp, vicious glint that did not match his age flashed through Uchiha Yan's eyes.

At that moment, several ninjas had surrounded the small house. When the two tried to use their methods to leave, they discovered that they could not gather chakra, and sat back down in a huff.

"Poison again? You've been using this trick since you were a teenager, and now you're practically in the grave. Can't you come up with anything new?"

Uchiha Zhiyuan sneered, while Uchiha Wei remained silent.

The two knew that Uchiha Yan had no intention of killing them. Otherwise, given their eldest brother's style, they would already be dead.

"It doesn't matter whether the method is original. At least it works."

The moment Uchiha Yan saw them sit back down, he said with a beaming smile.

"Speak! What exactly is this for?"

"This old man is nearly in the grave too. To be honest, the clan means little to me now. But watching it gradually descend into the abyss, this old man is already powerless to do anything. My boy wants to give it a try, so of course I have to follow him."

He looked at the two of them again and said, "As for you, just do as I say. No unnecessary moves. Stay here with me for the next two days, and we can reminisce about the old days together."

"While you're at it, sign this clan meeting petition." As he spoke, he tossed the scroll already bearing his own name in front of them.

When Uchiha Yushu learned about this later, he could only marvel inwardly.

Were the older generation all this good at playing dirty? Calling two teammates over for drinks, then setting an ambush and poisoning them, forcing them to agree—and though the two were angry, they had no real intention of resisting.

Were comradeships of that era all this bizarre?

Elsewhere, in a courtyard that looked rundown but still hinted at its former glory.

A grandfather and grandson were also having a conversation.

"Shisui, are you really sure? Compared to Yushu, you have a better chance of leading the clan."

"Grandfather, I'm not suited for it. Yushu is far more outstanding than I am. He can easily see the root of a problem. I don't have that ability."

Shisui shook his head and refused.

"But, Shisui, Yushu has no village in his eyes. There is only the clan in his eyes."

Uchiha Qing continued trying to persuade Shisui.

"Grandfather, I've known Yushu since childhood. I understand him very well. He has always treated the companions in the village as family. He is also an inheritor of the Will of Fire."

Shisui spoke with a firm gaze.

If Uchiha Yushu had been beside him, he would definitely have been astonished. I never thought you'd see through the Will of Fire I hid so deeply.

That's right, I, Uchiha Yushu, am an inheritor of the Will of Fire. And I'll become the greatest inheritor of all—the one who rules over the Will of Fire.

In truth, this had to do with Uchiha Yushu being a transmigrator. Having lived in modern society for over twenty years, his unconscious behavior revealed a certain distinctive quality.

It was a kind of respect. Though you were not a ninja and merely an ordinary person, I still gave you the basic respect one person owed another.

It was precisely these occasional details that made Shisui willing to become friends with Yushu, and even willing to go against his elder's wishes for him now.

"Ah..." Seeing the determination in Shisui's eyes, Uchiha Qing sighed.

"I understand, Shisui. You must remember why your granduncle and your father died. Do not betray the hopes they placed upon you."

"Shisui, I am willing to support you, but I will not be the first to step in. I want to see whether that boy Yushu is truly worthy of our support."

Hearing that his grandfather had agreed to support Yushu, though not with his full strength, Shisui believed Yushu could do it.

"Grandfather, he won't disappoint you!"

Shisui said with a smile.