Secret Talks, Abstention

In a secret chamber within the Uchiha Clan Compound, an air of mystery shrouded the surroundings.

Dim candlelight cast swaying shadows across the walls, while a faint herbal fragrance permeated the air. Uchiha Feng sat facing his father, Uchiha Fugaku, both cross-legged and solemn.

Uchiha Fugaku frowned slightly, his voice low yet resolute. "Feng, I've heard the news. What are your thoughts now?" His gaze was profound, as though he could see through to the future of this turmoil.

Uchiha Feng raised his head slightly, determination gleaming in his eyes. He slowly said, "Avoid their edge, withdraw from the world, and emerge again when chaos comes." His words were like a clear spring amid a cold wind, carrying calmness and reason.

Uchiha Fugaku shook his head, concern showing between his brows. "But many within the clan wish to rebel against Konoha. If this continues, the clan will likely split into two factions." A trace of helplessness entered his tone, as if he were worried about the clan's future.

Uchiha Feng took a deep breath, his tone firm and calm. "Father, you are the head of the Uchiha Clan. I believe you will find a way to resolve this. Withdrawing from the world does not necessarily mean giving up. The struggle for power has always been a contest of strength. True strength lies in the resolve and tranquility within our hearts."

In this turbulent age, the exchange between father and son was not merely a passing of trust, but a clash of wisdom.

Uchiha Fugaku looked at his son, and a trace of relief gradually rose in his heart. He knew the road ahead might be filled with thorns, but as long as there was light in one's heart, it could illuminate the way forward.

Uchiha Fugaku burst into laughter, his voice echoing around them like a great bell. "Hahaha... Boy, you've truly made me see you in a new light. It seems your father is no longer your equal!"

Uchiha Feng smiled faintly and replied respectfully, "You are too modest, Father. In my heart, you have always been the greatest."

Uchiha Fugaku's expression changed, and a serious glint flashed through his eyes. "I've heard that the Mangekyo Sharingan of our Uchiha Clan can evolve through the ocular power of one's closest relatives. Do you need your father's ocular power to increase your strength?"

As he spoke, Uchiha Fugaku's eyes instantly transformed into the Mangekyo Sharingan. Their magnificent patterns resembled flowing stars, radiating awe-inspiring majesty.

Uchiha Feng shook his head slightly, his expression resolute. "Father, I do not need your ocular power. You should pass this precious power on to my younger brother instead. I think he needs your strength more."

Not long afterward, a tense high-level meeting was underway in the Hokage's office.

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, sat at the head of the table with a grave expression. Around him were members of the Konoha Elder Council, including Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado.

The atmosphere was exceptionally solemn, as though even the air had grown heavy.

At that moment, Uchiha Fugaku slowly rose to his feet. His gaze was firm, and his voice low but powerful. "The Uchiha Clan has decided to formally relinquish our positions in the Konoha Military Police Force."

"And I, Uchiha Fugaku, will also withdraw from Konoha's upper ranks." Every word he spoke was like a bomb dropped into the meeting room, impossible to ignore.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes widened, his face filled with shock and confusion. "Fugaku, this is too sudden. Konoha cannot do without the protection of the Uchiha Clan!"

Koharu Utatane hurriedly added, dissatisfaction and urgency in her tone. "That's right, Fugaku. You cannot resign by taking the blame like this. No one can replace the Uchiha Clan's standing in Konoha!"

Homura Mitokado wore a stern expression as he looked directly at Fugaku, his tone resolute. "The Uchiha Clan is part of Konoha and should naturally follow the Hokage's arrangements. Have you not considered the consequences of relinquishing your duties in the Military Police Force?"

Uchiha Fugaku took a deep breath. A trace of desolation flashed through his eyes, but his tone remained firm. "I am not here to discuss this with you. I am here to inform you. From this day onward, the Uchiha Clan will withdraw from the world."

Meanwhile, steam filled a women's bathhouse in the Hidden Leaf Village, and the warm air carried the fresh scent of water vapor. Two grannies responsible for cleaning sat off to the side, whispering to each other and occasionally letting out soft laughter.

One of the grannies was called Granny Myoboku, while the other was Maple Granny. They had worked at this bathhouse for a full three years, and their mutual understanding and friendship had long since taken deep root.

As Granny Myoboku wiped the towel in her hands, she said excitedly, "Little Feng, that move of yours was absolutely brilliant! I have more material for my novel than I could ever use!"

Maple Granny pursed her lips in a smile, shook her head, and replied in feigned seriousness, "Pervy Sage, I'm not talking about you. You're one of the legendary Sannin! To think you would do something so filthy. I remember you even touched a woman there yesterday, and you actually wanted to help inspect her?"

Granny Myoboku frowned slightly, the corner of her lips curling as she teased, "Aren't you the same? You've looked at so many women. I never expected you to turn out so badly at such a young age. What a disappointment."

Maple Granny curled her lip, utterly unconcerned. "Tch, I was simply appreciating them. There wasn't the slightest lewd thought in my mind, understand?"

"Hehe, and you expect me to believe that?" Granny Myoboku smiled without smiling, suspicion flashing in her eyes. "But I heard you massacred Danzō's Root? Is that true?"

"Of course. The old Third should have mentioned it to you, right?" Maple Granny answered confidently, a hint of pride in her eyes.

Granny Myoboku could not help drawing in a sharp breath! Danzō's Root was a massive force no weaker than ANBU, yet Uchiha Feng had massacred it single-handedly. That was powerful enough to leave anyone speechless!

"Oh, little Feng! What are you planning to do next?" Concern colored Granny Myoboku's voice, and anticipation shone in her eyes.

Maple Granny smiled teasingly. "How about you try becoming Hokage? Once you become the Fifth Hokage, pass the position on to me. I want to experience what it feels like to be the Sixth Hokage too. What do you say?"

Granny Myoboku curled her lip, looking somewhat disdainful. "Tch, I have no interest in the position of Hokage. If you want to become Hokage, go do it yourself!"

Maple Granny stroked her white hair and smiled faintly, an eerie glimmer flashing in her eyes. "Forget it, forget it. Looking at beautiful women is more important. What Hokage or not Hokage? How could any of that be more important than beauties?"

Granny Myoboku nodded along beside her, a smile of agreement rising on her lips. "Exactly! What Hokage? My material is more important, hahaha..."