Xia Le's expression remained unchanged as he walked slowly forward, his hands tucked into his sleeves.
"What if I told you I could help you awaken the Mangekyo?"
Those calm words made Fugaku Uchiha stop abruptly, his expression changing completely.
"You would help me?"
Shock and bewilderment filled Fugaku's voice.
His emotions were a tangled mix of surprise, astonishment, and outright disbelief.
"A stronger Uchiha Clan benefits everyone within it!"
Xia Le spoke lightly.
"Though you form factions within the clan, you're all doing it for the clan's sake."
"That is something I approve of!"
"So!"
After a pause, Xia Le looked at the astonished Fugaku Uchiha before him.
"I would be happy to help you, our clan head, gain the formidable power that truly belongs to the Uchiha Clan!"
Those words finally convinced Fugaku that the man before him really possessed the means to awaken the Mangekyo.
He drew a deep breath, his expression shifting uncertainly.
Only after a long silence did he speak in a low voice.
"Tell me, Xia Le!"
"What exactly are you trying to do?"
Xia Le smiled faintly and stepped forward, his tone calm.
"Once I return from the Naka Shrine."
"You may come see me every day."
Fugaku's pupils contracted. He stood rooted to the spot, watching the other man's retreating figure disappear, his feelings complicated.
He simply could not see through this man.
Yet he also felt genuine awe at his boldness and generosity.
After a very long time, Fugaku bowed deeply in the direction Xia Le had gone.
The Naka Shrine.
Xia Le slowly pushed open the door and stepped inside.
The room was empty, with no sign of the Uchiha Stone Tablet. But he knew perfectly well that the tablet bearing those legends was not here.
It was in