The authority over an entire village was at stake. If something went wrong and sparked internal conflict, civil war, and casualties, the consequences would be grave.
Xia Le naturally saw the ambition in Fugaku's heart.
Clearly, with the Uchiha growing so powerful, Fugaku could no longer sit still as their clan head. It was less ambition than the simple human desire to take another step forward after reaching a certain height.
"The village is wary of us."
Fugaku Uchiha spoke in a low voice.
"Heh."
"Hasn't that always been the case, ever since the village was founded?"
Xia Le smiled faintly.
"But this time is different, Xia Le!"
"I can't tolerate this happening again and again!"
"And during the years you were away, the voices within the clan have actually..."
Fugaku Uchiha gritted his teeth.
"Enough!"
Xia Le waved a hand, cutting him off.
"If you've already made up your mind, then just do what you think is right!"
After a pause, he added calmly.
"Fugaku, you're the head of the Uchiha Clan!"
Fugaku Uchiha froze, then his expression softened.
"I need your support!"
Xia Le's expression remained unchanged. "I'm not interested in this sort of thing."
"So my position is..."
"I won't support it, but I won't oppose it either!"
Hearing this, Fugaku sighed. "I understand!"
That attitude was a statement of his position in itself.
At the very least, his lack of opposition was already a good outcome. Otherwise, if Xia Le intervened, a single word from him would be enough to make most of the Uchiha follow his will.
There was no question about it. Almost all the Uchiha were now Xia Le's fanatical followers.
"But if you're going to do it..."
"Be decisive!"
Suddenly, Xia Le spoke again.
Fugaku paused, then nodded firmly.
The Third Hokage,