I'll Shoulder It All Myself!

In the hall.

Uchiha Rei leaned forward slightly, his expression utterly sincere.

"Don't worry, Kagami!"

"The Uchiha Clan has upheld one iron rule since ancient times: the strong rise, and the mediocre step aside!"

"The position of clan head has never been hereditary property. It belongs to the person who is strongest, who sees furthest ahead, and who can best lead the clan forward."

"In today's Shinobi World, you hold more status and authority than any Uchiha in our history, and you've seen more of the world than any of us. You're also the Hokage. With you there, the Uchiha Clan has every reason to stand tall."

"To me, you are the pillar holding up the Uchiha Clan today. You're the only one who can lead us to true glory."

By now, Uchiha Rei was visibly moved, his voice ringing with conviction.

"I firmly believe that with you leading us, the Uchiha Clan will one day shine across the Shinobi World!"

Kagami Uchiha's expression softened, but he did not answer at once. He quietly listened to Uchiha Rei speak from the heart.

Seeing this, Uchiha Rei turned toward young Fugaku, who sat obediently nearby without a word. Affection and guilt welled up in his eyes.

"There is... one other thing I ask for myself."

"This child is my grandson, Uchiha Fugaku."

"His father died in battle years ago, and his mother passed away young after working herself to exhaustion. He had no one to rely on growing up. I raised him myself."

"I don't have many years left, and I don't know how much longer I can protect him. As long as I live, I can shield him from hardship. But once I'm gone, he'll be alone, and every step he takes within the clan or out in the Shinobi