Uchiha Fugaku ignored everyone's astonishment.
He continued.
"One day from now, at the training grounds by the Naka River."
"Before the witness of every clansman, we will hold a duel to decide the clan's future."
"The winner will become the new leader of the Uchiha Clan and lead the clan down the path he chooses."
"The loser will surrender everything."
This was not a private struggle for power.
It was an open challenge, upright and aboveboard.
Uchiha Fugaku intended to use this method to defend the last of his dignity as clan leader.
Even if he lost, he wanted to lose like a true Uchiha.
He wanted every clansman to see that Uchiha Fugaku was not weak. He had merely chosen a different path.
And now that path had reached its end, he still dared to face the final judgment with his life and honor.
Everyone's gaze instantly focused on Uchiha Yao.
How would this young Uchiha respond to such a sudden challenge, one that amounted to an enormous gamble?
Uchiha Yao smiled.
This was exactly the outcome he wanted.
Fugaku was, in the end, still an Uchiha worthy of respect.
"I accept."
Uchiha Yao stepped forward, and the pressure of his ocular power descended once more.
"But I have one condition."
Uchiha Fugaku stared at Yao.
"Speak."
"This duel will not merely decide the position of clan leader."
Uchiha Yao's gaze swept across the gathered clansmen.
"It will determine the Uchiha Clan's sole will."
"The loser will completely withdraw from the core of power and swear in the name of Uchiha to devote his life to fully supporting every decision made by the winner, without any defiance."
"What I want is not a divided clan."
"I want an absolutely powerful Uchiha Clan—united, and answering to only one voice."
He