After Ryosuke's shocking words, Uchiha Itachi sat back down without another word.
These people… they just couldn't grasp the true meaning of the Will of Fire. As shinobi of the Hidden Leaf, to prioritize clan pride over the village's safety was, in Itachi's eyes, a grievous mistake. But directly rebuking them now would only deepen the rift between both sides.
Before the silence could stretch too far, Uchiha Hachidai, one of the clan elders, stood up.
While he understood Ryosuke's motivations, he also recognized the fragile political moment the Uchiha found themselves in. If their clan—and the Hyuga—took the lead in confronting the Cloud Village, it could escalate into full-scale war.
And that would mean serious casualties for both.
More than that, if the Uchiha bled their strength too thin, the very leadership in Konoha that already distrusted them might seize the opportunity to crush them completely.
"We understand your sentiments, Ryosuke," Hachidai said gravely. "But should the Uchiha really be the ones sticking their necks out for the Hyuga? War would cost us dearly."
Unlike with others, Ryosuke didn't respond coldly. He simply turned to the gathered clan members.
"The Uchiha are one of the founding clans of Konoha. Are you saying we have no responsibility to defend its people?"
"What the Third Hokage failed to do, we Uchiha will do."
"He chose to sacrifice our own in the name of diplomacy. We choose to fight back."
That last line—spoken boldly and with conviction—sent a ripple through the crowd. Even Hachidai's stern face twitched with emotion.
Yes… The Uchiha were the cornerstone of the village. Yet here they were, treated with suspicion by clans that once relied on their strength.
In that moment, Ryosuke stood tall—not just as a radical, but as a voice reclaiming the clan's dignity.
Hachidai grinned and took his seat.
"Well said. Then let it be known—the Uchiha will take action in this matter."
From the crowd, Uchiha Izumi looked on, eyes sparkling with admiration. This—this was the kind of leader Konoha needed. She had never liked how the Third Hokage dealt with the Cloud incident.
In her heart, Ryosuke's willingness to protect the village's own, even at the risk of conflict, was the right thing to do.
Even Fugaku, ever the composed patriarch, nodded silently. Others may see Ryosuke's move as emotional, but he saw the political leverage.
The Hyuga clan wasn't as powerful as the Uchiha, but their Byakugan held immense strategic value. By standing with them now, Ryosuke had pulled them closer—earning potential allies in the power struggle.
Reducing even one enemy among the village elite was a significant gain.
But not everyone shared that optimism.
Itachi's expression grew calm on the surface, but inside he was roiling.
How could this hot-headed cousin claim that his way was better than the Third Hokage's?
Itachi had been to the battlefield. He had seen death—not just the death of enemies, but of comrades, children, friends.
He knew how meaningless life could be in war. How fragile peace was. That's why he believed in Hiruzen's way.
Sacrificing one life to save a hundred—that wasn't cruelty. That was the harsh reality of a shinobi.
And Ryosuke… Ryosuke was willing to risk it all over a matter of pride.
Selfish. Reckless. Dangerous.
And now he had the entire clan rallying behind him.
Even his own father—Fugaku—wasn't chastising him. That… hurt.
Itachi could already see the danger. If things continued like this, Ryosuke might lead the clan in open rebellion against the Hokage.
And with Shisui away, there was no one else left to steer this away from disaster… except himself.
So Itachi stood up once more.
"Uchiha Ryosuke," he said. "You underestimate the cost of war. If we go to battle with the Cloud, how many of our clan will die? Have you even considered that?"
Ryosuke laughed lightly.
"Our ancestors earned their glory and status through blood and sacrifice. Are you afraid of that now, Itachi?"
"You're not a coward, are you?"
The crowd murmured, clearly stirred.
It wasn't just rhetoric—Ryosuke was challenging Itachi's core philosophy.
And the worst part? Many agreed with him.
The Uchiha had long been warriors. Their clan had bled for Konoha, and yet they were treated like pariahs.
For many, Ryosuke's words weren't warmongering—they were a reminder of who they used to be.
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