The torches cast a warm glow across the vast secret chamber.
"How is it here? Isn't it extravagant?" Fugaku nudged Hayashi's shoulder.
Hayashi lifted his gaze, taking in the ancient markings that lined the walls. Despite the grandeur, his first impression was unsettling: the place felt oppressive, like the lingering weight of countless forgotten deaths.
His eyes fell on the stone tablet before him, and he felt a subtle dizziness. He didn't fully understand why the Sage of Six Paths had left this tablet, yet he knew its presence had caused much strife. Without it, Black Zetsu would not have tampered with its content, and Madara might not have pursued the Ten-Tails or the Infinite Tsukuyomi.
What was its purpose, then? To guide future generations? If mere words could sway history, Indra would not have reincarnated countless times.
Noticing his focus, Fugaku explained, "According to legend, this tablet was left by the Sage of Six Paths, the ancestor of all ninjas. It contains secrets, including the origins of our clan's Sharingan. Unfortunately, reading it fully requires a certain mastery of the eyes. Currently, only a portion is accessible to our clan."
Hayashi nodded, indifferent. He already had a rough understanding of what the tablet contained.
"Are the gatherings always this grand?" he asked. It was a secret meeting, yet it felt openly ceremonial.
"Usually, they are very private," Fugaku replied after a pause. "But tonight is special. I will be officially confirmed as the young clan leader of the Uchiha clan."
"Weren't you already the young clan leader?" Hayashi asked, puzzled.
"Not officially. One must awaken the Sharingan to be formally recognized," Fugaku explained, his expression tinged with unease. "If I could, I would avoid opening it for the rest of my life."
The weight of the Uchiha clan's cursed bloodline showed in his words.
"For us, what matters most is protecting those who are alive, isn't it?" Hayashi said.
"Yes. You're right. We must survive and safeguard every Uchiha clansman," Fugaku admitted.
From the perspective of Konoha's high-ranking officials, Fugaku's mindset deviated from the "Will of Fire," making him unlikely to pursue the Hokage role. Loud slogans aside, his focus was always his people.
"Hayashi, is the battlefield scary?" Fugaku asked with curiosity.
He had longed to experience combat firsthand, but his father, Uchiha Yama, had forbade it. He believed Hayashi, who had already contributed significantly, could offer insight.
"The battlefield is terrifying," Hayashi said. "Thousands of lives collide, and you must keep fighting until either you or the enemy falls."
"Do you want to go?" Hayashi asked.
"Yes, if I could," Fugaku admitted.
"Believe me, once you've seen it, you won't want to again. I was so frightened that I forgot the Three Body Technique," Hayashi said, recalling the horrors he had witnessed and sighing as he thought of Yura, whose memorial he had yet to visit.
"If I have a son, I'll make sure he experiences the battlefield early, to feel its atmosphere. How can an eagle be confined in a golden cage?" Fugaku said earnestly.
"It seems you could," Hayashi replied with a dry laugh. Now it made sense how Itachi had been trained so young.
"I heard you opened a weapon shop. Are you short on money?" Fugaku asked.
"No, I opened it just for fun," Hayashi replied calmly.
"If you ever need help, my house is open. My bed is large enough for two," Fugaku offered generously.
The clansmen continued arriving, and eventually, Uchiha Yama emerged from the shadows.
"Clansmen, tonight we have three major announcements," he declared, immediately drawing the room into silence.
"The first: Fugaku is officially recognized as the young clan leader of the Uchiha clan."
Fugaku walked forward and took the ceremonial Uchiha fan, tightly clutching it despite his outward calm.
"The second: under my strong recommendation, Hiruzen Sarutobi has stepped down. Soon, I will lead a select group to the Daimyo's mansion to ensure the Daimyo's safety and monitor Sunagakure. This may seem small, but it is a significant step for the Uchiha clan. As one of Konoha's founding clans, we have long contributed without achieving the recognition we deserve. Our goal is to assert our place, culminating in the Fourth Hokage, our clan's ultimate aim."
Uchiha Yama's speech stirred the clansmen, inflaming their pride and loyalty.
"The third: Hayashi made outstanding contributions on the battlefield in the Land of Rain, yet the village has not rewarded him. This is blatant suppression. Therefore, I have decided to grant Hayashi entry into the Konoha Military Police Force as a squad leader."
The crowd erupted with excitement.
"A ten-year-old squad leader! This sets a new precedent in our clan."
Hayashi remained silent, bewildered by the unexpected honor. Mikoto nudged him forward, and he joined Fugaku.
"I hope you will assist Fugaku in protecting the Uchiha clan. Remember, you are always a member of the Uchiha," Uchiha Yama said, smiling.
Amid the cheers of the clansmen, Hayashi felt a mixture of pride and helplessness.
"I wonder when the Uchiha will see a Hokage among us," Fugaku murmured softly.
"There will be, there will be bread, there will be milk," Hayashi replied indirectly, attempting to lighten the mood.
Fugaku suddenly turned to him.
"What's wrong?"
"Will you accompany me to the Daimyo's mansion to assist me?" Fugaku asked, extending his hand.