"Clone Technique."
Yusuke formed hand seals with swift precision. A puff of smoke erupted beside him, and two identical shadow clones appeared.
"Bring Inabi and Tekka to see me."
His tone was calm, decisive.
The two clones nodded and vanished instantly.
If he wanted to save the Uchiha, he first had to become Clan Head.
And becoming Clan Head required more than simply defeating Uchiha Fugaku.
He needed the support of the clan.
However, it would be beneath him to personally lobby for backing. Such matters required trusted hands.
Fortunately, Yusuke held considerable prestige within the clan. Quietly gathering supporters would not be difficult.
Ever since the Nine-Tails incident, the hawkish faction within the Uchiha had pushed for a coup d'état.
But Fugaku—
A dove through and through.
He hesitated. Delayed. Clung to the illusion of fragile peace.
Because of that indecision, dissatisfaction had quietly grown within the clan. What they lacked was not anger—
But leadership.
To compete for the position of Clan Head, three elements were indispensable:
Strength. Reputation. Qualification.
Yusuke had fought in the Third Shinobi War.
He served as Vice Captain of the Konoha Military Police Force.
He was known as the "Blazing Demon of Konoha," wielding the Uchiha's inherited Fire Release and kenjutsu with masterful precision.
He was fully qualified to stand for Clan Head.
His only weakness—
Was his age.
Uchiha Yusuke was only sixteen.
…
After splashing cool water over his face, he pushed aside the clutter in his thoughts.
Standing before the mirror, he adjusted his hair and expression.
The Uchiha were renowned throughout the shinobi world for their striking features. And Yusuke stood at the pinnacle even among them.
If the shinobi world had an entertainment industry, he could have risen to fame on appearance alone.
He secured his long black hair beneath his forehead protector, styling it in a way that added a measure of maturity.
At over six feet tall, with a naturally composed demeanor, it was easy for others to forget how young he truly was.
He changed into a brand-new Jōnin flak jacket and fastened his finely crafted sword at his waist.
When he stepped out of the washroom, his presence was sharp and refined—heroic, almost transcendent.
Anyone who saw him would instinctively nod in approval.
Descending to the first-floor hall, he found Inabi and Tekka already waiting.
"Yusuke, you finally show yourself!"
"Calling us over this late—what's going on?"
They greeted him warmly.
Yusuke smiled faintly and gestured toward the seats.
"We're brothers. No need for formality. Sit."
Inabi and Tekka were his direct subordinates in the Police Force—and comrades who had fought beside him during the Third Shinobi War.
They had executed numerous missions together, earning merit through seamless cooperation.
Both possessed Jōnin-level strength.
Both had awakened the Three-Tomoe Sharingan.
And both trusted him deeply.
After brief pleasantries, Yusuke's expression grew serious.
"No one saw you come here, correct?"
His tone turned solemn.
What he was about to say concerned the future of the entire clan.
There could be no mistakes.
"Relax," Inabi replied immediately. "You specifically warned us. We kept it discreet."
"Yusuke… what is this about?"
Tekka's expression tightened.
Even earlier at the clan celebration, they had sensed something different about him.
Now, summoned in the dead of night—
It had to be important.
Yusuke studied them carefully, remaining silent for several moments.
Friendship was one thing.
The succession of Clan Head—
Was another entirely.
This was not about camaraderie.
It was about the destiny of the Uchiha.
He needed them to follow him willingly.
Inabi and Tekka exchanged a glance but said nothing. They could both feel it—
Yusuke's presence tonight was different.
Sharper.
Heavier.
After a long breath, Yusuke finally broke the silence.
"I've decided."
"Tomorrow, at the clan assembly… I will challenge the Clan Head."
His words were steady. Clear. Unwavering.
The clan assembly was a monthly gathering. All Jōnin not on active missions were required to attend.
"What?!"
Both men shot to their feet, faces filled with disbelief.
"Challenge the Clan Head?"
"Did I hear that correctly?"
They had expected something serious.
But this—
This was beyond anything they imagined.
In the Uchiha clan, challenging the Clan Head meant only one thing.
Unlike other clans, the Uchiha revered strength above all else.
The position of Clan Head belonged to the strongest.
Strength reigns supreme.
Those words were etched into every Uchiha's bones.
And judging from Yusuke's expression—
He was not joking.
"Yusuke… maybe you should think this through carefully," Tekka said, forcing a bitter smile.
"Fugaku-sama isn't easy to deal with."
He knew Yusuke's strength well.
Among elite Jōnin, Yusuke stood at the absolute pinnacle.
A shinobi capable of effortlessly defeating other Jōnin in seconds.
But—
Fugaku was no ordinary opponent.
He was the Clan Head of the Uchiha.
And in the shinobi world—
Strength was king.
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