Konoha Naka Shrine.
Uchiha Hikari, dressed in a gray clan uniform, strolled leisurely into the secret assembly hall. After finding his seat, he casually glanced around.
Unlike past gatherings, filled with spirited energy, today the clansmen seemed listless, as if their backbone had been stripped away.
Uchiha Hikari sighed. The last time he had witnessed such a scene was when Uchiha Madara had left the Village.
Thirty years had passed in the blink of an eye, yet the Uchiha Clan remained stagnant, flickering like a candle in the wind.
As he lowered his gaze, preparing to rest, a soft voice came from beside him.
"Fourth Elder, why are you here as well?"
Uchiha Hikari turned and saw an old man with a square face approaching, eyes wide with surprise.
"I was about to ask you the same. The day before yesterday, when I asked you to join me for a drink, didn't you say you were leading a team to investigate the Clan Chief's death? Why are you back now?"
"Alas, wasn't I summoned by the Grand Elder's secret letter?" Sixth Elder Uchiha Mikoto coughed lightly, speaking in a low voice. "By the way, what's happening in the clan now? Why call a gathering all of a sudden?"
Hikari smirked. "Heh, I don't know either. The Grand Elder and Uchiha Kan decided it. Perhaps… they intend to elect a new Clan Chief."
All seven Elders were present. Though old, with bodies half bent by age, their authority remained unquestionable. This assembly clearly signaled a major announcement.
With both the Clan Chief and young clan head dead, leadership was vacant. Determining a successor was undoubtedly the most urgent matter; investigating the cause of death could wait.
Life always demanded attention over the dead, and Hikari couldn't help recalling the rumors from two days ago. Though quickly suppressed by the Third Hokage, in a sensitive moment such unrest could not be ignored.
"Be careful with your words," Mikoto whispered, hair thinning from age.
"We are all alive," Hikari replied coldly. "This gathering is of utmost importance. The Daimyo did not summon Hayashi back. What does that mean? Clearly, something unusual is happening."
Mikoto's eyes widened. "Do you mean… the Grand Elder plans to bypass Hayashi and decide the Clan Chief now?"
Hikari's lips curved into a sneer. "It's not impossible. When Fugaku died, I recommended Hayashi as the young clan head, but the former Clan Chief was consumed with vengeance and never finalized it. Now that he is dead… it's only natural people would suspect the Grand Elder's intent."
"It's hard to say," Mikoto admitted, frowning. "Let's wait and see what the Grand Elder announces."
"Exactly," Hikari said with a faint smile. "And today's discussions can hardly remain secret until the meeting begins."
---
As attendees trickled in, Grand Elder Uchiha Yun waved his hand, signaling the start.
The host, Uchiha Kan, the late Clan Chief's right-hand and vice-captain of the Military Police, approached the stone podium. His presence hushed the room.
"In the past year, our clan has suffered greatly," Kan began solemnly. "The Clan Chief and young clan head have both passed away. This weighs heavily on my heart."
He wiped moist eyes before continuing. "We cannot remain without leadership. This gathering is to announce the Clan Chief candidate. Due to the sensitivity of this matter, we request strict confidentiality from all present."
The hall buzzed with whispers, eyes darting between one another. Clan Chief election?
Many had guessed at today's discussion, but none expected this.
The most crucial individual—Hayashi—was absent. A hero of the Second Great Ninja War, his feats at age eleven had shaken the ninja world. His fame and military prowess made him the natural hope of the Uchiha Clan, a potential savior to restore its glory.
Yet, he was not present—a scenario as absurd as selecting the Fourth Hokage without the Sannin's appearance.
Arguments erupted across the hall:
"Hayashi didn't come. I suspect a conspiracy."
"Conspiracy? He's too young. Strong, yes, but can the Clan Chief allow a fourteen-year-old boy to lead?"
"He'll be fifteen after New Year. The First Hokage led the Senju Clan at fifteen, Madara at sixteen. What's the issue?"
"Hayashi can't be compared to them!"
"Why not? His current strength surpasses Madara and the First at the same age…"
"Surpasses… you dare say that? Might as well claim he could defeat anyone in the world!"
"It's true. Haven't you heard the Third Hokage call him the most outstanding Uchiha Ninja, second only to himself?"
The debates grew louder, threatening to escalate into a full-scale martial display. Hikari and Mikoto exchanged glances, recognizing the chaos.
Clearing his throat, Uchiha Kan called for attention. "…Everyone, quiet! You have all heard the village rumors. Chen is suspected of killing the Clan Chief, therefore he is not included in this election."
A stunned silence swept the hall.
Hikari whispered, "Back then, they claimed Uchiha Yama killed Kagami… and he still became Clan Chief. Isn't this the same situation?"
"Exactly," he continued, voice cold. "Those spreading rumors are fools or malicious—or both. Their goal is to disrupt the Uchiha Clan.
"This is a time of turmoil. We must unite. If we cannot trust our own, how can we trust those who gossip in shadows? Vice-Captain, your thoughts?"
Before Kan could respond, Grand Elder Uchiha Hikari interjected.
"Regarding Hayashi, let me clarify. His absence is not due to suspicion or negligence. He has a mission. Everyone knows he is a Guardian Ninja, but he also now leads an ANBU squad in the Land of Water's intelligence operations. He cannot be spared."
His words resonated like a ripple, calming the anxious clansmen. Hayashi's rise to prominence within ANBU was unprecedented—the clan's hope and star of the future.
Kan's expression soured. He had relied on Grand Elder Hikari's support and Danzo's promise, secretly cultivating allies over the years. The Clan Chief position seemed secure… yet now, Hikari's decision disrupted all plans.
"Let's vote. Those supporting Hayashi, raise your hands."
With Hikari's endorsement, four of the seven elders raised their hands, plus Hikari himself—five in total.
Kan froze. His era, it seemed, had not yet begun.
"Everyone has seen the result. I announce the next Clan Chief: Uchiha Hayashi."
Before Hikari could finish, the door burst open. A guard, wide-eyed, gasped, "The young clan head… Fugaku… he's back."
A hush fell over the room.
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