Naruto: The Fifth Hokage [7]

Chapter 7: Clan Head

After the matter at the village entrance was settled, Makoto, having achieved his goal, returned to the clan territory with his fellow Uchiha.

On the way back, some of the more radical members wanted to speak up, but when they saw Makoto's back, they chose to remain silent.

Upon their return, Makoto turned to face the gathered clan members. "I know many of you have questions. Since we're all here, let's hold a clan meeting now."

No one objected, and soon, the Naka Shrine was brightly lit with torches. However, when Makoto took his seat, he sat in the first position below Fugaku.

The elders exchanged glances, silently acknowledging the reality—strength ruled in the Uchiha clan. With the Mangekyō Sharingan awakened, if Makoto wanted the position of clan leader, they would support him.

As for Fugaku, he merely glanced at Makoto but remained silent.

"Are all the clan's Chunin and above present?" Makoto asked once everyone was seated.

"They're all here," Inabi responded first.

"Good." Makoto's next words sent shockwaves through the room. "First, I want to become the head of the Uchiha clan. Whoever agrees, stay silent. Whoever disagrees, speak now."

Unlike the intricate games of politics he played with the Hokage faction, Makoto preferred a direct and forceful approach when dealing with his own clan.

Chaos erupted instantly. Shisui and Itachi stared at him in shock.

A dovish elder was the first to compose himself and respond. "Makoto, with your Mangekyō Sharingan, it's not unreasonable for you to take the position. However, you've been absent from clan meetings for years. You don't have a deep understanding of our internal affairs. Taking over so suddenly seems rash."

"That's right," another elder from the radical faction added. "You should familiarize yourself with the clan's situation first. In a year or two, becoming clan leader would be more appropriate." Their support was cautious—Makoto's stance at the village entrance made it clear he wasn't entirely on their side.

Makoto scoffed. "I know exactly what's going on in this clan. That's precisely why I never bothered attending those meetings."

He leaned forward, resting his hands on the table, and his sharp gaze swept over the elders. "After all these years of endless discussions, have you reached any real conclusion? Will we rise in rebellion, or will we kneel in surrender? If you had an answer, I wouldn't be standing here today."

"The clan doesn't need pointless arguments. We don't need endless meetings that lead nowhere. We need a leader—one voice that will guide us out of this deadlock."

His words resounded throughout the shrine, leaving many speechless.

"I support Makoto as clan leader!" Inabi was the first to break the silence. After witnessing Makoto slaughter nearly a hundred Root ninjas with ease, he had become an unwavering follower.

"He possesses the Mangekyō Sharingan! I support him as well!" Zaito joined in.

One by one, younger and stronger members of the clan voiced their approval.

"Enough." Fugaku finally spoke, his voice instantly restoring order. He then turned to Makoto. "Makoto, from your words, you must already have a plan."

Makoto met his gaze without hesitation. "Since I stand here, it means I have a clear vision for our future. And with your insight, you should already understand what that future looks like."

Though Makoto spoke vaguely, Fugaku grasped the underlying message—Makoto knew about his own Mangekyō Sharingan.

Fugaku knew that if he revealed his Mangekyō Sharingan now, he could likely retain his position as clan leader. But if he did, could the clan truly afford it?

The Uchiha were barely keeping their emotions in check. If they learned that both he and Makoto possessed the Mangekyō Sharingan, any last shred of restraint would be lost. At that point, rebellion would become inevitable.

Fugaku studied Makoto intently. After a long silence, he finally spoke. "The clan is facing troubled times, and as clan head, I cannot shirk responsibility. Makoto, I leave the clan in your hands."

"Clan head!"

"Father!"

Itachi and Shisui reacted immediately, their faces full of urgency. Unlike the others, they understood just how dangerous Makoto truly was. His speech at the village entrance seemed to align with Konoha, but Shisui still remembered the chilling words Makoto had spoken the night before.

Fugaku, however, ignored their protests. He placed a firm hand on Makoto's shoulder and relinquished his seat. "Don't let the clan down, Makoto."

Before heading to the village entrance earlier, Fugaku had glimpsed fragments of the future through his Mangekyō Sharingan. Makoto's presence had altered fate's course in an unexpected way. While the future remained unclear, it was undoubtedly better than the hopeless path they had originally been on.

Because of that, he let go of any attachment to the position of clan leader.

"That's exactly what I intend to do." Makoto stepped into Fugaku's seat but did not sit down immediately. Instead, he turned to the assembled Uchiha elites and spoke slowly.

"The Uchiha clan has always been a clan of strength and glory. We have merely encountered a temporary setback. I will lead us back to our former greatness, but I will not claim that glory for myself alone."

"We obey the orders of the clan leader!"

Inabi, now an ardent supporter, saluted in the same manner Makoto had at the village entrance.

With someone taking the lead, the young Uchiha, save for Shisui and Itachi, all followed suit.

Seeing this, the elders who still harbored doubts could only remain silent.

Makoto scanned the room with satisfaction. The Uchiha, for all their internal strife, were loyal when given a strong leader to follow.

"Next," he said, signaling for silence, "I have two important announcements.