Chapter 40: Hope You Can Impress Me

That night, Yuhara followed Uchiha So and the others towards the bamboo forest at the back of the Uchiha clan grounds. This forest, expansive and close to the clan leader's residence, was also home to many hardline elders. Since Yuhara had agreed to come, he naturally had to follow through, even though he was somewhat surprised that Uchiha So was accompanying him. Nonetheless, it wasn't a major issue.

Yuhara suspected their invitation was to test his strength. The Uchiha clan's reverence for power was well-known, and the hardliners aimed to seize Konoha's government through force. To earn their respect, he needed to demonstrate overwhelming strength.

He wondered if there would be any hidden dangers. Though he had been wary even during the morning meeting and hadn't accepted any refreshments, his caution had proved unnecessary. Yet, maintaining vigilance was essential for a shinobi, especially before securing his position, when he was most vulnerable.

Soon, they arrived at a residence on the edge of the bamboo forest where Uchiha Naoki was waiting.

"Welcome," Naoki greeted Yuhara with a nod, then turned to So. "Brother, welcome."

"Cut the chatter. Let's go in," So replied curtly. "Are they waiting inside?"

"No, they're in the back," Naoki responded, turning to Yuhara. "Everyone is in the bamboo grove. Let's head there now."

Neither Yuhara nor the elders found this unusual. They understood the need for a secluded, spacious area for the night's purpose. Yuhara nodded in agreement and followed Naoki into the bamboo forest.

The dense grove, bathed in silver moonlight, felt cold and desolate. No lights were lit, adding to the eerie atmosphere. After a short walk, they reached the forest's center, where Yuhara saw many figures standing in the shadows, their faces obscured. As he arrived, their Sharingan eyes glowed red, intensifying the forest's ominous feel.

Yuhara remained unfazed. He was certain Naoki had informed the others about his statements earlier. Their display was likely an attempt to intimidate him in retaliation for his threats. Yet, as long as there was no real danger, he would not be perturbed.

"You are Uchiha Yuhara?" a powerful yet aged voice called out. "The clan's genius, with a newly awakened Mangekyō?"

"I wouldn't call myself a genius, and my Mangekyō's status isn't for you to judge," Yuhara replied, smiling. He nodded at So and walked forward, speaking as he moved.

"I must say, I'm a bit disappointed. Your performance is not what I expected. But no matter, I understand why you called me here. For the clan's stability and future, I came. Now it's your turn to show your stance."

"You're indeed an Uchiha," the voice replied, this time with a hint of amusement. "I've heard you're the least Uchiha-like among us, but now I see you are a true Uchiha, hiding your pride well. I like that pride!"

What a lunatic, Yuhara thought. He had initially been pleased to find himself an Uchiha, given their formidable reputation. But their tragic fate made him cautious. He had long wanted to change the Uchiha's course but lacked influence and power until now. Now, with decisive strength, he wouldn't hold back. His assertiveness was misinterpreted as pride, which he found amusing.

With a deep breath, Yuhara closed his eyes. When he reopened them, they were crimson with three tomoe. "Enough with the talk. I know why you called me here, and I'm curious to see your elite forces. You plan to overthrow Hiruzen Sarutobi's rule and oppose all of Konoha. If you can't even get past me, you're doomed to fail and bring ruin to the clan."

Yuhara smiled, a hint of sarcasm in his expression. "Let's see what strength you have to back your ambitions. Konoha is waiting for you to take the lead, only to strike you down. If you can't surpass me, don't dream of victory. You'll only lead the clan to destruction."

With that, Yuhara drew his ninjato and swung it at a nearby bamboo stalk, cutting it down. He compared it to his blade and trimmed it to the same length. Plunging his ninjato into the ground, he picked up the bamboo rod and smiled.

"Come on, I'm ready. Show me enough pressure to make me use my Mangekyō Sharingan. Don't disappoint me. I hope you can impress me..."