Chapter 49: The Beginning

Naka Shrine was a sacred and forbidden place for the Uchiha clan, only opened during clan meetings. Normally, only the clan leader could enter. During Uchiha Madara's time as clan leader, his word was absolute, and clan meetings were merely formalities.

Madara's unmatched strength made him the most powerful Uchiha in the clan's recent history. Unfortunately, the Senju clan, the Uchiha's archrival, also had a formidable member who could overpower Madara. Despite Madara and Hashirama Senju appearing evenly matched in their final battle, Hashirama's ability to strike a decisive blow at the end showed his superiority.

Even though the difference in strength between them was slight, it was significant enough to make a difference in their prolonged struggle, where Hashirama often held the upper hand. This is why Hashirama became the First Hokage of Konoha, partly due to his strength and Madara's personality.

Now, the Senju clan no longer existed, while the Uchiha clan had reached a precarious point. The current Uchiha lacked a leader as formidable as Madara. Historically, Madara was the only leader who didn't need to convene clan meetings, as his predecessors weren't as dominant, and clan matters required discussion and consensus at these meetings.

Yuhara and Shisui walked toward Naka Shrine, both feeling a bit tense about the unprecedented actions they were about to take. However, as seasoned ninjas, they controlled their emotions well.

"Nervous?" Yuhara asked with a slight smile. "Tonight's events are no small matter."

"A bit, but with you here, I believe everything will be fine," Shisui replied, taking a deep breath.

"Let's hope nothing goes wrong," Yuhara nodded. "By the way, will Itachi attend the meeting?"

"Normally, yes," Shisui said, his expression turning grave. "But I won't let him in."

This clan meeting was crucial, and Yuhara and the elders believed it was best to keep its proceedings confidential until the issues were resolved. No one wanted external interference or exploitation of the situation. Itachi, as an Anbu member with a declared stance, was not to be allowed in, regardless of his status or abilities.

The Uchiha clan valued the Sharingan, and only those who had awakened it had the right to participate in clan meetings at Naka Shrine.

"Good luck then," Yuhara said with a gentle smile, taking a deep breath. "Let's usher in a new era for us."

With that, Yuhara pushed open the door, and Shisui followed him inside. As the doors opened, the Uchiha members already seated in the shrine turned to look at Yuhara and Shisui. Recognizing them, they averted their gaze and bowed their heads, avoiding direct eye contact.

Shisui's reputation was well-known within the clan. Both the moderate and hardline young members acknowledged his prowess, especially those from the moderate faction who understood his strength and standing with Elder Uchiha Zong.

Yuhara, though once considered on par with Shisui, had seen his name diminish as he chose the path of a mission ninja instead of aligning with any faction or the Police Force. However, a few months ago, Yuhara underwent a dramatic transformation, gaining Shisui's support, the trust of the elders, and revealing himself as an Uchiha with the Mangekyō Sharingan.

This revelation shocked everyone, especially as even the hardliners began to support him, changing many of their long-held beliefs. The most astonishing part was that tonight they were considering overthrowing the current clan leader and appointing Yuhara, a fifteen-year-old, as the new leader.

Despite the shock, many agreed with Yuhara's views after hearing from the elders and Shisui. They recognized the need for change within the Uchiha clan and saw the current leader as inadequate. Even the hardliners, who had experienced Yuhara's strength firsthand and witnessed his Susanoo, were now willing to support him.

In the midst of this, the only one with a solemn expression was Uchiha Fugaku, the current clan leader. He gazed intently at Yuhara and Shisui, his mind racing with thoughts.