Chapter 50: Impeachment!

As clan leader, Uchiha Fugaku might have been weak and indecisive, but there were still those within the clan who followed him. Fugaku was filled with doubts and concerns about the recent changes within the clan. He had heard rumors about the unexpected cooperation and reconciliation between the two formerly antagonistic factions, something he found incomprehensible.

Having been the clan leader for so long, Fugaku was well aware of the deep-seated animosity between the factions. The fact that they hadn't come to blows was largely due to their respect for clan laws and possibly the presence of Uchiha Shisui. Few knew the true extent of Shisui's strength or that he possessed the Mangekyō Sharingan, a fact known only to the elders.

But now, things were different. The younger members of both factions began to interact, and the elders started having discussions. These changes baffled Fugaku, though they were beneficial for clan peace—something he had always desired but never knew how to achieve. However, this newfound harmony excluded him, leaving him feeling uneasy.

Fugaku noticed a significant player in these changes: Uchiha Yuhara. Yuhara, a recognized clan genius and Shisui's peer, had experienced the brutality of war at a young age. He had awakened the Three-Tomoe Sharingan and passed the test to become a Jonin of Konoha.

Despite Yuhara's bright future, he always seemed different from other clan members. He didn't join any faction or the Police Force, opting instead to become a mission ninja. This maverick now involved with the factions deeply unsettled Fugaku.

Tonight's clan meeting filled him with a sense of foreboding, but he maintained his composure because he was the clan leader.

"Clan leader, everyone is here. We can begin," said Uchiha Takeshi, snapping Fugaku out of his thoughts.

"Let's wait a bit. Itachi is back. He should be here soon," Fugaku responded.

"Apologies, clan leader, but we do not wish for Itachi to participate this time," said Uchiha Zong, standing up.

Fugaku's unease intensified. For Zong, a moderate faction elder and Itachi's mentor, to exclude Itachi was shocking.

"What do you mean?" a young man in the crowd, Uchiha Hirano, spoke up indignantly. "The clan leader's son is our future leader. Who are you to..."

"Quiet, Hirano," Fugaku interrupted quickly.

Hirano was a loyal follower of Fugaku, traditional and capable but somewhat shortsighted. Fugaku knew that opposing the decision of the combined elders could have severe consequences, something he wanted to avoid in an already tumultuous situation.

"Clan leader..." Hirano began but was silenced by Fugaku's stern look.

"If this is the elders' wish, I shall respect it," Fugaku said calmly. "Hirano is young and inexperienced. I hope you understand."

Fugaku's words indicated his willingness to comply, and Hirano, though frustrated, fell silent. The atmosphere in the shrine became tense.

"Don't worry, Hirano's intentions were in support of the clan leader," Takeshi said, then turned to Yuhara, who was sitting with Shisui. "Yuhara, this meeting centers around you."

All eyes turned to Yuhara. Those aware of what was coming remained calm, while those uninformed, including Fugaku, grew increasingly uneasy. Fugaku sensed this meeting was aimed at him, given the factions' unity and exclusion of Itachi.

Yuhara stood, nodding to Takeshi and Zong before addressing the assembly.

"Everyone, you know who I am, so I won't introduce myself. I stand here reluctantly because our clan's situation has deteriorated beyond tolerance. The cause of this is our clan leader. Today, I stand here to impeach our clan leader, Uchiha Fugaku!"