Konohagakure.
The Hyuga clan's estate.
Unlike the usual tranquil atmosphere within the estate.
At this moment, the members of the Hyuga clan were methodically packing their belongings and then, without any need for orders, orderly departing for their new estate.
Today is the big day of the Hyuga clan's relocation.
But this atmosphere... left Fugaku, who came to the Hyuga clan intending to seek wisdom from a good brother, puzzled.
The condition of the Hyuga clan seemed to be worsening.
Did they really think that moving away from the village center was a good thing?
Fugaku's expression was subtle, truly uncertain about the thoughts of this clan.
After all, whether it was him or the elders of the Uchiha clan, they always believed that relocating the clan's estate meant a decline in status within the village, signifying a loss of trust from the village and a move away from the center of power, a genuine suppression.
To suppress the dissatisfaction of the clan, he had racked his brains, and even now, although under his control there were no overt complaints, the relocation was still being delayed.
How did he do it?
Looking up into the distance, Fugaku's face was complex.
Those clan members helping with the relocation, showing respect to the passing Patriarch, didn't seem to be faking it, and according to his analysis, it didn't seem like Hyuga Hitoshi was intentionally showing off.
Having been Patriarch for so long, he was clear whether the respect of the clan members was genuine or not.
"Hitoshi, you're here."
As Hyuga Hitoshi came over doing chest expansion exercises and yawning, Uchiha Fugaku sincerely gave a thumbs up.
Are you getting cocky, kid?
Hitoshi glanced at Fugaku in surprise. 'Hitoshi' is also what you call me?
But after some thought, Hyuga Hitoshi understood.
This kid must have been suppressed for too long and planned to breathe freely today. It looked like he had decided to take action against those monitoring the Uchiha.
Hyuga Hitoshi was quite sure that those with the 'red-eye disease' had received the Patriarch's hint and had significantly improved their impression of brother Fugaku. He had been flattered a lot within the clan, had come to him to complain before, and now, besides seeking wisdom, he seemed to want to regain some face.
In short, he was a bit carried away.
Alright, this guy really didn't realize he picked the wrong target to show off.
Hyuga Hitoshi reflected on himself and realized he had overestimated brother Fugaku.
Thinking about it, from all aspects of the original story, this kid was neither a qualified Patriarch nor a powerful strategist. His character could raise a filial son with earth-shattering abilities, which seemed understandable.
Understanding brother Fugaku's wisdom gave Hyuga Hitoshi a headache.
It wasn't that he was dissatisfied with Fugaku's attitude, but he felt that with Fugaku's intelligence, if he didn't guide him personally, it wouldn't be long before the old village chief would take him down.
This was not the ending he wanted.
Leading brother Fugaku to the guest room, Hitoshi took a sip of the hot tea passed by Ushiuma and then looked up.
"So, brother, are you planning to make a move?"
He didn't have the leisure to teach Fugaku how to manage his clan; it was a matter of talent and strength, and brother Fugaku had no hope in this lifetime.
After all, brother Fugaku was in some ways even more ruthless than the old village chief. A man who could trade the lives of his clan for his son's future, expecting such a person to care deeply for his clan was complete nonsense.
"Not to hide it from you, Hitoshi."
"After your reminder the other day, I've reflected deeply and decided to show the Third Hokage a thing or two. You know, I am not only the founder of Konohagakure but also the patriarch of the Uchiha clan," said Fugaku, trying to emulate Hitoshi's elegance by picking up his teacup for a gulp. However, the scalding water made his expression change dramatically.
In front of Hyuga Patriarch, hoping to bring Hyuga into the fold, he couldn't lose his manners or face, so he gritted his teeth and forced it down!
Hitoshi watched Fugaku's face turn red, his expression a bit peculiar, holding back the words of caution he was about to offer.
The atmosphere turned a bit awkward.
After a while, Fugaku finally caught his breath.
"I plan to take action as soon as I return, catching the Third Hokage off guard!" he declared. He had thought it through completely.
Regardless of the impact, at least taking action would give him something to tell his clansmen!
And the Third Hokage would definitely suffer a silent loss!
Is there anything wrong with the guard squad arresting suspicious individuals?
Absolutely not!
"Brother, you're wise. So, what then?" asked Hyuga Hitoshi, nodding in admiration, all ears.
"Then we'll identify who they are and demand an explanation from the Third Hokage!" Fugaku stated as if it were obvious.
"And after that?" inquired Hyuga Hitoshi, calm and collected.
After that...
Fugaku fell silent.
Yes, what then?
His furrowed brows and slightly lost gaze in the silence, Fugaku seemed puzzled.
"So, brother, you haven't actually used this incident to secure any real benefits for the Uchiha?" Hitoshi asked skeptically.
"Uchiha is still seen by the common folk as the culprits behind the Nine-Tails' disturbance. What's the difference now?"
There might be a slight difference.
The higher-ups would understand the Uchiha's determination to stand firm.
At this...
Sweat appeared on Fugaku's forehead.
He had boasted too soon!
But Fugaku had always been a man who could bend and stretch!
He took a deep breath, his eyes gradually becoming sincere as he gazed at Hyuga Hitoshi's handsome face.
"Brother Hitoshi, teach me!" he pleaded.
Patriarch Hitoshi raised an eyebrow, his expression tinged with hesitation, seemingly disappointed in Fugaku.
"Mikoto will be here soon!" Fugaku spoke again.
"Speaking of which, I miss Sasuke too," said Hitoshi, smiling naturally as he continued the conversation.
"So, brother Fugaku, we're all family here. There's no need to show off to each other. Why do you still hold on to Uchiha traditions with me?"
"You see how awesome I am, but do I ever boast about it? Even without boasting, people know I'm awesome. There's no need to pretend."
Fugaku didn't dare say more, just hurriedly offered a smile.
It was his fault, after all; he had been a bit excited recently, feeling the Uchiha bloodline stirring within him again.
After a brief pause, Hitoshi looked at Fugaku.
Fugaku was startled, then quickly nodded vigorously.
"I'm listening, brother, please continue."
Hitoshi seemed satisfied with his son-in-law's attitude, patting his shoulder gently.
"Politics isn't something that can be explained in a few words, but brother Fugaku, you must understand, sometimes a combination punch and a big slap is stronger than a big boast."
"Combo punches and a big slap in the face?"
Fugaku's brows furrowed as he finally saw the hand that had been patting his shoulder now patting his face.
"Of course, relatively speaking, a big slap in the face is more insulting. It all depends on what kind of outcome you want."
Got it, catching someone alone is like giving the higher-ups a big slap in the face.
Catching someone and then combining it with other actions, that's a combo punch!
Fugaku's eyes shone with understanding, but he still didn't know exactly what to do.
And Patriarch Hitoshi didn't disappoint him.
"Science has shown that it's not just the Sharingan that can cause a Tailed Beast to rampage, but also a certain hallucinogenic drug."
Hitoshi said with a chuckle.
"As far as I know, Mr. Snake once used this method to make the Eight-Tails rampage, wreaking havoc on Kumogakure Village."
"And the one who finally destroyed Mr. Snake's laboratory was his own teacher, the old village chief himself."
Then what?
Fugaku's breathing quickened as he began to understand something.
"Uzumaki Kushina was delivered by Sarutobi Biwako."
These seductive words entered Fugaku's ears.
At this moment, a conspiracy that overturned his worldview began to play out in his mind!
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