Chapter 37: Upgrading the Golden Finger.

"What is Sarutobi Hiruzen thinking! Why should my Uchiha clan be pressed to act as mere gatekeepers in the village?"

In Konohagakure.

From the Hyuga clan's territory, a roar emanates from the Patriarch's private residence.

The more Fugaku broods, the angrier he gets, picking up a cup from the table intending to smash it to the ground. But at the last moment, catching Hitoshi's gaze, he reluctantly sets the teacup back down.

Alright, better to vent his anger after returning home. It's not nice to smash other people's things.

The meeting has ended, but from the outcome, through Fugaku's short-sighted view, it seems the Uchiha clan hasn't gained much.

But what he doesn't realize is that just being cleared of the suspicion from the Nine-Tails disaster is already a win for the Uchiha clan. He's unaware of how important this is, especially the hard-earned goodwill from the villagers, which is the greatest gain.

At the very least, from now on, no one can use this point to criticize them.

Moreover, with the guard squad recently being very active, it has begun to change the villagers' perception of the Uchiha clan for the better.

No matter how you look at it, it's a good start for the changes within the Uchiha clan.

But Fugaku doesn't see it that way. He only wants to see tangible benefits, to witness the Uchiha clan's status in the village rise, and their power expand further.

That's what's real to him.

Thus, he'd rather lead the Uchiha to the front lines to earn glory, instead of staying home to stabilize the rear and prepare for the Nine-Tails' rampage.

Because everyone knows that the Nine-Tails' rampage was due to the weakening of the Jinchuriki's seal during childbirth, a result of opportunists taking advantage of the situation. Now that the Nine-Tails is resealed, it's unlikely to rampage unless exploited by someone.

Preventing such an event in the village is the guard squad's duty, yet Fugaku still feels awkward and dissatisfied.

"There's no need to be so upset."

Hitoshi says calmly.

"Didn't I tell you to stabilize the clan and wait for the right moment?"

Although Hitoshi understands that Fugaku alone can't restrain the clan members, this time he doesn't plan to help.

He owes the Uchiha clan nothing.

He's done his part; now it's time for the Uchiha to stand up and charge, covering for the Hyuga clan's escape.

"Ah, brother, you don't know how much pressure I'm under."

Uchiha Fugaku sighs with a troubled expression, feeling almost assimilated by the radical youngsters in the clan day by day.

After a pause, Fugaku's demeanor becomes serious, and he bows respectfully to Patriarch Hitoshi.

"But brother, I still have to say thank you!"

In fact, Fugaku himself is quite shocked.

Hitoshi, faced with the olive branch thrown by the elder village chief, chose to refuse and then resolutely aligned with the Uchiha front.

This is different from the last time he spoke for the Uchiha at the meeting; it's outright siding with the Uchiha!

So Fugaku is moved, telling Hitoshi on the spot that his sister-in-law is welcome to visit and stay as long as she likes, no questions asked. This is true brotherhood, and it must be cherished and maintained with care!

"Hey, why are you so polite to me?" Hyuga Hitoshi waved his hand nonchalantly.

Fugaku was taken aback, unable to tell if his brother was genuinely being courteous or just putting on an act.

But regardless of his brother's demeanor, as the patriarch of the Uchiha clan, he had to make a statement.

"This time, Brother Hitoshi gave up the chance to earn merit for the sake of the Uchiha. I'm not one for empty words. If there comes a day when you need the Uchiha, just say the word!"

Fugaku patted his chest, his face all bright and earnest.

"I've got nothing else but one word, 'loyalty!'"

Hopefully, that day will come.

Patriarch Hitoshi chuckled without picking up the conversation. He was a man of clear debts and grudges, and his relationship with the Uchiha was one of mutual use. You stand up and charge as the main force, while I take a different path.

If Fugaku truly stands up for the Uchiha in the face of adversity, Hitoshi wouldn't mind lending the Uchiha a hand again.

"But, big brother, if you really can't control your clan and insist on giving the old village chief a hard time, besides the conspiracy theory version of the Nine-Tails' chaos, you might want to highlight the old village chief's 'glorious deeds' on the battlefield."

The meeting had ended, but during it, the old village chief, under Hyuga Hitoshi's pressure, didn't take a stance on whether to go to the battlefield. He just said that when the village needed him, he would do his best, effectively brushing it off.

"Glorious deeds?"

Fugaku frowned, pondering for a long time before shaking his head.

"The key is he doesn't have any. Does accompanying the Second Hokage to the Land of Thunder to sign a treaty count? The key is he came back, but the Second Hokage died. That's not exactly a glorious deed."

Hyuga Hitoshi spread his hands, "That's just it. Let our great villagers know this, and leave the rest to them to figure out. The focus isn't on cowardice in battle. According to the old village chief, he's the one overseeing the whole situation."

What the heck?

Overseeing the whole situation?

He oversaw nothing but Konohagakure getting beaten up, otherwise, would he have been ousted?

Fugaku was stunned, then, realizing the implication, he gave Hitoshi a thumbs-up.

"And, brother, there's no need to rush."

Hyuga Hitoshi struck while the iron was hot.

"There's still a chance for the Uchiha in this war."

"According to my analysis, just relying on the Sarutobi clan's weaklings, they're bound to get pummeled by the Raikage, unable to withstand Kumogakure Village."

Specific situations require specific analyses.

Hyuga Hitoshi knew what the original story entailed.

If this battle hadn't been so devastating, the patriarchs of the clans and department heads wouldn't have been so indifferent when Hyuga Hizashi was forced to his death later on.

It's likely that Konohagakure was truly unable to fight anymore at that time, and the situation in Kumogakure Village was similar. The extended battle lines meant their resources were also depleted, which is why they gave up on this war.

From this analysis, it's clear that Konohagakure must have mobilized the entire village to withstand this wave.

The Uchiha clan may not be fully aware, but this is destined to be a battle that will bring fame to the Hyuga clan. After this battle, the Raikage harbors a deep grudge against the Byakugan. He knows that pressuring the Hyuga Patriarch to death during negotiations might lead to failure and prolong the war, yet he still chose to do so.

Now, Hyuga Hitoshi has issued an order for the clansmen on the front lines to withdraw to the rear. It's foreseeable that relying solely on the Sarutobi clan and the other secret technique families of Konohagakure, they won't hold out for long!

"When the time comes, the Third won't be able to withstand the pressure and will suggest sending Brother Fugaku to the battlefield. Isn't this just playing into the old village chief's hands?" Hyuga Hitoshi shared his analysis.

"After all, everyone knows, 'The Uchiha are invincible when united, and even when scattered, they are formidable.' Not deploying the Uchiha would be like cutting off one's own arm!"

"The Uchiha are invincible when united, and even when scattered, they are formidable?"

Brother Fugaku was surprised. When did he himself not know about this?

When did the Uchiha's reputation become so renowned?

"Anyway, Brother Fugaku, make more preparations when you go back. This is a contest of foundations, and it's unlikely that a victor will emerge in the short term. There will be plenty of opportunities!"

This was a veiled way of seeing him off.

Although Fugaku still seemed reluctant, he nodded in understanding.

And with the end of this meeting.

It also signifies the successful conclusion of this major event that led the Uchiha to charge, and the plan has entered a new chapter.

He made the right choice at the most opportune moment, completing the significant event he was supposed to do.

Naturally, the mysterious aura from the golden finger washed over Hyuga Hitoshi's soul.

 Hitoshi knew.

The time for the golden finger to upgrade, or for his own upgrade, had arrived!

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