Chapter 64 - The Youthful Fugaku

Uchiha Setsuna strolled through the clan grounds with his hands behind his back, humming a tune from the Warring States period. "Good days, good days, these are good days for the Uchiha."

Ever since he heard that Hanma had slain the One-Tail, the old man had been smiling every day, his stern face now looking kind and friendly. 

"You must know, Clan Leader Madara only awakened his eyes at twelve and attained the Mangekyo at twenty. Although Hanma is already twenty-three, I believe his development potential surpasses that of Clan Leader Madara!"

"Hanma's power has increased too fast," Setsuna calculated in his mind as he walked towards the shrine with his hands behind his back.

As Madara's number one fan, he was well-versed in all things related to Madara. After comparing the growth trajectories of Madara and Hanma, Setsuna was ecstatic to find that Hanma was not much inferior to Madara at the same age. The Uchiha clan had once again been blessed with a formidable man.

As for Hanma not having awakened his eyes, Setsuna had already found an excuse for him:

"Even though Hanma hasn't awakened his eyes, he has awakened a bloodline limit that the Uchiha clan hasn't seen in thousands of years! This is a symbol of the Uchiha clan's resurgence!"

In some sense, Setsuna wasn't wrong. Hanma's predatory blood indeed evolved by sacrificing Sharingan chakra, which was related to the Uchiha clan.

Humming a tune, Setsuna walked into the shrine, his expression suddenly changing as he coldly said, "Do you understand your mistake now, Fugaku?"

After listening to Danzo, Fugaku had led his troops back to Konoha, putting Hanma at risk of being attacked by two tailed beasts. When Setsuna heard about this, he was furious and severely scolded Fugaku, punishing him by making him reflect in the shrine.

Maintaining a seiza position with his forehead pressed to the ground, Fugaku loudly responded, "Clan Leader, I truly realize my mistake. I've let Hanma and the Uchiha down!"

"I shouldn't have believed Danzo Shimura. I almost caused a disaster. I'll accept any punishment you give me!"

Setsuna's Mangekyo Sharingan spun once again, his cold, ominous power filling the shrine as he looked down at Fugaku and said icily, "Hanma is the future of our Uchiha clan, the cornerstone of our return to the pinnacle of the ninja world. Remember, it was the Uchiha who founded Konoha. Do not be concerned with the likes of Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura—they are unworthy. The only one who can command the Uchiha will be Hanma, and even I will step aside."

"When he returns, I'll step down and let him take over as the clan leader." Fugaku looked up in shock at Setsuna, his heart trembling.

"We've lost many clan members on the battlefield, but how many have awakened their eyes? Hanma, at just over twenty, has slain a tailed beast known as a natural disaster. Do you understand what this means? He is the perfect leader for our Uchiha clan."

Fugaku's expression grew resolute, understanding deeply the significance of Hanma's power and his genuine care for the clan members. Many young Uchiha had already developed a fervent admiration for Hanma.

At Konoha's entrance, the Third Hokage and Danzo had decided to highlight the victory to maintain the Third's prestige. Villagers gathered joyfully, prepared by the ANBU to welcome the heroes of the war.

While Fugaku anxiously scanned the horizon, looking completely different from the excited villagers around him.

Hanma, with a puzzled look, stared at Fugaku, wondering, "Wasn't he calling me brother a few days ago? Is he going to call me father now?"

Hanma waved his hand, a powerful gust immobilizing Fugaku. Looking amusingly at Fugaku, he awaited an explanation.

An ashamed Fugaku, with his head down, said in a somber voice, "Brother Hanma, I have wronged the Uchiha and you. You've led us and cared for us in every way these past years. The entire Uchiha clan now depends on your leadership and believes in your abilities, but I disobeyed your order and followed Danzo's."

"Even though you slew the tailed beast with incredible strength, it doesn't absolve my mistake. My folly placed you in danger, and I didn't know how to face you!"

Fugaku's head remained bowed as his speech grew faster. Hanma finally understood; he had never blamed Fugaku or considered the issue significant. From the moment he arrived in the ninja world, Hanma never intended to rely on others for his safety.

Hanma patted Fugaku's shoulder lightly and said in a relaxed tone, "No matter, I don't blame you. Just grow steadily from now on."

Fugaku remained silent, his shoulders trembling. Hanma sighed, thinking of a possibility and shifted his tone, "Uchiha Fugaku, you owe me your life. From now on, carry this shame and serve me and the Uchiha with your deeds!"

Fugaku finally lifted his head, excitedly responding, "Brother Hanma, if I fail to carry out your orders, then I'll atone with my life!"

"My heart, and the entire Uchiha clan's heart, will have you as our sole sun, Brother Hanma!"

Hanma nodded, feeling a long-lost feeling of embarrassment at this passionate and youthful scene. He had a new understanding of the Uchiha clan's persistence.

Seeing Hanma's reaction, Fugaku's expression relaxed and he excitedly added, "Brother Hanma, Clan Leader Setsuna has decided to let you take over as clan leader, and it will be formally announced at the clan meeting in a few months!"

"These days, young members like Tetsuka and Hachida are thrilled, and even a boy named Obito made badges with your likeness, which are very popular among everyone!"

Hanma's mouth twitched, almost forgetting about Obito's presence.

Not surprising from Obito, capable of such embarrassing acts even at five or six years old.

Hanma looked at Fugaku, worried about a terrifying prospect. "After becoming the clan leader, will I have to communicate with the clan like this every day?"

Facing the pressure of Eight-Tails' and the Third Raikage's joint attack, Hanma's heart remained calm, even slightly excited. But the thought of interacting with the Uchiha in such a manner filled Hanma's resolute face with a sense of dread.