Chapter 22: Awakening in Anger

The moment Fugaku Uchiha spoke, Aozora realized he couldn't move at all.

The air around him suddenly froze in place from all directions. He could still feel his arms and legs, but even the smallest motion—like curling a finger—was out of the question.

[jutsu: Immobilization Jutsu]

Aozora instantly recognized the jutsu that had struck him and quickly turned his focus inward.

Sure enough, refined chakra had surged into his body.

This chakra spread through various acupoints, stripping away his ability to move.

Aozora immediately began circulating his own chakra, trying to expel the invading energy.

However, although the chakra Fugaku had injected into Aozora wasn't much, it was extremely refined—far beyond what Aozora could handle quickly.

...

Inside the Conference Hall, Fugaku's eyes now fully displayed three tomoe patterns, scanning every clan member gathered before him.

Fugaku's overwhelming presence intimidated everyone into silence. Not a soul dared to speak.

"Aozora's words are nothing more than reckless teenage rambling! The village neither intends to nor has the capability to wipe out our Uchiha clan!

The other clans have already accepted the decision to relocate. The Uchiha cannot be the only ones to refuse! I will negotiate further on specific conditions. However, relocation is nonnegotiable.

I'll inform you later about the exact execution plans. That's all! Dismissed!"

With that, Fugaku stood up and walked out.

Everyone finally regained their senses, exchanging glances—relocation of the Uchiha Compound now seemed like an inevitable certainty.

Soon after, one by one, clan members departed alongside their companions.

As they left, many glanced back at Aozora standing there like a punished child, their faces filled with complex emotions.

Before long, only several people remained inside.

Yuichi Uchiha approached the immobilized Aozora and said, "Aozora, I've respected very few people in my life—you're one of them."

Sozu Uchiha added beside him, "Didn't expect you to have already made your choice!"

The remaining individuals followed long-haired Inabi Uchiha as he approached.

Inabi was about to release Aozora from the paralysis when, suddenly, Aozora managed to break free on his own.

The moment he was free, Aozora hastily turned his head outward.

But by then, Fugaku had already vanished beyond the door.

"The clan head left long ago," Inabi explained.

Aozora turned around and thanked Inabi, "Thanks, Aniki!"

Even though he freed himself, it was still important to show gratitude for their kindness.

Besides, if he wasn't mistaken, Inabi had spoken up first during the meeting—probably to give him a chance to speak.

Hearing this, Inabi looked surprised, "You know me? I believe we've never met."

"Who doesn't know about The Uchiha's First Genius?" Aozora complimented.

To his surprise, Inabi frowned upon hearing this and responded, "Not as good as your brother Shisui!"

After somewhat teasing Aozora, Inabi continued without interest in further conversation, "Your perception is indeed sharp, but your power is too weak!"

"Sharp perception alone isn't enough; ideas are also needed. But even having ideas isn't sufficient—you must possess the actual strength required to realize those ideas."

With these words, Inabi departed too, followed closely by his entourage of clan members.

One of them glanced at him as he passed by and said, "You're impressive! I'll remember you."

With that, the boy with short black hair continued walking with the group.

Uchiha Aozora stood there stunned and asked, "Who was that guy? He acts so cocky!"

Uchiha Yuichi watched the retreating figure before responding in surprise, "You don't even know who he is?"

Uchiha Aozora asked, "Should I know him?"

"Eh... Right," Uchiha Yuichi hesitated before explaining, "He's Uchiha Tetsuka, Inabi's younger brother. He graduated at ten, became a Chunin at twelve, and now at fourteen, rumor says he's close to becoming a Jonin already. He's considered another prodigy after Inabi and Shisui."

"Oh."

Seeing Aozora remain indifferent, Uchiha Yuichi opened his mouth again but was stopped by Uchiha Sozu.

"Aozora, I never imagined your insight could be this deep. I'm no match for you."

Just as Aozora was about to humbly respond, Uchiha Sozu quickly added, "Unfortunately, today's timing isn't right."

"Huh?" Aozora looked at Sozu in confusion.

"Have you noticed how today's attendees are either elderly or very young? There are surprisingly few Uchiha in their prime."

Thinking back, Uchiha Aozora realized it was indeed true.

"That's because our prime-aged Uchiha ninja have all been deployed to the front lines against the Hidden Cloud (Kumo). Currently, the clan only has eight Jonin and roughly forty to fifty Chunin remaining."

Hearing this, Uchiha Aozora felt a chill run down his spine.

The Third Hokage and Danzo truly had ulterior motives. No wonder they dared provoke the Uchiha when they had already removed most of our combat strength.

"The clan head's refusal earlier didn't necessarily mean he genuinely rejected you, but rather we simply lack the power to resist now."

With that, Uchiha Sozu sighed heavily and said bitterly, "We've protected Konoha from invaders, and this is how they repay us—plotting behind our backs! Despicable! How infuriating!"

As Uchiha Sozu lamented, a sudden thought flashed through Uchiha Aozora's mind.

"That doesn't add up!" Aozora shouted out loud, then immediately rushed down the mountain.

Confused glances exchanged between Uchiha Sozu and Uchiha Yuichi before they hurriedly followed.

The three sprinted like the wind, racing down the mountainside until finally catching up with Fugaku Uchiha.

At that moment, he wasn't alone; his eldest son Itachi Uchiha stood beside him.

"Clan Head, I have something I wish to say."

Still panting from running, Aozora spoke up immediately upon stopping.

Fugaku Uchiha gave the three of them a disapproving look before asking, "What now? Trying to stir up trouble between our clan and Konoha?"

Shaking his head, Uchiha Aozora replied, "Clan Head, I believe you possess the wisdom to know my words carry truth."

"I understand your concerns about most clan ninja being stationed at the border, but that still doesn't justify giving in."

Upon hearing those words, Itachi Uchiha interjected sharply, "Aniki, Shisui and Father have always worked to maintain harmony between the village and our clan. Why do you insist on disrupting this balance?"

Caught off guard by this severe accusation, Aozora questioned in surprise, "Itachi, did you overhear what I said earlier?"

"Yes! You think too poorly of Konoha!" Itachi Uchiha countered firmly.

Uchiha Aozora gave no explanation. Instead, he asked Fugaku Uchiha, "Clan Head, is this also your opinion?"

Fugaku hesitated for a moment before saying, "I admit there's some truth in what you said. But the Uchiha are part of Konoha. I don't believe the Third would dare commit such a grave offense."

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Aozora became extremely disappointed and coldly replied, "As the clan leader, you're placing the entire clan's lives in the hands of someone else's mercy."

After finishing his words, Uchiha Aozora turned around and left directly.

Just now he had considered that although the Uchiha Clan currently lacked strength, if they resisted they might be annihilated.

But Konoha was not in any better shape either.

The Fourth was dead, the Third was growing old, and the Sannin had left the village. Would the Third really start a civil war now? Even if the Uchiha were wiped out without any casualties, Konoha would become so weakened that other ninja villages would destroy it.

Therefore, Konoha absolutely wouldn't dare provoke conflict at this time.

When the higher-ups initiated conflict, they didn't care about Konoha's survival. Why should the Uchiha pay the price for actions taken by the village leadership, enduring suffering and compromising themselves?

"What a bunch of damned fools!!!"

Uchiha Aozora couldn't help but blurt out angrily.

Neither the Third nor Danzo feared destroying Konoha, yet each Uchiha one after another sacrificed their family's interests.

The more he dwelled on it, the angrier he became. Uchiha Aozora wished he could rip the clueless clan leader limb from limb.

Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his eyes as a cold, sinister chakra surged into them.

...

Meanwhile, Fugaku and his son Itachi strolled together toward the banks of the Nanaha River.

Gazing at the tranquil waters and breathtaking scenery, Itachi said, "How stunning the Nanaha River is. I really love this place."

However, Fugaku's mood grew even heavier.

The vast lake was so picturesque; the towering cliffs were so majestic.

Normally these would be considered beautiful landscapes, but during crucial moments they might become death sentences for the clan members.

This worry robbed him of any joy, even though his eldest son had perfected the [Great Fireball Technique] on the first try.

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