Chapter 122: Coalition Building

The next day, the Uchiha sprang into action.

"Yachi, Kotetsu, you're in charge of patrolling Konoha for the next two days!"

"Yes!" X2

"Inabi, take your squad and join the Anbu to search thoroughly for Danzo's base! Make sure no Uchiha belongings are left behind!"

"Yes!"

"Aoki, continue training Squad Four and protect the Uchiha Compound!"

"Yes!"

After assigning tasks to the captains, Fugaku set off with his two aides to make visits across the village.

His first stop was Jounin Shoto Narayama.

Shoto Narayama's son had been killed by Tanaka Shoko, and just yesterday he himself had barely survived [Grave of Roots] thanks to Fugaku's protection.

So when Fugaku paid a visit, he welcomed him in warmly.

Inside the temporary Hokage office.

Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned as he turned to the Anbu standing before him. "You're saying Fugaku Uchiha personally visited a civilian ninja?"

Beside him, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu also wore expressions of confusion. Given the arrogance of the Uchiha, how could they possibly do such a thing?

The Anbu hesitated slightly but answered firmly, "Yes!"

After dismissing the Anbu, Sarutobi asked, "What do you think?"

"What is there to think? Fugaku Uchiha is seeking support from civilian ninjas!"

Homura Mitokado scoffed, "Unbelievable nerve they've got. While the village is still in crisis, instead of stabilizing the situation, they chase after the Hokage seat. Their ambitions can't be forgiven."

Koharu Utatane added in surprise, "I never thought Fugaku would actually lower himself for the position of Hokage."

Hiruzen's expression grew even graver. "It seems this time the Uchiha are truly determined to claim the Hokage seat."

"Hiruzen, don't worry," Homura Mitokado said confidently. "Whatever they're doing is just useless effort!"

When it came to the succession of the Hokage, even the jounin among civilian ninjas held little influence. Only the Ninja Clans within the village could play a real role. But over the years, all major clans in Konoha had already aligned themselves with the Hokage faction. For the Uchiha to try reversing that in just one or two days was less than a one-in-ten-thousand possibility.

Distrust wasn't built overnight, nor were relationships easily changed.

Thinking carefully, Koharu Utatane suggested cautiously, "Then should we inform the major Ninja Clans too?"

Mitokado Homura shook his head. "Koharu, you're being overly cautious. Who would actually want the Uchiha as Hokage?"

Sarutobi spoke solemnly, "Since it concerns the succession of the Hokage, we must not allow even the slightest carelessness."

Upon hearing this, both Mitokado Homura and Koharu Utatane nodded seriously.

At Shoto Narayama's house.

After preparing tea for Aozora and others, Narayama spoke frankly, "Lord Fugaku, I'm deeply grateful for saving my life, and very appreciative that the Police Force helped me find the killer responsible for my son's death."

Fugaku and Kyudai both smiled at these words, while Aozora braced himself for the "but" that was coming.

Indeed, Narayama paused briefly before looking troubled and saying, "However, I won't support you becoming Hokage."

"I have my son, my brothers, and my friends — they're all fighting at the Front Line. It's not appropriate to change Hokage now..."

Shoto Narayama wore an expression of deep remorse, yet his eyes remained determined.

Fugaku paused upon hearing these words. Even Shoto Narayama, who had once saved his life, didn't support him. It seemed the Uchiha clan's pursuit of the Hokage position was truly one-sided.

"Hmph!"

Letting out a long sigh, Fugaku said, "Shoto Narayama, you've misunderstood me!"

Shoto first looked stunned, then quickly downed a mouthful of steaming-hot tea.

Without even minding the burn, he quickly said, "You mean I misunderstood? Great! That's a relief!"

Speaking gently, Fugaku reminded him, "Be careful, the tea is still hot!"

"It's fine!"

Waving his hand dismissively, Shoto drank some cold water before cheerfully saying, "Lord Fugaku, sorry about earlier misunderstanding you! What can I do for you? I won't refuse if I'm able to help!"

Fugaku responded earnestly, "It's not that serious. Isn't there going to be a High-level Meeting in two days? I plan to present several proposals and hope you'll support them then."

After contemplating for a moment, Shoto said, "Lord Fugaku, I'll certainly give it serious consideration."

Having received such a vague response, Fugaku didn't press further and politely took his leave.

As soon as they left Shoto Narayama's house, Fugaku sighed, "Aozora, you were right. This really isn't the best timing for competing for the Hokage position."

Smiling, Aozora said, "The title of Hokage is just symbolic. Fugaku, there's no need to take this too seriously."

Kyuudai muttered, "That may sound easy, but we're talking about the 'Hokage' here!"

"Yeah! The 'Hokage'!"

After expressing their sentiments briefly, Fugaku quickly steadied his emotions and asked, "Who's next?"

Eagerly, Kyuudai answered, "Next is Jonin Joushou Fuyukawa!"

"Then let's go," Fugaku said. "We have many people to visit today!"

At the Fuyukawa household.

Fugaku said, "Joushou, I heard your son has considerable talent in fire nature affinity. Coincidentally, our Uchiha clan does have certain research advantages in fire nature techniques..."

Fuyukawa Joushou responded, "I'll think about it."

At the Yuuki Funakoshi household.

Fugaku remarked, "It feels like yesterday since we last met. We've both grown older over these years..."

Funakoshi Yuuki replied, "Fugaku, you're still in your prime!"

...

The sun rose and set, and the day passed by swiftly.

In just one day, Fugaku visited numerous Jonin and minor clan leaders. Some readily agreed to support him while others gave ambiguous responses.

Some who readily agreed might still change their stance, while others who hesitated could end up supporting him firmly. Nothing would be decided until the day of the High-level Meeting.

The next day, Fugaku continued with his visits, meeting exclusively with the heads of major ninja clans.

Unlike the previous day, today brought many rejections at closed doors.

Major clans who had already been approached by Hiruzen Sarutobi and his faction either kept their doors shut or, when opened, showed only minimal hospitality. Whenever Fugaku tried to bring up his proposal, his hosts always deflected the conversation skillfully.

At Shikaku Narano's house.

Bow respectfully, Fugaku said, "Since there's still business at the clan meeting tonight, I should take my leave early."

Shikaku returned the bow hastily and said, "Then I won't keep you any longer!"

Shikaku returned to the living room after seeing off Fugaku and the others, only to find two more guests already waiting inside.

Choza was busy chewing on a pork knuckle and completely ignored Shikaku's entrance.

Inoichi asked, "Why didn't you listen to what he had to say?"

Shikaku sat down and replied lazily, "Too much trouble. Didn't feel like it."

Inoichi hesitated for a moment before exclaiming, "Well *I* listened!"

At those words, Shikaku instantly straightened up from his slouch — Choza even froze mid-chew in surprise.

After leaving Nara Clan's estate, Kyudai grumbled, "What a shame. Clan Leader Shikaku refused to hear us out."

Aozora responded, "As expected. The Nara clan is famously known for hating trouble. But since Clan Leader Inoichi listened, it's as good as the whole Ino–Shika–Cho alliance having heard it — they always act together anyway. We'll wait for their decision."

Then Aozora paused thoughtfully and added, "Only one clan remains."

"One more clan?" Kyudai frowned in confusion. "We've visited every major and minor ninja clan there is — Ino–Shika–Cho, Inuzuka, Aburame, Hatake, Asahi…!"

Fugaku gazed into the distant night sky and said firmly, "There still is one left!"

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