The Uchiha Clan Grounds
"In five days, we'll be selecting a new clan leader. Make sure you're prepared."
The voice echoed from within a room in the Uchiha compound, where a resolute-looking, middle-aged man sat, his expression as hard as stone. His eyes were fixed on a tall, lean figure who was about to leave the room.
The figure paused, turning slowly. He had striking features, with sharp, dark eyes and long black hair tied loosely behind his head. A sword hung at his waist, and his posture exuded a calm confidence. This was Uchiha Yoruki.
"I'm not interested," Yoruki replied coolly, already turning to leave.
"I'm ordering you to participate!" the elder barked, his voice trembling with intensity.
"As a deputy captain of the police force, you don't have authority over me," Yoruki retorted, barely glancing back.
Three years ago, Uchiha Yoruki had returned to the Konoha Police Force, where he quickly rose through the ranks. Now, as the youngest deputy captain, he commanded respect and authority—enough to defy his own father, Uchiha Yoru, who was one of the clan's elders.
"I'm not speaking as your superior but as your father and as an elder of the clan. You will participate," Yoru demanded, his voice steely.
Yoruki's expression turned icy. "According to the clan rules, any Uchiha who wishes to contest the leadership can enter the election. Even as an elder, you don't have the right to force me to stand for the position," he countered.
In the Uchiha clan, leadership was not inherited but earned through strength and ability. And though Uchiha Fugaku, son of the previous leader, was widely considered the likely successor, the title was still up for grabs to any Uchiha with the skill and courage to challenge him.
"You forget who I am, Uchiha Yoruki!" Yoru snapped, his voice rising.
"So?" Yoruki's gaze darkened, and he narrowed his eyes slightly.
"The clan's leadership cannot remain under the Uchiha Kai lineage. I want you to fight for it," Yoru growled, his voice quivering with both ambition and frustration.
"So you want me to challenge Fugaku?" Yoruki's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Have you lost your senses, Father? Do you think it's as simple as winning a duel?"
Yoruki continued, his voice laced with irony, "The Hokage and the other village leaders won't stand by and watch power consolidate within the Uchiha. Remember, they're all disciples of the Second Hokage—each of them knows how much the village fears our clan. Do you really think they'll allow the Uchiha to claim more influence?"
Yoru's face twisted in anger, but he remained silent. Yoruki's piercing gaze bore into him, his Sharingan activated, the three tomoe spinning slowly. Yoru stiffened, feeling a chill wash over him. His son had grown too powerful, a force beyond his control.
"Father," Yoruki spoke slowly, his voice like ice, "I advise you to keep such thoughts to yourself. Speak like that again, and even I may not be able to protect you."
Yoruki straightened, his Sharingan fading. "This village doesn't belong to you or to anyone. We live in peace here because we've earned our place. If I find out you're planning anything that endangers the clan or Konoha, I'll stop you—father or not."
With that, Yoruki turned and disappeared from sight, his words echoing in the quiet courtyard. Yoru watched his son's departure, eyes narrowed, a mix of pride and resentment twisting his features.
Five Days Later
"Kushina, where are we going?" Minato asked, somewhat bewildered as his wife pulled him hurriedly along the path leading to the Uchiha compound.
"Today's the day the Uchiha choose a new clan leader!" Kushina replied, her excitement evident.
"But what does that have to do with us?" Minato chuckled.
Kushina grinned. "It's going to be a big event! It's not just Fugaku running for clan leader; I heard from Mikoto that a few other Uchiha will challenge him for the title. They're going to have a tournament-style duel!" She glanced meaningfully at Minato, her eyes shining with anticipation.
Realizing her intent, Minato smiled and nodded. As the candidate to be the Fourth Hokage , he had the privilege of attending, but he wouldn't have needed an excuse to go if it meant spending time with Kushina.
The Uchiha compound was abuzz with energy. A large crowd had already gathered around the clan's training arena. Minato and Kushina arrived to see Uchiha Fugaku and several other contenders standing in the arena, preparing to fight.
Scanning the crowd, Minato spotted several prominent figures—Hiashi of the Hyūga clan, the Sarutobi clan elders, and even Hatake Sakumo were present, representing the interests of the Hokage and the village. Minato exchanged nods with them before Kushina pulled him into the stands where Mikoto waited.
Mikoto, her hands clasped tightly in front of her, was watching the arena intently, her gaze fixed on Fugaku. Her worry was plain, though she tried to mask it. Kushina grinned at Minato, nudging him knowingly.
"Don't worry," Minato whispered to Mikoto reassuringly. "With Fugaku's skill, he'll do fine."
Mikoto gave a small nod, glancing at him gratefully. In the arena, Fugaku seemed to catch Minato's words of encouragement. He looked over and nodded in acknowledgment, a hint of determination in his expression.
Then, a voice rang out, signaling the start of the duel. "Begin!"
The arena erupted as the contenders activated their Sharingan, the scarlet light of the three-tomoe eyes illuminating the intense stares of each Uchiha. Those with the three-tomoe Sharingan were considered elite, and only they could vie for the position of clan leader.
Within moments, shuriken and fire-style jutsu clashed in a breathtaking display. The precision and speed of each attack showed the exceptional skills of the Uchiha, each fighter executing advanced techniques that tested the limits of their Sharingan.
Despite the fierce battle, Minato watched with a sense of detachment. The techniques, while impressive, didn't surpass what he had seen before. His gaze wandered to Uchiha Kai, the current clan leader, who watched with a calm, stoic expression. Knowing his terminal illness, Kai seemed at peace, observing the proceedings without concern.
The battle raged on, and one by one, the contenders began to fall. When the dust settled, Fugaku stood alone in the center of the arena, his breath heavy but victorious. The crowd roared in approval, recognizing him as the new clan leader of the Uchiha.
Mikoto, who had been holding her breath, let out a sigh of relief, her eyes shining with pride. As Fugaku caught sight of her, he straightened, glancing at her with a warm, knowing smile.
But as Fugaku approached the edge of the arena, the crowd fell silent, watching as he stopped before Mikoto. In one smooth motion, he knelt before her, looking up into her eyes with a gentle smile. He extended his hand toward her, his voice clear and steady.
"Mikoto, will you marry me?
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