"Help?" The enchanting Uchiha Mikoto brushed her hair away from her ears with her soft hands and stated, "If I can assist, I will do my utmost."
Even though he was unfamiliar with her, regardless of whether the person was a Jōnin from the clan or an injured individual, it was no trouble to offer a favor as the wife of the clan leader.
"Could it be that Mr. Naraku has someone he cares for?"
Assuming that the person was still unattached, Uchiha Mikoto made a light-hearted remark.
Uchiha Naraku replied slowly. "It's wise to save up before pursuing a partner. My present circumstances are not appropriate for such matters.
Regarding this issue, while I appreciate your willingness to help, it is best if you handle it yourself."
Uchiha Mikoto sensed that something was off. However, before she could take further action, she noticed a shift in Uchiha Naraku's gaze.
Mangekyō Sharingan, the fabled eye documented in the clan's history.
Before Uchiha Mikoto could respond, her entire body went slack, and she collapsed, slipping into a slumber.
Uchiha Naraku gazed at Uchiha Mikoto lying on the ground and murmured.
"But there is no time for you to prepare anything further."
"Mother!" Uchiha Sasuke, standing nearby, still unaware of the situation, hurried over.
"Your mother is alright." Uchiha Naraku performed the seal, created a Shadow Clone, and swiftly seized Uchiha Sasuke.
"What are you doing?" Uchiha Sasuke continued to struggle, wanting to fight back.
Yet even the incapacitated Uchiha Naraku was beyond the capabilities of a young child like him.
"I only require your cooperation."
The Shadow Clone produced a kunai.
This caused the little boy, still attending ninja school, to break out in a cold sweat.
Particularly when he observed Uchiha Naraku's emotionless expression.
...
Meanwhile, at the Uchiha Shrine.
Of course, the people here were unaware of the events that transpired at Uchiha Fugaku's residence and engaged in normal conversation.
"Now that Itachi has assumed the role of Captain Anbu, our relations with Konoha's leadership will undoubtedly improve significantly."
"I have faith in Itachi's abilities, so let's set aside other considerations for the time being."
As the narrative reveals, Uchiha Fugaku was trying to calm some extreme elements within the family.
Following the demise of the Fourth Hokage, they had all turned their attention toward the Fifth Hokage's position.
He had been urged multiple times to instigate a coup and take down the Third Hokage.
In reality, Hiruzen had consistently held the title of Hokage without appointing any new candidates, which indeed stirred discontent among some individuals.
"What the patriarch stated is reasonable. Instead of attempting a coup, I believe it's wiser to allow events to unfold naturally and gather support."
"After all, you are aware of the current circumstances in Konoha. There are not many younger individuals who can measure up to Fugaku, and furthermore, Itachi is now seen as a trusted ally of the Third Hokage."
An elder in favor of Uchiha Fugaku voiced his opinion.
Once they finished speaking, many individuals appeared quite displeased and began to express their thoughts.
"They haven't ceased their oppression against us, and their actions are becoming increasingly extreme. Everyone merely regards us as a tool."
"Those individuals do not have faith in us."
"Indeed, appointing Itachi as Captain Anbu is merely a way to pacify the clan leader. They will not allow an Uchiha shinobi to become Hokage."
"I believe we should prepare and take necessary action when the time arises. We cannot depend solely on Itachi."
One by one, the radicals voiced their opinions.
There were numerous individuals among them. Behind the scenes, some were influenced by 'Uchiha Madara,' who was actually Obito in disguise.
These remarks caused Uchiha Fugaku's expression to harden.
He was uncertain about what decision to make. Yet deep down, he did not wish to initiate a coup directly.
"If we genuinely decide to carry out a coup, we will have to confront all the ninjas of Konoha. Have you considered this?"
"This plan is tremendously perilous, and honestly, the course of a coup is simply unfeasible."
"He is correct. What comes after the coup? Even if we succeed, how can a weakened Konoha confront other ninja villages abroad?"
"We will be diminished. Perhaps we will also face defeat. The coup will serve no purpose other than to harm both sides, leading only to our downfall."
The members of the peaceful faction continued their dialogue, which could be interpreted as offering Uchiha Fugaku some backing.
Fugaku then spoke.
"Everyone, you need to have faith in me first and trust Itachi."
"Give Itachi some time, and we will address some of the village's biases."
"You also understand that many biases actually stem from the previous Nine Tails incident."
"This will eventually pass. Please be patient."
If they fail, the Uchiha will face annihilation.
Even if they are successful, the situation in Konoha will undoubtedly draw the attention of other ninja villages.
The ninja war that had just ended not long ago is sure to reignite.
Uchiha Fugaku finally reached a decision.
This time it felt obligatory.
Just as everyone believed this meeting was concluding, footsteps could be heard from outside, followed by a voice.
"It's always like this. You all never change."
"Who is it?"
Everyone was alarmed, activating their Sharingan as they gazed outside the ancestral hall.
Even Uchiha Fugaku, who was seated in front, was focused on the dark corridor.
As he entered the ancestral hall, Uchiha Naraku's figure gradually came into view.
"Uchiha Naraku, what brings you here? Have you fully recovered?"
The people in the ancestral hall recognized Uchiha Naraku, as he had participated in several meetings prior.
Uchiha Naraku lifted his head to meet Uchiha Fugaku's gaze and replied with a smile, "Clan leader, why not consider my suggestion?"
A grin formed on Uchiha Naraku's face; it was a smile that appeared somewhat exaggerated and twisted.
This immediately made many feel uneasy.
"Naraku, what's your perspective?"
Uchiha Fugaku recalled Uchiha Naraku's previous remarks.
The other individual was known for his radical views.
Uchiha Naraku responded straightforwardly.
"Well, how about we initiate a war? Since they blame us for the Nine Tails Rebellion, let's make it a reality.
We'll take direct control of the Nine Tails and eliminate anyone who obstructs us."
Uchiha Naraku smiled benignly.
That enchanting smile sent a shiver down the spines of many in the room, even those radicals eager for conflict.
This was no longer a matter of being radical or not; this was. . . extreme.