"I am Itachi of the Uchiha Clan."
Itachi had to answer this way to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.
"Hmph." Only then did Uchiha Hachida let Itachi go, but the look in his eyes was now filled with caution, no longer trusting Itachi as before.
At such a critical moment, someone ambiguous between the clan and the village was truly a ticking time bomb.
If it weren't for the fact that the opponent was the Clan Leader's son and held the position of Anbu Squad Captain, he would have acted directly to monitor Itachi and prevent him from causing trouble.
After the meeting ended, Fugaku called Itachi aside, frowning slightly at him, "Why did you say such things at the meeting?"
Itachi remained silent.
Fugaku had to sigh and patted Itachi on the shoulder.
"In the future, don't provoke Hachida and the others. He's been dissatisfied with the village and the upper echelons for too long. Even when Uchiha Ruri hadn't defected, he was the most radical in the clan."
"So, does that mean father agrees?"
Referring to the establishment of a regime belonging to the Uchiha within the village.
Itachi raised his head and met Fugaku's gaze.
Fugaku's expression was complicated, and he ultimately sighed again, nodding his head.
Itachi was startled. He had thought that his father, who had appeared so resolute at the meeting, would firmly support the radical's approach.
Now it seemed that Fugaku also didn't want to solve things this way; he was just forced into a corner by Hachida and the other radical clan members, unable to move up or down, left with no option but to walk into the dark.
Seeing Itachi still silent, Fugaku turned and pointed into the distance, asking Itachi:
"Do you know what that is?"
Itachi looked in the direction Fugaku was pointing.
"That's the Kage Rock of the four Hokages."
The symbol of the Hokage, carved there to commemorate the Hokages' achievements, never fading despite the passage of time.
"But the name of the Uchiha Clan is notably absent from it."
Fugaku said solemnly.
A gleam of ambition shone in his eyes.
Being pressured by Uchiha Hachida and others was one thing, but he also longed internally to lead the clan into higher realms.
That is, to make an Uchiha a Hokage, thus guiding Konoha forward, not allowing the Senju Clan to forever stand at the top.
"I understand, Father."
Itachi nodded, seemingly comprehending something.
A clan bound by power, disregarding the village's stability, was truly an unsightly stance.
Fugaku smiled satisfactorily.
"That's my child. Alright, let's go home. Sasuke must be getting impatient."
"No, I still have work with the Anbu. I hope to make more contributions to the clan."
Itachi met Fugaku's gaze.
Fugaku stroked his chin and then agreed.
"Alright, but don't push yourself too hard, come back early."
"Yes."
Itachi knew that even though his father Fugaku didn't explicitly agree to the coup at the meeting just now, his silent attitude had already decided everything.
Whether forced into action or originally having such thoughts, his father Fugaku no longer intended to treat the village with a gentle approach.
He must do something.
After Itachi left, Fugaku paused for a moment and was about to leave when a figure came rushing over.
It was Shisui.
A pillar of the clan, and a young ninja admired by Fugaku.
The future Uchiha Clan Leader was set to be elected between him and Itachi.
"Shisui, what's brought you here at this time?"
"Clan Leader, is Itachi here?"
Shisui asked.
"He's gone to work overtime with the Anbu."
Fugaku replied.
Upon hearing this, Shisui's heart sank.
"Sorry, Clan Leader, I have something urgent to discuss with Itachi. Excuse me."
With these words, Shisui hurried towards the Hokage Building without waiting for Fugaku's response.
Itachi... don't do anything foolish! Shisui's heart was burning with anxiety.
If Itachi chose to return home, nothing would happen, and there would still be room for maneuver.
If Itachi went to the Anbu or the Hokage Building, the situation would truly be dire.