Chapter 60 Fugaku was stunned
Uchiha Shisui found himself completely unable to understand or see through the man before him, let alone influence his thoughts or stop his madness.
After a long silence, just as Uchiha Dali was about to turn and leave, Shisui finally summoned the courage to ask, "Does it really have to be this way, Dali-senpai?"
"I still hope that our clan and the entire village of Konoha can unite, that everyone can work together harmoniously for the future of the village. Wouldn't that be better?"
This question seemed so naive that it was almost laughable.
It also revealed that despite Shisui's immense strength and extraordinary talent, he was, at heart, an idealist.
He could not distinguish between ideals and reality. Even after experiencing the war in the ninja world, he still failed to grasp the harshness of reality.
Uchiha Dali did not rush to criticize him. Instead, he turned around, spread his hands, and rhetorically asked, "Isn't the Uchiha clan already following the path you speak of?"
"As far as I know, ever since the time of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, Konoha has been deliberately suppressing our Uchiha clan, systematically weakening our strength both openly and covertly."
"Today's events—I thought you would have seen through them by now. Shisui, let me ask you again, who exactly is stirring up trouble and causing chaos in Konoha?"
"You can't answer, can you? Then let me tell you clearly—the real culprits are the village's higher-ups, led by Danzo Shimura, Homura Mitokado, and Koharu Utatane. They are all direct disciples of the Second Hokage. You know this, don't you?"
Dali's string of words left Shisui once again at a loss.
It wasn't just because his argument was logical and fact-based.
More importantly, Shisui had indeed just witnessed the arrogance of the village's leadership firsthand.
"We all desire peace, but simply wishing for peace isn't enough. Empty slogans will only make us fools to be used by others. We must have the power to protect peace and take real action."
"I'll say it again, Shisui. You can consider things from the perspective of the bigger picture and act as a conservative, but you must remain neutral."
"Since you're all afraid of change, I'll take on the role of the villain."
"I've said my piece. Think carefully about what I just told you."
Uchiha Dali gave Shisui a deep stare.
In that instant, his pupils transformed from ordinary black irises into the shape of the Mangekyō Sharingan.
At the same time, an overwhelming wave of Conqueror's Haki accompanied the change in his eyes, crushing down on Shisui.
This blatant warning was received loud and clear.
Shisui stood frozen in place, unable to say anything, watching as Dali turned and left with an air of nonchalance.
At this moment, Shisui's mind kept replaying everything Dali had just said.
It seemed that he was powerless to stop what was about to happen. Moreover, no one seemed capable of halting Uchiha Dali's advance.
"Seizing control of Konoha without bloodshed… Is that even possible?"
Shisui couldn't help but question himself.
He found no answers—only a headache.
---
Back in the Uchiha compound, Dali first took a relaxing soak in the hot springs, washing away the dirt accumulated from days of battle.
Just as he changed into fresh clothes, he heard a commotion outside.
An Uchiha clansman came to inform him that Uchiha Fugaku had summoned all the clansmen for a meeting.
Following the lower-ranked Uchiha messenger, Dali soon arrived at Naka Shrine, where the clan meetings were held.
At that moment, the clan leader, Uchiha Fugaku, was presiding over a gathering, primarily to mourn the Uchiha who had fallen in the recent war.
Upon seeing Dali return, Fugaku immediately paused, shifting his gaze toward him.
The other clansmen, noticing this, also turned their attention to Dali in unison.
"Dali, what did the village higher-ups say about our clan's contributions?" Fugaku asked with a smile.
Beneath his calm expression was a heart filled with unease.
Everyone could already guess the answer. If not for deliberate suppression, how could the villagers remain ignorant of the Uchiha clan's achievements?
Dali walked casually to Fugaku's side, turned to face the assembled Uchiha, and directly stated, "Danzo Shimura admitted that he was the one who ordered our achievements to be concealed from the public."
"However, after a friendly and constructive discussion, he has agreed to rectify this and restore our rightful honor."
His words were delivered so casually that the entire Uchiha clan was momentarily stunned.
They exchanged glances, struggling to process what they had just heard.
Fugaku, however, was visibly moved.
He fixed his gaze on Dali, refraining from speaking immediately.
Since Dali had finished speaking without elaborating further, he turned to Fugaku and said, "Clan leader, please continue."
"Alright…"
Fugaku's eyes flickered with suspicion. Knowing that Dali might be withholding information, he simply nodded.
Once the meeting concluded and the other clansmen dispersed, Fugaku found an opportunity to speak with Dali privately.
"Dali, what exactly happened just now?"
"From what I know of Danzo-sama, if he truly ordered the suppression of our clan, he would not easily back down."
Fugaku's expression was serious.
"You're right."
"That's why I didn't bother reasoning with him."
"Then what did you do?"
Fugaku's eyelids twitched slightly, his pupils contracting in surprise.
"I fought him."
"What? You… You fought Danzo-sama?!"
Fugaku was visibly shaken, staring at Dali in disbelief.
Dali, however, looked completely indifferent, spreading his hands. "Relax, I didn't disgrace the Uchiha clan. Otherwise, he wouldn't have backed down so obediently."
"But…"
Fugaku felt chills run down his spine.
The sheer audacity of such an action was beyond comprehension.
Even as the Uchiha clan leader, he had never dared to attempt something so reckless—he had never even entertained the thought.
At this moment, countless concerns flashed through his mind: the possibility of escalating conflict between the Uchiha clan and the village, the potential for severe consequences…
His expression grew increasingly complex.
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