That night, Yuhara followed Uchiha Sō and the others toward a bamboo forest located at the rear of the Uchiha compound.
The forest spanned a sizable area and wasn't far from the clan head's residence. Most importantly, nearly all the hardliner elders lived nearby.
Since Yuhara had agreed to come, he naturally showed up. He was a bit surprised that Sō came along too, but it wasn't a big deal.
Yuhara already guessed the real purpose behind this visit—this was most likely a test of strength.
It was common knowledge that the Uchiha clan revered power, and the hardliners in particular believed violence was the key to seizing control of Konoha.
To make them submit, he had to completely dominate them.
"Let's just hope this isn't a trap… though even if it is—"
Yuhara kept his thoughts to himself. He'd had the same suspicion earlier that morning—so much so that he hadn't even dared to drink a cup of water. In hindsight, he had overthought it. But a ninja should never lower their guard, especially before things were finalized.
Now more than ever, he was in a dangerous position, and he had no intention of relaxing.
Before long, they arrived at a residence at the edge of the bamboo forest. Uchiha Naoki was already waiting at the entrance.
"Welcome," Naoki greeted, nodding at Yuhara before turning to Sō. "Brother, good to see you."
"Cut the chatter. Let's go in," Sō said bluntly. "They're inside?"
"No, in the back," Naoki replied, shifting his gaze back to Yuhara. "Everyone's waiting inside the bamboo grove. Let's head in."
None of them found this arrangement strange. Tonight's purpose was clear, and a more open and secluded setting was ideal for what was to come.
Yuhara nodded slightly. He had no objections. They followed Naoki deeper into the bamboo forest.
The grove was lush and dense, but under the silvery moonlight it looked cold and desolate.
There were no torches or lights—just shadows. It gave the forest a slightly eerie feel.
Soon they reached the center of the grove, and Yuhara noticed numerous figures scattered throughout the area.
True to their nature as shinobi, they remained hidden, spread out in the darkness, making it impossible to see their faces.
But the moment Yuhara arrived, nearly all of them activated their Sharingan.
Scarlet light flickered like embers among the bamboo, amplifying the already tense atmosphere.
Yuhara, however, showed no reaction.
He was certain Naoki had informed them of his earlier threats. Their theatrics were clearly meant to intimidate him—retaliation for being threatened.
He didn't blame them. After all, no one likes being strong-armed. A little posturing was expected, as long as it didn't turn into a real threat.
"So you're Uchiha Yuhara?" a hoarse yet strong voice called out. "The clan's prodigy? The new Mangekyō holder?"
"I wouldn't go so far as to call myself a prodigy," Yuhara replied with a chuckle. "And whether my Mangekyō is new or not… that's not something for you to decide."
He nodded to Sō, then stepped forward alone, speaking slowly as he walked.
"I must say, I'm a little disappointed. Your welcome was not nearly as grand as I expected.
"But that doesn't matter. I understand why I was invited—to stabilize the clan's future. So I came.
"Now it's your turn to speak."
"I suppose the rumors were wrong about you," the old voice replied, now tinged with amusement. "They say you're the least 'Uchiha-like' Uchiha. But clearly… you're one of us."
"You've just buried your pride deeper than the rest—but it's still there. That's the kind of pride I respect."
What a nutcase.
Yuhara thought to himself. Pride? He had been excited when he first transmigrated and realized he was an Uchiha—what guy didn't dream of piloting a Gundam or revving down some metaphorical highway?
But the Uchiha's fate made his head ache. He had wanted to change their outcome from the start, but back then, he had no voice—no strength.
That was why he'd even considered running.
Now that he had real power, there was no need for pretense. He wouldn't be polite just to please them.
And yet, his bluntness was being interpreted as pride. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
These people really were hopelessly twisted.
Taking a deep breath, Yuhara slowly closed his eyes. When he opened them again, his Sharingan had activated—three tomoe glowing crimson.
"You talk too much," he said coldly. "I already told you—I know exactly why you called me here.
"And frankly, I'd like to see what your so-called elite warriors are really capable of.
"After all, you dream of toppling Sarutobi Hiruzen and seizing power from Konoha itself.
"You're planning to take on the entire village."
His lips curled into a smirk, tinged with mockery.
"I'm curious—what kind of strength gives you the confidence to make that move?
"Konoha is just waiting for an excuse to crush you.
"If you can't even get past me… then I suggest you give up your delusions.
"Because if you go forward like this, all you'll bring to the clan is destruction."
With that, Yuhara drew his ninja blade and swung it at a nearby bamboo stalk.
Thwack.
The bamboo fell to the ground in one clean motion. Yuhara compared its length to his blade, then sliced it again to match precisely.
Finally, he thrust his real weapon into the ground and casually picked up the bamboo pole, now shaped like a perfect replica of his sword.
With a light laugh, he raised the wooden pole.
"Come on.
"I'm ready.
"If you want to see my Mangekyō Sharingan, you'd better give me a reason to use it.
"And don't disappoint me…
"I sincerely hope you can impress me."
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