"But... who will the clan choose next..."
Rika was a little at a loss.
The Konoha Uchiha Clan, having lost Elder Shikora, had no idea what it would become.
"Fugaku will do. Leave it to him. From now on, he will be the Clan Leader of the Uchiha Clan."
Hearing Elder Shikora say this, Rika felt that the position of Clan Leader was arranged almost too casually.
"Is Fugaku really capable?"
Rika wasn't doubting Fugaku's strength; in fact, Fugaku's power surpassed his own.
But Fugaku's temperament was not suited to lead the radicals; he was more suitable for the conservatives.
The problem was, now, among the Uchiha Clan, the radicals held the greatest power.
"For the radicals to covet the Hokage's seat is to seek death. Fugaku still has a slim chance of seizing the Hokage's position, because, like the Uchiha Kagami whom I killed, he is among the few ninjas in our clan who respect the Will of Fire. Senju Hashirama's will still influences the current Uchiha. It depends on whether Fugaku knows how to use it."
Elder Shikora recalled some unpleasant memories and gave a cold snort.
Rika sighed, saying nothing. After all, it was him, the errand boy, who would bear the fatigue and hardship.
"Take this away too; I no longer need such power."
Elder Shikora placed the medicinal glass bottle containing a pair of Mangekyo Sharingan into Rika's hand.
After accepting the item, Rika left Elder Shikora's residence.
The rain had completely stopped; the sun was slowly showing itself, and the air was still tinged with dampness.
Elder Shikora looked at the clearing sky, thinking that Ruri and the clanspeople she led had probably reached safety by now.
At this moment, Konoha couldn't even muster a proper pursuit force; just handling the war was already driving them to their limits.
This timing was perfect.
"From now on, the future of Uchiha is in your hands, Ruri..."
Senju Hashirama's will was too soft, while Uchiha Madara's will was too extreme.
Yet someone able to transcend that cursed bondage, able to face overwhelming power and still remain unwavering, such a person would never become a slave to power, nor let their soul be tainted.
"Those whose thoughts are dark can never see the brilliance of humanity, only ever criticizing the world from the depths of darkness and pessimism. The Sharingan is the Eye of Mind Reflection. Move forward along the path that is clear in your heart, Ruri, this curse whose meaning no one knows will one day... though perhaps I won't live to see that day arrive."
Elder Shikora breathed out a laughter and sighed. Why think so much?
This new era was already beyond the reach of an old relic like himself from the past.
Konoha might have a hundred faults, but it was well suited for him to live out his years here.
In this village, where not even a trace of the Uchiha's presence could be found, where Uchiha's nature was shackled, Elder Shikora cared nothing for its survival or decline.
Only the thought that this village might slowly be corroded by power, watching as Senju's will sank into the abyss, for him as an Uchiha, was nothing less than supreme joy.
On reflection, nothing could be more worthy of applause.
He walked into the house, the door closing tightly behind him.
◎
Hyuga family.
In the corridor, Hiashi sat there calmly.
In front of him stood a birdcage, inside which was a bird.
When he opened the cage, the bird, perhaps having forgotten how to soar, saw the open door and remained unmoved, pecking lightly at its food inside the cage.
"Not going to leave? She's already gone, staying here means nothing to you anymore... Fly, leave this place."
Hiashi's question received no reply.
He vaguely recalled that the day he bought this bird was also the day he first met Ayane.
He had never thought Ayane would one day truly break free of the birdcage and fly out from the family's cage into the sky.
But... why... couldn't this bird fly out?
Instead, it stayed so docilely?
"The person left yesterday, you're free now, you can fly out."
Hiashi urged the bird in the cage once again to leave.
The bird only continued to peck at its food.
"Brother, no matter how you look at it, a bird can't answer such a question."
A young man, closely resembling Hiashi, walked up the corridor and spoke.
This was none other than Hiashi's younger brother, Hyuga Hizashi.
"I know only a bird is imprisoned in the cage—not a person. And the greatest difference between man and bird is this: man is a creature that breaks free of fate's chains."
Hiashi turned, locking eyes with Hizashi as he spoke.
Hizashi looked slightly surprised, not expecting Hiashi to say such things.
"Is that guard really so important to you?"
"She was a most unusual presence."
"It's best not to tell the elders that. When she left last night, she killed many clansmen."
"I understand. I am the Hyuga Clan Leader. But so many birds flew out freely last night, and there will be more in the future, I imagine. I can't picture such a thing. Once a person's innate freedom is unleashed, it becomes an incomparable will and spirit—as if even death cannot frighten or deter them."
Hiashi spoke in a tone almost reverent.
He closed the birdcage's door.
If it didn't want to leave, then let it stay.
One day, this bird would wish to fly away.
"The greatest difference between people and birds is that people break free from fate."
Hiashi stood, took up the birdcage, repeated the phrase, and walked toward the end of the corridor.
—Only those unwilling to submit to fate can paint rich and vibrant pictures upon the world.
Would the future Hyuga Clan be able to paint such an expansive blue sky? Let these birds truly soar free together... Hiashi gazed at the clear sky, the seed of a great question quietly rooted in his heart.