Evening.
Just as Akihara Kagura said, something big is going to happen in Konoha.
Nankai Shrine.
Members of the Uchiha Clan entered in groups, each with a resolute and solemn expression, especially Uchiha Fugaku, whose demeanor was even more determined.
Ever since Uchiha Fugaku learned that Akihara Kagura was promoted to Hokage Guard and assistant, he immediately understood Sarutobi Hiruzen's decision and decided to launch a coup while the clan members were united to seize power in Konoha.
At this gathering of the Uchiha Clan, the decision to initiate a coup was unanimously passed once again, and Uchiha Fugaku showed no sign of opposition.
The only one struggling was Uchiha Itachi.
Because his opinion diverged from his father's.
Just as the gathering was ending, Uchiha Fugaku suddenly called out to his son, "Itachi, don't be in a rush to leave. I have something to talk with you."
After saying this, Uchiha Fugaku led his son to a stone tablet that had stood in Nankai Shrine for generations: "This is the stone tablet passed down through the Uchiha Clan for generations, said to contain the carvings of the Six Paths Sage, readable only by those with the clan's Sharingan..."
"..."
Uchiha Fugaku looked at the stone tablet and continued, "However, those with the Mangekyo Sharingan can read more..."
"Do you want me to tell you?"
Uchiha Itachi's eyes turned a shade of blood-red.
"There's no need."
Uchiha Fugaku shook his head slightly and turned his head so his son could see his eyes, which had the eerie Sharingan—it was none other than the Mangekyo Sharingan!
"Mangekyo Sharingan..."
Uchiha Itachi discovered his father's eyes for the first time!
All this time, Uchiha Fugaku seemed like an ordinary Uchiha ninja, possessing the pride of the Uchiha Clan, showing no apparent talent or skills.
No one expected...
Uchiha Fugaku to have concealed himself so deeply!
Clearly, as the head of the clan, he hid his strength, unwilling to let the clan members or Konoha's top brass know his abilities!
"During the Third Shinobi World War, my friend sacrificed his life to save me, and with blood and tears, I gained the Mangekyo Sharingan..."
Uchiha Fugaku lowered his head, looking at the stone tablet before him, able to read its content, even see its history: "Even with the Mangekyo Sharingan, I cannot read the text at the back of the tablet; it seems our bloodline has further to go..."
"However..."
"Even just this part is enough..."
"Konoha has always feared the power of our clan, and you've seen the hostility towards the Uchiha within Konoha Village. If they don't change, we have no way to change any of this..."
"Especially when the Third Hokage announced that Akihara Kagura brat as his guard and assistant, I completely understood the attitude of the top brass, and in the future, the village will continue to oppose the Uchiha, continue to persecute our clan..."
"..."
Uchiha Itachi found it impossible to refute.
"I was the first to offend Akihara Kagura."
Uchiha Itachi lowered his head and earnestly explained the story between him and Akihara Kagura: "Akihara Kagura was born in Konoha Orphanage, always respecting the director Yakushi Nonou and his friend Kabuto. I was on a mission for Shimura Danzo and almost killed them..."
"Itachi!"
Uchiha Fugaku stared at his son, shaking his head: "At this point, there's no meaning in speaking of this. We must fight for a future for the Uchiha Clan..."
"I've always hidden the fact that I possess the Mangekyo Sharingan because I was worried that our clan members would pressure me to initiate a coup earlier; I hoped to see a change in Konoha's leadership, hence the delay until now..."
"Now..."
"There's no other road."
"There is no other path to take but to choose a coup."
"This is not just your mistake, Itachi. It was already determined long ago when the Second Hokage segregated the Uchiha Clan from Konoha."
"The existence of these eyes is to ensure that the Uchiha will not be powerless with regret when protecting important people; now is the time to use these eyes..."
"..."
Uchiha Itachi remained silent, contemplating for a while, unexpectedly suggesting a strange idea: "What if I kill Akihara Kagura? As long as I kill Akihara Kagura, there's room for reconciliation between the Uchiha and Konoha, right?"
"..."
Uchiha Fugaku looked at his son incredulously, as if seeing him for the first time: "You want to kill Akihara Kagura?"
Uchiha Fugaku shook his head, speaking softly: "Since you already harbor murderous intent towards people in the village, why not support the Uchiha in initiating a coup? He is a candidate for the next Hokage, killing him is no different from a coup..."
"..."
Uchiha Itachi remained silent once more, then proposed his thought: "At least this way, peace can still be possible in the future, without more sacrifices..."
"Assassinating that brat won't be easy."
Uchiha Fugaku looked at his son, speaking in a deep voice: "Akihara Kagura's Wood Release has grown so powerful that it rivals the Mangekyo Sharingan..."
"I will do it."
Uchiha Itachi knelt on one knee in front of his father, bowing his head: "If so, can you prevent the clan from initiating a coup?"