The Grand Elder frowned as he stared at Uchiha Fugaku. His voice was deep and cold as he retorted:
"What do you mean by 'without permission'?"
"First of all, Yunqing is a free adult. He has the right to decide his own path."
"Secondly, he left with my permission."
"What? Do my words no longer carry weight?"
For some reason, the Grand Elder suddenly found Fugaku extremely displeasing.
In an instant, his positive impression of Fugaku shattered completely.
Perhaps it was because Fugaku's sarcastic tone had insulted Yunqing—and indirectly insulted him as well.
Or perhaps it was because Yunqing had shown real potential, awakening the Three-Tomoe Sharingan and displaying courage and responsibility, willingly risking himself for Mikoto and the clan.
"You… this…"
Fugaku was startled by the elder's grim face and stern questioning. Realizing he had misspoken, he hurriedly waved his hands and stammered, trying to salvage the situation.
"I didn't mean that! I only thought that since this is such an important matter, Uchiha Yunqing—as a member of the Uchiha clan—should wait for the clan to discuss it first, and then follow the clan's arrangements."
"Ha!"
The elder let out a cold chuckle, his face full of mockery.
"So you still think I can't make decisions for Yunqing?"
"You haven't even become clan head yet, and you're already acting like one?"
"Very well."
People were like that.
Once they disliked someone, everything about that person became unbearable.
That was exactly how the elder felt toward Fugaku at this moment.
It was as if every word Fugaku said was offensive, every sentence filled with problems.
"I…"
Fugaku couldn't hold it in anymore. The smile on his face vanished, replaced by a gloomy expression. Yet he didn't dare show open displeasure toward the Grand Elder.
After all, he still wanted to marry Mikoto.
And he also needed the support of the Grand Elder's hawkish faction in order to become the next Uchiha clan head.
For a moment, Fugaku felt extremely frustrated and resentful, his anger swelling with nowhere to vent.
In the end, he could only suppress his rage, bow slightly, and speak stiffly.
"Grand Elder, you misunderstand. That's not what I meant."
"Since you don't welcome me today, I'll take my leave."
"Oh, right. I came to inform you that the clan meeting will be held at the Minami Kaga Shrine in one hour."
With that, Fugaku turned and left in a hurry, not even sparing Mikoto a farewell.
His retreating figure looked unusually disheveled.
"Pfft!"
As soon as Fugaku disappeared from sight, Mikoto couldn't hold back anymore. She covered her mouth and laughed, giving her grandfather a thumbs-up.
"Grandpa, well done! You were so sharp today!"
"It's the first time I've ever seen Fugaku get humiliated like that. He looked so pathetic, hee hee!"
That annoying guy finally got what he deserved.
"Haha!"
The elder's anger faded instantly. He couldn't help but laugh as well.
Then he pointed at Mikoto with a helpless smile.
"You little girl—tone it down."
"I know you dislike Fugaku, but keep it to yourself, or only complain in private."
"Don't make it too obvious."
"He is still the clan head's son, and the leader of this generation. Don't give him any leverage."
Of course, from today onward, the so-called "leader" of this generation would be viewed differently.
Instead of praising and encouraging a clansman for boldly seeking opportunities—for himself and for the clan—Fugaku had acted petty, letting personal grudges cloud his judgment and speaking with sarcasm.
That was not the temperament of a leader.
With such character, who knew what kind of disaster he might bring upon the clan?
"How did I never notice this despicable side of this brat before?"
The elder couldn't help but ask himself.
In the end, he could only conclude that Fugaku had simply been too good at pretending in front of him and outsiders, and he had been deceived.
"Hehe! I understand, Grandpa!"
…
Meanwhile, on Fugaku's side—
He returned home with a gloomy expression.
His father, Uchiha Munetada, immediately noticed something was wrong. Under his questioning, Fugaku explained everything that had happened.
In the end, he added angrily, "The Grand Elder is abusing his seniority. He's clearly biased toward Uchiha Yunqing!"
"If it weren't for his interference, I would've already married Mikoto. I would've gained the support of most of the clan and become the rightful young clan leader!"
Upon hearing this, Clan Head Uchiha Munetada immediately frowned and scolded him.
"You brat! How dare you criticize the Grand Elder?"
"Have you forgotten all the manners I taught you?"
"It's just a woman. Why are you acting like you've lost your mind?"
"Even if you can't marry Mikoto, you can marry the granddaughter of the Third Elder or the Fifth Elder."
"They are also hawks. If you gain their support, your chances of becoming the next clan head will increase greatly."
"If you weren't so stubbornly obsessed with Mikoto, would things have turned out like this?"
"I…"
Fugaku looked aggrieved and protested, "I just like Mikoto! Why should Uchiha Yunqing—a mere two-tomoe special jonin—compete with me?"
"And why is the elder taking sides?"
"Ha! Why?"
Munetada laughed in anger, unable to hold back his sneer.
"Because Yunqing and Mikoto are childhood friends."
"Because the Grand Elder treats Yunqing like his own grandson."
"And you still dare complain that the elder is biased?"
"If it weren't for my position as clan head—and the fact that he once genuinely favored you—given his relationship with Yunqing, he would have already arranged for Mikoto and Yunqing to be together long ago."
"And you call that bias? You've probably never seen real bias."
"If you hadn't lost your temper in front of him today, why would he have reprimanded you so harshly?"
Lust truly blinded the mind.
But Fugaku was still unwilling to accept it.
"I didn't say anything wrong! Uchiha Yunqing acted on his own, and I can't even criticize him?"
Those words immediately enraged Munetada.
"Idiot! Do you still not understand where you went wrong?!"
He roared at Fugaku, his face flushed red with fury.
"Not only was it Yunqing's personal choice, but even without any rules or restrictions from the clan, we have no right to forcibly stop him!"
"Even if the matter had been discussed beforehand, you should have praised Yunqing's adventurous spirit first."
"You should have praised his courage."
"You should have displayed magnanimity and broad-mindedness."
"Only then should you kindly point out the risks in his actions."
"That is what a future clan leader should do!"
"Not throw out sarcastic remarks and make yourself look petty!"
"Even if you have grievances and want to punish him later, you should find another opportunity and a proper reason."
"Do you understand?!"
At this moment, Munetada felt as if his son had been swapped at birth.
How could he have inherited absolutely no emotional intelligence or common sense?
And he still wanted to succeed him as clan head?
"Ah… this…"
Fugaku was stunned by his father's furious reprimand.
But it finally woke him up.
Only now did he realize how foolish and shortsighted his actions had been. His face turned awkward with embarrassment.
Did Munetada not understand his son?
Seeing Fugaku's expression, Munetada knew he had finally come to his senses. Still, he glared at him in irritation.
"You've finally understood?"
"Yes…"
Fugaku nodded awkwardly, then lowered his head humbly and asked, "Father… what should I do next?"
"The Grand Elder and Mikoto both seem angry with me this time."