Chapter 8: Chapter :8
"Now, you've awakened the Sharingan and become an exceptional Uchiha, and what's even more remarkable is that you're only ten years old," Fugaku said, his tone both firm and encouraging.
The time when one awakens the Sharingan doesn't always dictate their future strength, as some who awaken it later in life can still become powerful. However, opening the eyes early does provide more time for the Sharingan to evolve. During the developmental years, emotions are most volatile, and the Sharingan is most likely to evolve during this period. As one matures, emotional control becomes stronger, and it becomes more difficult to open or advance the Sharingan.
Thus, the Uchiha clan holds the belief that the sooner someone awakens their Sharingan, the more likely they are to reach a higher level of mastery over it in the future. Even in the original timeline, Uchiha Fugaku had encouraged his son, Itachi, to witness the cruelty of war at the age of five, hoping it would trigger the awakening of his Sharingan.
"Every clan member who awakens their Sharingan is considered a precious asset of the family, and we will do everything we can to cultivate your talent. I hope you grow into a powerful ninja and do not let down the noble bloodline and the Uchiha name."
As Fugaku spoke, he pulled out a sealed scroll from under the table and placed it before Haruto.
"According to the clan's tradition, any member who activates their Sharingan receives financial support. The clan provides 500,000 ryo, and this also includes the pension from your parents, Chiji and Rina…"
"Pension?"
Haruto's brow furrowed. This was the first he had heard of a pension. Despite all the time that had passed since his parents' death, no mention or trace of a pension had ever reached him.
Fugaku's expression shifted, and his three-tomoe Sharingan instantly activated, revealing his growing concern. "Haruto, what do you mean… you haven't received your parents' pension?" Fugaku's already deep voice grew even more serious.
Haruto shook his head.
Seeing this, Fugaku closed his eyes and fell into deep thought. He had just taken over as the clan leader, and yet the clan elders had already begun engaging in such corrupt practices.
Meanwhile, Haruto sat quietly, sipping tea. He realized that his parents' pension had likely been embezzled, but at this point, there was nothing he could do but wait and see how Fugaku would handle the situation.
He had to admit, though, that the tea from the patriarch's house was exceptional. Even someone like Haruto, who wasn't knowledgeable about tea, could tell that it was of high quality.
After a long silence, Fugaku finally opened his eyes, the magatama in his Sharingan fading away.
"Haruto."
"Yes, Lord Fugaku?"
"Don't worry. As a Uchiha who has awakened the Sharingan, what's rightfully yours will always remain yours. Not even the Hokage can take that away!" Fugaku reassured him. "By the way, since you've opened your Sharingan, you're eligible to visit the family treasury and choose a ninjutsu scroll. Take my warrant with you. Also, remember to attend the clan meeting tonight at Nanga Shrine."
Fugaku handed a warrant to Haruto, who accepted it with a respectful nod.
The clan meeting, held at Nanga Shrine, took place on the 9th of every month and was attended by all Uchiha elites who had unlocked their Sharingan. The 9th of January, the birthday of Indra Otsutsuki, was the grandest of all, celebrated as a festival by the Uchiha clan.
"Thank you, Lord Fugaku. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
Fugaku nodded, watching Haruto exit the room. He then stood up, looking out at the pond in the small courtyard beyond the window, hands clasped behind his back.
Fugaku had achieved much at a young age. He had become a powerful Jonin, awakened his three-tomoe Sharingan, and inherited the position of clan leader of the prestigious Uchiha clan. He was respected, and many of his peers in Konoha envied his status.
But despite his success, Uchiha Fugaku wasn't content.
He knew that in the eyes of many, especially the older generation of Uchiha elders, he was still unproven. Although he was the official clan leader, true power remained in the hands of these elders. They were the ones who had survived the Warring States period and witnessed firsthand the leadership of Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama when Konoha was founded. As senior members of the clan, they clung to the old ways and distrusted the current village leadership.
In their eyes, Konoha had been built by Senju and Uchiha together. They resented that Sarutobi Hiruzen, once a mere junior compared to their own, had risen to power as Hokage and dominated the village. They were displeased with the current leadership and even more dissatisfied with the young Fugaku taking over.
Fugaku, too, was deeply dissatisfied with the current state of the Uchiha clan. He resented how much power the elders held over him, the rightful clan leader.
But now, he saw an opportunity—a chance to take control of the clan's power for himself.
The embezzlement of Haruto's parents' pension could serve as the catalyst. In the case of civilian ninjas who died in battle, pensions were usually paid out by the village, but such corruption often went unchecked. However, when it came to the ninja clans, it was different. The money was transferred directly to the clans, and it was up to the families to ensure it reached the right people. Uchiha was no exception, and like the Hyuga clan, they even added their own internal subsidies.
From Haruto's experience, it was clear that something had gone wrong within the clan. Fugaku realized that this issue might provide him with the leverage he needed to wrest some power away from the elders.
Throughout history, great changes have often stemmed from small events. Uchiha Fugaku was determined to use this incident as a stepping stone to reclaim the authority that rightfully belonged to him as the head of the Uchiha clan.
And yet…
Fugaku's gaze shifted toward the door through which Haruto had just exited.
"This boy shows great potential," Fugaku thought to himself. "Unlike some of the more reckless members of the clan, his demeanor is calm, his talent exceptional. He's even been named the top student of his generation and awakened his Sharingan at such a young age. If I can win his loyalty, he could become a Jonin-level confidant in just a few years."
With this thought in mind, Fugaku called for a trusted servant and handed him a new token.
"When you catch up with Haruto, tell him I was distracted and accidentally gave him the wrong token. Replace it with this one. Also, reassure him that, as the clan leader, it is my duty to protect every promising talent within our family."
(End of the Chapter).
-----------------------------------------------------
Here Samurai💖
I deeply appreciate your support since the beginning of this exciting journey!
I hope each chapter has provided incredible moments. If you like my work and would like to support the continuation of this fanfic, consider becoming a patron with plans starting at $5!. As a token of gratitude, I offer access to more than 20 extra chapters
🖤patreon.com/Samurai492🖤
Visit our Patreon for more:
https://patreon.com/Samurai492
Extra Content Already Available.