"Fang Yuan, you have triggered the resonance of the stone sculpture, which means that Ancestor Zhili recognizes your talent. Throughout history, only a few Uchiha have matched your potential. Perhaps you can achieve the same greatness as Ancestor Madara in the future."
In the side room, Fugaku poured black tea for Fang Yuan, gesturing for him to taste it. "You're still young, so tea is better than wine. Wine isn't good, so drink less of it."
Fang Yuan nodded, accepting the clan leader's kindness. As he sipped the tea, Fugaku's stern face softened into a rare smile. It was a sight that might have surprised Fugaku's son, Uchiha Itachi, if he had been present.
"It is my honor, Mr. Fugaku. Oh... Master."
Fang Yuan raised his teacup in a gesture of respect before drinking it in one gulp. Addressing Fugaku as "Master" was a recognition of their new relationship. In the ninja world, the bond between master and disciple was highly valued, representing a significant inheritance and trust.
Fugaku, pleased by Fang Yuan's gesture, chuckled warmly. "Alright! Fang Yuan, from now on, you will be my disciple. As long as I am here, no one in the Uchiha clan will dare to disrespect you."
Fugaku continued, "Starting tomorrow, you will come here for training. I will teach you some ninjutsu tailored to your style. On weekdays, you can practice with Itachi. He's a good opponent."
"Also, I will teach you how to use the Sharingan. By the way, did you activate your Sharingan in the cave today?"
Fugaku asked with a hint of anticipation.
"No," Fang Yuan replied truthfully. Despite possessing the Sharingan, it wasn't yet his own. Even with the dramatic events in the cave, Fang Yuan's emotions hadn't reached the necessary intensity to activate it. He would have to wait for Putian Yilang to return and perform the surgery in a month.
Fugaku, misunderstanding Fang Yuan's silence as insecurity about not having activated his Sharingan, offered comfort. "Fang Yuan, a ninja's strength isn't solely defined by their Sharingan. Uchiha Madara, who co-founded Konoha with the first Hokage, was exceptional even without his Sharingan."
He continued, "There are legends in the ninja world who mastered various techniques: escape techniques, taijutsu, ninjutsu, sword techniques, sealing techniques, forbidden techniques, summoning techniques, and senjutsu. Even the basic three body techniques can make a ninja legendary."
Fugaku's expression turned serious as he mentioned, "You know Shisui, right? His Flickering Technique surpasses even Kage-level warriors. His ability to transform afterimages into reality makes his attacks nearly undefendable. No one in Konoha can match this, not even Sandaime-sama, known as the Ninjutsu Doctor."
Fugaku refilled Fang Yuan's cup and continued, "The first lesson I want to impart is to define your own Ninja Way. A ninja with a strong Ninja Way possesses a greater willpower. Whether you seek to become the strongest or to protect your people, your belief must be steadfast as you pursue strength."
"Thank you for your guidance, Master Fugaku."
"Do you have your own Ninja Way now, Uchiha Fang Yuan?" Fugaku inquired, his gaze focused on Fang Yuan.
"Do you want my nindo to be to protect the Uchiha?" Fang Yuan responded with a question of his own.
"Everyone has their own ideas. I won't impose my views on you. I can only share that my own path as a ninja was driven by the desire to support the Uchiha and my family."
Fugaku's dedication was clear, and Fang Yuan admired it.
"My Ninja Way is quite simple. I just want to live longer," Fang Yuan stated calmly.
Fugaku was taken aback but quickly understood, thinking of Fang Yuan's parents who had died in the war. The boy's wish to avoid conflict and prolong his life made perfect sense.
Fugaku sighed, "The village's attitude towards the Uchiha is growing increasingly hostile. I've tried gentle approaches to ease tensions, but the dissatisfaction within the clan remains. What do you think should be done?"
Fang Yuan felt a bit uneasy about being asked such a question. Yet, he answered with thoughtful consideration:
"A couple argues, fights at the head of the bed, and reconciles at the foot. Currently, neither Uchiha nor Konoha can completely sever their ties. Rather than escalating the conflict to war, a proper separation could lead to a more rational perspective for both sides."
"You suggest that the Uchiha migrate out of Konoha?" Fugaku's eyes widened in disbelief. The idea of an entire clan relocating was almost unheard of and could be considered rebellion according to Konoha's laws.
"If we stay, we may face eventual defeat. It's unlikely that the Uchiha could overcome the village within Konoha. Instead of being marginalized, it would be better to establish a new clan. We need not be enemies with Konoha. By forming Uchiha Ninja Village, we can recruit wandering ninjas, break the clan system, and accept outsiders. This way, we maintain our independence while still engaging with Konoha as a friendly ally. This approach aligns with Madara's original intentions and allows us to avoid being mere pawns in future conflicts."
Fang Yuan's unconventional proposal surprised Fugaku, who was momentarily speechless. But soon, a smile crept onto his face. "The future belongs to you young people..."