Chapter 46: Seizing the Fourth Hokage's Position
Uchiha Dali curiously approached the clan leader, Uchiha Fugaku, and asked in a low voice, "Why does everyone look so unhappy?"
"We won the war, didn't we?"
Uchiha Fugaku, who had been deep in thought, stopped in his tracks upon hearing this and looked into Dali's eyes.
"Dali, your outstanding performance in this battle has spread across the entire ninja world. Everyone recognizes your strength, but… what a pity…"
Fugaku's face was filled with sorrow. "If only the Uchiha clan had more people like you and Shisui."
As he spoke, he let out a sigh, his eyes full of regret.
Dali remained silent. After a while, Fugaku continued, "This time, our Uchiha clan has achieved what can only be described as a pyrrhic victory."
"Over three hundred clansmen followed me into battle, yet less than half have returned safely."
"As clan leader, I feel nothing but guilt and self-reproach…"
Fugaku's words left Dali in deep contemplation.
Now he understood why the Uchiha clansmen all seemed so lifeless and silent.
Among the more than one hundred fallen Uchiha, there must have been their relatives, friends, and lovers…
In such circumstances, who could possibly feel any joy?
Moreover, even if Fugaku hadn't said anything, Dali knew there was a deeper reason behind the clan's somber mood.
It was a lingering shadow hanging over their hearts—something even more unsettling than losing their loved ones and comrades.
Dali was not skilled at offering comfort.
He took a deep breath and suddenly asked, "Lord Fugaku, looking on the bright side, our Uchiha clan made great contributions this time. Surely, we have a stake in the position of the Fourth Hokage, don't we?"
"The Fourth Hokage?"
Fugaku was momentarily stunned and looked at Dali in surprise. "Why would you think that?"
Then he shook his head and chuckled bitterly. "The Third Hokage is still in power, and he's in his prime. It's far too early to talk about choosing a successor."
Whether from his eyes, his tone, or his words, Dali could see the intense desire and helplessness within him.
As clan leader, he bore the responsibility of revitalizing the Uchiha clan.
And the best way to restore the Uchiha as Konoha's most prestigious family was, without a doubt, to control the entire village.
If the Uchiha clan ruled Konoha, they could set all the rules.
Unfortunately…
Despite the passage of time and three generations of Hokage, there had never been any sign that the Uchiha had a chance at becoming the village's leaders.
"I have a different perspective, Lord Fugaku."
Dali smiled subtly, exuding an air of mystery.
Seeing this, Fugaku's curiosity was piqued. "And what perspective is that?"
"I believe the Third Hokage's time in office is coming to an end."
"Oh? What makes you think that?"
Fugaku's eyes flickered with interest. His previous frustration and disappointment now gave way to curiosity.
"The Uchiha clan, as Konoha's most powerful family, suffered such severe losses. One can only imagine the price paid by the other clans and the rest of the village's forces."
Dali's explanation made Fugaku's face show a hint of surprise.
As he pondered it further, he realized Dali had a point.
And it led him to think even deeper.
Everyone knew that Konoha's leadership was not solely in the hands of Hiruzen Sarutobi. The other senior advisors, along with Danzo Shimura, also held significant influence over the village's structure.
Not to mention the Daimyō of the Land of Fire, who stood behind Konoha's government.
Now that the war had ended, there would inevitably be rewards for some and consequences for others.
Considering the current situation, as the supreme commander of the war, the Third Hokage would likely face scrutiny from the Daimyō.
"Even I hadn't thought that far ahead… And yet, he's already considered it…"
Snapping out of his thoughts, Fugaku gave Dali a long, meaningful look.
At that moment, he realized that the young Uchiha before him not only possessed strength surpassing most of the clan but also an extraordinary strategic vision.
"For the Uchiha clan to have such an exceptional member is truly our greatest fortune…"
While Fugaku was beginning to see Dali in a new light, admiring him in silence…
Dali suddenly spoke again, "I made a bet with Namikaze Minato."
"Hm?"
Fugaku was once again taken aback, turning to look at Dali in confusion.
"We bet on who could kill the most enemies on the battlefield. The loser would have to fulfill a request from the winner."
Dali continued, while Fugaku quietly listened without interrupting.
At that moment, Shisui, who had been listening to their conversation from a short distance away, slowed his pace and walked over to join them.
"You made a bet with Minato-senpai?"
Shisui looked at Dali with curiosity.
"He lost."
"I told him that if the Third Hokage decided to pass the title to him after the war, he would have to give it up."
Dali's plan for the Uchiha's resurgence had already begun.
At this moment, he had no qualms about revealing these secrets to Fugaku, the clan leader, and Shisui, once hailed as 'Uchiha's strongest.'
As expected, upon hearing his words, Fugaku, Shisui, and even several elite Uchiha warriors nearby all reacted with subtle shifts in expression.
Fugaku and Shisui, in particular, now looked at Dali with even more complexity and depth in their eyes.
Then, Dali suddenly flashed a bright, confident smile at them.
"What do you all think? Can I be Hokage?"
His tone was serious and sincere, showing no signs of jest.
This question once again left Fugaku, Shisui, and the others momentarily stunned.
"You predicted in advance that the Third Hokage would likely step down after the war, and you believed the most probable successor would be Minato?"
Fugaku furrowed his brows tightly, staring at Dali in disbelief.
"And so, you made a bet with Minato-senpai, forcing him to give up his claim to the Hokage position if he lost?" Shisui added, analyzing the situation.
Dali smiled confidently. "That's right. And I won."