Chapter 18: Attention from Uchiha Fugaku
Uchiha Akira's team's mission to eliminate the rogue samurai group was completed perfectly. Not only did they annihilate all resisting enemies with lightning speed, but they also brought back all the plundered wealth and villagers without a single casualty.
Within the Guard, various discussions about Uchiha Akira's team emerged. Especially those Guard members who were peers with Uchiha Akira or had more seniority, their hearts were filled with mixed emotions. Many of them had secretly mocked Uchiha Akira, the scrawny, unsociable "dead last." Who would have thought that in just a few months, Uchiha Akira had grown to a point where he was beyond their reach?
What surprised them even more was the rapid progress of his team members. In particular, Uchiha Rin, who had only joined Akira's team for a little over ten days, saw her strength advance by leaps and bounds.
Akira's rise also caught the attention of Shisui and Itachi. During a private meeting, they discussed the recent situation and brought up Uchiha Akira. A hint of contemplation flashed in Uchiha Itachi's eyes. "Hmm, I've heard about him. His rise is indeed somewhat unusual. Perhaps he will become another rising genius of the Uchiha Clan after us."
Shisui sighed softly, with a hint of expectation in his eyes. The irreconcilable situation between the Clan and the Village had exhausted Shisui. This suddenly appearing genius, in his view, might be able to join him and become a member who promotes peace.
Uchiha Akira did not become complacent because of these concerns and rumors from various factions within the Clan; instead, he became more vigilant. A tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind. Exposing too much strength too early might not be a good thing, especially during this sensitive period when the Uchiha Clan is plagued by internal and external troubles and is constantly wary of the Konoha higher-ups.
However, these rumors were not entirely without benefit. At the very least, they greatly boosted Uchiha Akira's prestige within the Clan.
[Clan Honor Points: 885 points]
Looking at the continuously growing Clan Honor Points on the system panel, Uchiha Akira's lips curved into a slight smile. These Honor Points could not only be used to "stimulate potential" for loyal Clan members but also to unlock more powerful abilities in the [Clan Skill Tree]. "It seems I need to take on more missions that can increase the Clan's prestige in the future." Akira secretly pondered in his heart.
On the other side, at the Konoha Police Force headquarters, in the Clan Head's office, Uchiha Fugaku held a summary report of recent Guard missions. In recent times, the Konoha higher-ups' suspicion and suppression of the Uchiha Clan had become increasingly apparent, casting a shadow over the entire Uchiha Clan. Uchiha Fugaku's mood was particularly heavy.
His gaze slowly moved across the report, and when he saw the name "Uchiha Akira's Team," his finger paused slightly. "Uchiha Akira..." He had heard a little about this young Clan member. Initially, he performed mediocrely at the Ninja Academy, even earning the title of "dead last." Now, in just a few months, he had become a renowned Uchiha genius, with an exceptionally rapid rise.
Fugaku put down the report in his hand and called for Uchiha Tekka. Soon after, Uchiha Tekka appeared in the Clan Head's office.
"Clan Head." Tekka bowed respectfully.
"What do you think of this Uchiha Akira?" Upon hearing this, a subtle light flashed in Uchiha Tekka's eyes.
"Reporting, Clan Head." Tekka pondered for a moment before speaking: "He is calm-minded and decisive in his actions, a rare talent. I believe his future achievements are limitless."
"Oh?" Such a high evaluation from Tekka did not surprise Uchiha Fugaku.
"His rise is indeed very fast," Fugaku said slowly. "However, overly rapid growth may not be a good thing, especially during this sensitive period."
Uchiha Tekka's heart tightened upon hearing this. He understood the Clan Head's concerns. The Uchiha Clan's current situation was precarious. Any slight disturbance could attract suspicion and suppression from the Konoha higher-ups. While Uchiha Akira's strong rise could boost the morale of the Clan members, it could also become a new target for the Konoha higher-ups.
"I understand the Clan Head's concerns," Tekka said, lowering his head. "However, I believe that what the Uchiha Clan needs most right now are young people like Uchiha Akira who have ability and courage. Constant forbearance and concession will only allow those people to take advantage. We Uchiha need to make our voices heard and display our strength!"
Tekka's tone became somewhat agitated. He had always advocated for the Uchiha Clan to adopt a stronger stance to protect their interests and dignity.
Uchiha Fugaku fell silent upon hearing this. How could he not know that Tekka was speaking the truth? However, as the Clan Head, he had far more to consider than Tekka. The future of the Uchiha Clan and the lives of thousands of Clan members rested on his shoulders; he could not take risks lightly.
"I will continue to monitor this Uchiha Akira." After a long pause, Fugaku finally spoke slowly. "You should also pay close attention to his movements and report any anomalies to me promptly."
"Yes! Clan Head!" Tekka bowed in acknowledgment and then left Uchiha Fugaku's office.
Silence once again returned to the office.
[Uchiha Akira's latest attribute panel]
[Strength: Quasi-Jonin (Peak, about to break through)]
[Mastered Skills: Fire Release Ninjutsu Full Mastery (Intermediate, greatly increased power), Lightning Release Chakra Affinity Mastery (Full mastery of basic Lightning Release Ninjutsu below B-rank, initial grasp of some A-rank Ninjutsu), Sharingan (Two-Tomoe, greatly increased insight, copying, and genjutsu abilities), Chidori (A-rank Ninjutsu, initially mastered, power close to complete version), Lightning Flame Bullet (B-rank composite Ninjutsu, power close to A-rank), (Some basic Ninjutsu hidden)]
[Clan Status: Konoha Police Force Platoon Leader (Has a Platoon structure, greatly increased prestige within the Clan)]
[Clan Honor Points: 1025 points]
[Overall Clan Strength Assessment: Genin Level (Very High) (Due to the host's increased status, enhanced strength of the core team, and increased prestige within the Clan, the Clan's influence has significantly increased, but there is still a gap before a qualitative change in overall strength)]