"Clan Head Fugaku."
"I speak on behalf of the Aburame clan—we are willing to join the Uchiha faction.
But, I must apologize!"
"It may sound blunt, but I would prefer to speak with Uchiha Kai directly."
Aburame Shibi's face was grave.
The Aburame clan had always been straightforward in their dealings, without winding words.
From the moment Sarutobi Hiruzen hesitated in the Jounin council chamber earlier, Shibi had made his choice: the Aburame would side with the Uchiha.
The reason was simple.
Hiruzen hesitated.
To Aburame, that was unacceptable.
A Hokage's most important quality was authority.
Whatever the reason—once a decision was made, even if it proved wrong, he had to follow through.
Hokage was not an emperor in name, but in essence the role was no different. His words carried absolute weight.
If he wavered, if he issued contradictory orders, how could subordinates have faith?
Hiruzen's indecision betrayed fear.
Before the Uchiha, he had begun to falter.
And that was no good sign for a leader.
If something was uncertain, then either wait, endure, and strike to kill in one blow—
Or do not act at all.
What leader dithers like Hiruzen, pulled left and right, unable to decide?
Worse still, a leader must keep his thoughts hidden, mysterious. But now, Shibi could already see through Hiruzen's mind. That was dangerous.
The old Hokage was no longer the great shinobi of legend.
Age had caught him.
He wanted stability, unwilling to risk.
But how was that possible—when his opponent was the overbearing Uchiha?
Especially Uchiha Kai: brilliant in strategy, cautious in planning, yet bold in action. Even after awakening the Mangekyo, he was still willing to gamble everything, threatening to drag the clan into ruin just to shake Hiruzen.
He dared to go down together.
On one side: an old man hesitating, clinging to safety.
On the other: a vigorous genius, powerful, daring, and cunning to the extreme.
Was the choice really that hard?
Not to mention—the Aburame clan also bore personal grudges against the Hokage faction.
All because of Danzo.
With Hiruzen's indulgence, Danzo had been carving away at their foundation for years.
Aburame Torune, Aburame Yoji, Aburame Hisayuki… countless talents had been swallowed into Root.
If it had been just Anbu, Shibi would have tolerated it. Those who served there could eventually return to normal lives.
But Root?
Enter, and first you are brainwashed. Then you are nothing but a tool. There was no leaving, except through death.
Only days ago, after Aburame Hisayuki's death, Danzo came again—this time taking the clan's brightest prodigy, Aburame Ryoma.
Uncle might endure. Aunt might endure. But not both.
And tonight's events gave Shibi the perfect chance to act.
"Uh… well," Fugaku's lips twitched. "Kai-kun isn't here tonight. He's not in the compound.
But—he foresaw this matter. He asked me to tell you not to leave. Stay in his home for the night; he'll return in the morning.
Still… is it necessary?
I may not compare to Kai-kun, but I am the clan head of the Uchiha. Surely speaking with me is the same!"
Fugaku couldn't help bristling.
Yes, he knew Kai outshone him in ability. But damn it—was Shibi going to give him no face at all? He was still the Uchiha clan head! Did that mean nothing?
So he relayed Kai's words, but then added those extra lines.
Shibi, however, remained calm.
He lifted his tea, sipped, set the cup down, and nodded with solemnity.
"That will do."
"Aburame will join the Uchiha faction. We ask for no reward.
I have only one personal request: that the Uchiha help us rescue our clan prodigy, Aburame Ryoma.
Danzo has taken him into Root. Within days, he will be brainwashed and branded with the Seal of Absolute Obedience.
If he is to be saved, it must be done immediately."
He spoke directly, without hesitation.
There was no slight against Fugaku. This was simply the Aburame way—blunt, efficient, wasting no words.
Since Fugaku had offered to speak, Shibi had no objection.
But upon hearing the request, Fugaku froze.
Clearly, he could not decide this.
It wasn't that he lacked strength. With the Mangekyo, he could indeed infiltrate Root and spirit someone away.
But could he dare?
This was Danzo—the Hokage's close ally, head of Root, a village elder. After what had already happened tonight, to provoke him further…
If Fugaku had a choice, he would avoid trouble.
And that was his greatest flaw.
As clan head, not only could he not see the tide of events clearly, he lacked the decisive will a leader required.
A chief need not be a master strategist, but in the crucial moment, he must strike the table and decide.
Fugaku could not.
This, too, was the root of the Uchiha's downfall in the original tale.
A weak leader meant a weak clan.
Time ticked by.
At last, Fugaku spoke awkwardly.
"I truly cannot decide this matter. Shibi-dono, please rest for the night. Tomorrow, you may discuss it with Kai-kun. I'll have someone show you the way."
Reluctant words. But he had backed down.
Shibi did not argue. His expression unchanged, he merely nodded, rose, and left.
Only after he was gone did Fugaku sigh, shaking his head helplessly.
Mikoto came in then.
Seeing his troubled face, she massaged his brow gently.
"Fugaku, what is it? The Aburame may not match the Uchiha, but among Konoha's clans they are still second tier. Their allegiance should make you happy."
Fugaku's mouth twitched. Embarrassed, he confessed his dilemma.
Mikoto listened, then smiled softly.
After a pause, she spoke with quiet weight.
"It doesn't matter. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. But to me, no matter what, you are the pillar of our family.
Let the right person do the right thing. If Kai-kun has that talent, then all you need to do is trust him and support him."
"…"
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