"Obito, there's no need to regret the failure a few days ago. You're only seven, and Uchiha Aomi is already eleven. The four-year gap is a critical time for a ninja to improve their strength..."
"In the history of the Uchiha clan, geniuses like you who awakened their Sharingan at the age of seven are extremely rare. As long as you receive nurturing from the family and diligently train, surpassing Uchiha Aomi will be a piece of cake!"
Uchiha Setsuna patted Uchiha Obito's shoulder, his expression serious yet excited, his words full of encouragement.
Uchiha Setsuna, who prided himself on inheriting the "Will of Madara," was a representative of the hawkish faction within the Uchiha Clan. He advocated using force to pressure Konoha into concessions, ideally overturning the Hokage Building to make the Uchiha the rulers in one step.
Regarding his methods, one can only say they are quite forceful indeed...
But rather awkwardly, the timing chosen by Uchiha Setsuna wasn't very good. He made his move before the First Ninja World War, at the node right after Senju Hashirama's death.
He thought at the time, with Senju Hashirama dead, the Hokage's line was left with only the insidious Senju Tobirama as the pillar, capable of nothing but intrigue. The remaining Konoha ninja were even less formidable in front of the power of the Sharingan, as if forgetting how Uchiha Izuna died, and launched a fierce charge toward the Hokage Building...
Afterward, Uchiha Setsuna was captured by Senju Tobirama, without even the use of the Flying Thunder God Jutsu.
Senju Tobirama, in a humane gesture, did not execute him but imprisoned him. He was released only in recent years.
But after spending twenty years in prison, Uchiha Setsuna did not change his original intention; instead, he became an even more extreme hawk, vowing to have a showdown with the high echelons of Konoha.
After getting out of prison, Uchiha Setsuna keenly noticed the growing distance between the Uchiha and Konoha. With his deep standing in the clan and his manipulation of clan members' emotions, he quickly became the strategist for Uchiha Fugaku and the elder of the Uchiha Clan.
When Uchiha Obito showcased his talent at Ninja School, Uchiha Setsuna was so ecstatic that he sought out Uchiha Obito that very night, stating the clan would cultivate him heavily.
In Uchiha Setsuna's eyes, Uchiha Obito was an excellent uncut gem that had not been cultivated. With just a bit of brainwashing, he was bound to be a seed leading the hawk faction into a glorious future.
"Come, Obito, I've discussed with Clan Leader Fugaku about the resources within the clan. You can apply for them freely."
Uchiha Setsuna wrapped his arm around Uchiha Obito's shoulder, his eyes flickering with a red radiance, as if his eye power was pulsating: "The essence of Madara-sama's Fire Release, Izuna-sama's Sword Arts are open to you, Dojutsu Literature, Ninja Tools, Ninjutsu, all available to you without limit..."
"Remember, as a member of the Uchiha, as long as you diligently train your Sharingan, there will be no enemy you cannot defeat! Whether it's Water Release, Genjutsu, or some despicable Ninjutsu, none are a match for us!"
"With eye power, you have strength. With strength, you will have everything..."
Uchiha Obito, excited, listened to Uchiha Setsuna's devil-like whisper, his whole body trembling slightly, his face full of excitement.
Seeing the red radiance in Uchiha Setsuna's eyes, his Double-Tomoe Sharingan seemed to respond, slowly rotating.
This was the first time, besides Nohara Rin, that someone showed such concern for him...
In Uchiha Obito's past life, he actually wasn't at the bottom of the barrel, but among his peers in the Uchiha Clan, he was only considered average. Without connections or background, in the prestigious Uchiha family, he was like a transparent person.
But today, the clan leader and elders, whom he only knew by name before, showed him kindness and care, comforting him throughout the entire evening.
Uchiha Obito had thought that the attention he now received was not out of genuine affection, but merely due to recognizing his talent...
But Uchiha Setsuna sharply captured this point, performing with subtle tears in his eyes, explaining the clan's current difficulties as the reason they couldn't pay attention to him sooner, and humbly apologizing using his elder status to a clan member who wasn't yet a ninja.
This albeit cliché but mature and skillful routine, easily captured Uchiha Obito's brain; his innocent and gullible heart was completely won over.
Especially since Uchiha Setsuna even secretly used his eye power to subtly adjust Uchiha Obito's emotions.
"Clan Leader Fugaku, Elder Setsuna, thank you for your care. I will definitely not disappoint the clan and will work hard to restore pride to the name of the Sharingan!"
Uchiha Obito clenched his fists tightly, tears in his eyes, his heart full of grand ambitions.
It was as if he had already become the mainstay of the Uchiha Clan, easily surpassing Aomi with absolute eye power, succeeding as the Uchiha Clan Leader, changing the clan's status, marrying Nohara Rin, and reaching the pinnacle of life!
"Good child, focus on your training with peace of mind. Whether you have difficulties in your heart or confusion in your training, come find the old me anytime."
"As for Uchiha Aomi, he's merely the descendant of a traitor who took the wrong path and defected. Seemingly stronger than you now, but in truth has exhausted his potential, having no future!"
Uchiha Setsuna, satisfied, looked at the desire in Uchiha Obito's eyes, leading him into the clan's secret chamber, lavishly choosing resources.
Meanwhile, Clan Leader Uchiha Fugaku watched the scene with eyes full of concern.
Not yet thirty years old, though he had succeeded as clan leader, his authority within the Uchiha Clan was not firm, needing Uchiha Setsuna's experience to help establish his footing.
In fact, Uchiha Fugaku was not a hawk; he wanted to restore relations with Konoha and find a path to coexistence.
In the original timeline, Uchiha Fugaku agonized over the rebellion issue for nearly twenty years, attempting rebellion only when there was no other path left, yet being betrayed by his own son, his indecision leaving him with no choice but to face a suicidal end.
When Uchiha Setsuna earlier, in his speech, described Aomi as the "descendant of a traitor," it was clearly a veiled reference to Uchiha Kagami, which left Uchiha Fugaku very displeased.
Can the Uchiha clan really rebel?
With just a few pairs of Mangekyo Sharingan, they dare to take the route of an armed coup... Even if the Three Tomoe Uchiha is strong, Konoha's high-ranking forces have almost ten Kage-level fighters, with an overwhelming number of Jonin...
As Uchiha Fugaku was caught in his dilemma.
Uchiha Obito, now equipped with an abundant array of ninja tools and scrolls and records, with a completely new outfit, bid farewell to Uchiha Setsuna and Fugaku, something about him seemingly changed.
Uchiha Setsuna kindly bid farewell to Obito, and after he left, his face wore a smile, but his eyes turned sinister: "Clan Leader Fugaku, we've secured Obito, so next we deal with Aomi..."
"Publicly attacking the Sharingan, speaking highly of the Will of Fire, and even using that bastard Senju Tobirama's tactics in battle, this is the greatest provocation to the Uchiha bloodline!"
"Leave it to me, I'll curb his arrogance..."
Uchiha Setsuna and Fugaku locked eyes strongly, he said in a deep voice.
A moment later, Uchiha Fugaku nodded expressionlessly: "Since Elder Setsuna has decided, then go ahead."