Yufeng soaked in the bath, slowly letting out a long breath.
He checked the system panel. His bond level with Grand Elder Uchiha Yandai had already reached three stars.
He lightly tapped the first star, and a flood of memories surged into his mind.
"Ding! Level 1 Bond with Uchiha Yandai unlocked."
"Ding! Congratulations, you have obtained: Memory Fragment."
This time, the memories were no longer simple training recollections—but combat memories.
Although the Grand Elder was already advanced in age, he had experienced several wars. His combat experience was incomparably rich.
Countless memories of battlefield engagements poured into Yufeng's mind.
Yufeng slowly exhaled.
Sure enough—having a powerful clan backing you really did make life easier.
He then tapped the second star. Previously, in the Land of Grass, what he had obtained was a portion of chakra.
"Ding! Level 2 Bond with Uchiha Yandai unlocked."
"Ding! Congratulations, you have obtained: Ocular Power Fragment."
This time—
Yufeng felt a slight swelling sensation in his eyes as his ocular power increased out of thin air.
Hm?
Why ocular power?
Yufeng opened his eyes, delight flashing across his face.
After reaching the Mangekyō Sharingan, the biggest issue to consider was naturally blindness.
Although the ocular power gained from the Grand Elder wasn't much, it meant that Yufeng now had a way to replenish it!
Filled with anticipation, he clicked on the third star.
"Ding! Level 3 Bond with Uchiha Yandai unlocked."
"Ding! Congratulations, you have obtained: Forbidden Technique—Izanagi; Forbidden Technique—Izanami."
In an instant, knowledge of the two Uchiha forbidden techniques appeared in his mind.
"Oh? I didn't expect the Grand Elder to have mastered both of these secret arts."
Yufeng was first surprised, then felt it was only natural.
After all, the Grand Elder had been to the battlefield many times—it was perfectly normal for him to know these techniques.
This made tonight's chances even greater.
Yufeng noticed that Xiyue's name was also listed on the panel.
However, only the first star was lit. The remaining stars were all locked.
Was it because Xiyue wasn't a ninja and didn't know any secret techniques?
Curious, he clicked on Xiyue's first star.
"Ding! Level 1 Bond with Uchiha Xiyue unlocked."
"Ding! Congratulations, you have obtained: Memory Fragment."
Instantly, memories of Xiyue studying various forms of pharmacology merged into Yufeng's mind.
Yufeng smiled softly.
It seemed that while he was away, his little sister had been working hard as well.
…
Uchiha Clan Compound — The Grand Elder's Courtyard.
More than twenty Uchiha clansmen stood in the courtyard.
These were the elite of the Uchiha—and the most radical hawkish faction.
"Grand Elder, why did you summon us so urgently?"
"Are we preparing to act!?"
"There's been no word from the Clan Head."
"Hmph, the Clan Head is too indecisive. The Grand Elder is the one who can truly make decisions."
In truth, the proud and unruly Uchiha clansmen didn't think very highly of Fugaku.
In recent years, with no wars to fight, Fugaku—despite being captain of the Police Force—had only been playing the peacemaker.
After Shisui's death, the Police Force had gradually been infiltrated by outsiders.
Aside from the building itself, the Police Force was practically a shell in name only.
Even if the Uchiha were wiped out, Konoha could easily replace those positions.
Fugaku's constant indecision had also caused him to lose much of his authority.
Some of the people present had even withdrawn from the Police Force because they were too radical.
Naturally, their words carried little respect for Fugaku.
As the crowd below clamored noisily, the Grand Elder remained calm and composed.
After all, most Uchiha had fiery tempers.
Unless your fist was big enough, there was simply no way to suppress them.
The reason this meeting was held in the Grand Elder's courtyard was precisely because it lay deep within Uchiha territory.
Otherwise, such noise would've long attracted Konoha's attention.
Amid the clamorous discussion, the clansmen gradually noticed more and more people joining them.
And every newcomer was an elite—a true expert.
Slowly, the crowd quieted down.
Already past fifty, the Grand Elder was steady and patient. Only after everyone had arrived did he finally speak.
"You are all the clan's strongest fighters. You know our current situation—and the danger we're facing."
The clansmen immediately shouted back:
"Grand Elder, we're not afraid of danger!"
"The Uchiha need power!"
"Konoha should be led by the Uchiha!"
The Grand Elder raised a hand, pressing down lightly.
"Your desires are naturally my desires as well."
"But a coup requires strategy. Not everyone is suited to be the commander."
Though hot-tempered, the Uchiha weren't all fools.
A few sharper ones had already caught the implication.
The Grand Elder was preparing to seize command authority from the Clan Head.
Fugaku had long been unpopular, while Grand Elder Yandai was the undisputed leader of the hawkish faction.
Who to listen to hardly required consideration.
Several people immediately spoke up:
"Grand Elder, don't worry—we'll follow your lead."
Unexpectedly, the Grand Elder slowly shook his head.
"I am not the most suitable candidate."
The crowd exchanged glances, then turned their attention to the few Uchiha standing at the very front.
They were Mayumi, Jiyan, Yusuke, and Rinto.
All four possessed Three-Tomoe Sharingan, were around thirty years old, and were in their physical and chakra prime.
Battle-hardened and experienced—any of them would be ideal commanders.
Mayumi, Jiyan, Yusuke, and Rinto looked at one another, fighting spirit blazing in their eyes.
After all, there could only be one commander.
Among the Uchiha—
Naturally, the strongest fist speaks the loudest.