Uchiha Fugaku was momentarily unable to react.
Was he really unable to react?
No, he just didn't want to react.
Although he was still young and had never seen Madara, he had heard stories about him from the elders of the clan when he was a child.
Especially as the head of the clan, he knew many secrets. He had seen portraits of Madara and was one of the few Uchiha clan members who had a relatively deep understanding of Madara's strength.
The appearance and aura of the person before him were almost impossible for anyone else to imitate, 'So… it really is Madara.'
Although he didn't know why this ancestor was still alive and even maintained his youthful appearance,
For such a legendary figure to suddenly appear in front of him without any prior signs, and to show up at a Uchiha clan meeting—what a monumental event this was.
Even though, in name, Madara had left Konoha, after the Battle at the Valley of the End, he was essentially no different from a traitor.
If Sarutobi Hiruzen and the Konoha higher-ups found out that they had gathered with Madara, they wouldn't be able to clear their names no matter how hard they tried.
The future of the Uchiha clan in Konoha, who knew how difficult it would become?
'Wait!'
Fugaku suddenly realized, 'Madara is here! So why would Sarutobi Hiruzen even matter?'
No matter how strong the strongest Hokage was, could his reputation compare to that of the Founder of Konoha?
Thus, after a rapid shift in facial expressions, Fugaku finally beamed with joy.
"So it really is Lord Madara who has returned! It is truly wonderful that you have come back!", After saying this, Fugaku felt a little uneasy. He didn't know why Madara had returned to Konoha.
So, he cautiously probed, "Lord Madara, have you returned… to reclaim the authority that was once yours? If that's the case… I will not cling to power. I will immediately convene another clan meeting and announce my abdication."
Madara crossed his arms and looked at Fugaku with an odd expression. There was even a hint of sympathy in his eyes.
"I'm just here to take a look. This lousy clan leader position, whoever wants it can have it. If there's suffering to be had, I certainly don't want to endure it a second time."
Fugaku instantly resonated with those words. Facing such an ancestor, he no longer needed to maintain the dignified facade of a clan leader.
Immediately, his face showed an expression on the verge of tears, "Lord Madara, sigh… Ever since I took this clan leader position, I finally realized… it's too difficult!"
"I've had enough of this. How about… after a few years, I let Obito take over—"
However, before he could finish, Obito interrupted him, "Clan Leader Fugaku, please don't. Haven't you been doing just fine today? Your authority even increased. In any case, I will never take this position."
Fugaku could only sigh dejectedly, "Sigh, none of you want it… I don't even know how many more years I have to endure this torment."
After complaining for a while, Fugaku straightened up, "Lord Madara, I will arrange a residence for you right away, but regarding the news of your return…"
Madara simply responded with two words, "Keep silent."
Fugaku let out a sigh of relief. Madara's attitude wasn't aggressive. If he was really just here to take a look and didn't intend to take responsibility for the Uchiha clan, then keeping silent was indeed the best option.
Soon after, Fugaku led Madara to his new residence.
It was a well-maintained courtyard that had been carefully preserved. This was a place where Madara had lived for a long time in the past.
Seeing the familiar place, cleaned spotless, Madara couldn't help but ask, "You… still kept this place?"
Fugaku nodded, "The Second Elder insisted on keeping it. He even comes here regularly to clean it and never allowed anyone else to live here. But if it's you, Lord Madara, then of course, it doesn't matter."
Madara took a deep breath.
Obito might have been right.
Even though no one had left the village with him back then, and he seemed to have no one by his side, there were still people whose hearts followed him.
He felt a slight sense of comfort.
"I'm going in. You all may leave," After saying this, Madara stepped into the courtyard.
Once Madara had walked away, Fugaku finally looked at Obito, his composure breaking.
"Obito! Why did you bring this ancestor back here? And why didn't you tell me beforehand? I was almost scared to death!"
Obito shrugged, "It just happened. He expressed his desire to visit Konoha, and I couldn't refuse. In any case, just go with the flow. If you can pretend not to see him, then do so."
Fugaku looked miserable, "How can I pretend not to see him? You've really given me a tough problem!"
Obito thought for a moment before saying, "I can't say for sure what Madara is thinking right now, but overall, his attitude should be friendly. Oh, by the way, he's joined the Akatsuki."
"He joined the Akatsuki?", Fugaku was shocked but then felt delighted.
A grin spread across his face. When he had invested one hundred million ryo into the Akatsuki, he had been somewhat hesitant. But now, it seemed like Akatsuki had gained a truly powerful figure.
Indeed, his investments had never failed before.
Seeing that Madara was settled in, Obito said, "Clan Leader Fugaku, I'll be heading out too. Madara's presence is too sensitive, I don't want to be publicly associated with him. You'll have to handle it yourself."
After saying that, Obito turned and left.
Fugaku stood in place, watching the gradually lighting courtyard shrouded in darkness.
He wondered if he should arrange some servants and attendants for tomorrow. Otherwise, it might seem disrespectful.
But in his impression, the Ghost of Uchiha was someone who acted alone and didn't like being close to others.
After thinking about it for a while and finding no answer, Fugaku could only shake his head and leave.
———
Not long after Fugaku left, the sky had completely darkened.
In the darkness, a figure emerged from the shadows and stood in front of the courtyard.
It was Uchiha Setsuna.
He wasn't angry that Fugaku had arranged for someone to live here. Instead, he showed a contemplative expression.
Just now, he had felt that something was off. The person beside Obito gave him a sense of familiarity and authority.
It was a feeling so overwhelming that he could barely even speak.
That feeling… was very much like someone he admired.
Now that someone had moved into this place, it confirmed his suspicions.
A wave of excitement spread across his face, and he couldn't help but take a step closer, then another…
But as he got closer, he began to worry.
Would this be too abrupt? Would he be disturbing that esteemed person?
Just as he hesitated, a voice came from inside the courtyard, "Don't just stand at the door. If you want to come in, then come in."
Setsuna couldn't help but follow the voice. He ran to the entrance of the hall and pushed the door open.
Inside, he saw Madara, who had already changed into casual clothes.
Still the same as before. Not a single thing had changed.
Tears instantly streamed down his face.
He fell to his knees and prostrated himself before Madara, "Lord Madara! You have finally returned!"
Madara looked at him, his gaze deep, "Are you Uchiha Tokizō's child? So you've grown this much…"
"Tokizō was my most loyal subordinate. He firmly believed in my will. But why, in the end, did he not leave with me?"
[T/N: If you're liking this story, I just started a new one: "Pokémon: Gardevoir Harem with Tag System." As evident from the name, a Pokemon fanfic, OP MC and OP system, check and throw some Powerstones while you are at it. Have a great read 🥳]
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