In the Hokage's office, Fugaku handed the mission scroll to the Hokage’s assistant since the Third Hokage was in a meeting with the council to discuss the assassination.

Fugaku returned to the Uchiha district, where tension hung heavily in the air as his clansmen searched the village. After freshening up and resting, he joined his father and several Uchiha elders who had gathered to discuss the recent events. He pushed open the door and greeted them with a respectful bow.

"Father, uncles," he said as he stepped into the room.

"Fugaku," Kogaku acknowledged, his face serious. "The village is in chaos over the assassination, and they're already casting suspicion on our clan."

Fugaku's gaze hardened. "I suspected this would happen. The timing is too convenient. With tensions high in the Land of Rain and the threat of war looming, blaming us only serves to isolate our clan further."

One of the elders nodded. "We need to tread carefully. Danzo and others might use this situation against us."

Kogaku sighed. "Fugaku, the situation is delicate. Patrols are necessary for now, but make sure our clan members remain respectful with the villagers. We don't want this to be an excuse to worsen relations."

"I understand," Fugaku replied. "We'll keep things as calm as possible."

Kogaku gave Fugaku an approving nod, a small smile appearing. "Rather than that, it's good to have you back. Once the Hokage reviews your mission, you'll be promoted to Jonin. You can stay for today's meeting."

"Yes, Father."

"Remarkable for one so young," an elder commented. "Only thirteen, and already a Jonin. Truly a gifted member of the Uchiha."

Fugaku acknowledged the praise, though inside he felt indifferent. Many of these leaders had not achieved much for the clan. ‘If even one of them had shown true leadership, the Uchiha might not be in such a weak position in Konoha's politics,’ he thought.

As the meeting began, the elders discussed their theories about Elder Yamada's recent assassination, each with differing ideas.

"I believe it's the work of the Wind Country," one elder speculated. "Their Third Kazekage has grown ambitious, and given the harsh environment in the Land of Wind, they may want fertile land. An attack like this could push us into war."

"Or it could be the Earth Country," another countered. "They might want to frame the Land of Wind to spark conflict, leaving us and Sunagakure to fight."

"Don't forget the Rain Country," someone else added. "Both Wind and Earth are meddling there. The Rain may be feeling pressured and could want to stir up trouble, hoping Konoha weakens the others in a three-way struggle."

The debate went on without a clear answer, and eventually, the meeting ended.

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Later that evening, Fugaku sat with his father in his study. "Fugaku," Kogaku began, "what are your thoughts on today's meeting? Any insights different from what was discussed?"

Fugaku thought carefully. "Father, ever since the Nidaime's reign, Konoha's leaders have viewed the Uchiha with distrust. We were given the police force role, which seems prestigious, but it also keeps us under close watch. Many of our clan members take pride in this, but it isolates us from the village."

Kogaku’s eyes showed a flicker of pride. "I'm glad to see you understand this clearly," he replied, nodding. "Some in our clan have always noticed Konoha’s intentions. But as founders, many in our clan remain loyal to the village, even if things have changed."

Fugaku nodded, his respect for his father growing. "Since Madara’s departure, we haven't had a strong figure to lead us. Many elders place their hopes on me to awaken the Mangekyou Sharingan and restore our strength."

The weight of this realization settled on Fugaku. He had already decided to save the Uchiha from the fate he knew was coming, but knowing how much faith his clan placed in him only strengthened his resolve.

"What do you think about Elder Yamada's assassination?" Kogaku asked. "Do you believe it's the work of another nation?"

Fugaku paused, deep in thought. "If I'm honest, Father, the whole thing feels strange. Elder Yamada was old and near retirement. Killing him serves no real purpose beyond provoking Konoha. He had some respect but limited influence. His death doesn’t grant any nation a strategic advantage."

Kogaku frowned, considering his words. "You’re suggesting someone within Konoha may be using his death to gain support for military action?"

Fugaku nodded. "Exactly. I think it's a way to centralize power, cut down on opposition, and strain our clan’s relationship with the villagers even more."

Kogaku looked thoughtful. "So you believe this could be orchestrated by someone like Danzo, to push for action in the Land of Rain and tighten his control?"

"Not just that," Fugaku continued, "If more elders are targeted, each assassination would consolidate power, shifting blame onto the Land of Wind or Earth. This would rally the villagers, increasing support for war."

Kogaku shook his head, sighing. ‘Let’s hope you’re wrong, Fugaku. Without a Mangekyou user, we lack a true powerhouse. We have many members, but without a top fighter, we risk becoming an easy target.’

"Don’t worry, Father," Fugaku said confidently. "Though we don’t have a Mangekyou yet, many Uchiha possess the three-tomoe Sharingan. To handle us, the leadership would need a large force, which they can’t spare right now."

The two continued discussing their plans for the future late into the night. Fugaku’s words gave his father new insights, and Kogaku felt reassured, confident in his son's ability to guide the clan.

Meanwhile, as the Uchiha gathered in their district, something dark was happening.

In a quiet part of the village, two Uchiha guards suddenly clutched their throats, choking as blood seeped through their fingers. Shadows moved silently, heading toward a mansion—Elder Yamamoto’s residence.

Inside, Elder Yamamoto awoke with a jolt, sensing intruders. Despite his age, his instincts were sharp, and he leaped from his bed, hurrying into the courtyard.

A blade flashed toward him, and though he dodged, he felt a sharp pain in his side, blood beginning to flow.

"Who are you?" he called, trying to alert nearby guards. "From the Land of Wind or the Land of Earth, attacking an elder in Konoha is madness!"

The six masked figures surrounding him remained silent, advancing with weapons drawn.

Yamamoto fought back, blocking and parrying, but he was overwhelmed. Blood dripped from his wounds as his breaths grew ragged. He cursed his age, knowing he would have stood a better chance in his youth.

They gave him no time to recover, attacking in perfect coordination. With a final burst of chakra, Yamamoto unleashed silver lightning, slicing through the mask of one attacker, hoping to see the face of his killer.

The mask cracked and fell, revealing the face of a fellow Konoha ninja. Yamamoto’s eyes widened in shock.

"You… you’re…"