Genya’s expression calmed as he spoke indifferently:
“The crux of the matter is that you, as the clan head, are too weak.
You don’t even put up a posture of resistance; it’s no wonder others bully you.”
If you act like a coward, people will dare to push you around even if you possess immense power.
The unruly citizens of Konoha are the perfect example.
They bully everyone equally, only to die in droves when Pain eventually attacks the village.
But if you are willing to risk your own life just to take a chunk out of anyone who messes with you…
Even if you were just an ordinary person, others would think twice about whether it’s truly worth crossing you.
While Fugaku pondered the true meaning of Genya’s words, the youth continued his explanation:
“Have you ever considered this?
You refuse to rebel because you don’t want to drag the Uchiha to the brink of destruction.”
“But what about Konoha?
Are they not afraid that the Uchiha will drag the village into war?”
When people claim you have weapons of mass destruction, you had better actually have them.
Just as the Konoha higher-ups fear the emergence of another Uchiha Madara, the Uchiha had better actually possess a pair of Mangekyo.
Because Konoha no longer has a Hashirama Senju to protect it.
Genya continued persuasively, “The Third Great War has just ended, and Konoha is surrounded by wolves—especially Iwagakure and Kumogakure.
Which of them wouldn’t want to take a bite out of Konoha?”
“The Uchiha’s combat power, including those eyes of yours, accounts for at least a quarter, if not a third, of Konoha’s total strength!”
“Once the Uchiha are forced into rebellion, what do you think will happen to Konoha?”
Without waiting for Fugaku to respond, Genya stated firmly, “Even if they managed to extinguish an Uchiha uprising, Konoha would be severely weakened, perhaps even crippled beyond recovery.”
“And at that moment, the surrounding wolves would swarm in, tearing the Land of Fire and a crippled Konoha to shreds.”
“The Uchiha might not have a chance of defeating Konoha outright, but we can certainly drag the entire village into the abyss with us.”
At this, Fugaku was completely shocked.
He had never considered that the enemies he had faced on the battlefield might actually become ‘allies’ in changing the Uchiha’s current predicament.
Genya continued, “Hiruzen Sarutobi is much shrewder than you.
He knows Konoha cannot survive an Uchiha civil war, which is why he employs ‘death by a thousand cuts,’ slowly testing your bottom line.
Whenever Danzo tries to use aggressive methods, Hiruzen steps in to play the mediator.”
“And yet, you haven’t even realized that.”
Fugaku took a deep breath, looking at the young man who was only a few years older than his own son.
He suddenly realized he had wasted decades; he didn’t even see things as clearly as this youth.
“Based on what you’re saying, what should I do?”
Fugaku didn’t even realize that he was now sitting upright, actually asking for Genya’s advice.
Genya said plainly, “Do nothing.”
“The next time Konoha asks the Uchiha to make a sacrifice, reveal your eyes at the appropriate moment.
Show your indignation and refuse to compromise, no matter what they say.”
“As long as you withstand the pressure, someone will eventually step in to mediate—most likely one of the Ino-Shika-Cho clans.”
“After all, the essence of politics is compromise.
If you refuse to yield, the Konoha higher-ups will be the ones to cave first, as long as they wish to avoid mutual destruction.”
“Remember: having no sword and choosing not to use one are two very different things.”
Having said his piece, Genya drained his tea in one gulp and stood up to leave.
He had spoken enough.
If Fugaku still proved to be a lost cause, he wouldn’t hesitate to ‘clean house.’
It is often said that one doesn’t fear a god-like opponent, but a pig-like teammate.
Before officially setting his plans in motion, Uchiha Genya would not permit such unstable elements within the circle he controlled.
Genya didn’t know exactly how strong Fugaku was, but he had absolute faith in his own eyes.
Thinking of the power within his eyes, Genya couldn’t help but smile to himself.
Fugaku watched Genya’s retreating back.
Just as the youth reached the door, Fugaku suddenly asked:
“Genya, I haven’t asked…
what exactly is the ability of your Mangekyo?”
Every pair of Mangekyo possesses unique abilities.
Most ocular jutsu are average, but some are truly terrifying.
A Mangekyo’s ocular jutsu can even surpass the threat level of Susanoo!
As someone who had also awakened the Mangekyo, Fugaku felt this deeply.
The power of Susanoo was a known factor; although immense, it could still be broken by external force.
But a Mangekyo’s ocular jutsu…
it is the unknown that is truly impossible to guard against.
Genya looked back at Fugaku and gave a faint smile.
“Clan Head, would you let others know the secrets of your own Mangekyo?”
With that, Genya left.
Fugaku remained silent for a long time, eventually letting out a deep sigh.
He had compromised with Genya once again, choosing not to press him for the details of his ocular jutsu.
Regardless, they were both members of the Uchiha.
The stronger Genya became, the stronger the Uchiha would be.
That was an immutable truth.
As for Genya’s suggestion…
he intended to find an opportunity to test it.
Genya was right.
No matter how dire the situation became, it was better than the current slow death in this time of peace.
…
On the way home, Genya wasn’t at all surprised that Fugaku hadn’t pursued the matter further.
Fugaku was a man of habit when it came to compromise.
Even with someone teaching him how to fight back, he would subconsciously yield when the situation wasn’t critical.
If utilized correctly, such a personality made him the perfect tool.
Returning to his home in the clan compound, Genya began his routine of refining chakra.
Although his chakra reserves had increased significantly due to his Mangekyo awakening, reaching a stable Kage-level…
Training was something that could not be neglected for a single moment.
Even with the system’s help, daily accumulation was vital.
The mindset of a powerhouse was often more valuable than any external tool.
With the help of the artifact Musou Isshin, Genya’s chakra refinement was highly efficient.
He felt particularly adept when practicing Lightning Release, as if it were second nature.
As a result, Genya was considering whether to make Lightning Release his primary focus for future cultivation.
Speaking of Lightning Release, one had to think of Kakashi’s Chidori.
It was a ninjutsu perfectly suited for the Sharingan’s dynamic vision.
By now, Kakashi should have completed the development of Chidori.
Even if he hadn’t, his experience in developing Lightning Release was invaluable.
Conveniently, the arrangements Genya had made earlier today should prove useful.