Naruto: Uchiha's Resolve

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Uchiha Hirito stood there, a growing smirk on his face, basking in the crowd's cheers. He had gained the clan's attention in a short amount of time, and the satisfaction on his face showed he enjoyed every bit of it.

"Retsu, organize the clan meeting for tomorrow afternoon at Naka Shrine," he ordered.

"Yes!" Retsu nodded in agreement, after which Uchiha Hirito dismissed the gathering with a wave of his hand.

In just a single morning, Hirito's actions caused quite the commotion within the Uchiha clan, making waves that almost overshadowed the recent shocking news of Tobirama Senju's death. Uchiha Hirito's intentions were clear: he sought to overthrow the current clan leader, Uchiha Tomita, and seize his position. The Uchiha members were abuzz with gossip, finding rare entertainment in the unfolding drama.

Meanwhile, in Uchiha Tomita's residence, the usually spacious and well-lit living room felt cramped with over a dozen Uchiha elites present, all watching Tomita with serious expressions. Uchiha Tomita's wife, Uchiha Miya, moved about with a tea tray, pouring tea for everyone. She had prepared only light refreshments for a regular gathering, and the turnout had taken her by surprise. With so many unexpected guests, she worried she hadn't prepared enough.

Despite the tea and snacks, none of the attendees were in a mood to indulge. Loyal supporters of Uchiha Tomita, they were still processing the recent events that had rocked Konoha. First, Senju Tobirama's death during peace talks. Then, Hirito, a familiar face within the clan, had unexpectedly made a bid for power, and it was rumored he had been the first to spread the news of Tobirama's death.

The clan members were familiar with Hirito. If not for his Sharingan, one might think he was from the Senju clan due to his often calm demeanor and diplomacy. But recent events had changed their perception of him entirely.

Uchiha Tomita sat smoking his pipe, each puff a small attempt to ease his inner tension. He was as baffled as his subordinates. In just two days, everything seemed to change, as if a decade had passed. The rapidly shifting landscape made him feel his age, as if the world were moving too fast for him to keep up.

A few days ago, Tomita had been planning to negotiate terms with Tobirama to secure more compensation for the Uchiha. The clan had invested heavily in Konoha's military efforts, calling nearly all of its trained ninjas to the battlefield. Their weapons industry had provided shurikens, kunai, and other equipment to the village in massive quantities. The family had also produced countless soldier pills for the war effort. All of this came at great cost—resources that the Uchiha needed compensated.

Ninjas risk their lives, after all, for more than just loyalty; it was also for the security and prosperity of the clan. But just as Tomita was preparing for these negotiations, everything shifted. Tobirama was gone, dead in a manner that had shocked the village.

Adding to his surprise, Hirito—the very captain Tomita had personally promoted—had unexpectedly turned on him. Hirito's sudden ambition and boldness to challenge him for leadership were a betrayal that Tomita had never anticipated. The clan members gathered around Tomita's living room, half of them smoking their own pipes, which filled the room with a thick cloud. They had initially planned to hold off on smoking in Tomita's presence, but with the clan leader leading by example, they felt at ease to join in.

The room buzzed with quiet, uneasy murmurs until someone finally broke the silence. "Clan leader, what do we do about tomorrow's clan meeting?"

Another Uchiha spoke up, "Yes, clan leader, Hirito's actions seem calculated. He was the first to learn of Tobirama's death." Tomita, recalling Hirito's formerly respectful and restrained demeanor, was at a loss to reconcile this with the bold figure Hirito now seemed to be.

He had been clan leader for over a decade, gaining a deep understanding of people over the years. Still, he couldn't fathom how Hirito had kept this ambition concealed. It was as if Hirito had been hiding his true intentions all along, only now revealing his hand after Tobirama's death. It seemed Hirito had long aspired to be Hokage, and Tomita couldn't help but admire Hirito's patience and determination.

Yet Tomita couldn't help but question Hirito's qualifications. True, Hirito had grown immensely in strength; he had easily defeated Uchiha Kagami that morning, and very few within the clan could rival him now. Even Tomita, seasoned and battle-hardened, was uncertain of his chances against Hirito in a direct confrontation. But he was not about to believe that sheer power was enough to make someone fit to lead.

"Enough with the complaints," Tomita said, breaking through the room's murmurs. "Hirito is a genius within our clan. He has just returned from the battlefield, and it's not unusual for a young man of his talent to be ambitious. But we are all family here. When Madara-sama left, you all chose me as clan leader. If Hirito believes he is a better candidate, we'll discuss it at the clan meeting tomorrow. Let the clan members see for themselves who is more suited to lead the Uchiha."

Tomita's voice was calm, but his tone carried an unmistakable edge. The Uchiha gathered there exchanged uneasy glances, sensing the tension.

"This is a bold challenge, but we're behind you, clan leader!" one loyal Uchiha said.

"Yes, Tomita-sama, we're with you!"

"That young Hirito is arrogant! He has no idea of the sacrifices you've made for the clan over the years!"

"Indeed. He must face the consequences of his actions."

The group rallied around Tomita, each expressing their loyalty and frustration over Hirito's perceived impudence. Tomita held up a hand to quiet them, his face thoughtful. "Hirito is still young," he said slowly. "He's strong, and he's brave. Given time, he could become a worthy leader for the Uchiha. When I am older, and Fugaku is ready to step down, Hirito would make a fine successor."

But Tomita made his position clear: he was not about to be forced out of the role he had held for years. He would step down only when the time was right and on his own terms.

End of Chapter

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