I Am Fugaku Uchiha

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As Shikaku Nara, Inoichi Yamanaka, and Chōza Akimichi watch Fugaku, a strange sensation envelops them. His words ignite a fire in their hearts, tempting them to join his cause and ally with the Uchiha clan.

"I understand some of you may still have doubts in your hearts because ninjas are also humans, and a wrong decision by the leader may cause many lives to be lost. That's why I agree that you can protest after Lord Shikaku makes a mistake."

Fugaku, sensing their concern, addresses it head-on. Silence fills the room as Fugaku's words hang in the air, waiting for someone to challenge them.

But before anyone can speak, he continues, "But before he makes that mistake, you must follow his orders and obey him without question."

"If anyone disobeys," the clan leader's voice booms, "they will be punished according to our sacred rules. I am clear."

The members of the clan stood in silence, fully aware of the severe consequences that awaited those who dared to defy the laws of the clan.

"Yes!" came a resounding reply from the clan member, their voices filled with loyalty and unity.

"Now," fugaku continued, "does anyone have any objections?"

The question hung in the air for a moment, causing tension to build among the clan members.

"None!"

The response came back in unison, followed by a deep breath of relief from them.

Fugaku nodded back, pleased with their response. "Very good. Since there are no objections, then... dismiss!"

He let out a sigh of relief after announcing the dismissal, thinking that he had explained himself well.

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"Fugaku-sama, you put a lot of pressure on me when you say that," Shikaku expresses his concern.

Shikaku feels gratitude and pressure as Fugaku entrusts him with a crucial role.

He wonders how the Uchiha leader could have such faith in him, despite their limited interactions before the war. They had only started to collaborate recently, but Fugaku seems to respect his abilities and judgment more than he does himself.

"I trust your wisdom," Fugaku replies. "Why don't you have faith in yourself, Lord Shikaku?"

Unbeknownst to Shikaku, Fugaku knew and trusts the Nara clan's strategic expertise.

"I will not let you down!"

Shikaku says solemnly, realizing there is no point in further arguing.

Fugaku pats Shikaku's shoulder. "That's the spirit! Oh, and there's something I need to tell you. Please go to the tent and wait for me with the other two. I'll have a word with Akihiko and join you shortly."

The others are curious about what Fugaku has to say, but they nod and leave.

Fugaku turned to Akihiko behind him and said, "I have to ask you a favor again this time."

"Huh, you're such a troublemaker. Always leaving me in charge." Akihiko replied with a sigh.

It had been only six months since the last time he took over, and now he had to do it again after three months.

"There are a lot of people involved this time, so I'll have the Itsuki brothers help you out. I'm sure you can handle it."

"Fine, fine. You can go as you please. But while you're still here, let me get some rest." Akihiko says that and walks away.

"What does he mean by go as I please? I'm not going to runaway or anything."

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Konoha Camp tent

"Fugaku-sama really trusts you, Shikaku," Chōza says admiringly.

"Yes, it's true!" Inoichi agrees.

Nara Shikaku smiles wryly. "You're telling me, but when he said it, I felt excited."

"The leader of a big clan is different; he has such a presence when he speaks," Chōza adds.

Nara Shikaku nods. "It also has to do with his strength. He led a hundred people to besiege three hundred people and only lost a few of his own while inflicting hundreds of casualties on the enemy. This kind of achievement is without wisdom."

"In that case, Shikaku, what do you think Fugaku-sama wants to talks about with us?" Inoichi asked curiously.

"Hmm…" Shikaku stroked his chin, thinking for a moment: "I guess it has something to do with Suna."

Just as he finished speaking, Fugaku walked into the tent, clapping his hands. He couldn't help but praise Shikaku: "You're amazing, Lord Shikaku. You actually guessed it right. I admire you!"

The three of them stood up to greet Fugaku, but he stopped them with a raised hand and said, "We're comrades here; don't be so formal. Sit down and let's talk."

Fugaku says that and finds a random spot to sit down. The three of them sit down as well. Shikaku asks, "Did I really guess correctly just now?"

"Before I answer that, can I ask how you came to that conclusion?" Fugaku is more impressed by Shikaku's intellect.

Of course, Fugaku wouldn't entrust his clan to an incompetent individual.

The three of them have proven their loyalty and given him valuable advice. That is the basis for his trust in Shikaku.

Shikaku nods and says frankly, "My reasoning was that we only have seven thousand people here. If the Sand Shinobi launch a full-scale attack, even if our four clans are strong, we can't stop them.

At this critical moment, as the strongest fighter, you would leave all your clansmen to me and choose to leave. That doesn't seem like a wise choice. So I came that conclusion ."

Fugaku's strength is well known. To become the leader of a clan, he can't be stupid either. Now that the situation is tense, Fugaku's decision to leave the front line is very strange.

The only thing that Fugaku wants to discuss with them at this time is the  about Suna; Shikaku can't think of anything else. His analysis is very reasonable.

"Shikaku, you're right. That's why I want you to join me in a night raid on the Suna camp." Fugaku looks at the three of them.

"A large army crosses the border; their scouts will detect us. Such an attack is pointless!"

"Inoichi, you misunderstood me. I mean, just the four of us. Only the four of us!" Fugaku clarifies