Chapter 62 – Attacking from Within and Without, a Two-Pronged Strategy
Upon hearing Uchiha Dali speak with such confidence, Uchiha Fugaku couldn't help but be moved.
As the clan head, he had watched the Uchiha clan decline year after year.
Although in name they were still the most prestigious noble clan in Konoha…
Everyone knew the Uchiha were no longer what they once were.
He, Uchiha Fugaku—had he not long dreamed of restoring the Uchiha clan to greatness? But his own strength was limited, and such aspirations might not be easily understood or accepted by the clan.
His cautious hesitation had left him unable to find a way forward.
But now, Uchiha Dali had appeared.
This genius ninja was like a brilliant star that had burst forth into the sky.
From the moment he emerged, he radiated dazzling brilliance—first making a name for himself on the battlefield, striking fear into the hearts of enemies.
Singlehandedly, he had wiped out the attacking forces from the Hidden Mist, Hidden Cloud, and Hidden Stone villages.
Just that single, resounding achievement alone—so long as the villagers of Konoha weren't complete fools—would be enough to change their perception of the Uchiha.
He dared to confront the higher-ups directly, face the long-standing powers of Konoha…
And he had the upper hand.
This, more than anything, declared to the world Uchiha Dali's determination for change—and the immense power he possessed to make it happen.
Perhaps… he truly could accomplish what the Uchiha forebears never could.
"I haven't had the chance to ask you," Uchiha Fugaku said after a moment of thought, lifting his eyes to meet Dali's, "why do you want to become Hokage so badly?"
"To revive the Uchiha clan—that is the duty of our generation. Otherwise, what's the point of my talent?"
Uchiha Dali replied with a slight smile.
But his expression quickly turned serious.
"Lord Fugaku, if our clan wants to rise to power and take control of Konoha, to change our worsening situation in the village, we must deal not only with external enemies—but also address our own internal issues."
"He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world. When it comes to addressing our clan's internal problems… I'm afraid that task will fall to you, as our clan head."
Uchiha Dali's solemn reminder made Fugaku inwardly admire him even more, surprised by the young man's thoroughness and insight.
He nodded slightly, then tentatively asked, "What internal problems are you referring to?"
"When I met that old thief Shimura Danzo, I thought one thing he said made a lot of sense."
"The Uchiha are proud, aloof, and arrogant—when facing those outside the clan, we act as if we're above everyone else."
"This kind of behavior only deepens the rift between us and the rest of the village, turning distance into alienation, even hostility."
"It's not impossible to fix this. It's not easy, but it's not all that difficult either. It'll take your brains and effort, Lord Fugaku."
Dali's explanation earned another nod of agreement from Fugaku.
He had to admit—Dali's observation struck straight to the heart of the issue.
"Never thought… Danzo dono's assessment of our Uchiha clan would be so accurate."
As he spoke, Fugaku shot Dali a deep, meaningful look.
"No need to call him dono in private. 'Old mutt' or 'old thief' is more fitting," Dali added with a knowing grin.
Fugaku's expression twitched slightly at that—but he said nothing, seemingly tacitly accepting the remark.
The two of them then dove deeper into the details of how to restore the Uchiha clan to greatness.
...
Meanwhile, elsewhere—at the headquarters of the Root organization.
Uchiha Shisui knelt on one knee.
Seated before him was Root's leader, Shimura Danzo.
Several Root operatives stood silently nearby.
"From this day on, you are now a member of the Anbu, Shisui. You will take your orders directly from me."
Danzo spoke in his usual cold, indifferent tone.
Earlier, in his office, he had casually mentioned his intent to recruit both Uchiha Dali and Uchiha Shisui—two rare geniuses—into Root.
He hadn't expected that Dali would instead provoke him and cause him to lose face.
He assumed the attempt to bring in Shisui would fail as well.
Yet to his surprise, this kid had shown up of his own accord.
And more impressively, Uchiha Shisui had bypassed all the guards stationed around Root's perimeter to appear before him.
A talent like that was exceedingly rare.
So, even though Danzo remained suspicious and wary of Shisui's initiative…
He decisively accepted the young man's request to join Root.
"Thank you, Lord Danzo," Shisui said quietly, rising to his feet.
"Now answer me this—why do you want to join Root?"
Danzo cut straight to the point, beginning his test.
They both understood what this question truly meant. Shisui responded fluently, "Lord Danzo, I wish to use what I've learned to contribute more to the village's peace and development. I want to protect the safety and stability of all Konoha."
"You're not lying to me?"
Danzo's voice was ice-cold.
"Absolutely not!"
"Stick out your tongue. I'll know if you're lying."
Shisui hesitated for a moment at Danzo's command, but eventually did as told.
Yet just as he extended his tongue, his vision blurred—someone flashed before his eyes.
In the next instant, a burning pain shot through his tongue.
"Lord Danzo, you…?"
Like a flicker, Danzo had used the Body Flicker Technique to appear before Shisui, then calmly withdrew his left hand and placed it behind his back.
"This is the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal."
"To prevent the secrets of Root from leaking, all members must receive this seal."
Danzo explained flatly.
Shisui fell silent upon hearing this. It wasn't clear whether he was simply speechless or quietly processing something deeper.
"Shisui."
Danzo's voice pulled him back to the present. Shisui quickly looked up at him.
"After that meeting… did Uchiha Dali say anything to you?"
Danzo was referring, of course, to what had been said after they left the Hokage's office.
Shisui hesitated slightly. In his mind, Dali's warning before parting ways surfaced unbidden.
After a long pause, Shisui ultimately chose to ignore that warning and answered honestly: "On our way back to the village, Senior Dali predicted that the Third Hokage would step down and pass the title to Minato-senpai. He said he intends to compete for the position of Hokage."
"And he also said…"
"What else did he say?"
Danzo's eyes gleamed the moment he heard "compete for the position of Hokage."
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