He couldn't determine the truth.
Based on his own experience, there was a fundamental difference between the power of the Mangekyo Sharingan and the regular Sharingan. While it wasn't enough to overturn what was known, the difference was still significant. Using the Mangekyo Sharingan's power, even without its unique techniques, would be enough to be noticed by others.
Moments ago, Sōgen had used genjutsu multiple times to defeat several clan members, but Shisui, who observed with his Sharingan, didn't detect any unusual fluctuations in ocular power.
However, it didn't make sense. Even with the same three-tomoe Sharingan, how could there be such a big difference? How did Sōgen's ocular power grow strong enough in the three-tomoe state to completely overpower other clan members with the same level of Sharingan? This unexplained question left Shisui deeply puzzled.
Meanwhile, the battle continued.
The Uchiha clan was a proud one. Their pride wouldn't allow them to admit defeat or surrender, even if the odds were against them. They would fight until the very last moment.
"Earth Release: Rock Pillar Spears!"
"Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!"
After witnessing the defeat of their friends, the two remaining fighters didn't recklessly abandon hope. Learning from the mistakes of their comrades and recognizing the power of the Samehada sword, they shifted strategies, abandoning taijutsu for ninjutsu in hopes of securing a slim chance at victory.
Thankfully, they still had their wits about them.
They didn't use destructive techniques like the Great Fire Annihilation that could alter the battlefield entirely.
"Ninjutsu, is it?"
Sōgen smiled.
Among the three great techniques—ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu—his true specialty was ninjutsu. His innate skill, "Magic Power Release (Flame)," had honed his Fire Release techniques to their peak, earning him the nickname "Flame Demon."
"Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire Technique."
Sōgen formed the 'Tiger' seal with one hand.
In an instant, he refined just the right amount of chakra and exhaled. A lifelike, fearsome fire dragon grew larger as it moved with the wind. It didn't charge in a straight line but instead curved through the air like a swimming fish, effortlessly consuming the incoming Phoenix Sage Fire.
Then, the fire dragon swooped down, destroying the rock pillars that jutted from the ground. It tore away layers of the wooden floor and earth. As the onlooking clan members prepared to intervene to rescue the two who were about to be engulfed by the rapidly approaching dragon...
The fire dragon suddenly dissipated on its own.
"Incredible!"
Uchiha Kyo, the only female elder among the six, instinctively exclaimed.
"Beautiful technique! Sōgen, you've mastered the Fire Release almost as well as I did in my youth!" Elder Homaru laughed heartily, clapping his hands in excitement.
"So cool! As expected from big brother Sōgen!" Uchiha Hokuto jumped up, and if it weren't for Uchiha Ranzan holding him down, the boy would've been dancing with joy.
It wasn't just one or two people praising Sōgen's mastery of Fire Release. The Uchiha clan were fire experts, especially the jōnin in the room, who recognized just how skilled Sōgen was.
This clearly surpassed ordinary Fire Release techniques, reaching a level of complete mastery.
Unless it was an S-rank Fire Release technique, all other Fire Release moves were meaningless in Sōgen's hands. For example, the C-rank Great Fireball Technique could be adjusted from A-rank to C-rank at will in his hands.
"I can't believe the Great Dragon Fire can be used like that! I was trying to release four fire dragons at once, but it seems my understanding is too narrow! Increasing the number isn't the only way to grow stronger..."
"Is this the 'Flame Demon'?"
"Could any of you reach that level?"
"No way! If I had such cool Fire Release skills, I wouldn't still be single!"
"Get lost! Your single status has nothing to do with how cool your Fire Release is."
The conversation began to drift, but Sōgen's goal was achieved. His genjutsu, taijutsu, and now his awe-inspiring Fire Release had stunned the clan members, even the veteran jōnin in their forties and fifties. Their attitudes had subtly changed.
Their hostility and resistance towards Sōgen had significantly diminished.
This was the Uchiha way.
A clan that worshipped strength at its core. They prided themselves on their bloodline, their talents, their eyes, and their abilities. And they revered those stronger than themselves. In the presence of true power, age, experience, and status became irrelevant.
As the clan's heated discussions filled the room, the battle came to an end.
"You've lost!"
Behind the two older men, two of Sōgen's clones held small blades to their kidneys. A single stab, and it would be fatal.
"When did this happen?"
The two turned back in disbelief.
"When your vision was blocked by the Great Dragon Fire," one of Sōgen's clones smiled as he answered.
"We've lost. You... certainly have the right to be arrogant."
The proud Uchiha finally lowered their heads before another Uchiha.
They were too embarrassed to cheat or deny the outcome in front of so many witnesses. Plus, the sheer mastery of Sōgen's Fire Release left them with a deep sense of defeat.
There was no room to act superior.
The two older men sighed, helped their defeated comrades, and retreated to the side. Sōgen also released the binding technique on Uchiha Hachiyo and the unlucky Uchiha Kohei. Both were free again.
However, at this moment, everyone in the room had a clear understanding of the "Flame Demon's" power. No one dared to speak arrogantly anymore.
"Anyone else want to play with me?"
Sōgen waved his hand, and his two water clones dissolved into puddles. The room itself was in desperate need of repair—between the Earth Release and Fire Release, the wooden floor had been thoroughly wrecked. If they didn't fix it soon, the next gathering would have to be split between the sides of the room.
Sōgen's voice echoed through the chamber.
This time, no one jumped forward. A four-on-one fight had been embarrassing enough, and they had still lost. Judging by Sōgen's lack of exhaustion, it was clear he hadn't reached his limit. Stepping up now would only result in more humiliation.
Sōgen waited about ten seconds.
Seeing no one speak, he stopped asking, signaling Samehada to lower its spikes.
Then, he turned to the clan leader, whose face was dark with displeasure.
"If no one else wants to challenge me... then let's get to the point. I, Uchiha Sōgen, am here today to impeach our current clan leader, Uchiha Fugaku. He has been incompetent and made numerous blunders. He bears the unshakable responsibility for the sorry state our clan finds itself in today. At this point, he is unfit to continue as leader."
Riding the momentum of his victory, Sōgen boldly challenged Uchiha Fugaku.
(End of chapter)