Chapter 68: This Kid Isn't Simple
Uchiha Yuu's outburst had completely shifted everyone's attention onto Uchiha Kei.
Though eyes had been on him earlier too, most of those looks had carried disdain or indifference. In their minds, Uchiha Kei was just a greenhorn—young, inexperienced, and unworthy of serious regard.
Sure, his ability to even stand here proved his strength and potential. But a kid was still a kid. Who would expect anything meaningful to come out of his mouth?
But now? Things were different.
Although Kei hadn't shown any remarkable political acumen, his composure alone was enough to surprise the audience. Faced with Uchiha Yuu's aggression, he didn't panic at all. In fact, he calmly invoked the name of their clan leader, Uchiha Fugaku, to shield himself. That kind of presence and quick thinking? It spoke volumes.
Most importantly, Fugaku didn't object—he actually seemed interested in hearing more. That meant Kei's earlier remarks might reflect thoughts the clan head had already considered.
So now, they thought, why not hear the boy out? Why were his words earning Fugaku's approval?
"Taking back the Sharingan might humiliate Konoha's higher-ups and give our clan some short-term gain," Kei said calmly. "I've already said this."
"But have any of you considered the long-term cost? Not only would we offend a currently celebrated and powerful ninja, we'd further tarnish the already poor reputation of the Uchiha in Konoha."
"So what?" Uchiha Shuu shot back coldly. "What's ours is ours. Why should we give it away?"
Kei's lips curled into a mocking smile. "And what if the Third Hokage directly states that the eye won't be studied, and it will remain with Kakashi?"
"In that case, we wouldn't just offend the Third's faction—we'd also earn the label of 'ignoring the final wishes of a fallen hero.' Don't forget—what event did we just attend recently?"
He stole a glance at Fugaku as he spoke. Kei wasn't entirely sure how the clan head had convinced these elders before, but as someone from a modern background, Kei had his own logic.
To Kei, Obito was just another ordinary member of the clan. He died in war. It was tragic, but it happened.
But if a war hero's dying wish wasn't honored—even one from the Uchiha—it would only worsen the clan's already sour image.
Not long ago, the Third Hokage held a large public memorial for the fallen. Uchiha clan members, under Fugaku's lead, attended in force. Everyone here remembered it. Many of them had fought in the same war. Some had lost comrades and friends.
So imagine—just after that emotional funeral, the Uchiha clan jumps out demanding the eye back?
That would be suicide.
"That's just your assumption," Shuu said, though his expression had begun to shift. "And even so, our clan's secrets—"
"All for some vague notion of 'honor' and your imagined petty gains, you'd drag the whole clan into a pit?" Kei cut him off sharply.
He stared Shuu down with a cold sneer.
"You're shortsighted. Foolish. Ignorant. You're not protecting Uchiha's secrets or honor—you're digging its grave. Offending a strong ally who doesn't even hold a grudge against us, right after a village-wide hero memorial? That's not bravery. That's recklessness."
Shuu's face twisted in anger—and embarrassment. Around the room, several other Uchiha clan members shifted uncomfortably.
"Sure, Kakashi's my friend, and I'll defend him. But don't forget—I'm an Uchiha too," Kei continued, voice growing sharper. "For all you know, the Third Hokage is just waiting for someone like you to stir up trouble."
Of course, Kei had no idea what the Third Hokage actually thought, or how Kakashi had managed to keep the eye. But that wasn't the point.
His goal was to show Fugaku—and everyone else—that he wasn't just a talented fighter, but someone capable of strategy and foresight.
And while this sudden side of him may have seemed abrupt, that didn't mean Kei lacked the right to express it. As a smart man, he understood the risks and rewards—and only acted when the benefits outweighed the costs.
Sure enough, his words plunged the room into silence. The Uchiha present fell into deep thought.
"How did this kid think of all this?"
"How does he know so much?"
"Who is he, really?"
Even Fugaku's eyes were filled with curiosity and confusion.
"Is this all you wanted to say, Kei?" Fugaku finally asked after a long pause. "Did someone tell you these things? Or are these your own thoughts?"
Kei smiled nonchalantly. "You should know who I've interacted with since returning. On the battlefield, you don't survive without using your head. You know that better than anyone, don't you, Clan Head?"
Fugaku didn't respond immediately. He simply asked, "Then speak."
Kei leaned back and spread his hands. "I grew up at the bottom. You elite types rarely come into contact with the... more colorful aspects of village life, do you?"
"The Police Force's heavy-handed ways earn them resentment. Plenty of clansmen think they're better than everyone else, which only fuels the hate. Back in the Academy, I got picked on constantly."
"Complaints within the clan are rampant. Add that to what you all said earlier, and naturally, I drew some conclusions."
It was a half-truth—but a believable one. Even Itachi had faced harassment at school. Kei's own troubles had stemmed from being set up by rogue members of the Police Force.
Still, none of that really mattered. All Kei needed was a plausible excuse. And with the way the conversation had gone, even a fool could connect the dots by now.
As Kei finished, the Uchiha in the room couldn't help but silently admit—This kid really isn't simple.
He'd drawn so many accurate conclusions just from his experience and their discussion. At his age, that was impressive.
Now they understood how Kei had managed to survive and succeed in those near-suicidal missions. Anyone who'd reviewed the details of his past assignments now realized—he deserved serious attention.
"Is that so…" Fugaku gazed deeply at him before nodding. "You truly are a genius of our clan, Kei. I understand your point."
"I don't dare call myself a genius." Kei followed up humbly, sitting back down. "Let's just say I'm doing this for my friend. That's all."