I'M NARUTO UZUMAKI

Dismissal of Uchiha Fugaku as Clan Leader

"Uchiha Shisui?!"

Uchiha Yashiro and Inabi instinctively took a step back, their expressions mirroring the disbelief of the other Uchiha present.

Shisui had been presumed dead for over six months, his body never recovered. His sudden reappearance at the clan assembly defied all logic. His death had been a catalyst in forcing the Uchiha clan to suspend their planned coup against the village.

Yet, standing before them was a man whose face was unmistakably Shisui's. Even more damning was the unique chakra signature radiating from him—an identity marker impossible to falsify. If Shisui had truly returned, did this mean the coup had a renewed chance?

Suppressing the turmoil within, Yashiro forced himself to remain calm and asked, "How do you prove that you are Shisui? Show us your Mangekyō Sharingan."

A rare flicker of hesitation crossed Shisui's face. He had no way to provide such proof.

Yashiro scoffed. "You're not Shisui. You must be an imposter. And even if you were, you betrayed the clan."

Shisui's expression darkened. Without another word, he activated the Body Flicker Technique (Shunshin no Jutsu). In an instant, his form blurred into dozens of afterimages, encircling Yashiro. Before Yashiro could react, a sharp blow struck his abdomen, forcing him to his knees.

Seeing this, Inabi hesitated no longer. His Sharingan spun, casting a genjutsu at Shisui.

But the moment their eyes met, Inabi's face twisted in pain. He stumbled, barely breaking free from the illusion. His Sharingan, though at the three-tomoe level, was leagues behind Shisui's.

Yashiro and Inabi exchanged glances, silent but understanding.

Shisui's unmatched mastery of both speed and genjutsu was undeniable. This alone should have been enough proof of his identity. But the real question remained—if he had survived, why had he stayed in hiding? What was he planning now?

A select few Uchiha members, who had interacted with him in recent days, smiled knowingly. They had long suspected that the mysterious figure calling himself 'Li Huo' was none other than Shisui in disguise. A mere newly promoted three-tomoe Uchiha should not have commanded such unwavering loyalty.

Sitting cross-legged, Yashiro fixed Shisui with a calculating gaze. "If you are Shisui, then what's your next move? Do you intend to lead the coup and seize the title of Hokage?"

Shisui met his gaze steadily and gestured for him to follow behind the Naka Shrine's stone tablet. Once concealed from the rest of the clan, he spoke.

"I have no intention of leading a coup."

Yashiro's eyes narrowed. "Why? Does this have something to do with your disappearance? With your Mangekyō, we could control the Nine-Tails. Our chances of victory would be high."

Shisui gave a bitter smile. "I no longer have my Mangekyō Sharingan."

Yashiro's breath hitched. Losing a Mangekyō was unheard of. Shisui was still incredibly powerful, but the greater concern was—who had taken his eyes?

Anticipating their thoughts, Shisui continued, "Danzo stole my right eye before I vanished. If we move forward with the coup, even if we control the Jinchūriki, the village has countermeasures. We would still lose."

Yashiro and the others exhaled deeply, understanding at last the true disparity in power. None of them wished for a battle they could not win.

Shisui's gaze hardened. "That is why I propose something else. I intend to lead the Uchiha clan out of Konoha. If the village will never accept us, then we must find a place where we can thrive on our own."

Yashiro frowned. "You expect the village to simply let us leave? This would be considered treason. If we must rebel, it would be better to fight for what is already ours."

Shisui's voice turned cold. "A diversion would allow the main clan to escape unnoticed. I've already arranged a relocation site—a town near the Land of Neko (Cat Country)."

Yashiro and the others hesitated. Shisui, always the advocate of the Will of Fire, now sounded more like the legendary Uchiha Madara.

Then, for the first time, Shisui's demeanor sharpened into something unrecognizable.

"This is not a request—it's an order. Unless one of you can defeat me, you will obey. Unlike Fugaku, I will not tolerate hesitation. If anyone stands in my way, I will personally send them to meet Ancestor Indra."

A chill ran through the gathered Uchiha. Shisui had changed.

With the matter settled, they stepped out from behind the shrine, and Shisui ascended the stage.

"After deliberation, the clan elders and I have made a decision—Uchiha Fugaku is hereby dismissed as clan leader. He is unfit to lead us. From this moment forward, I will guide the Uchiha to a new future."

---

Ichiraku Ramen – A Different Story

At Ichiraku Ramen, steam curled from the freshly made bowl in front of Naruto Uzumaki.

Slurping up the last strands, he set the bowl down with a satisfied sigh, rubbing his stomach.

"Thanks, old man Teuchi. You're one of the few people who don't treat me like a monster."

Teuchi chuckled, wiping down the counter. "You'll see, kid. People will come around."

Naruto smiled faintly but shook his head. "Maybe." He turned and left, leaving Teuchi and his daughter Ayame exchanging puzzled looks.

As he wandered through Konoha's streets, Naruto spoke in his mind.

"Hey, Kurama. Notice anything weird? No patrols. That means Uchiha's about to make their move against the old man. It's the perfect time for us to escape."

Inside his seal, the Nine-Tails yawned, uninterested. "Yeah, yeah. Finally, some fresh air."

Naruto arrived at the village's outer wall. A mere ten meters separated him from the vast forests of the Land of Fire.

With a leap, he reached the top—only to freeze.

Two ANBU appeared in front of him.

"Naruto Uzumaki," one said sternly. "The village is under martial law. For your safety, you will return home under our escort."

Naruto's face fell. "Oh. Right. Hokage's orders, huh?"

He sighed and nodded, following them obediently.

Yet, as they passed through a secluded grove, Naruto suddenly vanished in a puff of smoke.

The ANBU halted, stunned.

"A Shadow Clone?! He tricked us?!"

One of them cursed. "If we fail, our promotion to Tokubetsu Jōnin is screwed. Move! We need to find him—fast."

One leaped into the treetops, scanning for any trace of Naruto. The other hurried to report to their captain—Hatake Kakashi.

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