Chapter 35: The Fūma's Stance
Hearing Uchiha Raizen's words, Fūma Rivei's brow furrowed deeply. If his guess was correct, this young man before him knew their clan's darkest secret. But aside from himself and the Great Elder, no one else knew the full extent of it. How could an outsider, a Uchiha no less, be aware?
"Nonsense! Save our lives? Elaborate. How exactly do you propose to do that?" Fūma Rivei wasn't one to be easily intimidated. He demanded specifics.
"Do you truly wish to discuss such a matter here?" Uchiha Raizen retorted, spreading his arms to indicate their very public surroundings.
That single question confirmed it for Fūma Rivei. This Uchiha knew.
"To the council chamber," Fūma Rivei declared, his tone shifting to one of grim formality. He gestured for them to follow. Even if no alliance was forged, making an enemy of the Uchiha was the last thing the Fūma needed.
Soon, they were seated in the private chamber.
"Speak. Now," Fūma Rivei commanded.
Seeing the patriarch's barely concealed anxiety, Uchiha Raizen knew his gamble was correct. Fūma Rivei, having cultivated his power to the level of an Elite Jonin, was undoubtedly aware of the curse within their bloodline. And he was suffering from it.
"Patriarch Fūma," Uchiha Raizen began, not answering directly but posing a question of his own. "Your body... it can no longer sustain your transformation more than three times, can it?"
"Even one transformation is enough to deal with the likes of you!" Fūma Rivei snapped, his emotions flaring. The volatile nature of their bloodline made controlling their temper difficult.
"Calm yourself. I am not here to fight you," Uchiha Raizen said, his voice remaining infuriatingly calm. "I said I can save your lives. You could likely kill me with a single blow, that is true. But tell me, who else in this world knows how to cure your affliction? No one. Except for me."
"I... I apologize, Elder Raizen," Fūma Rivei forced out, struggling to rein in his anger. "I have difficulty... controlling my emotions."
"Your transformation grants immense power, but it comes with a terrible price," Uchiha Raizen continued, laying out the facts. "Your bodies cannot withstand such violent energy. Your average lifespan is less than thirty years. Even if you never transform, the power itself slowly erodes you from within. Am I correct, Patriarch?"
Hearing his clan's grim reality stated so bluntly, Fūma Rivei could only nod grimly. There was no more doubt.
"So, what is your solution?" Fūma Rivei asked, a sliver of hope piercing his despair.
"That comes later. Since I dare to speak of it, I possess the means. Now, shall we discuss the price for this salvation?" A confident smile played on Uchiha Raizen's lips.
"The price? Name it."
"I want the Fūma clan to swear allegiance to the Uchiha. Become our vassals."
"Impossible!" Fūma Rivei roared, slamming his fist on the table. "The Fūma will never bow to any clan! Not even the mighty Uchiha will make us submit!"
"Very well. Then we will take our leave." With that, Uchiha Raizen stood and turned to exit the room without another word. Uchiha Ryoken and Uchiha Natsume exchanged a worried glance but followed him out.
"Do you think the Fūma clan is a place you can come and go from as you please?" a voice boomed from the doorway. A group of Fūma clansmen blocked their exit, their stances aggressive. "You will not leave until you provide the method to cure our ailment."
Uchiha Raizen, however, didn't even break his stride. His face remained a mask of serene composure, as if he had expected this very reaction.