Within the Uchiha clan, laughter and cheerful voices rang out without end.
Following the Konoha Higher-ups' decision, Fugaku's approval rating reached a new high, while the Radical Faction could only grind their teeth in hatred.
Inside the Clan Head Residence.
Shisui, dispatched by Sarutobi Hiruzen, sat respectfully in the Tea Room and spoke. "Clan Head, your approach was correct. Under your leadership, the Uchiha have finally achieved considerable reconciliation with Konoha."
"I am willing to become a blade in your hand and help you completely unify the entire Uchiha clan!"
Although Shisui knew the full truth, he also knew this was the Hokage's scheme.
Its main target was still the Radical Faction, but he was nevertheless willing to obey because he believed everything was only temporary.
Once they truly got rid of that damned Uchiha Jin, the Uchiha would surely integrate into Konoha under Hokage-sama's leadership.
"Good, very good!"
"Shisui, now that you have returned from the wrong path, the Uchiha have gained another great asset."
At that moment.
A faint smile appeared on Fugaku's dignified face. Although he knew he had profited without lifting a finger this time, he felt no shame—only pride.
Because in his heart, Uchiha Jin was merely a chess piece. This was all the result of his own calculations!
He was delighted by Shisui's defection, but he still maintained the bearing of a clan head. After pondering for a moment, he continued, "The Uchiha's situation is gradually improving. This is something worth celebrating. Summon every clan member who has awakened their Sharingan and have them gather at Naka Shrine immediately."
"Today, we will celebrate properly!"
Fugaku's intentions were not difficult to guess, and Shisui naturally understood them instantly.
As a subordinate who had only just pledged himself, he naturally bowed and took his leave, heading off to notify the others for Fugaku.
Seeing this, the smile on Fugaku's face grew even broader.
Even Shisui had joined him. He was getting ever closer to unifying the Uchiha. Since today was such a fine day, it was the perfect chance to properly put the Radical Faction in its place.
Even if he could not win over Uchiha Jin and the other Radical Faction higher-ups, it would still be good if he could draw in as many of their lower-ranking members as possible.
Itachi, hidden in the shadows, wore an expression full of pain and confusion.
He quietly followed Shisui, then stepped out and stopped him directly.
"Shisui-niisan, why..."
"Shh, don't speak!"
Seeing this, Shisui hurriedly stopped him.
He quickly pulled Itachi into a corner before cautiously saying, "This was arranged by Hokage-sama. The one I serve is still Hokage-sama."
Only after hearing that did Itachi finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Soon after.
The two exchanged a few quiet words before Itachi left in satisfaction.
Shisui smiled and said no more. After sighing, I am not alone on this path, he began contacting the clan members.
As for this.
The Moderate Faction and Middle Faction naturally had no objections. It was perfectly normal to celebrate such a happy occasion.
The Radical Faction, however, was the complete opposite!
They had long heard the truth from Uchiha Jin. Though they could be rather single-minded, they were not stupid. Jin met with Konoha, and immediately afterward the surveillance was withdrawn—yet now they were claiming it was all because of Fugaku's prestige?
What bullshit!
Did Fugaku even have that kind of clout?
He had clout my ass!
Uchiha Jin did not say much about it. He simply waved a hand for everyone to quiet down. "Don't be anxious, and don't be angry. Sarutobi Hiruzen would love nothing more than for the Uchiha to fight among themselves. We cannot let Konoha lead us around by the nose."
"I'll take Tekka and the others to the Clan Meeting. Elder Setsuna will command everyone else. Take this opportunity to begin the operation."
"Every member of the Radical Faction, whether Ninja or Commoner, is to relocate near my home."
"All Ninja squads will be divided into morning, afternoon, and night shifts. Patrol and maintain vigilance around the clock. Both visible sentries and hidden sentries must be arranged."
"Everything must be done in secret. Understood?"
His tone was exceedingly calm as he began assigning tasks.
The Konoha Higher-ups' scheme was not particularly sophisticated. Anyone who had received a complete nine-year compulsory education could see through it, so naturally he would not let the enemy lead him around by the nose. On the contrary, he only wanted to use this opportunity to accomplish the goals he had planned.
Hearing this, everyone present nodded solemnly.
Ever since Uchiha Jin joined the Radical Faction, every single thing he had done had thoroughly won them over.
Even if they could not quite understand some things for the moment, they had long grown accustomed to acting first and thinking afterward.
Half an hour later.
Naka Shrine was bustling with activity. Everyone wore smiles, making it look as lively as the New Year.
However.
With the arrival of Jin and the others, the scene instantly fell silent.
The Moderate Faction and Middle Faction frowned slightly. Clearly, none of them liked the Radical Faction, especially the Radical Faction under Uchiha Jin's control.
In their eyes, the relationship between the Uchiha and Konoha was already tense enough, yet the Radical Faction under Uchiha Jin had become even more extreme.
Fugaku smiled gently, his tone exceptionally mild. "Since you're here, take your seats."
"Today is a good day, so we will not discuss disputes. Today is only for celebration!"
As Fugaku spoke, the "plants" he had arranged in advance began singing his praises from every direction.
They spoke of how, under Fugaku's leadership, the Uchiha and Konoha's efforts to break the ice had finally achieved tremendous progress today.
In short...
The underlying message was very simple.
Clan Head Fugaku was amazing, so the Radical Faction should hurry up and kneel!
The Radical Faction could no longer endure it.
"You're all talking shit! Is this Fugaku's achievement?"
"Jin-kun met with Konoha, and Root and the Anbu withdrew right afterward. What does that have to do with Fugaku as clan head?"
"Why didn't they withdraw earlier or later? Why did they have to do it right after Jin-kun met with Konoha?"
"After taking office, he has no accomplishments of his own, yet he comes to claim credit for someone else's work. How can there be someone this shameless among the Uchiha?"
"This is clearly Konoha's plot to incite internal conflict among the Uchiha, yet you idiots are actually pleased with yourselves?"
"Hmph, useless trash!"
"..."
The Radical Faction members were filled with righteous indignation, their words dripping with mockery.
Clearly.
They showed Fugaku, the clan head, absolutely no respect!
Fugaku's expression became exceedingly ugly, while the others began to look thoughtful.
That made sense!
This matter was far too much of a coincidence.
They might have been somewhat single-minded and looked down on the Radical Faction, but they were also reasonable people.
If not for that, Konoha would not have bullied them so badly!
Thus, after hearing the Radical Faction's words, the way they looked at Fugaku began to change.
Jin narrowed his eyes slightly, his expression utterly calm.
He merely sat quietly in his seat. He neither refuted them nor stopped them, nor did he show any intention of proving himself.
He simply watched Fugaku in silence, observing the changes in Fugaku's expression.
Two minutes later.
Just as Fugaku's face reddened and he opened his mouth to explain, Jin suddenly spoke, cutting him off.
"Enough. Shut up, all of you!"
"Fugaku is the clan head of our Uchiha. What does a little credit even amount to?"
"If the Clan Head wants it, then just give it to him."
At that moment, Jin was the picture of dominance.
He seemed completely unconcerned with such minor credit, radiating nothing but righteousness and grandeur.
He looked like a magnanimous saint who truly refused to let such a trivial matter affect the Uchiha's greater interests.
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