Fugaku Stands Tall, Uchiha Jin Slaps Back!

Within the Uchiha clan, laughter and cheerful voices never ceased.

Following the Konoha Higher-ups' decision, Fugaku's approval ratings reached a new high. Only the Radical Faction gnashed their teeth in hatred.

Inside the Clan Head's residence.

Shisui, who had been assigned by Sarutobi Hiruzen, sat respectfully in the Tea Room and spoke. "Clan Head, your judgment was correct. Under your leadership, the Uchiha have finally eased their tensions with Konoha considerably."

"I am willing to become a blade in your hand and help you completely unite the entire Uchiha clan!"

Though Shisui knew the full truth, he also knew this was the Hokage's scheme.

Its main target was still the Radical Faction, yet he remained willing to obey because he believed this 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, 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. Though 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 briefly, he continued, "The Uchiha's circumstances are gradually improving. This is something worth celebrating. Immediately summon every clan member who has awakened their eyes to Naka Shrine."

"Today, we will celebrate properly!"

Fugaku's intentions were not difficult to guess, and Shisui instantly understood.

As a subordinate who had only just pledged himself to Fugaku, he naturally bowed and took his leave, going to notify the others on Fugaku's behalf.

Seeing this, the smile on Fugaku's face grew even broader.

Even Shisui had pledged himself to him. He was close to unifying the Uchiha, and on such a fine day, he ought to properly put the Radical Faction in its place.

Even if he could not win over Uchiha Jin and the other high-ranking members of the Radical Faction, it would still be good to recruit as many of their lower-ranking members as possible.

Itachi, hidden in the dark, wore an expression full of pain and confusion.

He quietly followed Shisui, then revealed himself and blocked his path.

"Brother Shisui, why..."

"Shh, don't speak!"

Shisui hurriedly stopped him.

He quickly pulled Itachi into a corner before carefully saying, "This was arranged by Hokage-sama. The one I still serve is Hokage-sama."

Only upon hearing those words did Itachi breathe a sigh of relief.

Immediately after.

The two spoke quietly for a few moments before Itachi finally left in satisfaction.

Shisui smiled and said no more. After sighing, My path is not a lonely one, he began contacting the clan members.

As for this.

Naturally, the Moderate Faction and Middle Faction had no objections. It was perfectly normal to celebrate such happy news.

The Radical Faction, however, was the complete opposite!

They had long heard the truth from Uchiha Jin. Though they were somewhat single-minded, they were not stupid. Jin met with Konoha, and immediately afterward, the surveillance was withdrawn. Yet now they claimed it was all because of Fugaku's influence?

Bullshit!

Did Fugaku have that kind of clout?

He had nothing!

Uchiha Jin did not say much. He merely waved a hand for everyone to quiet down. "None of you need to be anxious or angry. Sarutobi Hiruzen would love nothing more than to see the Uchiha fighting among ourselves. We cannot let Konoha lead us around by the nose."

"Tekka and I will attend the Clan Meeting. Elder Setsuna will command the others, and you will use this time to begin the operation."

"Every member of the Radical Faction, whether ninja or commoner, will relocate near my home."

"All ninja squads will be divided into morning, afternoon, and night shifts. Patrol and maintain vigilance twenty-four hours a day. Arrange both open and hidden sentries."

"Everything must be done in secret. Understood?"

His tone was extremely 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 allow the enemy to lead him around by the nose. Instead, he only wanted to seize this chance to accomplish what he had planned.

Everyone present nodded solemnly.

Since Uchiha Jin had joined the Radical Faction, every single thing he had done had thoroughly won them over.

Even if they did not fully 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 seem as though they were celebrating the New Year.

However.

With the arrival of Jin and the others, the entire scene instantly fell silent.

The Moderate Faction and Middle Faction frowned slightly. Clearly, they did not like the Radical Faction, especially the Radical Faction under Uchiha Jin's command.

In their view, relations between the Uchiha and Konoha were already tense enough, while the Radical Faction under Uchiha Jin had become even more extreme.

Fugaku smiled faintly, his tone exceptionally gentle. "Since you are 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 in every way.

They claimed that under Fugaku's leadership, the Uchiha and Konoha's efforts to break the ice had finally achieved tremendous progress today.

In short...

The underlying meaning was quite simple.

Clan Head Fugaku was amazing, so the Radical Faction should hurry up and kneel before him!

The members of the Radical Faction could no longer endure it.

"You are all talking nonsense! Is this Fugaku's achievement?"

"Jin-kun met with Konoha, and Root and the Anbu withdrew immediately afterward. What does that have to do with Fugaku as Clan Head?"

"They did not withdraw earlier or later, but had to do it right after Jin-kun met with Konoha?"

"After ascending to the position, he had no achievements of his own, yet he came to claim someone else's credit. How could there be someone so shameless among the Uchiha?"

"This is obviously Konoha's scheme to stir up internal conflict among the Uchiha, yet you idiots are actually feeling pleased with yourselves?"

"Hmph, trash!"

"..."

The Radical Faction members were filled with righteous indignation, their words dripping with mockery.

Clearly.

They gave Fugaku, the Clan Head, no face whatsoever!

Fugaku's expression turned extremely ugly, while the others began to look thoughtful.

That made sense!

This 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 they were not, 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 simply sat quietly in his seat. He neither refuted them nor stopped them, nor did he show any intention of proving himself.

He merely watched Fugaku quietly, observing the changes in Fugaku's expression.

Two minutes later.

Just as Fugaku's face reddened and he opened his mouth in an attempt 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 amount to?"

"Since the Clan Head wants it, just give it to him."

At that moment, Jin was imposing beyond compare.

He seemed utterly unconcerned with such minor credit, his entire being radiating an image of nobility and righteousness.

He looked like a magnanimous saint who truly refused to let such a trivial matter affect the greater interests of the Uchiha.