A Divided Uchiha

Fugaku had always known.

His brother-in-law loved fitness and possessed a decent foundation in taijutsu.

But he also knew that Dan couldn't even perform hand seals, hadn't even mastered the most basic Three Body Technique, and was an out-and-out ninjutsu idiot.

In the world of ninjas.

A person who couldn't use any ninjutsu, no matter how strong their taijutsu was, would never go far.

Because their ceiling had already been set.

Yet, only now did Fugaku realize that he had underestimated his brother-in-law.

According to the report from Inohi, Dan's taijutsu proficiency alone was enough to qualify him as a Jonin, or at the very least, a Special Jonin.

Thinking of this.

This Uchiha Clan Head, who was always stern and serious, rarely revealed a faint smile.

His wife, Mikoto, had given him two sons.

Whether it was Itachi or Sasuke, under the couple's guidance, both had become sensible, filial geniuses.

To thank Mikoto for her dedication, and to make her happy, Fugaku had even been willing to go against his own professional principles, intending to pull strings for his brother-in-law and arrange a position for him in the Police Force.

But now, Dan had proven himself with his strength.

This way, Fugaku could take this opportunity to recruit his brother-in-law into the Police Force in a legitimate manner, and the clan members would have no reason to gossip behind his back.

He decided to find a time to meet Dan in person and finalize the matter.

After finishing his report to Fugaku.

No sooner had Inohi stepped out of the captain's office than he went to see someone else.

Uchiha Yashiro.

This man was the second-in-command of the Police Force, possessing strong analytical and leadership skills—a figure even Uchiha Fugaku felt inferior to.

However.

The Uchiha Clan ultimately valued power above all else.

Yashiro's strength was not as great as Fugaku's, and he had held a grudge ever since losing the competition for the position of Clan Head years ago.

Furthermore.

There was an even greater divide between Fugaku and Yashiro.

Within the current Uchiha Clan.

Facing the suppression from the Konoha high command, the clan members had formed cliques, splitting into Radical and Moderate factions.

The group led by Uchiha Yashiro was the Radical Faction, advocating for the use of force to oppose the Konoha high command, and even suggesting a Coup d'état if necessary to reclaim the power that originally belonged to the Uchiha Clan.

Meanwhile, the clan's top expert, Uchiha Shisui, was the representative of the Moderate Faction. They advocated for active dialogue with the Konoha high command to peacefully resolve the series of issues between the clan and the Village.

As for the Clan Head, Uchiha Fugaku, who was caught in the middle.

He appeared neutral, favoring neither side, but his actions all along indicated that he was clearly a Moderate at heart.

Therefore, the power of the Moderate Faction was currently suppressing the Radicals.

Inohi was a member of the Radical Faction.

He arrived at Yashiro's office and reported the matter regarding Dan once more.

Yashiro frowned, pondered for a moment, and then asked:

"This Uchiha Dan, he seems dissatisfied that his older sister married Fugaku, which is why he moved out of the clan compound, correct?"

"Based on my deductions, that is most likely the case." Inohi replied, narrowing his eyes.

"Good, find an opportunity to bring him to see me; let's see where he stands. If even the Clan Head's brother-in-law stands on our side, it will surely make that guy Fugaku very uncomfortable."

Yashiro's eyes flashed as he gave the order.

"I will arrange it as soon as possible."

Inohi nodded.

Although he didn't like Dan, he had to admit the latter's strength.

Inohi also understood that if the Uchiha Clan wanted to successfully revolt, they had to make every effort to unite the strength of all clan members.

Night fell, and the stars twinkled.

The Uchiha Clan Compound.

Above the Naka River, on the edge of a cliff hundreds of meters high, the moonlight was cold and clear.

This cliff was a place only Itachi and Shisui knew about; it had been their secret meeting spot for a long time.

"Itachi, congratulations on entering the Anbu. Have you been adjusting well during this time?"

Shisui asked with a smile, just like an older brother caring for his younger brother.

"Hmm, I'm doing well." Itachi nodded, a genuine smile blooming on his face in front of Shisui, who was like an older brother to him.

Itachi's assessment mission to join the Anbu had been completed with Shisui's help.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries.

Itachi hesitated for a moment, but still spoke up, asking Shisui about his Uncle Uchiha Dan.

"Oh? You're the second person to ask me about Dan today." Shisui looked surprised upon hearing this.

Itachi was stunned and instinctively asked, "Who was the first person?"

"The Third Hokage."

"..." Itachi fell into silence.

Seeing this, Shisui patted Itachi on the shoulder: "You should already know about Dan killing those Amegakure spies, right?"

Itachi nodded again.

Tonight, his father had acted out of character, breaking the family rule of no talking at the dinner table to proactively bring up Dan, even speaking of his uncle with high praise.

"Itachi, if you're curious about Dan, why don't you just go find him yourself? After all... he is your uncle."

Shisui was somewhat puzzled.

Itachi shook his head: "I've already looked for him, but Uncle doesn't like me."

"I see."

Shisui had a sudden realization, then proactively suggested, "Then, do you want me to help you approach Dan?"

He wasn't interested in Dan, but he cared about Itachi, who was like a younger brother to him.

"Thank you, Shisui. But I'll handle it myself." Itachi politely declined.

"Hmm, I trust you can resolve it on your own."

Shisui flashed his sunny smile once more.

This was, after all, Itachi's family business, and as an Outsider, he really shouldn't interfere too much.

In the gentle evening breeze, the two chatted for a while longer and agreed to execute a mission together as Anbu ninja if the opportunity arose.

"Then it's a deal."

Shisui waved his hand and turned to leave under Itachi's gaze.

Under the moonlight, Itachi watched Shisui's retreating figure, a warm current surging in his heart.

Shisui was not only his best friend but also his guide, having taught him the true Will of Fire.

The lights began to flicker on as evening fell.

By the Konoha Riverbank, there was a very bustling commercial street that became packed with people every night, offering everything one could want for food, drink, and entertainment.

From afar, one could see the sign for Yakiniku Q and smell the rich aroma of grilled meat wafting from the shop, drifting freely through the nearby streets.

"Right this way, you two."

With the smiling welcome of the Staff, Dan and Samui walked into the shop.

Unlike the relatively affordable Ichiraku Ramen, Yakiniku Q was considered a rather high-end establishment in Konoha, not something an average person could afford.

"Would you two like a couple's booth? The environment in the private rooms is quieter and more intimate, so you won't be disturbed at all," the Staff suggested, eyeing Dan and Samui.

Samui was taken aback and quickly waved her hands, saying, "You've misunderstood, we aren't..."

"Oh, I'm sorry." Upon hearing this, the Staff quickly apologized with a smile.

Samui carefully glanced at Dan, only to see him expressionless, his gaze devoid of any ripples.

She looked around, intending to pick a suitable seat for the two of them, when her gaze suddenly sharpened.

She had accidentally spotted a person of interest.