"Looks like you really understand!" Pleased with Uchiha Tekka's answer, Yan nodded and added, "We can also lay some groundwork along the way."
"For example, we could divide the clan into different areas and hold exclusive events for the upper classes, showing off their special privileges and extravagant lifestyles."
"We could also periodically select certain people and help them rise from the lower class to the upper class, then publicize their success on a grand scale. Ideally, they'd outshine the upper-class clan members who were already there, further intensifying the conflict between them."
"Then we'd mercilessly cast some of the original upper-class members straight into hell!"
At this, Uchiha Tekka's brows furrowed slightly. A hint of worry showed in his eyes, and his hands clenched unconsciously, as though he was concerned about something.
He hesitated, then asked uneasily, "But if we do that, it may well increase the chances of the clan members awakening their Sharingan. But could people start selling off their property or seeking revenge in secret?"
"Of course they could, and there'll be more of it than less!" Yan nodded at Uchiha Tekka, affirming his guess. "Tekka..."
"Remember this: never bet on human nature. Given that kind of disparity, nothing those clan members do would surprise me."
"Then..." The worry in Uchiha Tekka's eyes deepened.
"Don't worry!" Yan came over and patted Uchiha Tekka on the shoulder, reassuring him. "Isn't that what you're here for?"
"Isn't that why I asked the clan leader for so many people? To prevent things like this from happening."
"We don't need to interfere if they sell off their property, but taking revenge in secret is absolutely forbidden."
Uchiha Tekka frowned deeply and said nothing.
Seeing his expression, Yan knew what he was thinking.
He probably thought it wasn't right to ignore the property sales. After all, they were all clan members, and the ultimate goal was to help them awaken their Sharingan, not to make money.
Yan smiled faintly and leaned back against the table.
"I understand your concerns. We can coordinate with the clan and have them transfer their assets to us. Once the experiment succeeds, we'll return them."
"You really don't need to worry!"
Uchiha Tekka's expression shifted at the explanation, turning somewhat apprehensive.
"Lord Yan, I'm not questioning your orders. I'm just worried..."
"I know!" Yan cut him off. "You're worried they'll become addicted to gambling, and even if we return their property, they'll just sell it off again, right?"
"Yes!" Caught out, Uchiha Tekka lowered his head in shame.
"Getting rid of a gambling addiction isn't as troublesome as you think!" Yan tapped his fingers lightly on the table, speaking with confidence. "Don't forget what our Uchiha Clan excels at."
"Genjutsu!"
"Many of the clan's experts can use genjutsu to influence a clan member's mind, but making sure it leaves no lasting effects would take a long time."
"So we need to prepare early. Ideally, we should choose someone who isn't too ambitious, is patient, and won't try to control clan members with genjutsu."
At this, a figure suddenly flashed through Uchiha Tekka's mind.
If it were him, he'd never try to use genjutsu to influence the clan members' will!
"Shisui!" Yan and Uchiha Tekka said at the same time.
"Can I really do this?"
Hearing the task Yan had given him, Shisui felt uneasy.
This concerned the clan members' mental health and inner resolve. He couldn't afford to be careless.
One slip, and he might fail to cure their gambling addiction and ruin them completely.
If something like that happened, Shisui would never forgive himself.
"That's exactly why we need you!" Yan clapped Shisui on the shoulder, encouraging him. "To be honest, you're the person I trust most in the clan."
"Who else could handle a task like this?"
"Exactly!" Uchiha Tekka nodded in agreement. "Lord Yan's right. You were the first person I thought of for this. I wouldn't trust anyone else."
With both of them praising him, Shisui felt his pressure mounting rapidly.
But since this was for the clan members' mental well-being, he tentatively asked, "Then... should I give it a try?"
Smack!
"That's the spirit!" Yan clapped his hands.
"I trust you, but you still need to start preparing early. Come up with a jutsu specifically designed to cure gambling addiction."
"Keep it up!"
Uchiha Tekka pumped his fist too. "Keep it up! I believe you can do it!"
Seeing their gestures, Shisui gave a wry smile. He couldn't help feeling he'd been roped into something.
But he'd already agreed.
And given his sense of responsibility, he wouldn't let anything bad happen.
"Then I'll start preparing now and see if I can develop a genjutsu like that!" With that, Shisui turned and left.
Watching Shisui hurry away, Yan nodded in satisfaction.
As expected of Shisui. He's so easy to convince! I don't have to do a thing, and I get a jutsu for free—even if it's not much use!
Then he glanced sideways at Uchiha Tekka, an idea coming to him.
He patted Tekka firmly on the shoulder and said earnestly, "Tekka, out of everyone in the clan, you're the one I trust most."
"Uh..." Uchiha Tekka's mouth twitched. "Lord Yan, you just said that to Shisui."
Then he silently added, Just a few minutes ago!
"Did I?" Yan awkwardly scratched his head and waved a hand. "Don't worry about the details. Let me put it another way."
"I think you're the most capable person in the clan."
"You understand what I'm getting at so quickly. Even Shisui can't do that."
"Once the Eye-Opening Project is refined, I'll put you in charge of the Casino."
"Ah!"
Hearing Yan's plan, Uchiha Tekka exclaimed, his face full of disbelief. "Lord Yan, I can't do that!"
"You won't know until you try, and I'm not asking you to take over right now!"
"But..." Uchiha Tekka still wasn't reassured. "I'm afraid I won't do a good job!"
"It's fine!" Yan wore the same gentle smile as before as he reassured him. "From the moment the project begins, stay at the Casino. You can try putting any ideas you have into practice. We can afford to make mistakes, so what's there to worry about?"
Seeing how completely Yan trusted him, Uchiha Tekka felt moved.
Lord Yan had entrusted him with such an important responsibility just like that. He absolutely couldn't let him down.
"Lord Yan!" Uchiha Tekka puffed out his chest and declared with great spirit, "I won't betray your trust!"
Yan's lips slowly curled upward.
I really am a genius!
I'd managed to dump such a troublesome task on someone else just like that.
And he even had to thank me for it!
"Keep it up!"
Before you continue