The Clan Meeting Begins

Two days passed quickly. Last night, after Uchiha Yan obtained the signatures of three people on the petition to convene a clan meeting, he sought out two neutral elder factions to sign it as well. Before long, notice that the elders would jointly convene another clan meeting tonight was sent to some members of the clan.

Uchiha Yushu was somewhat disdainful of this. This rule had clearly been created to limit the clan head's authority.

Uchiha Yushu decided that if he became clan head, the first rule he would establish would be that only the clan head could convene a clan meeting.

That was right. Although he had only gotten the chance to vie for the position of clan head with his grandfather's support, once he became clan head, the Uchiha Clan's first step would be to reclaim the elders' authority. Old men should just stay home and enjoy their retirement. They had no business meddling in clan affairs.

At the clan head's residence, Fugaku Uchiha sat before a pond, drinking tea.

On the tea table before him lay the petition to convene a clan meeting jointly submitted by the five clan elders.

Fugaku Uchiha had already made up his mind. To prevent any unforeseen developments, he planned to hand the position of clan head directly to Yushu as soon as the clan meeting began.

Mikoto, having just finished clearing the dishes, walked to Fugaku's side and asked softly, "Fugaku, have you really thought this through? Handing the position of clan head to Yushu."

Fugaku Uchiha set down his teacup and let out a long sigh. "Sigh..."

"This is the best solution. The village has become extremely wary because of the Nine-Tails jinchuriki matter. No matter what, they insist on sending Yushu to the border."

"And once he leaves the village, we may be able to protect him at first, but as time passes, Yushu will never be able to return."

"Recently, the village has become increasingly harsh toward the clan. The clansmen's emotions are already on the verge of exploding. If news of Yushu's death reaches them as well, then no matter how I try to appease them, it likely won't help. In the end, we'll be swept along into launching a coup."

"The best solution now is to make Yushu the clan head. He is qualified for the position to begin with. Once he serves as both the Uchiha Clan head and the captain of the Police Force, the village will have no way to send Yushu off to die unless they are willing to completely tear off all pretense."

At this point, Fugaku Uchiha's face filled with a smile. "That brat has been thinking day and night about becoming clan head. Once he becomes one, he'll learn that many things aren't so simple. Let him experience what it feels like to be roasted over a fire."

"Perfect. I'll have more time to spend with you and the children. Come to think of it, all these years, I really have you to thank, Mikoto!"

As though recalling something pleasant, Fugaku Uchiha slowly drew Mikoto Uchiha into his arms.

At the Hokage Building, two Anbu were currently kneeling on one knee before Hiruzen Sarutobi.

One of them, the Anbu currently reporting, appeared to be an adult judging by his build. His face could not be seen beneath his mask, but his hedgehog-like silver hair was particularly conspicuous.

If Uchiha Yushu were here, he would easily recognize this man as Kakashi Hatake, the famed Copy Ninja of his previous life, known by the title "Fifty-Fifty."

The other silent Anbu looked as though he should still be studying at the Ninja Academy based on his build, rather than appearing in the Hokage's office as an Anbu.

Konoha's Anbu were extremely strict in selecting shinobi. At the very least, one had to be an elite among chunin to have a chance of joining. This showed just how gifted this Anbu shinobi was.

He was Itachi Uchiha, who had joined the Anbu not long ago. After joining, he had become Kakashi's subordinate, and their first mission was to monitor the Uchiha Clan. They were now reporting the intelligence gathered through their surveillance.

After Kakashi swiftly delivered the intelligence in a concise manner, he fell silent.

"The Uchiha Clan is holding another clan meeting? They've really become more and more frequent lately."

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, muttered to himself.

"Then, Kakashi, Itachi, did you learn what the main topic of this Uchiha Clan meeting will be?"

"My apologies, Lord Hokage. It is difficult to learn more while monitoring from outside."

"Then, Itachi, I can sense the strong Will of Fire within you. Are you willing to investigate the clan's secrets for the sake of the village?"

"No problem, Lord Hokage!"

"Then, Itachi, you need not stand watch tonight. Attend the Uchiha Clan meeting directly and find out exactly what they intend to do."

"Yes, Lord Hokage!"

"Go and prepare."

Upon hearing this, the two immediately left the Hokage Building.

Not long after they left, the door to the Hokage's office was opened again.

Only a handful of people could enter the Hokage's office without prior notice. The person who arrived now was Danzo Shimura.

Without any pleasantries after entering, he said directly, "Hiruzen, the Uchiha Clan is making moves again. Have you received any more specific information?"

"No, but I've arranged for Itachi to attend tonight's clan meeting. We'll have the details tonight."

"Hiruzen, the Uchiha Clan cannot be trusted. Besides, he is Fugaku's son. You've already been deceived."

"Danzo, if the Uchiha Clan cannot be trusted, then what about Kagami? That child Itachi has inherited the Will of Fire just like Kagami. He has also been able to consider matters from the village's perspective since childhood. I trust him."

"Kagami is different. He was personally acknowledged by Teacher Tobirama as an inheritor of the Will of Fire. How can that little brat Itachi be mentioned in the same breath as Kagami?"

"Teacher Tobirama acknowledged Kagami in his capacity as the Second Hokage. Now, I acknowledge Itachi in my capacity as the Third Hokage. Is there a problem with that? Danzo, remember, I am the Hokage!"

"Hiruzen, you... One day, you will regret today's decision! Also, Uchiha Yushu is supposed to depart by tomorrow at the latest, correct? My people have long been deployed. Hiruzen, don't be softhearted again."

"Danzo, you misunderstand what I mean. But Uchiha Yushu will depart tomorrow."

"Hmph! You are still as hypocritical as ever, Hiruzen."

At dusk, the sun seemed unwilling to set. Crimson clouds filled the sky, staining the entire world with color.

Within the Uchiha Clan compound, young shinobi gathered noisily in groups all over the area, soon forming a massive crowd.

They passed through the clan compound and arrived outside Naka Shrine.

This group of young people caused quite a commotion along the way. Many households wanted to come out and complain, but upon seeing such a huge crowd, all of them jonin, they pretended that nothing had happened and went back inside.

Some sharper-minded people sensed that something was unusual from this display and vaguely guessed that something major would happen within the clan tonight.

A tense atmosphere gradually spread throughout the entire clan compound. Whether they had not yet eaten dinner, were in the middle of eating, or had already finished, the clansmen all began guessing what exactly would happen.

Some people who thought themselves clever combined the clan's current circumstances with the situation before them and guessed that these people might be trying to persuade the clan head to launch a coup.

Of course, it was not only this group of young people. People arrived at Naka Shrine from every direction, but aside from the few elders who had already entered, their guards, and a small number of clansmen—

Most people waited outside Naka Shrine, as though awaiting someone important.

Before long, Uchiha Yushu arrived as well with several people.

The clan meeting began.