As the son of the Hawk Faction's leader, he understood better than ordinary clan members the increasingly obvious ideological divide and undercurrents of power between his father, Elder Yusuke, and Clan Head Kagami Uchiha.
If he had merely been an ordinary Uchiha, perhaps he would only have needed to keep his head down, train, and carry out missions. But his status made it impossible for him to stay out of it.
He had privately studied the "New Era Theory" promoted by Hokage Nangō Kumoi, and had even found the parts about efficiency, cooperation, and integrated development quite reasonable.
It was a path that could allow the Uchiha to truly take root and grow stronger in Konoha, shedding their isolated and marginalized position.
He had also tried to tactfully share these views with his father, only to be dismissed as "naive" and "fooled by the Hokage's softening tactics."
His father's stubbornness, the obsession certain radical factions within the clan had with past "glory," and Clan Head Kagami's increasingly clear, steady efforts to lead the family into the village had formed an irreconcilable tension.
It often left him feeling powerless and exhausted.
"Forget it."
He shook off the chaotic thoughts in his mind, and his gaze became firm once more.
"No matter how much I think about it, it's useless.
No matter what, I am first and foremost a member of the Uchiha Clan.
As long as the final choice is for the clan's better future, anything is fine."
"Alright, let's go in." Gen's calm reply came from beside him.
The two followed the crowd into the solemn assembly hall.
Within the vast hall, candlelight mingled with the morning light streaming through the high windows, illuminating the seat of honor at the front—it was still empty, as Clan Head Kagami Uchiha had