Itachi's brows knitted together.
Young as he was, he sensed that something was wrong. He instinctively looked toward Jin Uchiha, his eyes full of anxiety.
Yan Uchiha's expression remained impassive.
His brows furrowed briefly, then relaxed again, betraying no trace of panic.
He was genuinely a little bewildered.
He had known this move would send the Hokage and the Shinobi Clans into a panic.
He could understand them making a few moves behind the scenes, too.
But this was far too fast. The notice had only gone up that afternoon, and they were already secretly gathering as soon as night fell.
Anyone with half a brain could see what they were planning.
What Yan Uchiha couldn't understand was what made them think they could do this.
They were still at war.
Still, however uneasy he felt, he was now the one running the Uchiha. He absolutely couldn't show fear.
If he panicked, Fugaku would be the first to lose his nerve.
"Jin, hurry up and make a decision."
This time, the Hokage's faction seemed determined to swallow the Uchiha whole.
"I say we gather everyone right away. Whether we fight them head-on or flee while we still can, the sooner we decide, the better."
"We don't have much time left!"
"We can't run. There are too many Uchiha with families in tow."
"The ninja might manage, but what about all those civilians?"
Everyone in the courtyard started talking over one another.
None of them could keep their composure. The news had clearly frightened them.
"Then we fight to the death. There's nothing else to say."
Uchiha Setsuna took over, raising his voice. "Those bastards with the Hokage won't leave us any way out. It's only a matter of time!"
"I'd love to strangle Jin Uchiha myself, but this isn't the