Dusk was approaching in the courtyard of Yan Uchiha's home.
As the sun slowly sank, Jin Uchiha finally rose and left the house. He gave a lazy yawn, then frowned slightly.
Last night, he and Shisui had settled everything. According to their original arrangements, Shisui should have started making his move by now.
Yet the entire Uchiha Clan was far too quiet. Not only had no one come looking for him, there had not been so much as a stir.
Had something gone wrong on Shisui's end?
Just as Jin was considering going over to check for himself, a figure rushed through the courtyard gate. Tekka was drenched in sweat, clearly having hurried all the way there.
"Lord Jin, something's happened!"
Before he could even catch his breath, he blurted out, "Shisui has been recruiting people all over the clan. Almost everyone dissatisfied with us has joined his side."
"Our people checked. Both elders, Uchiha Yashiro and Uchiha Setsuna, have gone with Shisui too."
At this point, Tekka's expression grew even darker.
"And some clansmen saw Shisui activate his Mangekyō Sharingan with their own eyes!"
"He's claiming that Lord Yan's actions violate the so-called will of fire. He intends to gather everyone opposed to Lord Yan, strip you of your authority, then take the entire Uchiha Clan over to Hiruzen Sarutobi."
"Shisui also said Hiruzen Sarutobi has already accepted him, and that the village leadership is backing him. Lord Jin, we can't put this off any longer!"
Tekka spoke faster and faster. "If we let him keep recruiting clansmen like this, he'll destroy everything we've worked so hard to build!"
"I've already gathered all the shinobi on our side outside the Naka Shrine. They're hiding there for now. Just give the order, and we can charge in immediately and deal