Even outsiders could rise: Jin's way of winning allies

Shisui said nothing more.

His expression kept shifting as his mind raced.

The path Jin Uchiha had pointed out clashed completely with everything he had always believed.

Yet he had to admit that, beliefs aside, its chances of success were frighteningly high.

How could he change his lineage?

He had pondered that question for as long as he could remember. A few years ago, he had even graduated early from the Ninja Academy, all to find a way forward sooner.

His efforts had not been wasted, of course!

By memorizing the so-called "Will of Fire," and thanks to his grandfather being Kagami Uchiha, he had actually received an olive branch from the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

The Third had promised to help him win people over, but several years had passed in a flash, and nothing within the clan had changed.

In the past, he had felt lost, too.

But every time that confusion passed, he still put his faith firmly in Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Why?

Because there had been no other path for him to take!

Now things were different.

With Jin Uchiha standing before him, he finally had another option.

Unlike Hiruzen Sarutobi's empty promises, the path Jin Uchiha offered was drenched in blood, but at least he could see where it led.

If they succeeded, the clan really could change.

Once he weighed it all up, the fog in his mind cleared completely.

Hiruzen Sarutobi had never intended to truly help him, let alone the entire Uchiha clan. That old fox merely wanted to use him as a weapon to clean up his own dirty business.

At that thought, he let out a heavy breath.

"All right. I understand."

"If I can truly save the clan, then my life is a price worth paying. I, Shisui Uchiha, will walk that path, no matter how dark it gets."

"Bloodshed and dirty hands won't break my spine!"

The hesitation vanished from his face, leaving only a look of absolute resolve.

That was right.

Before, he had been confused because he could not find a path at all. Now that one lay at his feet, he would have to tackle it, however difficult it was.

Jin Uchiha narrowed his eyes.

After hearing Shisui's declaration, the anxiety that had gripped him finally eased a little.

Thank goodness.

All the effort he had just spent explaining things had not been wasted.

Just as he was privately celebrating, Shisui spoke again.

"Jin, what slogan should I use?" Shisui's face twisted with uncertainty, and he added sheepishly, "And who should I try to recruit?"

"I'm pretty much on my own in the clan."

"Neither the Hawk Faction nor the Dove Faction likes me."

"It's a real headache. Have you got any ideas, Jin?"

Jin Uchiha: "..."

He had only just begun to feel relieved, but Shisui's question nearly made him throw out his back on the spot.

Good heavens.

He had broken everything down and spoon-fed it to him. All that remained was to shove it down his throat with chopsticks.

And he still could not manage it?

The veins on his forehead throbbed. In the end, he could only heave a long sigh.

Fine.

Apparently, the Uchiha had invested all their points in their eyes. Whatever sat inside their skulls could probably give that colossal idiot Hashirama Senju a run for his money.

On second thought, to hell with it.

Shisui was running errands for him anyway. Jin Uchiha shook his head and spoke helplessly.

"Shisui, you've overlooked an entire group."

"Between the Hawk Faction and the Dove Faction, there's a huge crowd of sidelined Uchiha."

"They only collect a small base stipend from the clan each month. Outside, they're no different from ordinary shinobi."

"Offer them a c-rank ninjutsu scroll, and they'll work hard for you. If you can put up a B-Rank one, they'll even throw in their lives."

"You were born at the top. You have no idea how miserable life has become for the people beneath your feet."

"Of course, don't go all in and hand out every good thing you have."

"Even among members of the same clan, that approach will fall apart sooner or later."

"If you're going to establish a faction, you need to nail down the rules and procedures first."

"For that, just follow the village's example."

"How long can anything last without rules, relying on personal ties alone?"

"If you want to build a force, you can't be soft. When rewards are needed to get things done, use them."

"Pay people according to the work they do."

"As for your slogan, I suggest you go straight to Hiruzen Sarutobi for advice."

"Tell him the clan's Hawk Faction won't listen to reason, while everyone in the Dove Faction has their own agenda. They're all ungrateful bastards who'll never be loyal."

"So you intend to start afresh and establish a faction of your own."

"You're already one of Hiruzen Sarutobi's men. Tell him that, and he definitely won't suspect a thing."

"When the time comes, he won't just offer advice. He might even assign ANBU to help, making it easier for you to build your force."

"Shisui, engrave this in your mind."

"There are no permanent friends or enemies in this world, only permanent interests."

"Find ways to surround yourself with friends and leave your enemies nowhere to turn."

"Never be so rigid that you can't tell friends from enemies. People can switch between the two."

"Take Hiruzen Sarutobi. While he's helping you set things up, he's a friend. But once you truly have the Uchiha in your grasp, blades will be the only thing left to speak between you."

Jin Uchiha explained everything thoroughly, holding nothing back.

Ultimately.

If Kazama Nara's plan really got underway, the Uchiha would become a crucial piece on the board.

The clan members were stubborn and sometimes slow on the uptake, but once their reins were firmly in hand, they would be the sharpest enforcers around.

Meanwhile.

Shisui listened, wide-eyed.

He had never imagined there were so many twists and turns involved. Once he calmed down and thought it over a few times, every word truly made sense.

Precisely because he understood this now, he finally realized what an utter fool he had been before.

He let out a heavy breath, composed his expression, and spoke.

"All right. I know what to do now."

"Enough small talk. Let's get down to business."

"The clan head and Shikaku Nara have finalized the arrangements for your squad."

"You and Kazama Nara will join my team. Someone from the Hyuga Household will be added later."

"Our team will use the Elite Formation."

"That kid Shin Kudo has another assignment."

"He's being assigned to a regular squad, where he'll fill the captain's position."

"Get your things packed. We'll be moving out the day after tomorrow at the latest!"

Jin Uchiha was stunned.

For a long while, he could not collect himself.

He was just a slacker here to coast through life. How had he suddenly been shoved into Shisui's elite team?

Wasn't that a bit too hasty?

He spent every day shirking and slacking off. How had he ended up among the elite?

Wait, that wasn't right.

Wasn't Shikaku Nara supposed to oversee things in the Land of Rain in the original story?

With brains like his, why wasn't he dealing with the Hidden Stone and the Hidden Cloud Village? What was he doing joining the action against the Hidden Mist instead?

"Wait, Shisui."

"This Shikaku Nara you're talking about—is he the Jonin Commander and head of the Nara clan?"

The question left Shisui bewildered.

He could not figure it out.

Why was Jin Uchiha so fixated on that detail?

Still.

Although he did not understand why Jin was so particular about it, Shisui nodded.

"Clan Head Fugaku is the commander-in-chief, and Shikaku Nara is his deputy."

"I heard the higher-ups originally planned to send the Nara clan head to the Land of Rain front, but he went to see the Third and said outright that he wanted to come to the Hidden Mist front."

"He wore Lord Hokage down until he agreed."