Uchiha Fugaku's residence stood in the deepest part of the clan compound.
Uchiha Yao walked along the stone-paved path leading to the clan head's residence.
Every clansman he encountered along the way, whether patrolling Police Force members or ordinary women and children, immediately stopped and bowed to him the instant they saw him.
Their eyes brimmed with fanatical worship.
At last, Uchiha Yao stopped before the heavy wooden doors.
The two guards stiffened instinctively when they saw him, then respectfully pulled the doors open.
"Elder Yao, the clan head has been waiting for you."
"Sit."
Fugaku gestured for Uchiha Yao to take a seat.
Uchiha Yao did not stand on ceremony. He sat directly opposite Fugaku and met his gaze.
"Yao, haven't you been too radical these past few days?"
He was referring to Uchiha Yao's iron-fisted actions of arresting people in the streets and sweeping up every troublemaker in one fell swoop.
"Rumors from the villagers, and the Military Police Force directly stepping in to suppress them—this has never happened in Konoha's history."
"This will intensify the conflict between us and the village and make the Uchiha's position even more difficult."
Fugaku tried to use his status as clan head, and the Uchiha Clan's past experience, to suppress the young man before him, who was already close to spiraling out of control.
"I hope you can slow down the Police Force reforms and take a gentler approach toward the villagers as well."
"This is for the clan's stability."
Uchiha Yao lifted the teacup before him but did not drink. He merely felt the warmth radiating from its surface.
"Stability?"
"Clan Head Fugaku, by stability, do you mean allowing Root to spread rumors among the civilians, slander the Uchiha, and undermine our foundation?"
"By stability, do you mean making our