For the first time at a clan meeting, Uchiha Gen put himself on the table.
Not as the one making a proposal.
Nor as the one explaining it.
But as someone at risk.
"If something happens to me, the current recordkeeping system will grind to a halt."
A long silence settled over the Meeting Hall.
Che was the first to look up.
"Nothing will happen to you."
"That's not an assessment."
Gen looked at him.
"That's wishful thinking."
Che closed his mouth.
Fugaku sat at the head of the room, his expression grave.
Of course he knew how important Gen was.
But only when Gen said it himself did everyone realize how accustomed they had become to waiting for his judgment.
When a forged document appeared, they waited for Gen to examine it.
When a lead on Root surfaced, they waited for Gen to unravel it.
When conflicts arose within the clan, they waited for Gen to set the rules.
When system notifications had to be translated into real-world assessments, Gen alone could take that first step.
It was highly effective.
And highly dangerous.
Fugaku asked, "Your proposal?"
Uchiha Gen took out a new chart.
"Starting today, recordkeeping will no longer revolve around one person."
Che frowned. "How do we divide it up?"
Rather than answering immediately, Gen placed the chart where everyone could see it.
"Che will handle document archiving and copy management."
"Cheng will handle field routes, patrol reports, and logs of unusual contacts."
"Shisui will handle witnessing high-risk situations and incidents involving the boundaries of genjutsu."
"Itachi will handle liaison with the Anbu, identifying single-channel missions, and risk records for young shinobi."
He paused.
"Clan Head Fugaku will make the final decisions. I will no longer pass judgment in place of the clan meeting."
Fugaku studied the