After a dedicated file on spatial anomalies was established, public opinion within Konoha did not immediately improve.
Quite the opposite: many old accusations resurfaced.
Some said spatial anomalies were also a power of the Sharingan.
Some said that since the Sharingan was involved, the Uchiha could not possibly be entirely innocent.
Others said so many people had died on the Night of the Nine-Tails that someone had to take responsibility.
These statements sounded different.
But they had only one thing at their core.
Shove the blame back onto the Uchiha first.
Gen was not surprised.
Fear would not disappear because of a few records.
Konoha's villagers had lost loved ones on the Night of the Nine-Tails, its ninja had lost comrades that night, and its leadership had lost the Fourth Hokage.
Wounds like those demanded an explanation.
Without a more clearly identified manipulator, the Uchiha, the most visible target, would continue to serve as a vessel for that pain.
Fugaku placed several reports on public opinion on the table.
"Some people in the clan are starting to resent this."
Shisui asked, "They feel we've already conceded too much?"
Fugaku nodded.
"Some believe that since the village keeps suspecting us, we shouldn't continue cooperating with the review."
This was the most dangerous kind of backlash.
If the Uchiha withdrew again because they felt wronged, both Root and the Masked Man would be pleased.
Root could claim that the Uchiha were indeed refusing to obey the village.
The Masked Man could keep waiting for hatred to fester.
Gen said, "We can't let our clansmen hear nothing but the suspicions outside."
Fugaku looked at him.
Gen continued, "We need to tell them that this investigation isn't about clearing anyone's name for the village. It's about finding the true manipulator for the Uchiha. Individual