When Fugaku placed the Clan Leader’s Seal in the center of the clan meeting, no one reached out to take it.
That seal had been in his hands for too long.
So long that many had assumed he could only surrender it after death, removal from office, or defeat.
"I'm not resigning from my responsibilities in the Konoha Military Police Force."
Fugaku made that clear first.
"Nor am I admitting, by stepping down, that every past decision was wrong."
"What I want to end is a Clan Leader's position with no term limit, no recusal, and no public succession process."
The clan meeting's recorder asked him to first state the facts of his tenure.
Not a list of achievements.
Nor a confession.
After the Night of the Nine-Tails, Fugaku had prevented the clan from rushing into conflict.
He had protected evidence, demanded changes to the Konoha Military Police Force's enforcement practices, and kept the Uchiha from being collectively condemned again through several external crises.
Those records would remain.
He had also once staked the clan's survival on a handful of prodigies.
He had allowed crises to amplify the emotions of the clan meeting.
He had simultaneously controlled internal decisions, police power, and external negotiations without a clear term limit.
Those records would remain as well.
"Keeping the clan alive doesn't prove that every method was right."
Fugaku spoke.
"Voluntarily handing this back doesn't prove that keeping the clan alive was a mistake, either."
The first dispute arose immediately.
Who would take over?
Some nominated Shisui.
Their reasons were his strength, reputation, and the trust he commanded outside the clan.
Others nominated Itachi.
Their reasons were his youth, composure, and Anbu experience.
Neither name went straight onto the candidate list.
The clan meeting first asked whether they were willing.
Shisui refused