"You must not approach any post-disaster orphan resettlement site."
When those words reached the Clan District, the Konoha Military Police Force's Conference Room erupted.
Uchiha Inabi was the first to stand.
"We uncovered the irregularities, and this ban is what we get in return?"
Several other clan members looked just as grim.
"Isn't this an outright declaration that they don't trust the Uchiha?"
"Someone went through the Jinchūriki records, someone tampered with the orphan resettlement register, and Root nearly used the opportunity to take over. Yet in the end, we're the ones ordered to stay away?"
"Clan leader, we can't accept this restriction."
Uchiha Toru stood off to the side, his expression grim as well.
He understood Gen's reasoning.
But understanding it didn't make it any easier to stomach.
Especially as he listened to the clan members' questions, one after another, the anger inside him flared again.
Uchiha Fugaku sat at the head of the table without speaking immediately.
He looked at Uchiha Gen.
Everyone else's gaze followed, bearing down on him.
Uchiha Gen didn't evade them.
"We have to accept this restriction."
The Conference Room fell silent at once.
Uchiha Inabi said coldly, "Gen, do you know what you're saying?"
"I do."
"The Uchiha haven't gone near the Jinchūriki or the orphan resettlement sites. We even volunteered to stay out of any follow-up operations. Now the Hokage Building wants to put a red line in writing, forbidding us from approaching, and you want us to accept it?"
"Yes."
Uchiha Gen looked at him.
"Because that red line doesn't only restrict us."
Uchiha Inabi frowned.
Uchiha Gen placed a copy of the Hokage Building's resolution on the table.
"The resolution is clear. The Uchiha Konoha Military Police Force must not approach orphan resettlement sites, contact caregivers associated with the Jinchūriki,