The list of targets could not remain within the clan.
Uchiha Gen understood that perfectly.
If the Uchiha investigated on their own, all they would end up with was "the Uchiha accusing Root."
That would accomplish nothing.
The Hokage Building would suppress it, Danzo would dismiss it as the clan venting its anger, and the other shinobi clans would see it as the Uchiha exploiting an incident to stir up trouble.
So early the next morning, Fugaku took the list, the paper examination records, and the Clan Meeting's sealing receipt to the Hokage Building.
This time, the Uchiha did not bring their anger with them.
At least, not on the surface.
Fugaku had not even allowed Uchiha Jun to accompany him.
The younger generation's anger could be documented, but it could not be put on display in the Hokage Building, where someone could seize on their expressions.
What truly belonged on the table was evidence.
Shisui and Itachi accompanied him as well.
Uchiha Gen did not stand at the front.
He stood off to the side and behind the others, watching everyone's reactions.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression visibly darkened when he finished reading the list.
"Who provided this list?"
Fugaku said, "A young member of our clan received it and voluntarily handed it over to the Clan Meeting."
Mitokado Homura frowned. "In other words, it has already circulated within the clan."
Uchiha Gen took over.
"It reached only one person before we intercepted it."
Utatane Koharu looked at him.
"How can you be certain?"
Gen handed over the Clan Meeting's records.
"The time it was received, handed over, and sealed, along with the witnesses' signatures, are all recorded here."
The office fell silent for a moment.
These records were irritating.
Irritating because they made it impossible to casually twist the matter