Early in the morning on the day before New Year's Eve, at Fugaku's home.
The Uchiha elders,
representatives of the moderate and neutral factions, and Genya's family had gathered there.
Sosuke and Izumi sat on either side of Genya, their expressions grave.
The door slid open, and a travel-worn Shisui Uchiha walked in.
"Clan leader, elders, I'm back."
Shisui knelt on one knee in greeting.
Fugaku raised a hand, signaling him to rise.
"Thank you for your hard work, Shisui. How are things outside?"
Shisui stood and gave his report in a low voice.
"The Hokage and Danzo have had their hands full lately."
"Clashes along the Kumogakure border have escalated. Two patrol squads have gone missing, likely ambushed. There's also unusual activity along the Land of Wind's border. Sunagakure seems to be secretly deploying more troops."
"Also, traces of Orochimaru have surfaced. Intelligence suggests he's established a new secret base within the Land of Fire. The Anbu and Root have already assigned additional personnel to deal with these problems."
He concluded,
"For the time being, Danzo has no resources to spare specifically targeting the Uchiha."
The elders' reactions varied, but most breathed a sigh of relief.
Genya spoke up just then.
"Good, but that's not enough."
Every gaze focused on the six-year-old boy.
"The recent alliance between the Hyuga and the Uchiha has already openly crossed Danzo's bottom line."
Genya rose and walked to the center of the room.
"The external conflicts are also dividing his attention, but this is only a temporary breathing space."
"The more setbacks someone like Danzo suffers, the harder he'll look for an opening. And our New Year's gala... will be the perfect trigger."
Fugaku frowned.
"You mean Danzo might strike during the gala?"
"..."
Seriously, man, where's your brain?
A cold gleam flashed