The three played off one another, growing more worked up with every word, their "reasonable suspicions" sounding increasingly reasonable.
Their conspiracy theories about Danzo's disappearance pointed toward a possible "silencing" or "cover-up" by the higher-ups. Every word struck at the fragile credibility of Konoha's leadership.
The representatives of the other ninja clans wore varied expressions. Some frowned in thought, some seemed deeply convinced, and others felt the Uchiha were overreacting, though not without reason.
For a moment, no one could immediately offer a rebuttal or calm them down.
Over in the Uchiha seats, Fugaku watched his three clansmen "outperform themselves."
They had left the Third Hokage and the Advisors momentarily speechless. That exhilarating sense of vindication surged through him again, and the corners of his mouth began creeping upward despite himself.
Just then, Genya's teasing voice reached his ears, quiet enough that only the few people nearby could hear.
"Clan Head Fugaku, rein it in. Your smile."
Fugaku stiffened and hurriedly brought his expression under control.
Genya continued, his tone laden with meaning, like a devil's whisper!
"Heh, don't you think Lord Third Hokage looks familiar right now? Wanting to lash out but having to hold it in, wanting to explain but unable to find the right words, getting questioned with fingers pointed in his face..."
He paused briefly, glancing at the Third Hokage in the seat of honor, whose expression kept shifting as he struggled to suppress his anger.
"...doesn't he look just like you used to at clan meetings, when Elder Yashiro and the others wouldn't stop questioning you?"
Fugaku: "..."
He froze instantly. The corners of his upturned mouth visibly drooped, even twitching a few times.
He did... far too much!
That feeling of frustration and helplessness, of being unable to explain himself-or not wanting to-while still