Chapter 82 - CHAPTER 82

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Fugaku did not disappoint the clansmen either.

"First Squadron, Captain Uchiha Hiko. I trust you will uphold the dignity of our clan and the village."

"Very good!"

Many people erupted into cheers.

Amid the loud approval, Hiko stood tall and struck his chest with his fist:

"Since the Patriarch places such faith in me, I, Uchiha Hiko, will shoulder this responsibility with the honor of the clan as my witness. I will not fail the clan or the village!"

This kid… Enough already.

Always throwing around 'clan honor' and 'family pride'—as if we, the upper echelon, don't take those things seriously.

A large number of clansmen voiced their support for Hiko.

Fugaku, despite the positive reaction, felt a dull headache forming.

A fleeting thought crossed his mind:

What if Hiko grew too powerful? What if, one day, he led a group of supporters to the Patriarch's estate and demanded that Fugaku step down?

Would he relinquish the title? Or resist?

"Alright, settle down. Quiet!"

Fugaku's stern rebuke brought the crowd to order.

When the noise diminished, he continued appointing the rest of the squadron leaders.

"Second Squadron, Captain Uchiha Yan."

"I will serve with full commitment. I won't bring shame to the clan or the village."

Compared to Hiko's fiery speech, Yan remained composed.

He had expected the appointment and was mentally prepared.

Besides, he was a loyal supporter of the Patriarch and a prominent figure among the moderates.

His selection was almost inevitable.

With two out of three squadron captain positions filled, only one remained.

Fugaku's gaze wandered over the representatives of the hardliner faction, hesitating as he weighed his choices.

Several were qualified—strong and unquestionably loyal.

Why's this so difficult?

Fugaku's silence dragged on.

Beside him, Hiko tilted his head in impatience and muttered under his breath.

You're everywhere…

Fugaku frowned and glared at Hiko, but Hiko avoided eye contact by looking elsewhere—further frustrating the Patriarch.

Wait…

Hiko isn't someone who would act recklessly—especially not during such a crucial meeting. If he's urging now, there must be a reason.

Following Hiko's gaze, Fugaku understood.

"Then the Third Squadron—Captain Uchiha Chimi."

…Me?

In the crowd, Uchiha Chimi, who had been keeping his head down, looked up in stunned disbelief.

This shouldn't be happening.

Although he was aligned with the hardliners, Chimi wasn't exactly a prominent figure.

"Chimi?"

Fugaku's decision shocked everyone—including the Great Elder and other senior figures.

Uchiha Chimi, while loyal, was often overlooked due to his low profile.

"Does the Great Elder find this choice inappropriate?" Fugaku asked calmly.

"The old man has no such thoughts. If the Patriarch deems Chimi fit for the role, then so be it."

Though puzzled by Fugaku's choice, the Elder recognized that Chimi was still part of their faction.

Not the best candidate, perhaps, but preferable to someone from outside their circle.

With all three squadron leaders appointed, the clan meeting neared its end.

Once Fugaku formally concluded the session, the clansmen dispersed.

Hiko left first, taking Itachi's friend Shisui home before strolling around the village.

Eventually, he detoured to the Ichiraku Ramen Shop.

"The usual."

He raised two fingers.

"But double the bowls today."

"Got it."

The noodles were swiftly prepared and placed before him.

Teuchi offered a friendly warning:

"Eat them while they're hot. They clump up if left too long."

"They won't. A friend's joining me soon. I just needed a quiet place to talk—and your shop's empty."

"Heh! So you're saying my business is slow? Just say so, brat!"

"Fine, fine. Not many people today anyway. I'll head home early. Just lock up when you're done."

Despite it being before closing time, Teuchi agreed with ease.

Hiko was a familiar face—someone easy to accommodate.

"Take it easy."

Teuchi tapped his bowl with chopsticks as he passed.

Hiko called over his shoulder:

"Yeah, yeah…"

You're the shop owner, not me. Why make it sound like I'm the boss?

He tucked in, enjoying the hot broth and noodles.

Afterward, he returned home, showered, then headed straight to the Uchiha ancestral hall.

He had skipped dinner, and the hunger gnawed at him.

He'd barely eaten a few mouthfuls before someone entered the ramen shop.

"I knew you'd be here."

With a casual tone, Chimi walked in, patted Hiko's shoulder, picked up the chopsticks without hesitation, put his palms together, and said:

"Thanks for the food."

Then he began to eat.

A short while later, Chimi arrived more slowly.

Standing across the street from the ramen shop, he hesitated.

But eventually, he walked over.

When Chimi entered, Hiko gave him a slight nod and resumed eating.

Chimi paused before nodding back.

"Take a seat. We're all from the same clan—no need for formality."

Hiko handed him a pair of chopsticks.

"Eat first. We'll talk after."

"Alright."

Chimi may not have been talkative, but he wasn't dull.

If he weren't perceptive, he wouldn't be here.

They finished eating quickly.

Hiko leaned back, patting his stomach in satisfaction.

Chimi, sensing the shift in mood, set his chopsticks down as well.

He sat in silence for a while before speaking, voice slightly tense:

"Hiko, thank you for helping Ryoichi during the issue at the Daimyo's court. If you hadn't spoken up for him, he would've become a laughingstock."

Hiko had advised Fugaku to appoint Chimi for a reason.

Uchiha Chimi was unremarkable among the clan's Jonin, his presence often ignored.

But he was also Uchiha Ryoichi's older brother.

Hiko's intervention on Ryoichi's behalf had helped him—and by extension, helped Chimi.

He knew this kind of favor needed acknowledgment.

"We're all Uchiha. When Ryoichi was insulted, it insulted all of us. No need to dwell on it."

Hiko leaned back.

"How's Ryoichi doing now? Almost healed?"

"He's recovering well. Should be back at work soon."

"Good."

Wiping his mouth with a napkin, Hiko preempted Chimi's unspoken question.

"You're wondering why I nudged the Patriarch to appoint you as captain of the Third Squadron, right?"

"…"

Was it that obvious?

Chimi scratched his head awkwardly and nodded.

He felt exposed, like Hiko could read his thoughts too easily.

Throwing the napkin in the trash, Hiko met his eyes directly:

"It's simple. Some hardliners only know how to create division. But you? You won't."

"Though you're a hardliner, I know you'll side with me—for the sake of the clan and the village. Not just to serve narrow interests."

"…"

Blunt much?

Chimi blinked, startled by Hiko's directness.

Rolling his eyes, Hiko added:

"Don't make that face. Like you're doubting me already."

"And if I am?"

Hiko smirked.

"You've seen what I do. Everything—public or private—is for the clan. That's why I know you'll stand with me."

"What the elders and the Patriarch can do—I, Uchiha Hiko, can do too. And what they can't… I will."

Chimi's gaze sharpened.

He had seen what Hiko did. He knew Hiko's motives were genuine.

If Hiko had used the clan as an excuse to chase personal power, Chimi wouldn't have come here—wouldn't have shared a meal with him.

Uchiha needed change. Many felt that way. But few dared act.

Even fewer had the power to benefit the clan in doing so.

Hiko was that rare individual.

"Whatever, I almost believed your speech."

Hiko stretched, flicked imaginary dust from his collar, and stood.

"Let's go. I'm heading home to sleep. Don't feel like getting into a debate tonight."

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