"We are the descendants of the most powerful clan in the ninja world, masters of the Eye of Insight!" Lance's voice rang through the grand hall, steady and resolute. "Our pride defines us. We bow to no one, and we will never wag our tails in submission!"
The clan hall buzzed with murmurs of agreement, fire igniting in the eyes of every member present. Lance's words carried a weight that stirred their long-buried pride something that had been slowly eroded by years of suppression and compromise.
Turning to Clan Leader Fugaku, Lance spoke again, his tone formal yet unwavering. "Clan Leader, I request a full clan assembly. I believe it's time we discuss the matter of the so-called pacifist faction. In my opinion, they no longer serve a purpose. Their actions weaken our unity, and their cowardice stains the honor that defines our bloodline."
This was part of Lance's plan a carefully crafted strategy to consolidate power and eliminate internal division. His first target: the pacifist faction, the smallest and most passive group within the Uchiha. They were always the ones bowing their heads, agreeing to everything the village demanded, too afraid to stand for their own.
If the radicals dared to rebel, at least they had courage. But the pacifists? They brought only humiliation.
"Clan Leader, we second that!" came a strong voice from Lance's Third Squad, his most loyal supporters.
Others quickly followed. "We support Captain Lance's proposal!"
One by one, the room erupted in agreement. The once-unruly squad that everyone used to complain about had now become the loudest and most disciplined supporters in the room. Fugaku couldn't help but feel conflicted. The same troublemakers who once disobeyed every order now stood united under Lance's command.
With so many voices in favor, Fugaku had no choice but to nod. "Very well," he said, his voice low. "I will summon the elders for a clan meeting. We will discuss this matter formally."
As word spread, Shisui's expression grew darker. He could feel it the shift in the air, the distance growing between him and his people. Once, his ideals had inspired respect. Now, his name was spoken only with scorn.
Even his own subordinates avoided eye contact, afraid that being seen with him would make them a target of ridicule.
He had meant well he truly had. But somehow, his efforts to preserve peace between the clan and the village had only deepened the divide.
Lance hadn't done anything wrong. In fact, compared side by side, he looked like the true protector of the clan while Shisui appeared as nothing more than a naïve dreamer clinging to ideals that no longer fit reality.
The truth was cruel: the village and the clan's relationship couldn't be mended by good intentions or empty promises. And certainly not by clinging to that so-called "Will of Fire."
News of the disturbance at the Police Department spread quickly throughout the Uchiha district. Many blamed Shisui, calling him a traitor in spirit, a man who had forgotten where his loyalties lay.
The more they cursed his name, the more Lance's reputation rose.
Later that evening, the clan's meeting hall was filled once again. The elders sat in their usual seats, but the atmosphere was heavier than before. Everyone knew this was no ordinary discussion tonight, someone's power and influence would crumble.
Lance Shen.
The name that once held little weight among the elders now commanded their full attention. In just a few days, he had shaken the foundations of the clan's politics.
One of the elders slammed his palm on the table. "I knew that boy would cause trouble! First he questions the clan leader, then he interferes with official matters at the Hokage's office, and now he wants to tear apart the clan! Has he no respect for us, the elders who built this family?"
The Sixth Elder's voice trembled with fury.
But the Great Elder chuckled, stroking his beard. "You're too harsh, old friend. Lance Shen is ambitious, yes, but that isn't necessarily bad. Tell me, what exactly has he done wrong? Everything he's done so far has strengthened the clan's unity. Don't you want the clan to rise again?"
The Sixth Elder turned red, sputtering. "Rise? He's creating chaos!"
Their argument was about to escalate when the doors slid open. Fugaku entered, his usual stern presence silencing the hall instantly. And behind him, calm and composed, walked Lance Shen.
Normally, squad captains from the Police Department weren't permitted to attend these high-level meetings. Yet Fugaku had made an exception tonight.
The moment Lance took his seat, the Sixth Elder slammed his cane on the floor. "Lance Shen! Do you even know your place? Who allowed you to sit here? You dare face your elders so casually?!"
The other elders of the pacifist faction glared daggers at him, waiting to see how he would respond.
Lance tilted his head slightly, his calm eyes meeting the elder's with quiet disdain.
Then, without warning, his pupils shifted three tomoe spinning into formation as the Sharingan awakened in full.
The Sixth Elder froze mid-sentence, his body going rigid like a statue.
A moment later, his hands flew to his head. "Ah ahhh!" he screamed, staggering to his feet, clawing at his robes as if insects crawled beneath his skin. "Get them off! Get them off me!"
The elders around him recoiled in shock.
"What what did you do to him?!" one shouted.
Lance remained seated, his gaze sharp and cold. "Foolish old man. You should be grateful I only gave you a taste of illusion. Next time, remember your place before raising your voice to me."
The room was dead silent. No one had expected Lance to strike so swiftly or so decisively.
If it had been Shisui sitting across from him, Lance might have been more cautious. But this was just an aging elder, long past his prime, clinging to authority that his strength no longer justified.
Lance's Sharingan faded back to normal as he leaned back in his chair. "A simple genjutsu was enough," he said quietly, almost to himself. "Some people only understand power when they're shown it."
No one dared to move. Even Fugaku, who had seen countless battles, found himself hesitating.
Half a year of secret training had sharpened Lance into something formidable his spiritual energy, ocular power, and chakra had merged into a terrifying synergy.
He didn't need to boast. His presence alone demanded respect.
As the Sixth Elder collapsed, trembling and drenched in sweat, Lance finally stood.
"Let this be a lesson," he said, his voice cutting through the heavy silence. "Those who cling to weakness will only drag us all down. From this day forward, the Uchiha must rise again not through submission, but through strength and unity."
For a long moment, no one spoke.
Then, slowly, one of the stronger elders began to nod. Another followed. And soon, murmurs of approval filled the room.
Fugaku closed his eyes briefly, torn between apprehension and reluctant admiration.
Lance Shen had just used a single genjutsu to silence a council of elders and in doing so, he had taken his first undeniable step toward becoming the true power behind the Uchiha Clan.