Inside the Uchiha compound, laughter and chatter filled the air.
With Konoha's leadership making their retreat, Fugaku's approval rating among the clan soared. Only the radical faction gritted their teeth in fury.
Inside the clan leader's mansion, Shisui, assigned by Hiruzen Sarutobi, sat respectfully in the tea room.
"Clan Leader, your decision is correct. Under your guidance, the Uchiha finally have some breathing room within Konoha," Shisui said.
"I am ready to be your blade, to help you unify the Uchiha completely," he added.
Though Shisui knew the full truth that this was Hiruzen's plan aimed primarily at suppressing the radicals he still followed Fugaku's orders. In his mind, this was temporary. Once that damned Uchiha Jin was dealt with, the Uchiha would reintegrate under the Hokage's leadership.
"Good, excellent."
Fugaku's stern face softened into a faint smile. Even though he knew he had lucked into this victory, he felt no shame only pride. Jin was merely a pawn in a larger game, and Fugaku reveled in the outcome.
"Shisui, your loyalty strengthens our clan further. Bring together all awakened clan members to the South Ga Shrine immediately. Today, we celebrate."
Shisui nodded, understanding immediately, and bowed before leaving to inform the others.
Fugaku's smile deepened. Even Shisui had joined him. The unification of the Uchiha was within reach. Today was a perfect day to assert some dominance over the radicals. Even if they could not convince Jin and the radical leaders, they could at least sway the lower-ranking members.
Meanwhile, hidden in the shadows, Itachi watched with a grim expression. He followed Shisui quietly, intercepting him.
"Shisui, why are you…" Itachi began.
"Shh, don't speak," Shisui interrupted, guiding him to a corner. "This is Hiruzen Sarutobi's arrangement. My allegiance remains with the Hokage."
Hearing this, Itachi relaxed slightly. After a brief whispering conversation, he nodded and departed. Shisui smiled quietly, thinking, "I am not alone in my path," before proceeding to rally the clan.
The moderate and neutral factions had no objections. A celebration for good news was perfectly reasonable.
But the radicals were another story.
They had long heard Jin's revelations and, though often single-minded, they were not fools. They had removed monitoring after meeting Jin, yet now, the elders claimed it was all out of respect for Fugaku? Preposterous. Fugaku had any real credit in this? Not a shred.
Jin said nothing, waving his hand to quiet the faction. "Do not rush or act out of anger. Hiruzen Sarutobi wants the Uchiha to fight among themselves. We cannot let Konoha dictate our moves."
"I will lead Tekka and others to the clan meeting. The rest will be directed by Elder Setsuna. During this time, begin our actions. Every radical, ninja or civilian, will relocate near my residence. All ninja squads will patrol in shifts: morning, afternoon, and evening, with visible and hidden posts fully organized. Everything is to be done quietly, understood?"
His tone was calm as he laid out the orders.
Konoha's leadership might have tried to manipulate the Uchiha, but Jin had no intention of being led by the nose. He saw this as an opportunity to advance his own plans. Those present nodded solemnly, understanding the weight of his leadership.
Since joining the radicals, every action Jin had taken had earned their respect. Even if they did not fully comprehend everything yet, they had long been accustomed to following his lead before analyzing the reasoning.
Half an hour later, South Ga Shrine buzzed with festivity. Smiles beamed across everyone's faces, as if celebrating the New Year.
But as soon as Lin Mo and others arrived, a hush fell.
The moderate and neutral factions frowned slightly. They disliked the radicals, particularly under Jin's command. In their eyes, the Uchiha already had enough tension with Konoha, and now Jin's leadership made them even more unpredictable.
Fugaku smiled gently. "Since everyone is here, please, take your seats. Today is a good day. Let us not speak of disputes. Today is only for celebration."
At his signal, the stooges he had placed beforehand began to sing his praises. Under Fugaku's leadership, the reconciliation with Konoha had finally made significant progress.
The hidden message was clear: Fugaku was powerful, and the radicals should fall in line.
But the radicals could no longer tolerate the pretense.
"This is nonsense. Is this really Fugaku's doing?" one of them demanded. "Jin meets Konoha, and the Root and ANBU withdraw immediately afterward. What does this have to do with Fugaku?"
"Why now? Why not before or after? It had to be after Jin's meeting with Konoha?"
"Fugaku takes credit for what he did not achieve, while we did all the work. How shameless can one be?"
"The entire inner conflict was stirred by Konoha's schemes. And you idiots actually think this is a reason to celebrate?"
"Pathetic!"
The radicals seethed, their words dripping with sarcasm. They gave Fugaku no respect at all.
Fugaku's expression darkened. Others began to reconsider, realizing the radicals had a point.
Indeed, the timing was suspicious. The radicals were stubborn, but not unreasonable. If they were not, Konoha would never have humiliated them so effectively.
Lin Mo's eyes narrowed, his face calm and composed. He did not argue or intervene, simply observing Fugaku's reaction.
Two minutes later, as Fugaku's face turned red and he opened his mouth to explain, Lin Mo interrupted.
"That is enough. Silence," he commanded. "Fugaku is our clan leader. A little credit does not matter. If the clan head wishes it, then let him have it."
Lin Mo's presence radiated authority. He seemed unbothered by trivial accolades, embodying the image of a just and magnanimous leader, unwilling to let minor matters disturb the Uchiha's greater balance.