Chapter 8: Fugaku Stands Tall; Jin's Backhanded Slap!
Within the Uchiha compound, the sound of laughter and celebration was constant.
Following the decision made by the Leaf's High Command, Fugaku's approval rating reached a new high. Only the members of the Radical Faction were left seething, their teeth gritted in silent fury.
Inside the Clan Head's manor.
Shisui, who had been assigned by Hiruzen Sarutobi, sat in the tea room and spoke respectfully. "Clan Head-sama, your strategy was correct. Under your leadership, the tension between the Uchiha and the Leaf has finally seen a significant thaw."
"I am willing to be the blade in your hand and help you completely unify the Uchiha Clan!"
Even though Shisui knew deep down that this was a calculation by the Hokage—meant primarily to target the Radicals—he was still willing to follow along. He believed these measures were only temporary. Once they eliminated the "menace" that was Uchiha Jin, he was certain the Uchiha would fully integrate into the village under the Hokage's guidance.
"Good. Very good!"
"Shisui, it brings me great joy to see you return to the fold. The Uchiha have gained a powerful ally today."
At that moment, a rare smile graced Fugaku's stern face. Even though he knew he was essentially "profiteering" from Jin's actions, he felt no shame. On the contrary, he felt a sense of pride. In his mind, Uchiha Jin was merely a pawn, and this outcome was the result of his own masterful patience!
Excited by Shisui's alignment, Fugaku still maintained his dignified air as Clan Head. After a moment of thought, he continued, "The Uchiha's situation is slowly improving. This is a cause for celebration. Immediately summon every clansman who has awakened the Sharingan to Naka Shrine."
"Today, we shall celebrate properly!"
Fugaku's intentions weren't hard to guess, and Shisui understood them instantly. As a newly "subordinated" follower, Shisui bowed and took his leave to notify the others on Fugaku's behalf.
Watching him leave, the smile on Fugaku's face deepened. With even Shisui joining his side, the unification of the Uchiha was within reach. He intended to use this "joyous occasion" to properly put the Radicals in their place.
Even if he couldn't win over Jin and the higher-ups, he could at least lure away the lower-level members of the Radical Faction.
Meanwhile, hidden in the shadows, Itachi watched with a face full of pain and confusion. He quietly followed Shisui and stepped out to intercept him.
"Shisui-ge, why did you...?"
"Shh, not here!"
Shisui quickly cut him off, pulling Itachi into a secluded corner before speaking in a low, cautious whisper. "This was arranged by the Hokage-sama. My loyalty still lies with the Hokage."
Hearing this, Itachi finally let out a sigh of relief. After a brief, hushed conversation, Itachi left, feeling satisfied. Shisui watched him go with a smile, whispering to himself, "I am not alone on this path," before continuing his rounds.
The Moderate and Neutral factions naturally had no objections to the meeting; it felt right to celebrate such good news.
The Radicals, however, felt the exact opposite.
Uchiha Jin had already told them the truth. While they were known for being hot-headed, they weren't stupid. Root and Anbu withdrew right after Jin met with the Hokage, yet now the village claimed it was out of respect for Fugaku?
What a joke!
Since when did Fugaku have that kind of face? He had nothing!
Jin, however, didn't say much. He simply waved his hand to calm the room. "Everyone, do not be anxious or angry. Hiruzen Sarutobi wants nothing more than to see the Uchiha tear themselves apart. we cannot let the village lead us by the nose."
"I will take Tekka and a few others to the Clan Meeting. The rest of you will be under Elder Setsuna's command. Use this time to begin our real operations."
"Every member of the Radical Faction—ninja and civilian alike—is to relocate to the area surrounding my estate."
"Divide all ninja squads into morning, afternoon, and night shifts. Maintain a 24-hour high-alert patrol. Ensure all sentries and hidden posts are fully manned."
"Everything must be done covertly. Do you understand?"
Jin's tone was incredibly calm as he issued his orders. The village leadership's schemes weren't particularly deep; anyone with a decent education could see through them. He wouldn't allow himself to be manipulated; instead, he was going to use this opening to secure his own tactical goals.
The gathered Radicals nodded solemnly. Since Jin had joined them, every single action he took had successfully defied the village, earning him their absolute loyalty. Even if they didn't fully grasp his long-term plan yet, they had grown accustomed to acting first and asking questions later.
Half an hour later.
Naka Shrine was bustling with activity. Smiles were plastered on everyone's faces, and the atmosphere felt as festive as a New Year's celebration.
However, the moment Uchiha Jin and his group arrived, the shrine went dead silent.
The Moderates and Neutrals knit their brows in distaste. They clearly disliked the Radicals, especially under Jin's leadership. In their view, the tension between the clan and the village was high enough already, but Jin's faction was only making it more volatile.
Fugaku wore a smile, his tone sounding deceptively warm. "Since you've arrived, take your seats."
"Today is a glorious day. We shall not speak of conflict; today is only for celebration!"
As Fugaku spoke, the "shills" he had planted in the crowd began a chorus of praise. They spoke of how, under Fugaku's leadership, the "ice-breaking" operation between the Uchiha and the village had made massive strides.
In short, the message was simple: Clan Head Fugaku is amazing; you Radicals better get on your knees.
The Radicals couldn't take it any longer.
"You're all full of it! You think this was Fugaku's doing?"
"Root and Anbu only withdrew right after Jin-kun met with the village! What does that have to do with this 'Clan Head'?"
"They didn't withdraw yesterday, and they didn't withdraw this morning. They only left the moment Jin-kun stepped out of the Hokage's office!"
"You haven't achieved a single thing since taking power, yet here you are, stealing the credit of others. Is there no end to the thickness of your skin?"
"This is clearly a scheme by the Leaf to incite internal strife, and you bunch of idiots are actually cheering for it?"
"Hmph, pathetic!"
The Radicals were incensed, their words dripping with sarcasm. They weren't giving Fugaku an ounce of face.
Fugaku's expression turned beet-red with anger, while others in the crowd began to look thoughtful. Wait, they have a point. The timing is too perfect.
They might be single-minded and dislike the Radicals, but they were still people who valued logic. If they weren't so straightforward, the village wouldn't have been able to bully them so easily! Hearing the Radicals' argument, the way they looked at Fugaku began to change.
Jin's eyes narrowed slightly, his face remaining calm. He sat quietly in his seat, neither arguing nor stopping his subordinates. He didn't even try to prove himself. He just watched Fugaku's shifting expressions.
Two minutes later, seeing Fugaku's face flush as he opened his mouth to explain, Jin suddenly spoke up, cutting him off before he could get a word out.
"Enough. Everyone, be silent!"
"Fugaku is the Clan Head of our Uchiha. What does a measly bit of credit matter?"
"If the Clan Head wants it, then consider it a gift from us."
Jin's voice carried a sudden, overwhelming authority. He acted as if he didn't care about the credit at all, projecting an image of absolute magnanimity.
He looked like a generous saint who was unwilling to let such a "trivial" matter affect the greater unity of the Uchiha—which only made Fugaku look like a petty beggar in comparison.