Chapter 13: Another Clan Meeting; Uchiha Jin Tears Off the Mask!
A meeting. Yet another clan meeting!
Uchiha Jin's mouth twitched, and he couldn't help but palm his forehead. He was truly speechless when it came to Fugaku's leadership.
Any rational leader knows the rule: small matters are discussed in large meetings, but major matters are discussed in small committees—or not at all!
Why? Because the masses lack the capacity to solve complex problems. Instead, they are easily swayed by public opinion and led by the nose. Furthermore, the risk of a leak to enemy spies increases exponentially with every person added to the room.
The rank-and-file clansmen only need the capacity to execute orders. When it comes to actual strategy, the fewer people in the room, the better—as long as those present have the prestige to lead and the ability to get things done.
But what did Fugaku do?
Fugaku called a mass meeting for every little thing, yet he solved absolutely nothing. He lacked the basic decisiveness required of a Clan Head; he didn't even seem to know how to take action.
For a clan like the Uchiha, having a leader like this was a death sentence.
"That Fugaku... he's truly a waste!"
"This meeting is definitely about the missing clansmen and the village rumors."
"He can't even handle these basic issues. Can't he use his brain for once?"
"Calling a meeting every time he feels a breeze... the man is obsessed!"
Uchiha Setsuna's brow was knit tight as he spat curses. Previously, he hadn't seen an issue with the frequent meetings, but after working with Uchiha Jin, he realized just how inefficient and useless they were.
In every operation since Jin joined the Radicals, there had been no long-winded debates. Jin would find a few key people, give a single set of instructions, and the job got done.
It was stealthy, efficient, and flawless.
More importantly, the results were undeniable. Setsuna looked back on a lifetime of attending clan meetings and realized they had never accomplished a single thing of value in Naka Shrine.
"Alright, stop grumbling."
"We're free anyway. Fugaku is still the Clan Head, after all. As long as it doesn't cross our principles, giving him a bit of face doesn't hurt us."
"Tekka, find five elite Jonin from our faction to accompany us for the sake of appearances. The rest of you are to strictly maintain your patrol duties. Keep a razor-sharp eye on the district; do not give Root a single opening to strike while we are gone."
"Elder Setsuna, let's go."
Jin stood up and headed out. Setsuna followed immediately, his presence serving as a silent declaration that Jin was now the undisputed leader of the Radical Faction.
Ten minutes later.
Led by Jin and Setsuna, with Tekka and five elite Jonin trailing behind them, the group arrived at Naka Shrine.
As they entered, the gathered Uchiha knit their brows. However, unlike the last meeting, the eyes of many lower-level clansmen were filled with a complex, thoughtful gaze.
Clearly, the events of the past few weeks were proving Jin right.
The Uchiha were stubborn and single-minded, but they weren't brain-dead. With a clear contrast between Jin's district and Fugaku's district, they could sense the truth. It was only their lingering loyalty to their respective elders that kept them from defecting to the Radicals immediately.
"Elder Jin, Elder Setsuna!"
"Why did the Radicals only bring such a small group? Why aren't the rest of your members attending the meeting?"
"This is a violation of our traditions, is it not?"
Fugaku sat high in the seat of honor, his face a mask of solemn dignity. If one didn't know his true character, they might actually be intimidated by his presence. At the very least, he looked the part of a Clan Head.
But it was all a hollow shell. Fugaku was the classic example of a man who looked impressive but was useless in a crisis.
As the group took their seats, Jin adjusted his robes before speaking with a slow, leisurely smile.
"The others need to prevent our district from being infiltrated. Naturally, they couldn't find the time to attend a meeting."
Fugaku's face darkened instantly. Is he mocking me to my face?
Before Fugaku could retaliate, Shisui spoke up. "Jin-kun, you should place your trust in the Clan Head and the Hokage-sama. The Radicals' current behavior is over the top. You are making it clear that you don't trust your own leaders."
"This path is wrong. I hope the Radicals will dismantle their internal defenses!"
In response, Jin didn't even bother to look up. He shut Shisui down with a single sentence:
"I don't trust the Clan Head, and I don't trust Hiruzen Sarutobi."
"You...!" Shisui was stunned.
Fugaku was the head of his family, and Hiruzen was the Hokage. Jin's blatant lack of respect left Shisui's mind blank. In Shisui's world, no matter what you felt privately, you maintained a facade of respect.
Unfortunately for him, Jin was finished with facades. He spoke again, his voice cold and detached.
"Quite a few people have died in this compound recently. All of them were Three-Tomoe Uchiha, weren't they?"
"I recall warning you all at the last meeting. I didn't expect you idiots to actually gamble the lives of your subordinates on Fugaku's and Hiruzen's 'character.'"
"You're all truly something. I admire your blind faith!"
"Fugaku's indecision isn't a new phenomenon. During the war, the Uchiha performed brilliantly, yet after our kin died, their names weren't even allowed on the village's Memorial Stone. Do the villagers even know the Uchiha bled for them? No."
"The Night of the Nine-Tails, the loss of our ancestral land, the Anbu surveillance..."
"Incident after incident, and yet you people still haven't grown a brain!"
"But fine. Forget it."
"Good advice is wasted on a fool bent on suicide. If you want to go to your deaths, I won't stand in your way."
"But make no mistake."
"The Radical Faction does not answer to Fugaku. I, Uchiha Jin, am laying my cards on the table. I am responsible for the lives of the Radicals."
"So, stop the nonsense. Get to the point. I have things to do back at my estate."
Jin was incredibly blunt. At the last meeting, he had still used the title "Clan Head-sama" because he was still consolidating his power. But now, with the string of disappearances highlighting his competence and Fugaku's failure, he had already earned the prestige he needed.
He had built his authority on results. He no longer needed to entertain Fugaku's ego.
And indeed, despite Jin's blatant disrespect, Naka Shrine remained deathly silent. Not a single Uchiha spoke up to defend Fugaku. Even the elders of the Moderate and Neutral factions remained quiet.
The reason was simple. Every word Jin said was the truth. Fugaku's failure as a leader was becoming undeniable. Even if they couldn't stomach Jin's radical methods, it didn't mean they felt compelled to protect Fugaku's "face" anymore.
Fugaku: "..."
As he looked out over the silent shrine, his expression shifted between anger and shame. A murderous glint flickered in his eyes as he stared at Jin.
He was on the verge of losing his mind.
He truly believed he had sacrificed everything for the Uchiha. He had bowed his head and endured humiliation from the village elders, all while trying to pacify the dissatisfaction within his own clan.
And for what?
Wasn't it all to maintain the balance between the village and the family? Wasn't it all to ensure the Uchiha survived? His goal was clear: total integration into the Hidden Leaf!
But damn it.
Why won't these bastards understand?!