Uchiha Jin had gone to considerable effort to secure control of the Daimyō's subsidy funds. There was no chance he would hand them over lightly.
Mito Menma and the others understood that perfectly well. Which meant their visit had never truly been about the money alone.
Jin leaned back in his chair.
"Controlling the Daimyō's subsidies is indeed enormous authority," he said calmly. "But the heavier the crown, the greater the burden."
"With power comes equal risk."
"That much money will draw countless eyes. It could easily become a weapon others use against us."
"For the foreseeable future, the Uchiha must be more cautious than ever."
Yashiro nodded in agreement.
"The Clan Head is right. We must tread carefully. Tomorrow's jōnin assembly may very well see certain people raise this issue to stir trouble."
"Even with the Daimyō's approval, our control over these funds lacks perfect legitimacy. If Sarutobi Hiruzen intends to reclaim them, the jōnin assembly is his best opportunity."
Setsuna snorted angrily.
"Let him try! The money didn't come from his pocket. By what right does he take it back? If he dares, he can come seize it himself!"
"Please, Elder Setsuna," Jin said evenly. "The subsidy was granted to the village. Our role is custodial. That much is undeniable."
"However," he added with a faint smile, "I've already taken precautions."
"I secured acknowledgment from both Mito Menma and Shimura Danzō that the funds 'should' remain in Uchiha custody."
"The matter is effectively settled."
He briefly recounted his exchange with the two elders.
By the time he finished, the three elders were openly delighted.
Setsuna laughed loudly.
"Clan Head, that move was brilliant. Removing the firewood from beneath the pot—masterful. Without the Hokage title, Hiruzen's authority has already diminished."
Yashiro added with satisfaction, "Mito Menma prides himself on airtight maneuvering. To see him take such a blow today… refreshing."
Even Fugaku, usually reserved, could not quite suppress the upward curve of his lips.
Jin shook his head lightly.
"This won't end here. Tomorrow's assembly will likely see further developments."
"Danzō is probably even more eager than we are to cement the situation."
"So for now, we watch."
"Let him charge the front lines."
The smiles gradually faded as Jin's tone shifted.
"Now," he said seriously, "we must address the real matter."
"The losses our clan suffered in this war."
The atmosphere sobered instantly.
"In the Battle of Kikyo Pass," Jin continued, "over one hundred and fifty of our people fell. Nearly every survivor carries wounds."
"Elder Setsuna. Elder Yashiro. Please ensure proper post-war arrangements."
"The families of the fallen. The orphans."
"They must be cared for."
Both elders nodded solemnly.
"Rest assured," Setsuna said. "Their parents will be supported by the clan. Their children will be raised under our protection."
Jin's eyes flickered.
"That is essential."
"But there is another matter."
"The clan must understand that the compensation payments will not be immediate."
"They will only be distributed after the Fourth Hokage takes office."
"Make sure no resentment festers."
The three men were visibly taken aback.
Fugaku spoke carefully.
"Clan Head, I understand your intent—to wait for the village's compensation before distributing ours."
"But traditionally, the clan advances the funds first. We reassure our families immediately, then seek reimbursement from the village later."
"The village's disbursements are often delayed. The compensation for those lost in the Third Shinobi War still hasn't fully arrived."
"Families who've lost their main providers cannot always afford to wait."
"If we change that precedent abruptly… dissatisfaction may arise."
"That is precisely why you must manage expectations," Jin replied firmly.
"In the past, the village was unreliable. The clan had ample reserves. Advancing funds was natural."
"But now?"
"We control the Daimyō's subsidies."
"If the village's families receive nothing, yet Uchiha families are compensated immediately—how will that look?"
"Even if the funds come from our own reserves, how many will believe that?"
He let the words settle.
"People do not resent scarcity."
"They resent inequality."
The room grew still.
"If we now hold financial authority," Jin continued, "we must maintain at least the appearance of fairness."
"That is the price of power."
Fugaku's brows tightened.
He saw the danger clearly now.
Jin added, easing the tension slightly:
"There is no need for alarm."
"The subsidies are in our hands. The village cannot distribute anything without us."
"There is currently no Hokage to preside over matters. A short delay is inevitable."
"Tomorrow's assembly will nominate candidates."
"In three days at best, seven at most, the Fourth Hokage will be decided."
"The compensation will merely be postponed three to ten days."
"If we explain the circumstances clearly, the clan will understand."
Yashiro nodded.
"We will manage morale carefully. Our people are united. There will be no unrest."
Fugaku agreed.
"If it's only a matter of days, they will endure."
Jin inclined his head.
"Good."
"Then I'll leave this matter in your hands."
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