"Good."
Seeing the unified response, Jin finally nodded in satisfaction.
"That concludes today's clan assembly. In the coming days, many things will unfold. I want all of you to observe more, speak less, act less, and await the clan's orders."
"Everyone may leave. Elder Setsuna, Elder Yashiro, and Uncle Yashiro remain."
"Yes, Clan Head!"
The gathered Uchiha bowed in unison before withdrawing in orderly fashion from the underground chamber.
Moments later, the vast stone hall was left with only six figures:
Uchiha Setsuna.
Uchiha Yashiro.
Uchiha Yashiro (Eight代).
Uchiha Shisui.
Uchiha Fugaku.
Uchiha Jin.
Jin sat down cross-legged directly on the floor, without ceremony.
"After standing so long, I imagine everyone's tired. Sit."
Fugaku and Shisui followed immediately.
After a brief glance exchanged between them, the two elders and Yashiro also lowered themselves to sit.
The atmosphere shifted from rallying fervor to strategic deliberation.
Hiruzen's Expectations
Jin looked toward Yashiro.
"This meeting was primarily to unify the clan's stance. I assume Hiruzen is also waiting for the result."
Hiruzen Sarutobi had indeed anticipated internal conflict within the Uchiha.
Yashiro gave a bitter smile.
"That's right. Before the assembly began, Hiruzen summoned Fugaku and me. He demanded that we seize control of the clan and severely punish—"
He paused, glancing at Setsuna.
"—the radical faction led by the First Elder. Otherwise, he said the village would not spare the Uchiha."
Originally, Yashiro believed tonight would simply determine whether the radicals or conservatives gained dominance.
Neither he nor Hiruzen could have predicted Jin overturning the entire board.
Yashiro exhaled.
"Hiruzen instructed me to report back immediately after the assembly. But now…"
"Report?" Setsuna snorted coldly. "Whatever the outcome, it is the Uchiha's internal matter. Why should we give him an explanation?"
Yashiro frowned.
"You spread rumors about him throughout the village. Of course he's furious."
"Rumors? I did no such thing!" Setsuna flared. "If Hiruzen has dirt on himself, how is that my fault?"
"You dare deny it?" Yashiro snapped. "Hiruzen traced the rumor network back to Uchiha members. Uchiha Tekka's name was even implicated!"
Setsuna froze.
Tekka was indeed one of his men.
He hadn't ordered any such operation.
Had Tekka acted independently?
Before the dispute escalated further—
Jin spoke.
"The rumors were my doing."
Silence.
Even Setsuna and Yashiro were momentarily stunned.
"I initiated the spread to pressure Hiruzen into announcing his retirement sooner," Jin explained calmly. "As for Tekka's appearance—simple transformation technique. I needed suspicion directed toward the Uchiha."
"Given current tensions, the identity fit naturally. Hiruzen would suspect, but not overthink. That prevents outside forces from interfering with Minato's ascent."
Minato Namikaze.
Jin inclined his head slightly.
"I did not inform you earlier because the timing was not right. For that, I apologize."
After a moment, both elders relaxed.
If it served the clan's greater interests, there was nothing to contest.
Then Yashiro suddenly turned toward Fugaku.
"You knew?"
Fugaku nodded.
"I did."
Yashiro's expression twisted.
"And you played along so convincingly?! You had me pacing like a fool while you calmly observed!"
Fugaku coughed awkwardly.
"I had no choice at the time."
He wisely withheld mention of the quiet amusement he had felt watching the drama unfold.
Jin lifted a hand.
"Enough. Let's return to what matters."
The Next Moves
Yashiro subsided, though still visibly irritated.
Jin's tone sharpened.
"At dawn, Fugaku and I will go directly to the Hokage Tower to meet Hiruzen."
"I request that both elders return to the clan grounds and maintain order. Increase patrols. Even with ninety percent certainty, we must prepare for the remaining ten."
Setsuna nodded without hesitation.
"No problem."
Yashiro followed suit.
"Understood."
Jin turned to Uchiha Yashiro Eight代.
"Uncle Yashiro, I will raise the issue of reforming the Konoha Police Force during the meeting. Compile full personnel files of current members. Prepare the structure for restructuring."
The Konoha Police Force—established originally under Tobirama Senju—would become the foundation of their broader transformation.
Yashiro was indispensable in that effort.
He inclined his head.
"Clan Head, leave it to me."
Finally, Jin faced Shisui.
"You remain in the clan grounds."
Shisui Uchiha met his gaze steadily.
"I will speak plainly with Hiruzen. Though success is highly likely, remain vigilant."
Shisui's voice was firm.
"Understood, Brother Jin. I will guard the clan."
Jin rose slowly.
The firelight cast long shadows across the stone chamber.
"For now," he said quietly, "that is all."
"Details will follow after I meet Hiruzen."
The next move had already begun.
Read 50 chapters ahead on P@treon -> patreon.com/warewolvesTL