After handing over all the prepared materials and documents, Jin barely had time to blink before Orochimaru's attitude flipped a full one hundred and eighty degrees.
"Leave."
No subtlety. No courtesy.
Just scientific hunger reclaiming priority.
Jin could only shake his head. After reminding Orochimaru to prioritize the Caged Bird Seal research, he left the underground facility.
He returned at an unhurried pace.
Ever since his confrontation at the Hokage Tower, the village atmosphere had eased considerably. Combined with his carefully guided public narrative, tensions between the Uchiha and the civilians had visibly softened.
On the surface, things looked normal again.
But the moment Jin stepped into Uchiha territory—
He knew something was wrong.
The clan compound felt like a drawn bowstring.
Alert.
Guarded.
Several Uchiha shinobi were already in combat gear.
Prepared.
"Clan Head, you're finally back!"
Uchiha Tekka rushed forward with several members of the Military Police.
Judging from their posture, they had been waiting at the entrance for some time.
"What happened?" Jin asked calmly.
Tekka's eyes burned with hostility.
"Shimura Danzō is here."
Jin blinked.
"…Who?"
"Shimura Danzō."
Shimura Danzō.
"About half an hour ago, he walked straight into the compound with two Root operatives. Said he had something to discuss with you."
"Captain Fugaku is hosting him in the Police headquarters reception room. The First and Second Elders are there as well."
That was… unexpected.
"Interesting," Jin murmured. "Let's see what that old fox wants."
As they walked, Tekka lowered his voice.
"Clan Head… he only brought two people."
His hand made a subtle slicing gesture across his throat.
"The brothers are ready. Say the word. We'll handle it cleanly."
Jin glanced at him.
And for a brief moment, genuinely felt a headache coming on.
"Tekka," he said evenly, "have you considered why Danzō would dare come here with only two escorts?"
Tekka froze.
He hadn't.
He'd only seen opportunity.
Jin continued before he could respond.
"Danzō is a village elder. A Hokage advisor. A candidate for the Fourth Hokage."
"He entered our territory openly. Publicly."
"He wants the village to know he came here."
"If something happens to him inside Uchiha grounds—whether we did it or not—we become the prime suspects."
"Murdering a village elder and Hokage candidate?"
"That's not political maneuvering. That's open rebellion."
Tekka's enthusiasm deflated slightly.
"So… we let him walk out?"
Jin's lips curved faintly.
"You're wrong about one thing."
"It is an opportunity."
Tekka blinked.
"Danzō and the Uchiha are well-known enemies," Jin said lightly. "If he comes here voluntarily, it means he's lowering his head."
"He needs something."
Tekka snorted.
"Whatever he wants, we refuse."
"Slow down," Jin replied calmly. "The initiative is ours. Let's play with him first."
Moments later, Jin dismissed the escort and entered the Military Police reception room alone.
He didn't knock.
He simply pushed the door open.
Inside—
Uchiha Fugaku,
Uchiha Setsuna,
and Uchiha Yashi sat opposite Danzō and two masked Root operatives.
The atmosphere was suffocatingly tense.
"Clan Head."
Fugaku and the elders rose at once.
Jin raised a hand casually and took the main seat.
"Clan Head," Fugaku said quietly, "Elder Danzō insists he will only speak once you arrive."
Jin nodded slightly, then looked across the table.
Danzō's single visible eye had not left him since he entered.
Cold.
Measuring.
Assessing.
Jin spoke first.
"Elder Danzō. A rare guest."
"To what do we owe the honor?"
A flicker of disdain passed through Danzō's gaze.
Too young.
In his mind, Sarutobi Hiruzen would never have spoken first in this situation. He would have waited. Forced the other side to reveal intent.
This boy still lacked polish.
Fine.
Danzō had no interest in pleasantries anyway.
He leaned forward slightly.
"Uchiha Jin."
"I will not waste words."
"I have come to ask the Uchiha to support me in becoming Hokage."
Silence fell.
Heavy.
Sharp.
The room seemed to grow colder.
And Jin—
Smiled.
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