Chapter 38: Jin

Hashirama Sarutobi’s gaze was dull.

A chilling light flashed in his eyes; he looked like an enraged vulture, fixed on Uchiha Jin’s back.

“Get out!”

He did not look at Fugaku, only coldly pointed toward the door.

Fugaku’s scalp prickled.

This was the first time he had seen Hashirama Sarutobi enraged—his entire previous image of the Hokage shattered into pieces.

Then.

Without a trace of the Mangekyo wielder’s arrogance, he fled the Hokage’s office like a startled cat, utterly disheveled.

“Anbu!”

Notify Danzo, Koharu, and Enma—have them drop everything.

“Come immediately, as fast as Itachi can!”

Hashirama Sarutobi spoke coldly.

The kneeling Anbu bowed respectfully and left.

…

Ten minutes later.

At the Uchiha compound entrance, Fugaku caught up.

His gaze toward Uchiha Jin was complex; after a long silence, he spoke bitterly:

“Jin, Itachi…”

“Don’t hesitate. Say what Itachi have to.”

Uchiha Jin was casual, his eyes half-lidded, even offering a faint smile.

And yet—

Fugaku hesitated, then asked: “Did Itachi already know Hashirama Sarutobi’s true nature?”

“Itachi’re saying that like it’s a louse on a bald man’s head,” Uchiha Jin rolled his eyes.

Fugaku said: “Explain.”

Uchiha Jin had no desire to waste words on this.

But—

Considering the actions ahead required Fugaku as a scapegoat, he spoke directly: “Senju Shindai, Katō Dan, Hatake Sōbō, Minato Namikaze…”

“The Senju and Uzumaki clans, then the Legendary Sannin…”

“Especially—Orochimaru!”

“A commoner like him—where did he get the funds for human experiments?”

Fugaku was stunned.

He had left early and never moved to the current ancestral grounds, so he truly hadn’t known.

And yet—

Seeing Fugaku’s bewildered face, Uchiha Jin said plainly: “Go talk to the other elders—I’ve told them these things.”

“The Leaf’s high command won’t stay quiet. I need to keep them busy—no time to discuss this with Itachi.”

With that,

He waved his hand and walked toward his home.

Fugaku’s eyes were complex, but he finally made up his mind: “I’m willing to contribute to the Uchiha. If we truly reach armed confrontation, I will act.”

At this moment, he resolved fully.

There was no choice!

Hashirama Sarutobi’s true face had genuinely terrified him.

Now that he understood he had been deceived, even if he hadn’t shown it earlier, when armed conflict came, he would stand firmly with Uchiha Jin.

And yet—

A faint smile touched Uchiha Jin’s lips, but he merely waved his hand and left.

Fugaku willing to act was certainly good!

Though his mind was indeed slow, he was still a Mangekyo wielder. Here, Uchiha Jin even felt grateful to Hashirama Sarutobi.

Without today’s revelation, Fugaku would’ve just lain down and done nothing—he’d never have said this.

Not long after,

Back home, Uchiha Jin had just sat down when Uchiha Tsuki poured him tea and obediently began massaging his shoulders.

This kind of thing was truly enjoyable!

Though he’d grown used to it, he still felt uneasy.

Too decadent!

But he couldn’t bring himself to refuse—it was her sincere intention.

So he cleared his throat and spoke directly:

“Bring Zhong here.”

“Yes, Elder Jin!”

The Uchiha guard at the door knelt and responded, then left immediately.

Moments later,

Uchiha Zhong entered: “Elder Jin, Itachi called for me?”

“Yes. Do me a favor,” Uchiha Jin said.

Then,

He called Zhong over, whispered in his ear, and said: “Tell Elder Hachiyo to proceed cautiously. When clan members patrol the Leaf, create multiple Shadow Clones, use Transformation Jutsu to conceal yourselves, and quietly spread rumors across the village.”

“Hurry!”

Uchiha Zhong’s eyes hardened.

He nodded solemnly, left the compound, and arrived at the Police Force headquarters.

Watching the chaotic, market-like Police Force, he sneered, then entered Uchiha Hachiyo’s office.

“Zhong?”

“What new orders from Jin?”

Uchiha Zhong nodded.

After briefly relaying Uchiha Jin’s instructions, Uchiha Hachiyo sucked in a sharp breath.

So ruthless!

His eyes held shock, but he finally said solemnly: “Tell Jin—I’ll handle it.”

“Understood,” Uchiha Zhong nodded. “Elder Hachiyo, farewell.”

With his departure, the office fell silent.

Uchiha Hachiyo took a deep breath, then summoned his squad leaders and assigned the mission.

…

Meanwhile,

Fugaku found Uchiha Amane and learned the truth from him.

Then,

He fell into silence.

Five minutes later, a long sigh.

“Yes… too convenient.”

“I always thought it was strange—like the Leaf was cursed. Any ninja who could stand alone always met some accident.”

“Now, seeing it from Jin’s perspective, all these people threatened Hashirama Sarutobi’s rule.”

“Now, it’s the Uchiha’s turn.”

Fugaku’s face was grim, almost unwilling to believe.

There was no choice.

The gap between this and his former understanding was too vast!

Uchiha Amane sighed: “Fugaku, do Itachi really believe this?”

His eyes were full of doubt—he clearly found it hard to accept.

Yes.

As a man who lived through Uchiha Madara’s era, he knew well how drastically and extremists a Uchiha’s mindset could shift after awakening the Mangekyo Sharingan…

So—

For Fugaku, a Mangekyo wielder, he truly didn’t believe the man could change.

And yet—

Fugaku’s face was filled with bitterness: “My left eye’s technique is Izanagi no Yoku—it can anchor a point and predict a certain future.”

“With today’s revelations and Hashirama Sarutobi’s true face, I’ve glimpsed a path to survival.”

“I’ve abandoned all illusions. From now on, I will prepare fully for war.”

As he spoke,

A chilling aura erupted from him—no longer timid, he now carried a faint edge of the Fierce Eye.

Uchiha Tianye was momentarily stunned, then broke into a relieved smile.

Hmm, good!

Fugaku has already chosen to join; only Shisui and Itachi remain.

Of course.

They are the true hard nuts to crack; persuading them is nearly impossible!