Chapter 8: Fugaku

Within the Uchiha clan, laughter and cheer echoed continuously.

Following the Hidden Leaf’s high command’s decision, Fugaku’s approval rating soared to new heights, leaving only the radicals seething with hatred.

Inside the clan leader’s residence.

Shisui, appointed by Hiruzen Sarutobi, sat respectfully in the tea room and spoke: “Your judgment is correct, Clan Leader. Under your leadership, the Uchiha have finally achieved greater harmony within Konoha.”

“I am willing to be your blade, to fully unify the entire Uchiha clan for Itachi!”

Although Shisui knew everything, he understood this was the Hokage’s scheme.

Its main target was still the radicals, yet he still chose to obey, because he believed it was all temporary.

Once that damned Uchiha Jin is truly eliminated, the Uchiha will surely integrate into Konoha under the Hokage’s guidance.

“Good, very good!”

“Shisui, Itachi’ve found your way back—this is a great boost for the Uchiha.”

At that moment.

A faint smile appeared on Fugaku’s stern face; though he knew he had merely ridden the wave of fortune, he took no shame in it—on the contrary, he was proud.

In his heart, Uchiha Jin was merely a pawn, and all of this was the result of his own calculations!

“The Uchiha’s situation is slowly improving—this is worthy of celebration. Immediately summon all clan members who have awakened their Sharingan to the Naka Shrine.”

“Today, we shall celebrate properly!”

Fugaku’s intentions were easy to guess; Shisui understood instantly.

As a newly pledged subordinate, he bowed deeply and took his leave to notify the others on Fugaku’s behalf.

Seeing this, Fugaku’s smile deepened further.

Even Shisui had defected to him—his unification of the Uchiha was near. Perfect timing: today’s celebration was the perfect chance to discipline the radicals.

Even if he couldn’t win over Uchiha Jin and other radical leaders, at least he could draw in some lower-ranking radicals.

Meanwhile, hidden in the shadows, Itachi’s face was filled with pain and confusion.

He quietly followed Shisui and stepped out to block his path.

“Shisui-nii, why are Itachi…?”

“Shh, don’t speak!”

Shisui immediately halted him.

He swiftly pulled Itachi into a corner and whispered carefully: “This is the Hokage’s plan. I still serve the Hokage.”

Hearing this, Itachi finally exhaled in relief.

Then,

The two exchanged a few quiet words, after which Itachi departed, satisfied.

Shisui smiled, said nothing more, sighed, “My path is not lonely,” and began contacting clan members.

As for this,

The moderates and centrists had no objections—after all, celebrating such a joyful occasion was perfectly normal.

The radicals, however, reacted entirely differently!

Everyone had already heard the truth from Uchiha Jin. Though blunt, they weren’t fools—they had seen Jin meet with Konoha, then watched the Root and Anbu withdraw immediately afterward, yet now they claimed it was all due to Fugaku’s favor?

Nonsense!

Does Fugaku have that kind of face?

He has nothing!

Uchiha Jin said nothing in response, only waved his hand to quiet them: “Don’t rush, don’t rage. Hiruzen Sarutobi wants nothing more than for the Uchiha to fight among ourselves—we must not let Konoha lead us by the nose.”

“I’ll take Tetsuho and the others to the clan meeting. Everyone else, follow Elder Setsuna’s orders—launch your operations now.”

“All radical members, whether ninja or civilian, relocate near my home.”

“Divide all ninja squads into morning, midday, and night shifts—24-hour patrols and full surveillance, both visible and hidden sentries must be arranged.”

“Everything must be done covertly. Understood?”

His tone was calm as he began assigning tasks.

The Hidden Leaf’s scheme wasn’t sophisticated—anyone who’d completed nine years of compulsory education could see through it. So he wouldn’t let his enemies manipulate him; instead, he intended to use this opportunity to advance his own plans.

Those present nodded solemnly.

Since joining the radicals, every action Uchiha Jin had taken had utterly won over them all.

Even if they didn’t fully understand yet, they had long grown accustomed to acting first and thinking later.

…

Half an hour later.

The Naka Shrine was bustling with noise, everyone smiling as if celebrating the New Year.

Yet,

As Lin Mo and others arrived, the crowd fell instantly silent.

The moderates and centrists frowned slightly—they disliked the radicals, especially the radicals under Uchiha Jin’s command.

In their view, Uchiha-Konoha tensions were already high enough; under Jin’s leadership, the radicals had become even more reckless.

Fugaku smiled faintly, his tone gentle: “Since Itachi’ve come, take your seats.”

“Today is a good day—no arguments. Today is only for celebration!”

As Fugaku spoke, his pre-arranged “stooges” began singing his praises.

How, under Fugaku’s leadership, the Uchiha-Konoha thaw had finally made tremendous progress.

In short…

The underlying meaning was simple.

Fugaku, the clan leader, is awesome—radicals, kneel before him!

The radicals could no longer hold back.

“Itachi’re all talking nonsense—is this Fugaku’s achievement?”

“Jin-kun met with Konoha, and immediately after, Root and Anbu withdrew—what does that have to do with Fugaku, the clan leader?”

“Why withdraw now, and not before or after? Only right after Jin-kun met Konoha?”

“Itachi’ve done nothing yourself, yet Itachi come to steal others’ glory—how can there be such a brazen person in the Uchiha?”

“This is clearly Konoha’s scheme to incite Uchiha infighting, yet Itachi fools are celebrating?”

“Hmph, useless!”

“…”

The radicals were furious, their words laced with sarcasm.

Clearly,

They gave not an inch of respect to Fugaku, the clan leader!

Fugaku’s face darkened; others began to look thoughtful.

That makes sense.

This coincidence is too suspicious.

They might be single-minded and disdainful of the radicals, but they were still reasonable people.

Otherwise, they wouldn’t have been so brutally oppressed by Konoha!

Hearing the radicals’ words, their gazes toward Fugaku grew suspicious.

Lin Mo’s eyes narrowed slightly, his expression utterly calm.

He sat quietly in his seat, offering no rebuttal, no intervention, no attempt to prove himself.

He simply watched Fugaku, observing the shifts in his expression.

Two minutes later,

Seeing Fugaku’s face flush red, opening his mouth to explain, Lin Mo suddenly spoke to cut him off.

“Enough. All of Itachi, be silent.”

“Fugaku is our Uchiha clan leader—what’s a little credit anyway?”

“If the clan leader wants it, then give it to him.”

At that moment, Lin Mo radiated authority.

He appeared utterly indifferent to the credit, embodying nothing but nobility and righteousness.

As if he truly didn’t care about this trivial matter, a magnanimous saint unwilling to let it disrupt the Uchiha’s greater unity.