Some things… if you don't weigh them, they don't even feel like four ounces, but once you do, a thousand pounds can't hold them down. Tekka's words were just like that. If ignored, everyone would just treat it as idle trash talk, but if seized upon, the matter would become serious.
Inabi Uchiha understood this very well. If he allowed Shisui to take the person away, then Tekka would surely have to pay a huge price, and it might even affect their entire plan. But if he made a move, his father's side…
Seeing Uchiha Shisui leave while carrying Tekka, Inabi could finally hold back no longer. He instantly attacked Shisui, but at least he didn't use a blade, only wanting to get Tekka back.
However, the moment Shisui turned, another figure instantly appeared. Draw sword, swing sword! In Inabi's vision, Shisui was in front of him in an instant, blades slashing at him from the left and right. In his pupils, three tomoe appeared. Not right! Not real!
Genjutsu? How could…
Uchiha Inabi was shocked. Although he had heard that Shisui's genjutsu was strong, his own was not weak, and he believed he wouldn't be at a disadvantage. But just now, Shisui hadn't even used hand seals. Just the action of drawing and swinging his sword had put him into a genjutsu. He was incredulous.
Then, a thought appeared in Inabi's mind—Did Ryoho Kyohiko teach him? No… Inabi's eyes narrowed, and he quickly came to his senses. What am I thinking? Shisui must have already dragged Tekka away!
Inabi broke the genjutsu, only to see Shisui walking unhurriedly down the road, carrying Uchiha Tekka. He didn't believe Shisui was out of strength. The only explanation was—the other party was waiting for him to make a move!
Uchiha Inabi's pupils shrank. He instantly understood Shisui's thoughts. His breath caught, and for a moment, he was stuck, neither chasing nor not chasing.
At this moment, footsteps came from behind.
"Inabi, what happened?"
Inabi explained in a low voice.
"Tekka might have gotten into trouble."
Uchiha Shinji's eyes flickered, a murderous intent in them. Using the matter as a pretext, leaving a message to gather evidence. Shisui was clearly doing it on purpose! This kid was jumping up and down, already in cahoots with Konoha. He was also an out-and-out genius, a huge threat to them. If we are to act, we must find a way to eliminate him first!
***
In the clan territory.
Tekka was carried all the way by Shisui, who used his Body Flicker to arrive in front of Fugaku's gate, then shouted loudly.
"Clan Head-sama!"
After a moment of silence, Uchiha Fugaku walked out of the house. Seeing Shisui's action, he was stunned for a long while, then looked up at Shisui, communicating with his eyes. What is this for? He couldn't figure out what had happened for a moment.
"Clan Head-sama, I hope you can gather the clan members."
"W-Why?"
Fugaku was bewildered, completely not understanding what Shisui wanted to do.
Uchiha Shisui said.
"He insulted my grandfather's reputation. And with Tekka's personality, there must be many people to whom he has spread this view. I want him to apologize to my grandfather in front of all the clansmen!"
Killing was certainly impossible. Uchiha Tekka was a clansman, after all. To want his life over a single sentence was simply a fantasy; no one in the clan would support him. But… a public apology was the minimum! Without it, he couldn't deter the other clansmen.
Shisui's face was cold and firm. He repeated Tekka's words and said.
"Uncle Teuchi and the others all heard it. Even if they are unwilling to prove it for me…"
He sneered.
"I can also use genjutsu to make him say it himself!"
The Sharingan combined with genjutsu had the ability to hypnotize, but it could only be used when the user's dōjutsu was stronger than the opponent's. The current Shisui had reached such a level… Truly a genius!
"Shisui, you…"
Fugaku hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "Alright, then let's gather the clansmen!"
The matter concerned Uchiha Kagami; he couldn't refuse. Kagami Uchiha had indeed sacrificed a lot for the clan back then. Although that path had not been successful, within the clan, he was definitely a hero. He couldn't be branded a traitor just because the times were different now. He couldn't blame Shisui for not being able to tolerate this!
The broadcast sound rang out. Soon, people from the clan gathered one after another in the clan's square. The first to arrive were naturally Uchiha Shinji and Inabi.
Uchiha Inabi bowed deeply.
"Shisui, no matter what, I have to apologize to you. I was too concerned about my younger brother before and made a move on you… This is my fault!"
Shisui's expression softened.
"Brother Inabi, I am dealing with the matter, not the person. It concerns your relative, so you were surely anxious. I can understand. And Uncle Shinji… I'm sorry, but today I must have Tekka apologize in public!"
Shisui's face was serious.
"This is about my grandfather's honor!"
Shinji said, also wanting to bow, but was quickly stopped by Shisui—if he really bowed and apologized, it would be difficult for Shisui to press the matter.
"I understand completely, Shisui. It's my fault for not teaching my child well!"
After some stopping and pulling, the members of the clan gradually arrived at the scene. Seeing the unconscious Tekka beside Shisui and Fugaku, and the apologetic Shinji and Inabi, everyone was bewildered. Only Uchiha Teuchi knew that Shisui had, in the end, made a move. However, compared to what he had expected, Shisui was still relatively calm, at least he hadn't done anything too drastic. But what did Shisui want to do?
As people gradually gathered, discussions broke out below. At this time, Fugaku finally spoke.
"I have gathered everyone here today because there are some untrue rumors about our predecessors within the clan…"
After he finished, he looked at Shisui. Shisui used a technique combined with chakra to wake Tekka up. Tekka opened his eyes, which were filled with confusion. When he looked around, a look of fear instantly appeared in his eyes. Why are there so many people? Then, his pupils shrank.
"Uchiha Tekka, do you dare to repeat what you said before in front of everyone?"
"I, I didn't say anything…"
How could Tekka dare to admit it? Insulting an ancestor, a village hero—this matter wasn't serious if it wasn't brought up, but being dragged to a clan assembly made it very serious. Admit it? Only a fool would admit it!
He immediately said.
"I didn't say that!"
"Didn't say what?!"
Shisui asked.
Tekka shouted.
"I didn't say your grandfather…"
Shisui smiled and looked at the other clan members. Both Uchiha Shinji and Uchiha Inabi were silent. Tekka… they knew him. He wasn't smart, but he was alright. Recently, apart from acting arrogantly and targeting Shisui, there were no other problems. But comparing goods, one had to throw one away. Look at the other person, at seven or eight years old, he already knew how to entrap someone, and what about Tekka? He didn't know anything and had already exposed himself. Didn't say your grandfather? Shisui hadn't said anything yet!
Fugaku's eyelids drooped.
"It seems there really is such a thing…"
He looked at Tekka. A touch of scarlet appeared in his eyes, and a genjutsu instantly erupted. Tekka's expression froze. The next moment, he couldn't stop himself from saying the thing he feared most.
"I didn't say your grandfather was a traitor to the clan who stepped on us to get ahead…"
Below, there was a dead silence.
Fugaku's face was grim.
"Uchiha Tekka, how dare you spread rumors and insult an ancestor within the clan?"
"I, no, I didn't… I…"
Tekka trembled with fear, completely stunned at this moment.
"Fugaku-sama…"
Shinji frowned, stepped forward, and was about to speak, but Fugaku gave him no chance—Fugaku knew very well. Once Uchiha Shinji spoke, he would definitely help Tekka out of this state of fear. At that time, it would be useless to try and use genjutsu or hypnosis again.
Fugaku shouted, his body filled with killing intent, as if he were about to slaughter Tekka.
"Who else is spreading it?! If you don't speak now, I will deal with you with the clan rules today and let you go down and apologize to Senior Kagami personally!"
"Don't kill me, don't kill me! It wasn't me who said it, it was Uncle Nobuhiro, Ryota…"
Uchiha Tekka was speaking.
On the side, Uchiha Shinji roared angrily.
"You beast, you even dare to insult the clan's seniors and heroes! I'll kill you!"
As he spoke, he rushed over and kicked him directly in the head, as if he really wanted to kick his own son to death. Uchiha Tekka was kicked to the ground, holding his head and crying out in pain. At the same time, his whole body shivered. He suddenly came to his senses, and his whole body turned cold—he realized he had fallen into a trap!
Fugaku gave Uchiha Shinji a deep look, then looked down.
"Where are Nobuhiro and Ryota?!"
"Clan Head-sama, just based on genjutsu and hypnosis to determine that Tekka said these things, and also to determine that we also said them, we do not accept it!"
Two people stood out, still defiant.
The surroundings suddenly became noisy.
"Right, we don't accept it either!"
"We don't accept…"
One by one, they shouted, with the air of causing trouble.
Uchiha Shinji lowered his head, kicking his son again and again, as if his emotions were surging and he could no longer hear the voices outside. Fugaku swept a cold glance down, at the same time watching Uchiha Shinji's performance.
"Dad."
Qiao pulled her father's hand.
Teuchi's face was hesitant.
"Dad, please help…"
Teuchi let out a breath.
"Daughter, don't move."
He raised his hand and said with a trembling voice, "I can testify!"
What? Uchiha Shinji was astonished. He turned his head.
Teuchi said.
"At that time, Tekka came to the shop to buy pancakes. Seeing Shisui was at my place, he said those words insulting Senior Kagami. I heard everything!"
Uchiha Shinji's face turned ashen. This beast… actually said it in someone else's shop? He kicked Tekka. Crack! Several ribs broke directly. This time, Tekka really cried out in pain.
"Fugaku-sama, you can do whatever you want with this little beast. I have nothing to say for raising such a son!"
Fugaku looked at the two troublemakers below, and—those people!
"Nobuhiro, Ryota, what about you?"
Unknowingly, these people had already gathered in such a large number, even enough to subvert his rule, and he had thought they had only gathered a small portion. If it weren't for Shisui using this as a pretext this time… cold sweat broke out on his back.
Fugaku was silent for a few seconds, then looked at Shisui.
"What do you want them to do?"
Shisui's tone was young yet firm.
"It doesn't matter if I'm spoken of a few times, but you can't speak of my grandfather. I don't know about what happened back then, but it can't have been just my grandfather who thought that way, right? So, I want you to kneel before my grandfather's grave and apologize!"
He was not just using this as a pretext, but also to declare his presence to the Uchiha clan—the Uchiha didn't only have the option of betrayal. In fact, there was also the option of cooperating with Konoha, like Kagami Uchiha back then, and entering Konoha's ruling class. Everyone could coexist peacefully; there was no such thing as who betrayed whom.
Shisui couldn't think of so much at this moment. He just felt instinctively that his grandfather's matter had to be rectified, otherwise it would be very detrimental to the development of his plans!
An old man raised his hand.
"I agree! Kagami was very good to the clansmen back then. He sacrificed a lot for us, basically leaving no property, even his child…"
"Apologize! Rectify Kagami's name!"
"They should apologize!"
One by one, voices rose from the crowd. Some were old people. Some were people who had benefited from Uchiha Kagami back then.
Shisui licked his lips, easing the tension and excitement in his heart. So there are still so many people in the clan who support my grandfather! Shisui looked at them one by one, memorizing their faces, and suddenly understood the teacher's words. Distinguish who can be won over and who is your enemy. These people were precisely the objects he could strive for! He suddenly felt that his previous efforts and study had not been in vain. If not for the previous study and attempts, he might not have been able to realize this point.
Tears flowed from his eyes. Shisui bowed deeply.
"Thank you, everyone!"
Tekka, Nobuhiro, and Ryota were escorted to the clan's cemetery and ancestral tablet location. They were to perform a dogeza apology in front of Uchiha Kagami's grave. Although their lives were not taken, the deterrence and effect produced were indeed very effective. But… this matter would also cause a series of chain reactions. Shisui couldn't judge whether it was good or bad, but he vaguely felt that this matter needed to be struck while the iron was hot—while everyone's emotions were stirred up, unite these people who supported his grandfather!
"We're sorry! We shouldn't have…"
The three apologized in front of the grave.
Half an hour later, everyone dispersed. Only Shisui and Fugaku were left in front of the grave.
Fugaku looked at Shisui, hesitated for a moment, then said softly.
"Shisui, this is all I can do about this matter…"
Shisui's expression was serious.
"Thank you, Clan Head-sama! But we must act immediately!"
"You mean?"
Fugaku was slightly taken aback.
Shisui said in a low voice.
"Grandfather's influence still exists in the clan today. We must act, unite these people who can be united, at least pull them over to our side."
Fugaku was stunned for a long time, and finally fell silent. At this moment, he felt… Shisui is too rational! This child was not angry at all. Regarding Tekka's matter, it was more about going with the flow to create public opinion and thus judge who was an enemy and who was a friend. In terms of results, Shisui's methods were very successful.
For a moment, Fugaku felt that Shisui, who was not yet eight years old, seemed to be more suitable to be the clan head than him. He was deeply ashamed in his heart. But Shisui was right… the enemy's momentum was great. Even if he couldn't pull the other party to his side, he had to at least make them remain neutral and not mess around with Shinji's group. Only then could he slowly turn the tide.
Thinking of this, Fugaku nodded lightly.
"I will go and talk to them. You can rest assured. This matter… thank you!"
Shisui shook his head, then let out a breath of relief.
"It's nothing."
"I can finally contribute to the family!"
"You've always been very good."
Fugaku patted his shoulder, his heart filled with emotion, but he didn't know what to say.
Then, he disappeared with a body flicker. Shisui let out a breath, turned around, and saw a figure shrinking behind a tree. Itachi? He walked over and saw that Itachi had already flickered away.