Now it seems that even within the Uchiha, the common people must find something to hate.
"Can anyone tell me what happened?"
An uproar had erupted within the police department. Upon hearing the news, many members of the Uchiha Clan, who had been resting at home, immediately jumped to their feet and rushed to the station.
The patriarch had arrived.
The previously agitated clan members quickly composed themselves.
Within the Uchiha, Patriarch Uchiha Fugaku commanded undeniable authority. At the very least, when punishing members of the clan, he never hesitated to be firm.
No one dared speak. Zhiyan, who looked ready to talk, was subtly silenced by a glance from Yan.
Fugaku turned his attention toward Yan and Shisui, standing at odds with one another.
Before Shisui could open his mouth, Hiko stepped forward and reported in a calm tone:
"Due to the announcement of a new regulation, certain clan members were dissatisfied. They gathered outside the police department, causing a commotion. Shisui chose to explain rather than act decisively. As a result, the situation escalated. It reached a point where our officers were openly insulted and accused on the street."
"Shisui, is that true?"
Though Fugaku could be passive regarding village politics, matters of the Uchiha's dignity left no room for leniency.
A group had stirred trouble, and instead of enforcing order, Shisui had tried to placate them?
Worse yet, members of the police force had been publicly humiliated. That crossed a line. They were Uchiha, the elite of the ninja world. Why hadn't Shisui acted?
Under the glares of his fellow clansmen, Shisui lowered his head in silent shame.
Hiko continued coldly:
"In my opinion, Shisui is unfit to continue as a police squad leader. I propose his reassignment to the complaints division. He seems more suited to resolving minor grievances than enforcing the law."
If you're so intent on being a peacemaker, then perhaps it's better for you to handle the complaints and leave real policing to those with resolve.
The leadership role of a squad captain was not for someone who hesitated.
Fugaku gave Shisui a long, unreadable look and finally responded, "I will consider it."
Despite his high regard for Shisui, Fugaku knew the clan needed to see action. The anger among the members would only intensify if this matter was swept under the rug.
"Everyone."
Raising his hand, Hiko turned around to address the clan.
"Let us not forget who we are. We are more than just members of the police department. We are Uchiha—descendants of the most powerful dojutsu clan in the ninja world. Our pride is our legacy. We will not kneel. We will not beg for mercy!"
"Uchiha pride forbids submission!"
It was the perfect moment. A wave of emotion surged through the crowd.
"Well said! The captain is mighty!!"
Zhiyan, his cheeks flushed, pumped his fist in the air, leading the applause.
The sound of clapping grew louder and more spirited. Their anger had found direction. Their hearts burned with renewed purpose.
They, who had just been humiliated, now stood tall, inspired by Hiko's rallying cry.
---
Chapter 10: Ignorant Fool, Who Gave You the Courage to Yell at Me?
"We are Uchiha—members of the strongest eye-bloodline clan in the shinobi world! We do not bow. We do not beg!"
"Patriarch, I propose a family meeting to discuss the issue of the Dove faction."
Yan's voice echoed through the hall.
"I believe the Dove faction only weakens our resolve. They cause us to bow, to hesitate. They make us look spineless and rob us of our pride."
Rallying the clan, solidifying unity, and striking first at the weakest faction—the Doves—was Hiko's strategy to bring about change within the clan.
The Dove faction, few in number and lacking influence, made for an easy first target.
And truthfully, the Doves were already despised by many.
If the hardliners wanted revolution, they were at least courageous enough to consider it and act. But the Doves?
They offered nothing but repeated submission and weakness.
"Patriarch, we second the motion!"
Members of the Third Unit quickly voiced their support.
With their lead, more and more clan members joined in, demanding a family meeting to discuss the future of the Dove faction.
Looking at the former troublemakers—now reformed and orderly under Hiko's command—Fugaku couldn't help but feel conflicted.
These had once been the most unruly elements of the clan. Now, under Hiko's leadership, they had become obedient and disciplined.
Faced with mounting pressure from his people, Fugaku had no choice but to agree. He instructed someone to summon the clan elders to the patriarch's compound.
Meanwhile, Shisui stood in silence, a lonely figure among the clan.
He had become a pariah.
Even his own squad members avoided him, fearing they too would be scorned if seen supporting him.
No one would have thought that Shisui, who had acted out of goodwill, would end up like this.
Had Hiko done anything wrong?
No, on the contrary, Hiko had acted in the clan's best interest.
In contrast, Shisui's efforts to balance the village and the clan came off as betrayal.
He focused too much on reconciling with Konoha's leadership without realizing that the problems between Uchiha and the village needed to be addressed from their roots—not patched up with sweet words or false promises.
News of the police department incident spread rapidly.
Soon, the entire clan was condemning Shisui.
Many accused him of being too soft, too focused on pleasing outsiders, while ignoring the suffering of his own kin.
On the other hand, Hiko's popularity soared.
Despite the controversy, he was praised for his courage and decisiveness.
In the patriarch's compound, the atmosphere was heavy.
It was clear to everyone that a political strike was about to begin—and the Dove faction was the target.
Uchiha Hiko.
His name was not unknown, but few had paid him any mind until now.
But after the last clan meeting, he had fully entered the clan's consciousness.
In just a few days, he had taken action on several major issues.
And now, leveraging the chaos in the police department, Hiko had made his move against the Dove faction.
Faced with the will of the people, Fugaku had no choice but to comply.
He hadn't even had the chance to speak to Hiko privately, and already he was caught in the momentum of change—unable to move backward or forward without consequence.
"I knew that brat wasn't going to sit quietly," the Sixth Elder growled. "First, he questions the elders and the patriarch. Then, he demands we go to the Hokage to file a complaint. Now this? What is he trying to achieve?"
"Does he even recognize the authority of the elders?"
"Sixth Elder, please."
The First Elder chuckled, seemingly unfazed.
"Hiko is impressive, I like his spirit. And let's be honest, when exactly has he ignored the patriarch or us?"
"Everything he's done so far has been for the betterment of the clan. Don't you want to see our family thrive?"
"..."
Curse your smooth tongue. How am I supposed to oppose that without looking like the enemy?
The Sixth Elder's expression was livid.
The quarrel between the Doves and the hardliners was nothing new. It was practically routine.
Thankfully, Fugaku arrived just in time to calm things down.
He entered with Hiko beside him.
Despite the significance of the meeting, none of the other police captains were present. Clearly, Fugaku had excluded them—perhaps deliberately. Only Hiko had been invited.
Though the shouting had died down, the Dove faction wasn't finished.
As soon as Hiko took a seat, the Sixth Elder exploded again:
"Uchiha Hiko, do you even acknowledge us elders and superiors? Who gave you the right to sit at this table?"
"Hehe~~~"
The hardline elders chuckled quietly, waiting to see how Hiko would handle the confrontation.
Fugaku remained silent.
He'd just sat down and was already being dragged into the storm.
Hiko turned toward the old man, eyes glinting with contempt.
The corners of his lips curled, and his Sharingan spun to life—three tomoe whirling silently in his gaze.