Tonight.
Except for a few who remained on duty at the Police Department and those who went out on missions without returning, the rest of the fifty clan members were all gathered in the underground chamber.
As for the matter of how many jōnin the Uchiha could truly count on—let's speak first of Konoha's standards.
Currently, the total number of jōnin in the village, counting both active and those retired but still officially ranked, sits at roughly a hundred.
Although Uchiha is recognized as Konoha's most powerful clan, the family had been suppressed since the time of the Second Hokage. The result: fewer opportunities for official promotions.
At present, only ten Uchiha hold the official title of jōnin.
Half of these earned their rank through bloody combat against Kirigakure during the Third Ninja World War.
Yet everyone in the room knows a truth that goes beyond formal ranks.
As long as an Uchiha awakens the three-tomoe Sharingan, their combat ability is at the jōnin level—at times surpassing it. And in the clan today, more than thirty have matured their eyes to this level.
Which means:
Uchiha truly has thirty effective jōnin, among them elite shinobi such as Fugaku and Shisui.
The saying still echoes among them—Uchiha are unmatched one-on-one.
On the battlefield, thirty such shinobi could produce the impact of seventy or eighty ordinary jōnin, eclipsing the "so-called" jōnin who once fell in an instant to Namikaze Minato.
It is for this reason that many here believe Uchiha has the strength to launch a coup against the village leadership—the so-called "Konoha F4."
Pity.
In the original course of fate, Shisui's suicide and Fugaku's hesitation as patriarch allowed Uchiha's enemies to strike first. The clan was annihilated, and nearly a hundred Sharingan eyes were divided between Obito and Danzō.
Duan listened in silence as Mikoto's quiet words confirmed these figures, and he thought of how to twist this path. He envisioned an Uchiha that would step fully into conflict, tearing apart the script written for them by the village's elders.
Just as these thoughts weighed upon him, the meeting's host, Uchiha Fugaku, finally stepped forward.
At once, silence descended. Fugaku's years as patriarch had hardened his authority, and his gaze swept across the rows, counting each present.
Seeing that all who should attend were here, he cleared his throat.
"Ahem."
Before we begin, there are newcomers who should be acknowledged.
His words drew all eyes as he extended a hand toward the first row—toward Duan.
"This is my brother-in-law, Uchiha Dan. His martial skill is exceptional, and he has opened a gym within the village. If any of you wish to strengthen your bodies, you may visit."
Fugaku, bound by his promise to Mikoto at her birthday gathering, could not neglect this introduction—not with his wife's watchful eyes upon him.
Mikoto gave Duan's sleeve a tug, urging him to respond.
Duan rose, bowed slightly, and offered a curt nod of respect. Etiquette observed.
But in the chamber, murmurs rose.
Gym?
The word seemed almost laughable. Did Uchiha, wielders of Sharingan, need such things?
To them, Sharingan was already a perfect weapon. The eyes sharpened vision, heightened reflexes, and multiplied physical prowess naturally. The greater the tomoe, the more formidable the body. Illusions, immunity to genjutsu, and the ability to replicate ninjutsu—such power rendered muscle-training trivial.
For most, seeking strength outside the eye was folly.
Yet, just as the skepticism grew, a clear voice cut through.
"Very well, we will certainly visit after this meeting concludes."
It was Uchiha Yashiro.
Gasps rippled. Yashiro—always the loudest opponent of Fugaku—now spoke favorably of the patriarch's brother-in-law? His gaze even carried a trace of deference toward Duan.
Duan, reading the man's intent, only sat back down. He recalled the night of his battle with the masked man, Obito. Yashiro must have been among the shadows then, watching. Perhaps seeing Obito repelled had shifted his ambition—perhaps he now thought aligning with Duan might tilt the scales.
From the corner, Itachi's brow tightened.
"As I feared," he thought. If Uncle aligns with Yashiro and the radicals, their faction will grow dangerously bold.
Beside him, Shisui's calm voice came:
"It doesn't matter. If need be, I will act."
Though Fugaku himself found Yashiro's change peculiar, he moved the meeting forward. His duty was clear.
"The clan meeting begins."
Without hesitation, he turned to his son.
"Itachi, you have been within the village's Anbu. What have you learned?"
This question was no surprise—the clan had long known Fugaku placed Itachi there as their eyes and ears.
Under the weight of their gaze, Itachi stood.
"From what I observe, though the village leadership and Anbu remain cautious of Uchiha, this stems from fear and jealousy more than intent to destroy us. We must not amplify suspicion into hostility, nor lay every grievance upon the village."
His tone was measured, calm.
Moderates nodded at once. To be envied was natural—for Uchiha's brilliance drew envy like fire drew moths.
But others bristled.
Yashiro rose sharply, voice edged with contempt.
"Itachi! Which side are you on? Do you mean to claim Uchiha is delusional—that we imagine threats where none exist? That the village's leaders have done us no wrong?"
The chamber tensed.
Their rivalry was no secret. A year ago, when Itachi had first been promoted to chūnin, Fugaku revealed to the clan his intention for Itachi to join Anbu as their spy. But at that meeting, Itachi had spoken nearly the same words: that Uchiha were part of Konoha, not its enemy.
His words then had enraged Yashiro, who doubted Itachi's loyalty to the clan. It ended only with Fugaku's mediation—and Itachi offering apology.
Now, one year later, nothing had changed.
And Yashiro, fists clenched, challenged him again.