"I need to see your Mangekyō Sharingan first, before deciding how to proceed with you," Uchiha Fugaku said calmly.
He did not hide anything.
The Mangekyō was the core symbol of Uchiha power.
Even with Jin's recent accomplishments—defeating the Seven Ninja Swordsmen—Fugaku could not act based only on reputation.
Uchiha Jin nodded lightly.
Without unnecessary words, he opened his Mangekyō Sharingan.
The dark, chilling pattern spread across his eyes.
Even though Fugaku had been mentally prepared, his expression still tightened, his breath pausing for a brief moment. The oppressive, icy presence was unmistakable.
This was a true Mangekyō.
"…You may close it," Fugaku said at last.
He inhaled, sat straight, and continued:
"We, the Uchiha, have always respected strength."
"I am aware that you have clashed with certain… radicals within the clan. I will not ask you to forgive them, nor will I expect you to share my own stance."
"The capable are promoted. The mediocre yield."
"From today onward—Uchiha Jin, you are formally promoted to Elder of the Clan."
"You will hold full voting rights in all clan matters."
"In addition, each Elder contributes to the clan fund. The dividend you receive yearly should amount to around four hundred million to just under five hundred million ryō."
"Your lineage will be elevated to main family status. All descendants of your bloodline will be trained as the main branch."
"And finally—the Konoha Guard."
"Among the guard, strength is the only authority worth speaking of."
"Since you have awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, I will step down."
"From this day onward—the Guard Captain's position belongs to you."
---
Uchiha Jin froze.
This was… too large a gift.
The kind of power one did not just accept casually.
Elder status.
Economic power.
Clan legitimacy.
Authority over the Guard.
Any one of these would bind him deeply to the Uchiha. Together, they were shackles—no matter how generously they were packaged.
He exhaled slowly.
"…Clan leader," Jin said, "I am a man who values freedom. I prefer to live quietly. These things—perhaps it is better to give them to someone who desires responsibility more than I do."
Fugaku did not look offended.
Instead, he observed Jin for a long, quiet moment.
"Truly," he murmured, "you resemble the Nara clan more than the Uchiha."
Jin's expression stiffened.
Nara Kazama had said the same thing.
And if even Uchiha Fugaku noticed it…
Then Sarutobi Hiruzen certainly had.
This was not good.
Fugaku continued, unaware of Jin's internal tension:
"You must accept these things."
"The Uchiha clan's honor and resentment are always clear. These rights are not bribes. They are obligations mandated by clan law."
"You do not need to join my faction. You do not need to befriend the radicals. But if you have power, you will shoulder responsibility."
"Uchiha Jin—stand for the future of our clan."
"Everything is for Uchiha."
Jin felt a headache forming. But he also saw the opportunity Nara Kazama had mentioned.
This would give him status—and cover.
Slowly, he nodded.
"…Very well. I accept."
Fugaku's eyes softened.
"There is one more matter."
"I understand the tension between our clan and the village. And yes—I reported your Mangekyō to the Hokage. Some in the clan are dissatisfied."
"I will not explain myself to them."
"But I will explain it to you."
"The Uchiha currently do not hold enough influence to stabilize Konoha. At times, restraint is necessary. Strategy is necessary."
"And do not worry—the Hokage will not seek to control your power. Because by becoming a clan elder…"
"You have now automatically relinquished your status as an active shinobi."