Under the tense gazes of the Hyūga clansmen, Uchiha Yuan stopped before them.
Reputation carried weight.
And often, your greatest understanding comes not from friends—but from rivals.
As long-time competitors in ocular prowess, the Hyūga Clan kept close watch on the Uchiha Clan.
Every emerging Uchiha prodigy was quietly investigated.
Yuan's battlefield record had already placed him in the category of do not provoke.
"Mirror, long time no see."
Yuan's gaze settled on one familiar face.
Hyūga Mirror smiled faintly.
"Yuan, you made quite a scene today. You're practically a big figure now."
Yuan smiled.
"I told you before—only strength ensures others are willing to listen when you speak reason."
"I didn't see you reasoning," a childish voice interrupted.
"I saw you bullying people."
Yuan looked down.
A boy barely three years old glared at him indignantly.
Mirror hurriedly stepped forward.
"This is Young Master Neji, son of Lord Hizashi. Please forgive him."
The boy peeked out from behind the mirror.
He did not retreat.
Yuan chuckled softly and crouched slightly.
"Brat, what you saw—that is my reason."
His eyes briefly lingered on the boy's smooth forehead.
A flicker of pity passed through them.
"You won't understand now. One day, you will."
The boy—Neji Hyūga—looked confused.
He could not possibly grasp Yuan's meaning.
Yuan rose and turned back to Mirror.
"If you ever face trouble, come to me. Your matters are my matters."
The mirror froze briefly, then smiled.
"I will."
They bumped fists.
As Yuan walked away, murmurs rose among the Hyūga.
"That Uchiha Yuan clearly values you."
The implication was obvious—
Touch Mirror, and you challenge Uchiha Yuan.
Mirror simply replied,
"We're friends."
Someone added quietly,
"The Main House won't trouble you again."
Interception in the Woods
At dusk, crimson clouds burned across the sky.
On a forest path back to the Uchiha compound—
A violent gust swept forward, leaves spiraling.
Yuan halted and slashed outward with a hand like a blade.
The wind split.
Two figures appeared.
Shisui Uchiha
Itachi Uchiha
Especially noticeable was the anger plainly visible on Shisui's face.
"Yuan," Shisui said sharply, abandoning his usual warmth,
"I'm disappointed in you."
"Do you understand what you did today? You intensified the village's suspicion toward the clan. You escalated tensions."
Itachi stood beside him, silent.
His gaze toward Yuan had changed.
In his mind, Yuan was no different from other clan members—narrow in perspective, prioritizing clan over village.
And with Yuan's strength—
He might become the greatest obstacle to peace.
Izumi… forgive me…
A trace of bitterness flashed in Itachi's eyes before it hardened into resolve.
Ideological Clash
Yuan's expression remained calm.
"So you came because of today."
"I was performing my duty as a Police Force captain."
Itachi stepped forward.
"The gate has always been under village control. You know how wary the village is—especially after the Nine-Tails incident. The mysterious Uchiha who controlled it was never found."
"You inserting the Police Force into gate duty only increases distrust."
Yuan let out a faint, dismissive laugh.
"So what? Should the Uchiha fear suspicion?"
Shisui's disappointment deepened.
"You're too arrogant. Your strength has stripped you of restraint. Continue like this, and you'll make a grave mistake."
Yuan's voice sharpened.
"Shisui, in the clan, in the village, in the shinobi world—strength reigns supreme."
"The gate is a minor matter. The village only stationed a chūnin squad there."
"Replacing them strengthens the gate's defenses."
"Who could possibly bypass the Sharingan's scrutiny?"
Itachi's tone hardened.
"You still don't see the issue. It's not about manpower—it's about perception."
"The clan has faced suspicion for years because more and more members think like you."
Yuan's eyes cooled.
"So what do you want from me?"
Shisui sighed.
"Show restraint. Respect the village."
"I will explain today's matter to the Third Hokage."
Yuan's expression softened only slightly.
"I act with justification. Otherwise, would the village have yielded?"
Silence followed.
Shisui spoke quietly,
"For the sake of the clan… and peace… sometimes we must retreat."
Yuan shook his head.
"I don't understand that."
His voice turned firm—unyielding.
"And no one can force me to retreat."
The three stood locked in silent confrontation.
Then—
A breeze stirred.
Shisui and Itachi vanished.
Yuan remained alone beneath the fading sunset.
To read advanced Chapters, head over to p@treon:
patreon.com/nani_kaito