The Uchiha clan head felt a headache coming on.
Things had changed too quickly.
His gaze shifted to Uchiha Fugaku, who sat composed and steady, exuding the bearing of a capable general. In the past, this unshakable calm—no matter the situation—had always reassured him.
But now…
Watching Uchiha Ren and Uchiha Mikoto exchange glances while his own son remained completely unfazed, a strange irritation rose in his chest.
What is this boy even thinking? They're practically making a move right in front of you, and you're just sitting there? At least nod—congratulate her or something!
The clan head, who at least understood basic social cues, sighed inwardly as he looked at Fugaku—who seemed even more indifferent than himself.
Forget it. If Fugaku can't seize the moment and lacks the ability, then giving him the position of clan head would be more curse than blessing.
We three old bones still have a few years left… we'll observe a little longer.
Regardless of their faction, whether it was Uchiha Setsuna, Uchiha Hokaku, or himself—
The clan's glory always came first.
Besides, this position of clan head had, in many ways, fallen into his hands by chance. Stepping down held no real burden for him.
He cleared his throat lightly, drawing everyone's attention.
"This clan assembly has two main matters to announce."
Getting straight to the point, he continued,
"First, the Hokage Tower has requested that our clan dispatch at least ten jōnin squads immediately to the eastern coastline, to guard against Kirigakure, which is already stirring—and may have crossed the sea."
A full jōnin squad consisted of one jōnin leading three chūnin.
The ability to field ten such squads at once—
Among all of Konoha's clans, only the Uchiha could achieve that.
As for the Hyūga…
With their distorted structure—suppressing the numerous branch family while protecting the few main family members—they struggled to produce even jōnin, let alone Kage-level fighters.
For all their grand rhetoric, their primary function remained reconnaissance.
"Second," the clan head continued, "based on war merit, the Hokage has promised to expand our clan's jōnin quotas and grant more positions within the ANBU."
As his words fell, reactions across the hall varied.
Some showed clear excitement.
Others couldn't hide their dissatisfaction.
Everyone knew—
Having the strength of a jōnin did not mean one would be recognized as one.
In Konoha, beyond the benefits and treatment, every registered jōnin held both voting rights and eligibility in leadership decisions.
And yet, among the Uchiha—
Fewer than fifteen were officially recognized as Konoha jōnin.
Most held that status only through their roles as captains of the Police Force. The rest were clan shinobi not formally affiliated.
Among Konoha's two hundred-plus jōnin, the Uchiha barely made a ripple.
If their numbers increased, things might change.
But then again…
Numbers alone didn't guarantee influence.
What truly excited the clan head's faction and the doves—
Were the ANBU positions.
The Hokage's personal forces.
To them, this was a clear gesture of goodwill from Konoha's leadership.
Protect the village… and gain the Hokage's trust.
A perfect outcome.
Without hesitation, Uchiha Fugaku spoke up.
"I am willing to lead a squad to the front lines and drive back Kirigakure!"
Uchiha Yakumi and Uchiha Shisui followed immediately, each volunteering to lead a team.
After they spoke, silence fell over the hall.
Logically, the dovish faction should have followed.
But they didn't.
The strange stillness made Fugaku's brows furrow.
His gaze shifted to Uchiha Mikoto's calm face.
She returned only a polite, distant smile.
That response sent a faint sense of unease through him.
His eyes swept past her—over the silent members of the dovish faction behind her.
His frown deepened.
What are they trying to do? Leave me to fill all ten squads myself?
If that earns overwhelming merit and raises our clan's standing… it's not impossible.
Either way, someone from the Uchiha has to risk their lives. It doesn't matter who.
As that thought surfaced, Fugaku glanced toward the front.
That single glance confused the clan head—until he saw his son subtly gesture.
Immediately, a jōnin from their faction stepped forward to fill another slot.
Understanding dawned.
And with it—
A surge of anger.
The clan head nearly lost control, wanting to slap some sense into this foolish son of his.
Before he could react, yet another member of their faction volunteered.
This is war.
Against Kirigakure—one of the Five Great Nations.
Even Kage-level shinobi can die if they're not careful.
This isn't some easy mission with high rewards and low risk!
Suppressing the frustration in his chest, the clan head raised his hand, drawing attention again.
Looking toward both the hawks and the doves—who had remained completely unmoved—he spoke quickly.
"Ren. Mikoto. What are your thoughts?"
Without their leaders speaking, their subordinates naturally remained silent.
Watching the clan head's faction fill half the required squads in a blink, the others looked on with strange expressions.
War was no game.
People would die.
We're all Uchiha… all part of Konoha. Why is it only Brother Fugaku stepping forward? Has Sister Mikoto changed? And what is Brother Ren thinking…?
Caught between the gazes of both factions, Uchiha Shisui felt deeply uncomfortable.
It was as if a once whole family had been forcibly split into three—
The bonds of kinship and trust shattered beyond repair.
He glanced at Mikoto, still gentle and composed.
Then at Ren, smiling faintly.
Recalling the words Ren had spoken earlier in the assembly, he chose to remain silent—and wait.
"Clan Head," Mikoto spoke at last, her voice calm, "the Uchiha are part of Konoha. Fighting for the village and defending the Land of Fire is only natural."
A flicker of relief appeared on Fugaku's side.
But the clan head's heart suddenly tightened.
Mikoto straightened her back under the descending beam of light. Her clear voice echoed through the hall.
"However… I have a small question."
She paused slightly.
Her gaze swept across the room before settling back on the clan head.
Her tone remained gentle, almost soft—
Yet every word cut like a blade.
"If the Uchiha fight for Konoha as our duty… then why does Konoha always stand above us, treating the rewards and recognition we deserve as if they are charity?"
Silence.
Then—
"A shinobi accepts a mission, completes it, and receives compensation."
"Clan Head… is there anything improper about that?"
A beat.
"Or is it that… the way you communicate with Konoha's leadership… has fundamental flaws?"
Her words fell like a bucket of icy water in winter—
Drenching Uchiha Fugaku and the others.
Even the clan head himself froze, stunned.
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