Uchiha Clan territory.
The Clan Head returned with a more severe expression than usual.
To those unfamiliar with him, he might have looked like he was furious or deep in thought over some grave national matter.
But those who knew him well could tell—he was actually in a pretty good mood.
And no wonder. Truly prideful people, those who think themselves above all else, always show joy in ways that differ from ordinary folks.
As the head of the clan, he had to maintain an image of authority at all times—never letting his emotions show.
Soon, the Clan Head arrived in front of a small, secluded courtyard.
Knock... knock... knock...
A soft voice came from inside.
"Coming."
A beautiful woman with long black hair opened the door, a tired but adorable little boy following behind her.
"Greetings, Clan Head," the woman said with a bow.
The Clan Head gave a nod, his expression unreadable. His gaze lingered for a moment on the boy's innocent face.
"Has Kagami returned yet?"
The woman instinctively shook her head, worry showing on her face.
"Not yet. It's already dark, and there's still no sign of him."
"Then, when he gets back, tell him I need to speak with him. Ask him to come by my place tomorrow."
Before she could respond, Kagami Uchiha appeared at the far end of the street, looking exhausted.
The Clan Head nodded at Kagami's wife and walked toward him.
"Kagami, I need a word with you."
Kagami blinked in surprise, then asked, "Clan Head, what is it? It's already late."
"It's about something that came up. Lately, I've been getting feedback from the clan that our Konoha Police Force patrol teams are still too small. A lot of our Chūnin have nothing to do.
I was thinking—could you mention it to the Third Hokage? Maybe get permission to add two more patrol teams."
Kagami's face darkened immediately.
He'd already been running around all day dealing with clan issues, and now he was being asked to go lobby Hiruzen for more patrols? What am I, a tool?
Seeing his reaction, the Clan Head sneered inwardly and continued,
"If it's too troublesome, then forget it. But in that case, do you think ANBU could send some people over?
You understand—I'm the Clan Head. I have to think from the clan's perspective most of the time."
Kagami nodded in agreement, too worn out to notice the growing resentment in the Clan Head's tone.
"Clan Head, it's not that I don't want to help. But when it comes to ANBU, it's not something I can decide.
Besides, we've got plenty of idle people in the clan. It shouldn't be a problem for them to form squads and take on missions."
The Clan Head's face, still hidden in the shadows, turned cold. He gave a perfunctory nod and left without a word.
...
The next day, at Naka Shrine.
Answering the Clan Head's summons, the entire Uchiha clan had gathered.
They stood around, confused, watching the Clan Head dressed in a black robe with the Uchiha fan crest embroidered on the back. He was all smiles, chatting casually.
None of them had any idea what was about to unfold.
Soon, everyone had arrived.
The Uchiha Clan Head clasped his hands behind his back, turned to face the crowd, and cleared his throat.
"I've gathered everyone here today to discuss something.
Whether Kagami Uchiha is a qualified member of the Uchiha clan—and whether he's even worthy of bearing the Uchiha name."
The moment he finished, a wave of murmurs swept through the crowd.
At the front, Kagami Uchiha's brows drew into a sharp frown. Known for his calm temperament, he now showed a rare flash of cold fury in his eyes.
"Clan Head, what is that supposed to mean?"
"What does it mean?" The Clan Head scoffed and repeated mockingly. Then he turned his eyes toward the gathering of Uchiha members, soaking in the attention like a man basking under a spotlight.
"Kagami Uchiha, you're the Second Hokage's disciple, the hero who saved Princess Tsunade, and a senior official of Konoha.
So how could you possibly understand how we ordinary Uchiha feel?
Ha, what does it mean—what a joke.
Kagami Uchiha, think about it. Ever since the Third Hokage appointed you to the Konoha Council, what benefits have you brought to the clan?
Where were you when our people were being bullied?
When our clan members sat idle with nothing to do, where were you?
You're happy to sit above us all, enjoying your status while never once thinking about your clan.
Even young Fugaku knows to step in and break up fights between our clan and outsiders—and beat both sides down while he's at it!
But you? All you ever do is play the mediator and pretend to apologize on our behalf."
Just as he was about to continue, a cold voice—tinged with youthful impatience—cut through the crowd.
"You wanna talk, fine. But drag me into it again and I'll beat the crap out of you!"
At that, the Clan Head instinctively shrank his neck.
All eyes turned toward a shadowy corner, where a black-haired kid sat cross-legged on the ground, looking thoroughly annoyed.
If there was one Uchiha no one in the village dared to talk behind, it was Fugaku.
This kid had his own brand of "peace and love" logic. Anyone who got into a fight around him—no matter who they were—would be "persuaded" by a good beating.
Who? You're an Uchiha? Doesn't matter, if you brawl, you get smacked!
Who? A Hyūga? Heh, come at me! Ever been punched with a fist the size of a soup pot?
Who? Sarutobi? Didn't Lord Third teach you to cherish your comrades? Lemme show you how!
Backed by youth, brute strength, and solid connections, Fugaku had actually improved public safety in any area he frequented.
Even the higher-ups in Konoha knew he was Reiji's disciple. And since the kid's antics oddly benefited the village, they just let him do his thing.
Most notably, unlike other Uchiha, Fugaku never kept things bottled up.
Catch someone badmouthing him? He'd drag them straight to Root and yell for Uncle Danzō to slap a Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal on them.
Total menace.