Uchiha Clan Compound.
Naka Shrine.
Compared to previous clan meetings, tonight was different.
Every single member of the Uchiha clan had gathered here. The scope was no longer limited to those who had awakened their Sharingan.
Even non-shinobi—like Uchiha Tezaki, who sold pancakes—were required to suspend business for a day and attend.
Now, Tezaki sat at the very back, his expression solemn and serious.
Because today's topic concerned every single Uchiha: How to interpret Madara's will, and how the Uchiha can enter the village's core power structure.
At the front, Shisui and Obito sat side by side, their eyes shining as they stared at the stage.
Up there stood their older brother—Uchiha Seisui!
Although Tobirama's current identity was still that of a Ninja Academy student…
The fact that he had defeated Fugaku had already spread throughout the clan.
The Uchiha value strength above all, so no one looked down on him because of his age.
Moreover, after discussing the clan's current situation with Isshin, he had strongly agreed with Tobirama's analysis of the Second Hokage, believing Seisui's strategic mind to be comparable to Izuna…
In recent days, this "cultural Uchiha" had built up immense momentum for Tobirama—publicly and subtly hinting in various clan settings that:
Seisui was the next young clan leader, successor to Izuna—perhaps even greater…
Even Tobirama himself had been shocked by this.
Not even going to test me further?
You see a bit of hope and immediately go all in?
It could only be said that—even though Isshin was one of the few Uchiha who used his brain—deep down, he was still an Uchiha.
And Isshin's logic was simple:
If things continued like this, the Uchiha would slowly wither away—and as clan head, he had no ability to change that…
So going all in was, in its own way, wisdom.
...
Tobirama stood on the stage. Behind him, a massive blackboard had been erected.
The Naka Shrine was brightly lit.
It didn't look like a clan meeting—it looked more like students gathered to listen to a lecture from an academy instructor…
All that was missing was handing out notebooks.
Nearby, Fugaku held a roster, calling out names one by one to confirm every clan member was present.
Isshin watched this with a faint smile—this arrangement had been his idea.
With himself lending authority, Fugaku handling roll call, and Seisui taking the stage,
they were subtly transferring part of their prestige within the clan to Seisui,
so that he could more quickly become the true leader of the Uchiha…
This method was essentially the reverse application of what Tenzō had once done to intimidate Hizashi.
...
Tobirama swept his gaze across the Uchiha, feeling a sense of emotion rise in his chest.
Back when he had been Hokage, making the Uchiha sit this neatly and listen to him speak… would have been impossible.
Now, reborn, the Uchiha were practically begging him to speak.
The anticipation in their eyes was unmistakable.
...
After Fugaku finished roll call, Tobirama cleared his throat and began: "Every Uchiha in the shinobi world is here tonight. Thank you all for trusting me and giving me this opportunity…"
"I hope everyone will listen quietly until I finish speaking."
"But after I'm done, if you have any doubts, you must raise them."
"Tonight, the Uchiha clan must unite and set the direction for our future—binding together as one."
The clan members nodded slightly.
Interestingly, an enthusiastic clan member who hadn't been called—Mr. Madara—also nodded, taking a sip of wine.
Although Uchiha Madara was already extremely satisfied with how his plan to undermine the Will of Fire was progressing, he still didn't want to miss Seisui's speech.
After all, this was the inheritor of his will…
Just as Tobirama had said—every Uchiha was present.
...
"Hasn't it not started yet? Then I want to say something first!"
Unexpectedly, Uchiha En raised his one arm and spoke loudly.
"Please, En-ojiisan," Tobirama nodded.
"When the entire clan gathers like this, it affects the village. Did you explain things clearly to the Hokage beforehand?" En asked in a deep voice.
He wasn't trying to cause trouble—this had happened before.
Whenever the clan held meetings, members of the Police Force would abandon their duties and rush over…
And every time, the meetings produced nothing—just a few curses directed at Senju Tobirama for emotional release.
The village had never interfered, letting the Uchiha vent within their own territory.
"En, don't worry."
"I've already informed the Hokage."
"He specifically had off-duty ANBU fill in to maintain village security. The Third Hokage knows we're discussing the Police Force and the will of the clan leadership…"
Isshin stood and explained.
Only after hearing this did En nod.
"Alright. No problem then."
This sparked murmurs among the Uchiha.
Because it sounded… almost surreal.
Sarutobi Hiruzen—Tobirama's student—actually allowing his own forces to cover for the Uchiha?
And this was while fully aware they were discussing Madara and Tobirama—two extremely sensitive figures?
What did this mean…?
Yet paradoxically, the Uchiha felt a strange sense of calm.
Because many had already felt the atmosphere was off.
Gathering everyone like this—it almost felt like preparing for an armed coup…
In reality, many Uchiha were still quite satisfied with life in Konoha.
Even a battle-loving clan had its "ordinary people."
Being able to live peacefully was itself a kind of happiness—that was why many had refused to follow Madara back then.
A life of constant war and wandering was simply too exhausting.
...
"These clan members… still the same as ever."
"Hmph, they don't understand me!" Madara grumbled.
Studying his will—and still reporting to the Hokage?
Was Hiruzen Hashirama? Why fear him so much?
...
Tobirama himself was also somewhat surprised.
What was going on with this Uchiha En?
He had later investigated—he knew En's arm had been cut off by him…
So how could he still be so supportive of Hiruzen?
This instinct to defend the Hokage was even stronger than Uchiha Kagami's back then…
Isshin sighed softly.
This was exactly why he had chosen to go all in on Seisui.
The clan could align with the Hokage—but it had to be under the leadership of an Uchiha.
Otherwise, in another ten years, when the next generation matured, the Hokage's words might carry more weight within the clan than his own as clan head.
And by then, he himself would be nearing the end of his time—
Could Fugaku really lead the clan with that brain of his?
...
"Everyone, the first topic is the Konoha Military Police Force."
"As you all know, the Police Force was established by Senju Tobirama specifically for the Uchiha…"
"The Police Force holds exclusive law enforcement authority beneath the village leadership. On the surface, it grants the clan power and prestige—but Tobirama's true intention was far from noble. It could even be called insidious."
Tobirama observed the reactions.
Some Uchiha nodded slightly in agreement, while others looked confused.
My policy really was successful…
The Uchiha don't even have a unified understanding of the Police Force—that division alone proves it.
"Some of you might think—Police Force duties are relatively relaxed, so how could there be any malicious intent?"
"The Police Force punishes and deters rule-breaking shinobi. But the problem is—once you wield the stick, even law-abiding villagers won't want to approach you."
"And our clan's personality tends toward pride—we disdain explaining ourselves. After decades of this pattern…"
"The Uchiha's reputation within the village… everyone here knows what it's become."
Tobirama spoke calmly.
This had been his original intention.
To use law enforcement authority to isolate the Uchiha from the rest of the village.
Seeing more Uchiha nodding, he continued: "And those punished—where does their resentment go? It can only be directed at the Uchiha. Combined with our clan's history, all these factors stack together—gradually demonizing us."
"Moreover, the Uchiha are warriors who thrive on battle. Keeping them confined within the village only stifles their growth."
"Every family here has elders. Compared to the Warring States era—"
"Even compared to the First Shinobi World War—how much has our combat strength declined?"
"Without strength—can we even still be called Uchiha?!"
Tobirama suddenly raised his voice, his tone sharp and forceful.
The effect was immediate.
Many older Uchiha nodded in deep agreement.
Someone even shouted: "The clan's combat quality now isn't even close to what it used to be! Seisui's right!"
Uchiha En also nodded loudly: "If Tobirama came back to life, I doubt he'd even bother targeting the Uchiha anymore! The younger generation doesn't even have any bite left!"
"Back then, I could at least dodge his Flying Thunder God a little—but with today's three-tomoe users, they'd be stabbed dead instantly!"
Tobirama chuckled inwardly.
He understood now—En wasn't supporting the Hokage as an institution.
He was supporting Hiruzen specifically.
Every mention of Tobirama came with subtle sarcasm.
Well played, Hiruzen, Tobirama praised silently.
The room erupted into noisy discussion.
"Damn it, Tobirama was that sinister?!"
"So he's been deceiving us all this time?!"
"Then is the Third Hokage suspicious too? Raising Police Force salaries just to numb us?!"
Voices overlapped chaotically—even dragging Hiruzen into the debate.
Tobirama was about to step in and separate Hiruzen from himself—
when Uchiha En suddenly stomped his foot and stood up: "Who said something's wrong with the Third Hokage? Stand up!"
"I did. So what?" another elder Uchiha stood up without backing down. His name was Uchiha Kaku.
"Am I wrong? Seisui explained it clearly!"
"Sarutobi Hiruzen is just following Senju Tobirama's policy and using it to bind the clan more tightly…"
Kaku shouted loudly, "Stop always speaking up for the Senju faction, Uchiha En—remember who you are!"
Tobirama watched this unfold expressionlessly.
Although this was an unexpected development, it was not outside his expectations.
That was how debate worked—every angle would appear sooner or later. He had already prepared for it.
But without waiting for Tobirama to speak, En coldly said: "I admit it—I do have a favorable impression of the Third Hokage, but I also remember that I am an Uchiha."
"As an Uchiha, the clan's honor does not permit me to agree with stupid viewpoints."
"If the Third Hokage really meant to target the Uchiha, then why is the main body of the patrol force made up of Uchiha? Why does he still send Uchiha onto the battlefield?"
The three tomoe appeared in En's eyes: "And why would he let us hold a meeting like this!"
For a moment, Kaku was speechless. In exasperation, he said, "Don't forget—Senju Tobirama was the one who cut off your arm!"
"Do you know why he didn't cut off your arm?" En asked back, without anger.
Kaku frowned. "Why?"
"Because back then you were trash. You weren't even qualified to stand on the front lines and fight the Senju elite!"
"Now that you're old, you put on airs in front of the younger generation because they don't know any better—but what are you trying to pull with me?"
En roared: "If you're as brainless as this, then sit there and listen to people who actually have brains! Don't turn the Uchiha into another Kaguya clan—did a bone spur pierce your brain too?!"
"If you're just stupid, then sit down… but if you're stirring up trouble on purpose, fanning the flames here to fish for prestige, then others may hesitate to touch you—I'll deal with you personally!"
Looking at the three tomoe in En's eyes, Kaku silently sat back down. Inwardly, he thought: 'This old man's ocular power feels stronger than an ordinary three-tomoe Sharingan… what's going on?'
'Forget it. He has a bit of a point. I was being a little too hasty—I won't stoop to his level…'
The similarity between the Uchiha and the Kaguya clan was that they also believed that the one with the stronger fist had the greater right to speak.
They just were not as extreme about it—otherwise, someone like Isshin would never have become clan head.
En sat down, but he was still fairly annoyed.
How was anyone supposed to govern the Uchiha clan properly when mixed in with clansmen whose brain stems seemed to be missing?
And the reason his ocular power had grown stronger was this: Uchiha En had passed the approval for limb restoration. With the prospect of soon having both arms again, he was in an excellent mood, and that uplift in spirit had also boosted his ocular power…
After all, chakra was the fusion of spiritual and physical energy.
En's stance came not only from his deep dislike of anti-intellectual nonsense. Aside from Hiruzen, it also had something to do with Namikaze Minato…
In his heart, Minato was not much different from a god-grandson.
What a fierce general… where did Hiruzen dig up a treasure like this? Tobirama thought with genuine emotion.
On the other side of the shinobi world, Uchiha Madara was starting to lose his composure.
He was the sort who held grudges. Back then, Uchiha En had not gone with him either…
As for the name Sarutobi Hiruzen, a subtle change began to occur in Uchiha Madara's mind.
A shinobi worth paying attention to.
"Alright, everyone, quiet down…"
"If there are no more questions, I'll explain how the Police Force will be handled going forward."
"We will release two-thirds of the positions and reassign them to the Hyūga, Aburame, Inuzuka, Kurama, and other shinobi clans, as well as civilian shinobi who possess reconnaissance ability and genuinely enjoy Police Force work…"
"That way, the Uchiha clan will still remain the main body of the Police Force, but the public criticism brought by law enforcement will no longer be focused solely on our clan, and we will also have more professional dealings with the other shinobi clans."
"As for the clansmen withdrawing from the Police Force, they will return to the normal shinobi ranks."
Tobirama said calmly, "I know some of you are thinking—what if Sarutobi Hiruzen refuses?"
"That's simple. If he refuses, then it proves that as Hokage, he has never regarded the Uchiha as one of his own. It proves he still upholds Senju Tobirama's way of thinking…"
"In that case, recognizing his true nature early would be a good thing too! We can start preparing to oppose him ahead of time!"
The Uchiha all nodded in deep agreement.
That really was how it was…
They had thought Seisui leaned relatively toward the village…
But looking at it now, he was still standing firmly with the clan!
"However, now I'm going to bring up something unpleasant for everyone…"
Next, Tobirama took out an old volume and waved it slightly. Inside were records of multiple small Uchiha stories.
The origins of Izanami and Izanagi, clansmen killing one another after awakening their eyes…
Tobirama briefly recounted them, and the atmosphere—which had just begun to heat up—instantly turned heavy and oppressive.
"Shisui, is all of that true? Is our clan really like that…"
"We even kill our own people? That has absolutely no Will of Fire!"
Obito lowered his voice, but his tone was filled with anger as he complained to Shisui, "No wonder other people are afraid of us!"
Shisui quickly covered Obito's mouth, but his own expression was not looking good either.
Although the shinobi world produced its fair share of lunatics…
Objectively speaking, the Uchiha clan really did have more than its share.
"Obito, watch what you say. Don't say certain things carelessly…" Shisui let out a soft sigh.
Ever since the Hokage gave Obito that Ice Release photograph, Shisui had realized that his so-called 'brother's' admiration for Hokage-sama had already reached a fanatical level…
Though, to be fair, Shisui was a bit envious too, because Obito was always showing it off to him.
Obito glared resentfully at Kaku and let out a cold snort.
"Everyone, I understand why you are unwilling to face the bloody history of the clan…"
"Because those involved may include your relatives, your elders, your friends."
"But I'm different. I am an Uchiha, but I have neither father nor mother… so I don't care. I look at this only from the most objective perspective. Everything I say is only for the good of the Uchiha clan."
Tobirama was making full use of his identity as an orphan from Kusagakure.
Just as he had said to Danzō, he was shaping an image for himself within the Uchiha as a kind of "lone loyal retainer of the clan."
"If we want the Uchiha clan to get better, then we must also confront our internal problems head-on. We absolutely cannot avoid them."
"We must understand this—and remember it well."
"The Sharingan grants us unmatched power, but at the same time, it also tests the mind of its wielder. If one cannot overcome the impact brought on by emotion, then one will become a slave to ocular power!"
"We are the masters of the Sharingan—not mounts for these eyes to ride!"
In front of the Uchiha, Tobirama publicly announced his conclusion—only reworded!
This was the source of that so-called innately evil clan…
Tobirama looked on in delight at the Uchiha's shocked expressions. His two-tomoe Sharingan opened unconsciously, repeatedly sweeping across each person's face.
This was the most critical step in his conquest of the Uchiha!
And he had already taken it!
As long as the Uchiha could internally accept this theory and engrave it into their hearts, then even if another clansman lost emotional control because of awakening their eyes, the severity would obviously be far less…
That was the power of inertia.
Delight coursed through Tobirama's brain. For a moment, his eyes became slightly bloodshot, and the tomoe were faintly linking together.
"Boy, can you guarantee that what you're saying is true?"
Kaku could no longer hold back. "You're only a two-tomoe user—what do you understand?"
That was not Kaku deliberately picking a fight.
Because no one wanted to admit they were sick—much less that it was the clan's hereditary disease…
This time, even En fell silent and said nothing.
Tobirama slowly closed his eyes.
He could feel the emotional feedback gathering in his eyes.
Hiruzen has mastered a dual kekkei genkai, and I've studied the Sharingan for so many years—can something as trivial as the three tomoe really stop me?
My conquest of the Uchiha clan must not be disrupted by anyone!
Tobirama said this to himself inwardly.
But although there was an effect, it still was not enough. It felt as if he were only one step away from the threshold.
It was like scratching your own itch—no matter what, it never really itched enough…
'Then there's only one way—borrow the pain of body and soul!'
Although this body matched his soul extremely well, it was not the original, after all.
When he mobilized chakra at full force, body and soul would grind against one another. If he deliberately maintained that state, the pain was beyond description…
But pain was not entirely a bad thing. It gave rise to emotion…
Tobirama raised a hand to cover his face, hiding his eyes, and with a forbidden technique forced his chakra into an overloaded eruption!
Kaku froze, his body leaning back slightly.
The scale of Tobirama's chakra had exceeded his expectations…
But he still did not retreat.
Because this concerned the clan's future, and Kaku too had principles he insisted on!
A larger chakra reserve alone was not enough to scare him off!
"Brat, chakra scale has nothing to do with the Sharingan! Let me tell you—I'm not afraid of you!" Kaku said coldly, but then he froze involuntarily, his eyes suddenly widening.
Because he saw—
Tobirama slowly lowering his hand.
Blood filled his eye sockets and ran down his face.
Within his eyes, three black tomoe slowly rotated, full and overflowing with ocular power.
They carried the Uchiha clan's signature coldness and madness.
Tobirama spat out the blood in his mouth, then casually wiped the corner of his lips.
"You're right. Without even having three tomoe, I really would have no right to comment on these eyes."
"So… I opened them for you to see."
"Now, may I continue?"
Kaku stared at the scene in stunned silence.
How in the world had he done that?!
And when Shisui and Obito saw Tobirama in that state, they both rushed forward, taking positions at their older brother's left and right.
At that same moment, the single tomoe in this pair of "brothers'" eyes also synchronously changed into double tomoe…
At once, everyone fell into silence!
What the hell was going on with these three brothers?!
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