Unlike the elders waiting for a signal to draw their blades, and unlike the tense atmosphere filling the Police Headquarters below—
On the top floor, inside the captain's office, the three who now held the Uchiha's present and future each occupied themselves in their own way.
The setting sun slanted through the windows.
Uchiha Fugaku stood before the wide glass, arms crossed, silently staring toward the distant Hokage Tower, its outline fading into dusk.
His brows were tightly knit.
Unease pressed down on him as time passed, his thoughts spiraling.
'If we hadn't acted so impulsively…'
'If we had chosen a steadier approach…'
'Could this have been avoided?'
The questions piled up until his head throbbed.
But as an Uchiha—
As one of the clan's visible pillars—
Only composure could be shown.
'Enough.'
'It's done.'
'Look at Ren. Look at Mikoto.'
'Stand straight.'
'The Uchiha do not falter.'
His reflection in the glass revealed the hesitation he refused to show.
And deep inside, a question surfaced—
If he were clan head…
Could he truly lead?
—
Uchiha Mikoto sat at the desk, calm and composed.
One hand tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear.
The other turned the pages of an open intelligence report.
The golden light of dusk softened her focused expression, the quiet rustle of paper bringing an odd sense of calm.
Whether war broke out or not—
Work continued.
The Police Force's intelligence now fell under her authority.
And the more she understood both the clan and Konoha—
The more she believed in Uchiha Ren.
Conflict between people—
Between powers—
Was inevitable.
She had watched him step by step.
Calling back scattered clansmen.
Strengthening the clan.
Balancing internal factions.
Uniting hawks and doves.
Pulling even the wavering clan head's faction into alignment.
And now—
With external enemies pressing Konoha, and the village hollow within—
The Uchiha held every advantage.
Under his lead—
They would win.
Her lashes lifted slightly.
Her gaze drifted over the edge of the report—
Toward the figure on the sofa, bathed in light.
A faint smile touched her lips.
'Though… this annoying little brother…'
'Was he planning this from the start?'
The thought lingered, amused.
Then she returned to her reading.
—
Uchiha Ren reclined comfortably on the leather sofa, watching the sky outside burn with the colors of sunset.
Morning discussions.
Afternoon arrests.
Such decisive action—
Almost absurd.
Since Uchiha Madara left the village—
This was the first true unified decision the Uchiha had made.
It had been reckless.
Impulsive.
Like charging forward without thinking.
No calculations.
No hesitation.
Just action.
Whether it was wise or not—
Didn't matter.
It felt good.
For once—
They didn't have to endure.
Didn't have to swallow humiliation while the Hokage's authority pressed down on them.
Today—
That pressure had been released.
And Ren—
Had enjoyed it too.
'Now comes the hard part.'
'Stabilizing the aftermath.'
'Time is on my side.'
'Probe the Hokage's limits, step by step…'
'Shift from defense to control.'
His gaze flicked briefly toward Fugaku.
At least—
He wasn't like Uchiha Itachi.
No betrayal waiting to happen.
'On this side—two Kage-level fighters.'
'More than twenty jōnin and three-tomoe users.'
'At the clan compound—three elders, plus full forces.'
'Even in the worst case…'
'Either side can hold until reinforcement arrives.'
'And Hiruzen…'
'He won't dare break completely without the clans backing him.'
Ren's thoughts settled.
When he opened his eyes again—
They were calm.
Whatever came—
He would meet it.
—
The last light of sunset faded.
Darkness crept in.
The room dimmed—
Then lights flickered on.
Footsteps approached outside.
"Knock. Knock. Knock."
A firm voice followed.
"Lord Ren, Lord Fugaku, Lady Mikoto—"
"Lord Hokage… the Third Hokage, along with the Hyuga, Nara, and other clan heads, have arrived at the entrance."
Silence broke.
At the window—
Fugaku lowered his arms.
The hesitation in his eyes was gone.
Only resolve remained.
If it came to it—
Then so be it.
War.
At the desk—
Mikoto closed the report with smooth precision.
She looked up.
Met Ren's gaze.
No words were needed.
Trust.
Support.
On the sofa—
Ren rose slowly.
The ease on his face faded, replaced by quiet composure.
He adjusted his dark high-collared robe.
"Let's go."
"Our guests have arrived."
"It would be rude not to welcome them."
He stepped forward.
Fugaku and Mikoto followed.
Fugaku's steps were heavy—
Like a man ready to stake everything.
Mikoto's were steady.
—
Outside the office—
Uchiha Yashiro, Uchiha Hazuki, Uchiha Yakumi, and over twenty Uchiha stood waiting.
No words were exchanged.
Ren led.
They moved through the corridors.
Down the stairs.
Their footsteps echoed through the building, blending with the distant noise outside.
—
By the time they reached the main hall—
Night had fallen.
The square outside was brightly lit.
At the front—
Hiruzen Sarutobi stood with Konoha's leadership and clan heads.
Facing them—
The Uchiha guards.
Silent.
Unyielding.
The air was tight.
Ready to snap.
Ren's gaze passed over Uchiha Shisui—
And settled on the Hokage.
He stepped forward, the Uchiha parting silently for him.
Then he inclined his head slightly.
His voice was calm.
Clear.
Carrying across the square.
"Lord Hokage."
"To what do we owe this visit?"
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