As night approached, the Uchiha police force remained on duty, doubling their patrols from one team to two. Their pouches were fully stocked with kunai, shuriken, and explosive tags, and they wore their combat gear.
"Senior Yashiro, the task of escorting our clansmen is entrusted to you. I believe the people from the Saudi Federation will arrive at the designated location on time."
Just as punctual as Kanekun.
Uchiha Tekka issued the order calmly. Though only in his twenties and recently promoted as a squad leader in the police force—with many clansmen more senior than him—he possessed the Mangekyō Sharingan, the second in the clan after the clan head.
Regarding the evacuation of their clansmen, they had already issued a notice through the police force: each person was allowed only one bag. Everything else was to be left behind. The true treasure of the Uchiha lay in their bloodline, not the wealth accumulated by ordinary clansmen.
Many clansmen didn't understand the order, but under the police force's strict command, they complied.
Tekka scanned the area and frowned slightly. "Where is the clan head?"
A police officer replied, "We haven't seen him. Maybe he's waiting for the right time?"
At such a critical moment, still delaying?
Not only the squad leaders but also the remaining police members felt a flicker of dissatisfaction toward Uchiha Fugaku. However, given the urgency, they suppressed their emotions.
After deliberation, the other squad leaders announced to the force, "Until the clan head arrives, all members of the police force will follow Uchiha Tekka's orders."
Beyond the specifics of his Mangekyō's abilities, Tekka had already informed the police of his strength. In the absence of the clan head and out of respect for power, the other leaders decided to let him take command.
"Squad Leader!"
A police officer reported, "ANBU and Root have intensified surveillance around the compound. They've even set up barriers."
One of the squad leaders sneered, his three-tomoe Sharingan spinning. "Seems our thoughts align. Konoha plans to strike first."
Upon hearing this, Tekka turned to another. "Senior Mizukumo, lead the non-police clansmen to divert Konoha's attention. Destroy all barriers around the compound. If anyone interferes, eliminate them."
Uchiha Mizukumo, a hidden shinobi of the clan, would lead those unknown to ANBU, catching them off guard.
"Understood."
Mizukumo nodded. His mission was to ensure Konoha's focus remained on the compound, allowing ordinary clansmen to escape through secret passages.
Only three squads were assigned to escort the civilians. Even sending a hundred at a time would take too long to evacuate everyone.
Konoha's barriers indicated their intent to isolate the Uchiha, preventing outside shinobi from noticing the turmoil.
After Mizukumo left, the remaining police gathered. Tekka closed his eyes, contemplating. With their current numbers and Mizukumo's group, they could handle ANBU and Root, but seizing power from other clans afterward would be difficult.
If the clan united, capturing the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki and leveraging Shisui's strength, they could challenge Konoha. Unfortunately, a few traitors stood in their way.
At this thought, Tekka's three-tomoe shifted into his triangular Mangekyō. "Inahoka, I recall some capable shinobi in the clan. Their duties should be over by now. Summon them."
"Them? Include them in our forces?" Inahoka questioned. Many were neutral or pro-Konoha, having attended the Ninja Academy and joined mission squads. They disapproved of the coup.
They were numerous and could form a combat unit—but their loyalty was uncertain. Some had been influenced by the Will of Fire, though not as deeply as Itachi.
Take Uchiha Izumi, for example. Around Itachi's age, she had awakened the three-tomoe but was too gentle and female, hence not in the police force.
"ANBU and Root are targeting our civilians. Even if just to protect the clan, they must contribute."
The other leaders agreed. This was a coup. Even for protection, they had to wield kunai and shuriken.
Orders were relayed systematically. Both sides tacitly avoided open conflict before nightfall. Civilians still walked the streets, and premature fighting would drag other clans into the fray.
The Uchiha didn't want more enemies. Konoha's leaders waited for Itachi to act, keeping skirmishes near the compound's barriers, far from the village center, unnoticed by civilians.
Time passed. Suddenly, Uchiha Fugaku arrived.
"Clan Head?"
After verifying with their Sharingan that it wasn't a disguise, the Uchiha let him in.
"Clan Head, you've come."
Tekka saluted but frowned upon seeing Fugaku alone.
Where was Itachi? Detained for refusing to fight?
Given Itachi's past behavior, siding with Konoha was plausible. His absence tonight was expected.
But if he wouldn't join the coup, the clan head should have confined him.
Though Tekka wanted to confirm, doing so publicly would embarrass Fugaku, so he let it go.
Fugaku asked, "What's the situation?"
A squad leader briefed him. After listening, Fugaku turned to Tekka with a complex expression. "Tekka, it seems you're more fit to lead the clan than I."
In truth, Fugaku had spent the afternoon meditating, ignoring Itachi. He'd nearly lost track of time.
Meanwhile, atop a shop roof in the Uchiha compound, Itachi stood alone. Soon, Obito appeared behind him via Kamui.
"They're evacuating civilians. A miscalculation. Though Sanmoku is dead, the agreement stands. The Sand Federation likely awaits at the other end of the secret passage. Will you exterminate them all?"
Itachi asked flatly, "How many are being evacuated?"
"Not many. Moving them all at once would alert Konoha." Obito shook his head. "But the police are vigilant. I'll have to exert more effort. If you won't pursue, start with the civilians."
Itachi glanced at him. "You're not the only one with Mangekyō. If you die, don't say I didn't warn you."
At home, Itachi had heard the exclamations of Yashiro and Inahoka. Though he hadn't seen his father's Sharingan, they had no reason to lie.
So his targets were one Mangekyō and over a dozen three-tomoe users?
"Mangekyō… your father, Fugaku?" Obito's Sharingan spun beneath his mask. This was his least favorite scenario, but to maintain his guise as Madara, he couldn't show concern.
Each Mangekyō's abilities differed, reflecting the user's deepest desires. Obito had no idea what he might face.
"Well, one Mangekyō is nothing. Leave the police to me. If you're acting, focus on the civilians before they're all gone."
With that, Obito vanished via Kamui.
Though he spoke lightly, his wariness of Fugaku peaked. Without intel on his opponent's abilities, caution was paramount.
Near Konoha's border, in a forest designated as the rendezvous point, Uchiha Yashiro led the civilians but found no one awaiting them.
"Kiyoki, is it time yet?"
"Almost, Senior Yashiro."
Yashiro frowned. Were they late, or had they reneged?
As he wondered, a red-haired youth descended from above.
"Only this many? I expected four to five hundred."
Sasori counted the group, displeased. His tasks from Hyuga Mirai were few; failure was unacceptable.
"This is just the first batch," Yashiro replied cautiously. "Are you the Sand Federation's envoy?"
Sasori tossed him a scroll bearing the agreement and the Kazekage's seal.
Confirmed.
Yashiro relaxed but then voiced a concern.
"How will so many of us reach the Sand Federation?"
(End of Chapter)
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