Speaking via Sharingan was Uchiha habit—equal ocular power meant equal voice.
Fugaku saw it all: the scene of Shuji and Itachi conversing.
He closed his eyes, reopening to ordinary black pupils.
"I understand."
"I'll handle what follows."
Then rose to leave.
"Clan Head..." Shisui spoke, attempting more.
Fugaku merely glanced coolly, saying: "This isn't for you to decide. I'll consider, then speak."
Itachi remained silent—Father's reaction long expected. What else could he do?
—
Kachi Atsuki was a bespectacled, refined middle-aged man—Deputy Head of Sealing Squad. Hayami Shigeru always cheerful, serving as Section Chief in Admin.
Neither held key village posts, yet each wielded some influence in their domains.
Meeting involved nothing serious—elders praised; youth smiled politely.
Though unfamiliar, they'd met at the old estate before—not too awkward.
Granny simply brewed tea for three, silent, only arranging further meetings post-departure.
"Those thinking such thoughts mostly hold stable departmental posts. Less frontline, more idle minds—time for organizing."
"Hear their voices. If doing something, consider using them. But real trouble? Don't overthink."
"The clan ultimately disbanded." Senju Momoka dried the last cup, gently returning it to tray. "Each has their household—ultimately most concerned with their own."
She worried Shuji truly treating these like clan ninja members, expecting too much, ultimately only disappointment.
Shuji anticipated this. Past life's so-called lineages, families under modern society—basically similar. Desperate need unnecessary; also needn't—just useful sometimes enough.
With these voicing at key moments, those formerly scattered, surname-changed, hidden Senju might instinctively lean Shuji's direction facing major choices affecting themselves or village.
Plus ordinary villagers, ninja without clear stance—together, undeniable public opinion force.
After hosting guests, Shuji organized thoughts. Village promised forbidden techniques room access—check today. Just exiting estate gate, footsteps had to halt.
"Fugaku, Clan Head."
Standing beneath cherry tree, hiding form, the man turned out.
He'd waited long—long enough watching Kachi Atsuki, Hayami Shigeru enter, exit.
Seeing jōnin-garbed Fugaku—likely police stop first—Shuji was about to invite inside, but Fugaku didn't look at estate gate, instead turning straight toward the quiet woods behind.
I get you want me to follow, but couldn't you just say "A word privately"?
Is speaking plainly that complex?
"Shuji-kun, does Senju wish to reorganize?"
This question, he pondered all night.
Perhaps this was Shuji's true aim pointing to Itachi. Borrowing Uchiha strength, regather scattered Senju, revive clan. Uchiha profits too.
As village-founding elder clan, Senju losing Hokage position should rightfully gain independent administrative department.
Thus Uchiha monopolizing Police wouldn't stand out.
Current village leadership—Third Hokage, Shimura Danzō—were Second Hokage Senju Tobirama's disciples. Facing Senju demands, they couldn't easily agree nor directly oppose.
Perfect opportunity for Uchiha-Senju alliance.
You actually think this way...
Seems logical—original's character indeed had such motive. But Shuji doubted success.
First: For current ex-Senju, maintaining loose ties, pushing bloodline-related high-layer stability sufficed. Reorganizing meant constraints, extra duties, possible internal friction.
Second: Rebuilding clan—how handle assets distributed? What resources attract now? Without interest drive, rebuilding means obeying not just village but new clan head, elders?
Force it? Maybe small scale—then become laughingstock, consuming Senju's residual prestige instead. Better status quo.
Truly strengthening ties? Change clan to association—rebuild group around current core. Faster, more inclusive, less resistance.
But Fugaku proposing this—still hasn't figured it out?
"No, Senju won't reorganize." Shuji set the tone, not wasting time here.
Fugaku's brows instantly tightened, displeasure and confusion flashing.
"Shuji-kun needn't guard against me. Uchiha..."
"Fugaku, Clan Head, I'm concealing nothing."
Seeing this man suddenly speechless again, Shuji shook his head, sighing inwardly.
"If you've nothing else to say, excuse my rudeness. Matters await—farewell."
After Shuji took two steps, Uchiha Fugaku spoke again.
"I don't want the worst. Only Uchiha-Senju cooperation can steer everything favorably."
"Shuji-kun thinks so too—that's why you told Itachi that, right?"
"Uchiha and village continuing thus only brings heavy mutual losses."
"Heh..."
Shuji couldn't help but snort—a laugh.
"Uchiha... Fugaku, pardon my rudeness momentarily."
He turned, calm face finally breaking, replaced by near-pitying, incredulous expression.
"Where's your confidence saying 'heavy mutual losses.'"
"If village unprepared, maybe. But..."
Konoha leadership constantly vigilant. As for Uchiha combat strength—they have Police, clearly one Mangekyō pair; Fugaku possibly another.
Then? Uchiha Shisui's pair won't help Uchiha—might even trade with Fugaku. Under such, which clans help which side?
Outside lurks Uchiha Obito, eyeing hungrily—Obito truly wants Uchiha dead.
If must say Uchiha rebellion causes mutual destruction: village loses famed clan; Uchiha finishes itself.
"If direct address displeases you, Uchiha Fugaku, please endure."
"Current Uchiha—where's confidence expecting improved circumstances while paying nothing, changing nothing?"
"With people running around, expecting leadership decree: Uchiha no problem? Forbidding any dissatisfaction toward Uchiha?"
"Current situation—"
"In village, beyond Uchiha, not one clan monopolizes entire core department's all posts, finances."
"Village's massive Nine-Tails losses—where came that controlling Sharingan? Still no answer."
"Neither issue resolved! Under such circumstances, Uchiha's predicament—why—" Shuji emphasized, "Why should it improve?!"
Fugaku stood there, face iron-blue, chest heaving slightly, eyes roiling with shock, anger, embarrassment, and... a trace of bewilderment even he hadn't noticed.
Chapters in advance there: patreon.com/Thaniel_a_goodchild