The next morning, shortly after Uchiha Fugaku woke up, a clan member came to report.
"Chief, the First Elder and the Third Elder request to hold a clan meeting!"
A young man politely spoke to Uchiha Fugaku, though lacking respect.
The young man, Uchiha Takashi, was in his twenties, of medium build, with delicate features and the typical arrogance of an Uchiha. Fugaku remembered that Takashi belonged to the same lineage as the First and Third Elders, which explained his lack of deference towards Fugaku, the clan leader.
'Are they that impatient?' Fugaku sighed internally. He knew why the elders were eager for a clan meeting—it was due to Uchiha Shisui awakening his Mangekyō Sharingan, which gave them hope for a coup.
The elders probably never imagined that Shisui, whom they had pinned their hopes on, had already turned to the Third Hokage and became disloyal to their cause.
"Very well, it's time to be clear about things," Fugaku decided. He turned to Uchiha Takashi.
"Go and tell the First Elder and the Third Elder that I agree to a clan meeting, but only elders will be allowed to participate."
"Only elders?" Takashi was stunned. He hadn't expected Fugaku to limit the meeting's attendance, especially since it was to discuss such a crucial matter.
Takashi quickly responded, "Clan leader, the First Elder and the Third Elder want all family leaders to attend."
"How dare you voice your opinion here?" Fugaku's expression darkened as he coldly eyed Takashi.
"Please forgive me, Patriarch, I—I didn't mean..." Takashi stammered, his body trembling under Fugaku's intense gaze. It reminded him of being targeted by an elite jonin during the Third Ninja World War. The same fear surged within him now, stronger than before.
"Remember your place. You're just a messenger. You have no right to speak here," Fugaku scolded him sternly.
"Yes, Patriarch, I'll keep that in mind," Takashi hurriedly replied, his voice shaky with fear and humiliation.
"Just relay my message. If the First or Third Elder is dissatisfied, they can discuss it with me at the meeting." With that, Fugaku waved him off.
Takashi left, deeply humiliated. Representing the First and Third Elders, he couldn't believe how Fugaku had treated him. He was determined to report everything to the elders, who he was sure would take action.
Half an hour later, at the Naga Shrine.
The First Elder, Uchiha Setsuna, the Third Elder, Uchiha Tsukasa, the Second Elder, Uchiha Mamoru, and Uchiha Fugaku had gathered.
"The clan leader is quite imposing today," Uchiha Setsuna said sarcastically, his voice laced with anger. He had heard from Takashi about the incident earlier, which only fueled his resentment toward Fugaku.
"Yes, very imposing," Uchiha Tsukasa added. "It's a shame you didn't show such authority at the village meeting."
Fugaku snorted, "I haven't even questioned your discipline of your men, and you're already attacking me?"
If it were his predecessor, Fugaku knew, there would have been concessions for the sake of unity. But Fugaku was not his predecessor. He knew that yielding would only embolden them further. His cold gaze fell upon Setsuna and Tsukasa.
"How dare an ordinary clansman contradict me? Is this how you manage your subordinates?"
Seeing Fugaku's hardened stance, Setsuna and Tsukasa's anger flared.
"It's not your place to dictate how we handle our men!" Setsuna spat. "Even if they make mistakes, it's up to us to deal with them, not you."
For years, they were accustomed to Fugaku making concessions, but this tougher side of him irritated them further.
"Calm down," interjected Uchiha Mamoru, the Second Elder, attempting to deescalate. "The clan is in a precarious position. If we cannot maintain unity, we have no future."
Setsuna and Tsukasa exchanged glances, realizing the truth in Mamoru's words. Though infuriated by Fugaku's actions, there were more important matters to discuss.
After a moment of silence, Setsuna spoke again. "Before we proceed, I have one question. Why did you limit the clan meeting to just the four of us?"
The First and Third Elders knew they had support among the family leaders. Including everyone in the meeting would strengthen their position.
Fugaku's eyes narrowed. "I would have told you even if you hadn't asked, as it directly relates to the reason we're meeting today." He paused, scanning their faces before continuing.
"The reason for the restricted attendance is simple. Among our family leaders..." Fugaku's voice dropped to a deeper tone.
"...There is a traitor."
(End of Chapter)