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The next one chapter on webnovel will be uploaded in the next 2 days.
The next five chapters will be uploaded on Patreon in the next 2 days. (Chapter 82-87)
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"But…"
Samui hesitated, then quietly returned to her room.
As the door closed behind her, a flicker of calculation passed through her eyes.
Her apparent worry for the Uchiha clan was only an act. In truth, her concern was not about their fate — but about Uchiha Duan himself.
The curator's prestige within the clan had grown to an almost mythical level. Many followed him, revered him, trained under him. Yet despite this loyalty, Duan himself remained detached — permitting Daohuo and the others to train at the Body Reform Department, but never showing partiality.
Now, as the clan faced crisis, Duan's calm indifference seemed to rise above the chaos.
Samui couldn't decipher what he was truly thinking.
---
At the Police Department
As dozens of Uchiha returned from Naka Shrine, the chaos in the prison began to break apart. The prisoners scattered, fleeing into the night, and the aftermath devolved into a desperate manhunt.
The turmoil lasted until dawn.
By morning, the damage was clear — several districts in Konoha lay in ruins. Numerous civilians were injured, some fatally. The Uchiha, though exhausted, immediately began repairs, investigations, and pursuit of escapees. The night had stolen their sleep and their peace alike.
But that was not all.
Before noon, the full story of the riot had already spread across Konoha — twisted and amplified. Word spread that the prison riot happened because the Uchiha were distracted, too busy holding a clan meeting to perform their duties.
Public outrage ignited.
---
The Villagers' Outcry
By afternoon, under the guidance of unseen manipulators, large crowds gathered outside the Police Department.
Their chants were sharp, their anger unmistakable.
"Uchiha neglect their duties! Clan meetings, training sessions, posturing — but no work!"
"This is dereliction! They must apologize!"
Fury and distrust filled the air.
The Uchiha, proud and quick-tempered, could not endure being publicly insulted. Verbal clashes erupted, and soon the situation teetered on the brink of violence.
At the crucial moment, Patriarch Uchiha Fugaku stepped forward.
He restrained the impulsive clansmen with a firm command and addressed the villagers calmly:
"Uchiha will investigate this incident thoroughly. We will not rest until the truth is revealed to every citizen of Konoha."
His measured tone did little to soothe them.
"This is just another excuse!" someone shouted. "Don't be fooled!"
Just as the uproar threatened to spiral further, two Anbu appeared, their masks shaped like an eagle and an elephant. They spoke in cold, unfeeling tones:
"The negligence of the Police Department has endangered the safety of Konoha's citizens. By order of the Third Hokage, a patriarchal meeting will be held at 9 a.m. tomorrow to determine the punishment of the Police Department and the Uchiha clan. Patriarch Fugaku, you are to attend."
With that, the two vanished into the crowd, leaving behind the echo of Sarutobi's decree and the villagers' cheers.
"Finally, justice! Hokage-sama is wise!"
"Let's see how arrogant Uchiha remains now!"
Fugaku's expression darkened. He knew this was a political maneuver — a trap disguised as due process.
---
The Clan Gathers
Without delay, Fugaku called for an emergency meeting.
"Itachi," he said gravely, "go and invite your uncle."
Itachi hesitated. He knew better than anyone that his uncle's opinion could decide the clan's fate.
Half an hour later, Duan arrived at the Police Department beside Itachi.
As they walked, Itachi explained everything that had occurred. Duan listened silently, his mind already moving several steps ahead.
A prison riot timed precisely with a clan gathering. Villagers stirred into protest overnight. An immediate Hokage order.
This was no coincidence.
It was pressure — systematic and calculated — the kind used by those in power to break the will of dissenters. He had seen this kind of manipulation before, in the world of his previous life.
And so, curious to hear what excuses or strategies the clan might muster, Duan came to the meeting.
---
The Uchiha Council Room
They arrived on the third floor. The heavy door creaked open.
Inside, over seventy Uchiha filled the long rectangular table — more than at any prior meeting. The air was thick with tension, conversations overlapping like a storm.
But the noise died instantly when Duan stepped inside.
Dozens of eyes turned to him. Many of these same men had been flattened by his Shinra Tensei, and yet, they now followed him — loyal, reverent, even fearful. Under Samui's guidance, the younger generation had taken to calling him simply: "Curator."
And now, the curator had arrived.
The room fell silent in seconds.
"Curator."
Daohuo was the first to stand. Others quickly followed.
It was a gesture of respect — one usually reserved for the patriarch himself.
To his credit, Fugaku did not show displeasure. Instead, he rose, a faint smile softening his expression.
"Duan, come. I've kept a seat for you."
The place at Fugaku's right hand — the seat of the patriarch's chief adviser — was empty, waiting for him.
Duan moved forward, calm and deliberate, and took his seat.
Itachi remained standing behind him, silent and watchful.
Across the table, on Fugaku's left, sat Shisui Uchiha — his eyes still covered in bandages, face pale and expression unreadable.
Though he had lost to Duan, Shisui remained acknowledged as the second strongest in the clan, and his position reflected it.
Uchiha Setsuna, seated beside Duan, leaned slightly toward him and whispered,
"Shisui's vision has worsened. They say his pupil power is depleted… he can barely see sunlight now."
Duan raised an eyebrow.
So Shisui had chosen silence. Despite the chance to expose Duan for gouging out his eyes, he'd claimed blindness from overuse of the Sharingan instead.
Even with Fugaku's gag order, if Shisui had spoken publicly, Duan's reputation would have taken a hit. Gouging out the Sharingan of one's own kin — that kind of ruthlessness would have shaken even the most loyal followers.
But Shisui hadn't spoken. He had chosen to endure.
Duan leaned back slightly, a faint smirk crossing his lips.
Cruelty or not — power recognized power.
Join my Patreon to read advanced chapters.
Five new chapters uploaded on PATREON.
Currently at Chapter 82 on Patreon. Read at one go.
patreon.com/FrancisMW
The next one chapter on webnovel will be uploaded in the next 2 days.
The next five chapters will be uploaded on Patreon in the next 2 days. (Chapter 82-87)
patreon.com/FrancisMW