"This…"
Uchiha Tadao faltered. He couldn't bring himself to guarantee anything.
In this world, the variety of Ninjutsu and secret arts was endless. A technique that mimicked chakra signatures might sound miraculous, but so were countless other abilities.
The Uchiha's own Sharingan could copy Taijutsu, Genjutsu, and Ninjutsu, powers the rest of the shinobi world already considered 'miraculous.'
To non–bloodline clans, the Kekkei Genkai of the Hyūga, Aburame, or Yamanaka were wonders in their own right. Forbidden Jutsu went even further, bending life and death itself.
In the end, all Ninjutsu was "miraculous."
"…Even if we cannot prove that Lord Gen conspired with outsiders and killed the Clan Head for ambition, the fact remains; he is under heavy suspicion."
Shisui clenched his fists beneath the table. He could not refute that point.
"You're right," he admitted. "Gen is suspicious and the suspicion is grave. But suspicion is not guilt. Until the truth is uncovered, we cannot call him a traitor." He looked around the room. "What do the rest of you say?"
Setsuna, the First Elder, nodded gravely. "Shisui speaks wisely. We must investigate before reaching any verdict."
The Second Elder, Naruzawa, the Third Elder, Yasunari, and even Mikoto herself voiced agreement.
All of them wanted to believe Gen was innocent. If he truly betrayed them, the clan would not only have lost Fugaku and their finest warriors, but also its strongest strategist and proudest name.
"The question is," Naruzawa muttered, "how do we uncover the truth? Questioning alone will prove nothing."
Setsuna stroked his chin in thought, then spoke. "We will place Gen under Genjutsu hypnosis. His Genjutsu may be strong, but he is only one man. With so many Sharingan trained upon him, he cannot resist."
"Good. That is fair," one Elder said.
"It is also the only way to clear his name," another added. "Gen will understand."
"And to ensure honesty, it must be sudden. No time to prepare himself, no chance to lie."
Shisui's lips parted, but he hesitated, then fell silent. He couldn't deny it. Hypnosis was the least invasive option, no mental probing, only suggestion. The risk of damage was minimal.
"…Father, how should it be done?" Mikoto's voice trembled. Her eyes were rimmed red, her heart torn.
One day she had been a wife. The next, a widow. Itachi and Sasuke, so young, had lost their father.
Even with her and her father's protection, there was no chance the Elders or the majority of the clan would accept her sons as successors. Not yet.
And when the new Clan Head rose… would he tolerate the widow of the old? If narrow-minded, she and her sons would be erased quickly. Even if not, ambition might someday turn him toward eliminating rivals.
She could protect her boys only so long. Her father was aging, his years of imprisonment having weakened his body. Fugaku's loss left her political strength uncertain.
Her fear tightened around her chest. If only Gen is innocent…
With Gen as protector, Kage-level in strength, famous across nations, no Clan Head could move rashly against her family. His teacher's shadow loomed even larger. Together with her father's influence, the threat of retaliation would keep wolves at bay.
Setsuna's voice pulled her back. "If it isn't Gen, then all is well. But if it is… we must prepare."
He leaned forward, eyes hard. "Here is my plan; when Gen returns, we convene a meeting at Naka Shrine. Summon him openly. That way, he won't be suspicious, nor will it seem unusual to gather the clan."
"At the shrine," Setsuna continued, "no matter how strong he is, he cannot withstand the encirclement of so many Uchiha. We will subdue him."
It was a clever move. Setsuna's cunning had once landed Tobirama Senju in chains—proof of the old man's sharpness.
But one flaw remained; if Gen truly unleashed his full power, no number of clan ninja could restrain him. And if defeat loomed, he had the Flying Thunder God—escape was effortless.
Still, everyone nodded. Even Shisui, silent and uneasy, gave tacit approval.
"Great Elder," Tadao asked, voice tight, "if Lord Gen truly is the traitor, a direct clash will cripple the clan."
Setsuna's eyes narrowed. "Then we strike first. An ambush. We take him before he can resist. If we later learn he is innocent, I will lead the clan myself in apology."
The others voiced agreement.
"Tadao," Setsuna said suddenly, turning to him, "how many people know of your return?"
"Not many."
"Remember their names. Write them down. They will be warned and watched at once, no word must leak to him."
"Yes, sir."
"And another thing: you cannot return home. Nor remain on clan grounds. Find an inn in the village. All costs come from the clan treasury."
"For the clan, for the Clan Head, for our comrades, I am not troubled." Tadao bowed solemnly.
The Elders, Mikoto, even Shisui, all looked at him with quiet satisfaction. Tadao's path within the clan was opening wider.
"Finally," Setsuna's voice grew iron-hard, "this matter—Fugaku's death, our suspicions, this plan—remains secret. I do not need to remind you of the cost of loose tongues."
"We understand," they all said at once.
"Good. Then act immediately."
Within minutes, the group dispersed to their tasks. Only Setsuna and Mikoto remained in the tea room.
"Mikoto… you have suffered," the old man murmured, sipping his tea.
She shook her head. "I am your daughter. Fugaku's wife. Mother to Itachi and Sasuke. I will endure." Her eyes clouded. "But Father… the Clan Head's seat…"
"I know your fears," Setsuna admitted. His gaze hardened. "But that is later. For now, survival comes first."
His voice grew cold, fierce. "Worry not. Even if this old life is spent, I will protect you and my grandsons." His Sharingan spun to life, deep and sharp, like a hawk ready to strike.
Mikoto's own Sharingan lit in her eyes. "Then I will also fight, Father. For them."
"Good. Tomorrow we begin retraining together. Plan for the worst."
"I was thinking the same."
The two exchanged a silent nod. Once warriors, now dulled by years of stillness, father and daughter steeled themselves again. If the storm broke upon them, they would face it blade in hand.