When the thunderous chants finally died down, Uchiha Gen guided Susanoo's massive hands downward, pressing the air as if to calm the sea itself.
The crowd stilled at once.
The black giant dissolved, its form breaking into countless shards of midnight light, scattering upward until nothing remained. Gen landed lightly on the ground, his cloak settling around him as he gave Setsuna a quiet glance.
Setsuna understood at once and raised his voice: "The voting begins now."
The outcome was already decided, but procedure had to be followed.
No one could say the election was flawed.
He stepped forward first, dropping a slip into the box marked with Uchiha Gen's name.
Next came the other Elders, then Shisui, Mikoto, and after them, the rest of the clan in order; jōnin, special jōnin, chūnin, and finally genin.
As the line wound forward, it was obvious, Gen's box filled quickly, while the other barely gathered any slips.
When the counting ended, the result was undeniable.
Gen had won by an overwhelming majority, nine votes to one.
"I hereby announce," Setsuna declared, his voice ringing clear across the shrine grounds, "that the new head of the Uchiha clan is Uchiha Gen!"
A roar of voices answered him.
"Ohhh!"
"Clan Head!"
"Greetings, Clan Head!"
From the elders to the youngest genin, every Uchiha bowed deeply, even Setsuna, Shisui, and Mikoto. Only Gen remained standing tall, his presence filling the night.
He closed his eyes for a moment, savoring the weight of the moment, then lifted his hand. "Everyone, please rise."
"Thank you, Clan Head," they replied in unison.
Setsuna stepped forward once more, holding the clan's treasured fan with both hands, his head bowed and back bent. "Clan Head."
Gen took it slowly, his fingers brushing the lacquered wood. A tide of emotions welled up; after all the twists and turns, the fan had ended back in his hands.
He drew a steadying breath and spoke in a low, commanding voice: "Follow me."
"Yes!"
The elders, Police Force captains, and senior jōnin fell in behind him as they entered Nanga Shrine. Together, they performed the rites of sacrifice laid down for generations. Only once the rituals concluded was the succession truly complete.
When the ceremony ended, the wider clan dispersed, returning to their homes. But the high-ranking Uchiha remained, walking with Gen at the rear.
As they exited, Gen turned to Setsuna. "Great Elder, would you be interested in serving as Deputy Chief of the Police Force? Two deputies aren't enough."
The words struck like thunder.
Naruzawa and Yasunari stiffened.
Barely crowned, and already he was redistributing power? But he wasn't stripping them of authority, merely dividing it. That much face he still granted them.
The head of the Uchiha had always also been Chief of the Police Force. Formal approval from the Hokage was a formality; unless Sarutobi truly wanted war with the Uchiha, it couldn't be denied.
And unlike most village departments, the Police Force was financially independent. The Hokage's stipend was token at best; the Uchiha had their own coffers. As long as its head was strong, the Force could maneuver freely.
Fugaku had always been cautious, bowing to village leadership. Gen was different. He would not be a clay puppet at the Hokage's meetings.
Setsuna gave a show of reluctance. "Isn't that a little inappropriate?"
"What's inappropriate?" Gen countered smoothly. "As the saying goes, an elder in the family is a treasure. The Police Force needs experience to temper its strength." He turned his gaze toward the Second and Third Elders. "Don't you agree?"
"Yes," Naruzawa said quickly.
"Yes," Yasunari echoed.
Neither dared dissent; the flames of the new patriarch's authority might just consume them next.
"Then," Setsuna said with feigned modesty, "I shall humbly accept."
Gen gave the faintest smile. "Good. And Shisui take a squad leader's post."
Shisui blinked, startled. "Me? But… I still have missions, and I don't know if I'm suited..."
"You'll learn. During missions, leave things to your deputy. With your strength, your achievements, and your name, no one will object."
After a moment, Shisui bowed. "Then I accept."
Gen's gaze shifted. "Mikoto-nee, you're as capable as any man. But with two children to care for, I won't burden you with duties."
Mikoto smiled faintly. "It's just as well. I've been away from work for too long; I might not adjust."
"The Clan Head's residence must also be changed," Setsuna said firmly.
"No need," Gen waved it off. "My current place is fine."
"If you stay there, how could we elders feel at ease?" Naruzawa pressed quickly, Yasunari nodding in agreement. Their own mansions were far grander, how improper if the Clan Head lived more humbly than they?
Gen frowned slightly. "Living alone in a great mansion would be troublesome."
"That's nothing," Setsuna replied. "The clan can assign attendants. And one day, the Clan Head's family will grow... better to prepare now. Your old home will be kept and maintained; you can return whenever you wish."
"The Great Elder is right," Naruzawa added.
"Exactly so," Yasunari said smoothly. "Clan Head, don't refuse us. On the day you move, we will present generous gifts."
They had backed the wrong side. If they wanted better lives now, they would have to show their loyalty with real concessions. Between them, Naruzawa would bleed more, it was the only way to balance accounts.
Gen hesitated, then nodded. "Very well."
Promotion brought with it wealth indeed. A vast mansion in the clan's heartland, gifts upon moving in, and no doubt countless other benefits in the days ahead.
No wonder people pursued rank so desperately, the hidden profits were endless.
"Why wait for another day?" Naruzawa said quickly. "Shall we take the Clan Head to see his new residence now?"
Tch. How fast his attitude turned.
"Exactly, exactly," Yasunari echoed.
"Mikoto-nee need not come, you have the little ones at home," Gen said kindly.
"Thank you, lord Clan Head." She bowed slightly.
"You're too formal. We all know each other well enough. From now on, don't call me 'sir' or 'lord.' Just Clan Head will do."
The Second and Third Elders fell over themselves to flatter him, their words flowing easily without sounding cloying.
Setsuna smiled silently, relief softening his features. Balance had been struck, no civil strife within the clan.
Shisui remained awkward in such political games, but kept silent, doing his best to adapt.
After Mikoto departed, the group led Gen toward his new home.
It stood on the southwestern edge of the Uchiha district.
A sprawling mansion with four courtyards, carved beams and painted pillars, pavilions rising beside rockeries and streams, bamboo groves swaying, lotus ponds glimmering.
It was no new construction.
This was the traditional residence of the Fugaku line, secluded but magnificent, perfect for the Clan Head.