IDKjust
patreon
Chapter 16N
🕑 Added 2025-06-22 21:21:58 +0000 UTCChapter 16N
What is a clan head?
Simply put, in the traditional way it was the person who managed clan affairs and held final sway.
Depending on differences in history, culture, customs, and tradition, the authority of a clan head varies among families. But within the Uchiha clan, the clan head holds the highest authority. In the past, all major and minor matters in the clan could be decided with a single word from the clan head.
However, ever since Uchiha Madara, the former clan head, defected from Konoha, those who chose not to follow him came together several times to discuss how to restrict the power of the clan head. In the end, they decided to empower the clan elders to counterbalance the clan head's authority, so that incidents like that would never happen again. After all, Madara’s betrayal had nearly led to the Uchiha clan’s annihilation.
At that time, Senju Tobirama—who had not yet become the Second Hokage—proposed wiping out the Uchiha entirely. Fortunately, the First Hokage was benevolent and not only chose not to punish the Uchiha, but even praised those who stayed behind for their decision to remain loyal to the village.
Even so, the elders of that generation had been thoroughly shaken.
So, change came.
The elders gained the right to intervene in the clan head’s decisions. In some cases, if they gained enough support from the clan, they could even vote to replace the clan head. Of course, such a thing had never happened before. After Madara, there had only been two clan heads.
Uchiha Fugaku was the second since then.
And as long as a clan head showed no signs of betrayal, no one dared to replace them lightly.
In the original history, even when the clan members were burning with resentment, they did not cast aside their indecisive clan head. Instead, they collectively petitioned him, forcing Fugaku onto the path of planning a coup. To be honest, if they had just gotten rid of Fugaku back then, even if the Uchiha were still wiped out, it wouldn't have been in such a disgraceful way.
“I didn’t expect Homaru to support you too. That alone increases the chances of success.”
In the courtyard of Rēn’s home stood an old cherry tree. According to stories, it had been planted by an elder of Rēn’s branch of the clan during Konoha’s founding. When the clan compound relocated, it had been moved using Earth Style jutsu, tree and all.
Beneath it sat a rectangular blue stone. Uchiha Genshi sat on it, holding a bottle of his favorite Ruby Port wine, drinking while admiring the cherry blossoms.
“Me, Ryūji, Homaru… three of the six elders are on your side. Plus the young people you’ve rallied—more than half of the clan’s jonin now support you. Rēn, how much longer do you plan to wait?”
“Not much longer.”
Rēn sat cross-legged nearby on a felt mat spread over the grass, keeping his grandfather company under the cherry tree while discussing plans.
“This time I turned down the Third Hokage’s invitation. If I don’t become clan head soon, there’ll probably be another attack before long. Honestly, Grandpa, I’m thinking about pulling Fujika out of the academy. It really doesn’t feel safe there…”
“You don’t need to worry about Fujika. I’ve arranged for someone to protect her. If you’re really that concerned, just pick her up and drop her off yourself. But it’s best not to withdraw her. You said it yourself—Uchiha shouldn’t isolate ourselves. We need to interact with other clans. The Ninja Academy is the best way to start. If you pull Fujika out, how do you expect the others to feel confident sending their kids there?”
“I’m not saying send everyone. Just pick a few with better tempers and good looks… Alright, I get it. I’ll handle taking Fujika to and from school myself for now.”
Genshi chuckled at his grandson's predicament “Don’t spoil your sister too much. If she gets used to it, it’ll be your headache later.”
A breeze passed by.
The old cherry tree’s branches trembled, and pink blossoms scattered like delicate cakes, drifting in the wind toward the nearby bamboo grove. It looked like a shower of petals.
After finishing his comment, Genshi’s eyes were drawn to the scene. He clapped softly and sighed, “Beautiful.”
“She is your little sister. It’s only natural to show her more love.”
Rēn smiled, though inside he was muttering,
"You’re the one who spoils her most, Grandpa. I didn’t even know you’d assigned someone to protect her… When I was on the front lines fighting Mist shinobi, I didn’t get that kind of treatment."
Of course, he only thought that inwardly. Not a single trace of it showed on his face.
“By the way, Rēn, about Shisui… what happened? Judging from last night, did you win him over?”
As the petal rain settled, Genshi reluctantly pulled his gaze back and brought up Shisui.
Though it sounded sudden, it wasn’t.
Rēn had been waiting for this question.
Uchiha Shisui might be young—same age as Rēn at fifteen—but his title as "Shunshin Shisui" was well known even among the Hidden Cloud and Hidden Stone. Within the clan, his influence among the younger generation wasn’t far below Rēn’s, known as the "Flame Demon."
In addition, although Uchiha Kagami had died young, he still had followers in the clan. One of the current elders was even among them.
So Shisui’s stance would indeed have an impact on Rēn’s success.
“More or less.”
Rēn gave a light nod, lifting a cup of tea.
Anyone under twenty was forbidden from drinking alcohol. The Uchiha clan strictly upheld this rule. Alcohol is poison through the gut. Lust is a blade scraping the bone.
For young shinobi, both are harmful. But in truth, indulgence at any age leads to nothing good... And truthfully he had enough of that from his privous life.
“To be exact, Shisui decided to support me only after seeing the full cruelty of reality. He realized he had no other real options other than me. He could’ve tried to act independently, but his nature won’t allow that.”
“Don’t let your guard down.”
Genshi sipped his wine. His cheeks were red from drink, and he spoke with a slight slur,
“To be blunt, your plan to preserve the clan doesn’t necessarily hinge on you. If Fugaku changes his stance, his reputation in the clan could still turn things around. You need to remember that. Don’t let confidence blind you when success seems close.”
“That’s not something I’m worried about.”
Rēn chuckled.
“There’s a saying: a leopard doesn’t change its spots. Our esteemed clan head is too indecisive and too gentle. That flaw won’t change overnight—if it ever does. He hesitates when he should act, waits when he should lead. That kind of temperament might suit a peacekeeper, but not a clan on the brink.”
He set his cup down and continued.
“And the truth is, we Uchiha don’t follow titles. We follow strength. As long as my fists are stronger, the clan will know where to turn.”
He glanced at the sky, then stood up.
“Grandpa, you stay here and enjoy the blossoms. I’m going to pay a visit to our dear clan head.”
