Chapter 6: The Divided Uchiha

Chat GPT did an update and I didn't notice. The changes were making it wonky and starting over from the beginning instead of translating the text as requested. I'll have to redo these chapters again from scratch. Now that I know what is going on I know which protocol I need to use moving forward to make sure there are no more repeats. Apologies.

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Fugaku had always known that his young brother-in-law was fond of working out and had a solid foundation in taijutsu. However, he also knew that the young man couldn't even perform the basic clone jutsu or grasp the most fundamental body replacement technique - he was undeniably a ninjutsu idiot.

In the world of ninjas, a person who can't use any ninjutsu, no matter how strong their physical techniques are, can't get far. Their potential is already limited.

It wasn't until this moment that Fugaku realized he had underestimated his brother-in-law. According to Inoha's report, Dan, relying solely on his prowess in taijutsu, could qualify as a Jōnin or at least a Tokubetsu Jōnin. At this thought, the usually stern Uchiha clan leader revealed a rare smile. His wife, Mikoto, had given him two sons. Itachi and Sasuke, both geniuses who were not only sensible but also filial, were a credit to their parents' upbringing.

To show his gratitude to Mikoto and to make her happy, Fugaku was even willing to break his work principles and intended to give Dan a backdoor job in the police force. But now, Dan had proven his worth with his own strength. This gave Fugaku the perfect opportunity to legitimately recruit his brother-in-law into the police force without causing any idle gossip among the clan members. He decided to find time to meet Dan in person and settle this matter.

...

After reporting to Fugaku, Inoha left the captain's office and went to see another person - Uchiha Yashiro. He was the second-in-command of the police force, with strong analytical and leadership skills, a man even Fugaku felt inferior to. However, the Uchiha clan ultimately valued power above all. Yashiro, being weaker than Fugaku, had lost in the early competition for the position of clan leader and had been resentful ever since.

Furthermore, there was a bigger disagreement between Fugaku and Yashiro. Currently, within the Uchiha clan, faced with the suppression from Konoha's upper echelons, the members had formed two factions - the radicals and the moderates. The radical faction, led by Uchiha Yashiro, advocated for military resistance against Konoha's top brass, and, if necessary, even a coup to regain the power originally belonging to the Uchiha clan.

The clan's strongest member, Uchiha Shisui, represented the moderates. They advocated for active dialogue with Konoha's upper echelons and a peaceful resolution to the series of issues between the clan and the village.

As for Fugaku, the clan leader sandwiched between the two factions, he seemed neutral, not favoring either side, but his actions always revealed him as a moderate.

Therefore, for the time being, the power of the moderates was suppressing the radicals. Inoha, a member of the radicals, went to Yashiro's office and reported on Dan's situation again. Yashiro frowned, contemplated for a while, and then asked, "This Uchiha Dan seems to be dissatisfied with his sister marrying Fugaku, and that's why he moved out of the clan's area, right?"

"Based on my deductions, most likely," Inoha replied, squinting his eyes. "Okay, find an opportunity to bring him to see me. Let's see where he stands. If even the clan leader's brother-in-law stands with us, it will surely embarrass Fugaku." Yashiro's eyes flashed with determination as he gave the order.

"I'll arrange it as soon as possible," Inoha nodded in response.

Although he didn't like Dan, he had to admit the latter's strength. Inoha also understood that if the Uchiha clan wanted to stage a successful rebellion, they needed to make every effort to unite the power of all their clan members.

As night fell and the stars began to twinkle, the Uchiha clan district was bathed in a serene moonlight. Over the Southern Naka River, a cliff hundreds of meters high was bathed in the cold lunar glow. Only Itachi and Shisui knew about this cliff, their secret meeting place.

"Itachi, congratulations on joining the Anbu. How have you been adjusting?" Shisui asked with a smile, like an older brother concerned for his younger sibling.

"I'm doing well," Itachi nodded, genuinely smiling in front of Shisui, who was like a brother to him. His Anbu examination had been a success thanks to Shisui's assistance.

After some brief pleasantries, Itachi hesitated before bringing up his uncle, Uchiha Dan.

"Ah, you're the second person today who's asked me about Dan," Shisui said, a surprised look on his face.

Startled, Itachi quickly asked, "Who was the first?"

"The Third Hokage."

Silence fell over Itachi. Seeing this, Shisui patted Itachi on the shoulder, "You must know about Dan killing several Rain Village spies, right?"

Itachi nodded again. That evening, his father had unusually broken the rule of not speaking during dinner, and had brought up Dan, showering his uncle with praise.

"Itachi, if you're curious about Dan, why not go directly to him? After all, he is your uncle," Shisui said, somewhat confused.

Itachi shook his head, "I've tried, but my uncle doesn't like me."

"I see," Shisui said, understanding dawning on him. "Well, do you want me to try to get in touch with Dan?" He wasn't particularly interested in Dan, but he cared about Itachi, who was like a brother to him.

"Thank you, Shisui. But I'll handle this myself," Itachi politely refused.

"Alright, I believe you can handle it," Shisui said, once again showing a sunny smile. It was ultimately a family matter for Itachi, and Shisui, as an outsider, shouldn't interfere too much.

In the evening breeze, the two chatted for a while and agreed to undertake missions together as Anbu ninjas when the opportunity arose. "So it's settled," Shisui waved goodbye and walked away under the moonlight. Watching Shisui's receding figure, Itachi felt a warm current surge in his heart. Not only was Shisui his best friend, he was also his mentor who had taught him the true Will of Fire.

At dusk, a bustling commercial street was lined with shops along the Konoha riverbank. The entire area was crowded with people seeking food, drinks, and entertainment. From a distance, the signboard of 'YAKINIKU Q' could be seen and the rich aroma of barbecue wafted out, permeating the nearby streets.

"Welcome, please come in," a staff member greeted Dan and Samui with a warm smile as they entered the restaurant. Unlike the more affordable Ichiraku Ramen, YAKINIKU Q was considered a high-end eatery in Konoha, not a place the average person could afford.

"Do you need a couple's private room? It's quieter and more private, so you won't be disturbed," the staff member suggested, eyeing Dan and Samui.

Samui was taken aback and quickly waved her hands , saying, "You've misunderstood, we're not..."

"Oh, I apologize," the staff member quickly apologized with a smile.

Samui cautiously glanced at Dan, who remained expressionless, his gaze unfazed. She then looked around the room, trying to find a suitable spot for them, when her gaze suddenly froze, catching sight of a figure worth noting.