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Fugaku didn't push the hardliners too hard. Since even the elder had compromised, he wasn't going to press the issue either.
Just go with the flow.
As for the problem with the hardliners, it wasn't something that could be solved in a day. It would take time and gradual effort.
"Great! We all support you!"
Under Kazuki's signal, the squad members raised their hands and cheered loudly.
Seeing Jiro and the others raise the signal, many clan members instinctively followed suit, raising their hands and shouting along.
Thus, more and more people joined in.
The matter of reorganizing the police department was settled, and no one dared to raise objections, fearing Kazuki would launch another verbal barrage.
Standing in a position of power and firing shots at others—Kazuki had to admit, it felt pretty good.
Unfortunately, it couldn't always be like this.
Returning to his seat, Kazuki noticed Izumi staring at him with excitement, her beautiful eyes sparkling with admiration.
What followed was mere trivialities. Kazuki hardly spoke, simply resting in his seat.
After hours of back-and-forth debate, Fugaku was parched.
"Alright, today's clan meeting will end here. I will now select three outstanding members of our clan to serve as squad leaders."
At this, many clan members glanced over at Kazuki.
In their eyes, Kazuki was certainly qualified for the position.
Fugaku did not disappoint the clan members.
"First Squad, Captain Uchiha Kazuki. I hope you won't let me, the clan, or the village down."
"That's great!"
Many cheered.
Amidst the cheers, Kazuki stood up and forcefully pounded his chest:
"Since the clan leader values me so highly, I, Uchiha Kazuki, will uphold the clan's honor and take responsibility for this role. I will not disappoint the clan or the village."
You've said enough. Always talking about the clan's honor and pride, making it seem like us higher-ups don't care about it.
A large number of clan members cheered in support of Kazuki, giving Fugaku a headache.
He even wondered, what if one day Kazuki becomes too powerful, leading people to the clan leader's residence to make him step down—what would he do then?
Step down or not?
"Alright, quiet down! What kind of behavior is this, making such a racket!"
Fugaku sternly reprimanded the crowd, calming them down before continuing with the appointments.
"Second Squad, Captain Uchiha Endo."
"I will do my best and will not disappoint the clan or the village."
Unlike Kazuki, Endo remained calm. He had expected to be chosen and was mentally prepared.
Additionally, he was a supporter of the clan leader and a neutral representative, making it hard not to be selected.
Two of the three squad leader positions were now filled, leaving one vacancy.
Fugaku's gaze lingered on a few notable figures among the hardliners, hesitating over who to choose.
In theory, any of them could serve as squad leader, given their strength and loyalty to the clan.
"Is it that hard to choose?"
After a long silence, Kazuki, feeling impatient, muttered under his breath.
'You!'
Fugaku frowned and shot a glare at Kazuki, but unfortunately, Kazuki wasn't looking, leaving Fugaku feeling a bit frustrated.
Wait a minute!
Kazuki wasn't the type to act without reason. Why would he rush things at this moment?
If not, his impatience must have had a purpose.
Fugaku followed Kazuki's gaze.
"Then, for the Third Squad, the captain will be Uchiha Shimeki."
'Me?' In the crowd, Uchiha Shimeki, who had been keeping a low profile, was startled and looked up in surprise.
He didn't think he was the one to be chosen!
Although he was part of the hardliners, he wasn't a prominent figure among them.
"Shimeki?"
Fugaku's choice shocked everyone, even the elder.
Though Uchiha Shimeki was one of them, his presence was so minimal that even the elders were surprised.
"Does the elder think he's unfit?"
Fugaku asked.
"I have no such thoughts. Since the clan leader believes Shimeki is suitable for the role, then Shimeki it is."
Although they weren't sure what Fugaku's intentions were, since Shimeki was one of their own, even if not the best choice, it was better than selecting an outsider.
With the squad leader positions settled, the clan meeting came to an end.
After Fugaku announced the end of the meeting, the clan members dispersed.
Kazuki took Izumi home first, then wandered through the village, eventually stopping at Ichiraku Ramen.
"The usual please, but add two more bowls today."
Kazuki raised his hand and gestured to Teuchi.
"One moment."
Teuchi quickly prepared the ramen and placed it on the table, kindly reminding Kazuki:
"If the noodles sit too long, they'll clump up and ruin the taste."
"They won't."
Kazuki smiled. "A friend is on the way, but we need to borrow your place to chat. Seems like business is slow today."
"Hey!" Teuchi laughed. "Just say my business is bad if you want!"
"Fine, there aren't many customers today anyway. I'll close up early and go home to rest. Remember to lock up."
Since they only needed the place to chat, Teuchi quickly agreed, even though it wasn't closing time yet.
Teuchi was a good-natured person, so he reluctantly agreed to Kazuki's request.
"See you."
Teuchi tapped his bowl with chopsticks and waved to Kazuki.
'Yeah, right!'
Teuchi waved without turning around.
'I'm the owner of this shop, not a guest. Yet here you are, telling me to "see you."'
As Teuchi left, Kazuki began to devour his ramen.
After finishing work, he had gone straight home, skipped dinner, and rushed to the ancestral hall. No wonder he was starving.
Just a few mouthfuls in, an unexpected person arrived at the ramen shop.
"Knew I'd find you here."
Endo entered with a smile, patted Kazuki on the shoulder, and without hesitation, grabbed a pair of chopsticks. Clasping his hands together, he said:
"Time to eat."
Then, he started eating as well.
Following Endo, Shimeki hesitated for a moment from across the street, but eventually walked over.
When Shimeki arrived, Endo gave a faint smile and nodded before continuing to eat.
Shimeki was momentarily confused but returned the nod.
"Take a seat. We're all clan members; no need to be so formal."
Kazuki gestured for Shimeki to sit and handed him a pair of chopsticks. "Eat first. We can talk afterward."
"Alright."
Shimeki wasn't much of a talker, but that didn't mean he was dumb. Otherwise, he wouldn't be here meeting Kazuki.
Soon, they finished their bowls of ramen, and Kazuki patted his stomach with satisfaction.
Seeing Kazuki finish, Endo and Shimeki also stopped and set down their chopsticks.
Shimeki, anxious and nervous, hesitated for a long time before finally speaking through clenched teeth:
"Kazuki, thank you for helping Ryoichi at the daimyo's residence. If you hadn't stood up for him, he might have become a laughingstock of the clan."
Kazuki's reason for urging Fugaku to select Shimeki was clear.
Uchiha Shimeki wasn't a standout among the clan's jounin. He was often overlooked due to his low presence.
More importantly, he was Uchiha Ryoichi's older brother.
Kazuki had stepped in to support Uchiha Ryoichi at the daimyo's residence, ostensibly for the clan, but in reality, also to help Ryoichi.
Shimeki had to acknowledge this favor.