Uchiha Jūzan, Uchiha Chūsei, and Uchiha Fugaku were all present, along with two female Uchiha members.
"What? Are you saying that little brat Uchiha Tōshirō has awakened the Sharingan?"
Upon hearing this news brought by his younger brother, even the usually stoic Uchiha Jūzan showed a rare moment of surprise, expressing a question he would never normally ask.
At this moment, not only Uchiha Jūzan, but the other four people eating at the same table also showed signs of surprise, turning their gazes towards Uchiha Chūsei who delivered the news.
"Not only has he awakened the bloodline limit, but it's not an ordinary single-tomoe; it's a double-tomoe right from the start!"
"This is truly incredible talent! As expected of the descendant of our senior!"
After a brief silence, Jūzan made this generous comment.
"But..."
With no choice, Uchiha Chūsei recounted his conversation with Tōshirō to his brother without any omissions. He then quietly observed Uchiha Jūzan, trying to read his expression, concerned about Jūzan's attitude.
Tōshirō is still too young. He naively believes that merely expressing his stance of not getting involved in the village and clan matters will ensure his safety. Naive!
In a large clan like this in current times, the clan leader holds the power over life and death. A youngster in the clan, once he defies the will of the high echelons, may not suffer immediate consequences since they are all family and basic unity is necessary. However, they have countless ways to make you disappear without a trace.
This is why the Uchiha clan, under external pressure for years, has emphasized unity and tried to win over its members, creating the illusion for Tōshirō that the elders are all kind and benevolent.
Little does he know, it's all just a façade!
These high-ups in the clan are survivors of the First and Second Shinobi World Wars, making them deeply experienced in battle. Some have even survived since the Warring States Period, seeing human life as worthless and killing without hesitation. They are true ninjas!
"Does he want to improve his strength on his own?"
This mumbled query left Jūzan deeply frowning, not expressing his opinion directly but rather turning to his brother and his son.
"Chūsei! And Fugaku! What do you two think of this newly rising clan genius?"
He completely ignored his wife and Chūsei's wife at the table. In a large clan like the Uchiha, women hold little status; being able to eat at the table is only because they are shinobi. Otherwise, if it were an older generation ninja, they wouldn't receive such treatment.
But that's all.
"I think we should satisfy his request!"
Without waiting for Fugaku to speak, Uchiha Chūsei quickly responded. "The clan doesn't lack so-called geniuses; we lack strong individuals who can turn the tide!"
"Tōshirō's talent is astonishing. He awakened a double-tomoe Sharingan at the mere age of eight, and he is highly self-disciplined. He has the potential to become a true strongman. Why not give him a push?"
Though Chūsei's response made some sense, Jūzan still wanted to hear what his valued son had to say. Indeed, in his view, many of the so-called Konoha geniuses owe their fame to the village's support. The Uchiha clan has never lacked such geniuses.
"Father, from my limited encounter with Uchiha Tōshirō, his thoughts are quite mature, and he is very considerate in dealing with people and matters!"
"I've also heard uncle mention that this child trains diligently and seriously, which is rare."
"Like uncle said, he has a chance to become a strong individual. In that case, let's observe a bit more!"
"After all, a large-scale war seems imminent within the next year or two. Let's discuss it again after the war ends."
"By then, if he is still alive, it's not too late to make further plans!"
"In that case, let's proceed as you both suggested!"
Upon hearing this, Uchiha Jūzan couldn't help but smile.
He admitted to being the clan leader for too long and forgetting what's important. An eight-year-old kid in the clan is nothing compared to the impending war.
"Fugaku, has there been any new intelligence from Matriarch Neko recently?"
Seeing his fearsome elder brother shifting attention from Tōshirō to asking Fugaku about the matters concerning Matriarch Neko, Uchiha Chūsei sighed in relief.
He had been extremely tense, fearing for Tōshirō's predicament. But now, with his brother's attention diverted, he felt immense relief.
However, he didn't notice the slight change in his brother's expression. Jūzan's lips seemed to twitch unintentionally, attempting to force a smile. Unfortunately, it appeared that Jūzan had forgotten how to smile due to prolonged years of not smiling, or perhaps his facial muscles had stiffened, preventing a proper smile from forming.
The only person who noticed this was Fugaku's mother. She offered a knowing smile and thoughtfully poured her husband a drink.
After years of sharing a bed, she understood her husband too well. Knowing her husband's character, if his only surviving brother needed his help, even for something insignificant, her husband would never hesitate, even if it meant taking a blow for his brother.
However, after so many years as the clan leader and his natural inability to express emotions, coupled with the deep lines on his face, his son and brother-in-law mistakenly thought of him as a cold, unfeeling yet fair and unbiased leader.
But only she, sharing his bed, knew how deeply he cared for these two family members. His attention to detail was unparalleled, hidden beneath that stern expression!
"Oh, the rumours about you and a girl from the clan getting along well, how's that going? Who is she from?"
Grasping the moment, Uchiha Chūsei, hearing something from his wife, teasingly asked Fugaku with a knowing look.
"She's from the second branch...her name is Mikoto."
(End of chapter)