With the Hokage considering Fugaku's request, tensions in the Uchiha clan began to ease—but only on the surface. Beneath the newfound calm, whispers of rebellion still echoed through the compound. Itachi's warning weighed on Shina's mind. If someone was truly trying to rebuild Daisuke's faction, they needed to find out who—and quickly.
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Following the Trail
Shina, Itachi, and Shisui decided to split up and gather information discreetly. Their plan was simple: listen, observe, and identify those who still clung to Daisuke's ideology.
Shina took to the training grounds, blending in with the younger Uchiha who had once been swayed by Daisuke's words.
"You really think things will change just because he's gone?" one shinobi muttered. "The village will never accept us."
Another scoffed. "Fugaku's too careful. We need someone willing to take real action."
Shina pretended not to listen, but he memorized their faces. These weren't leaders, just followers looking for someone to guide them.
Meanwhile, Itachi observed the elders, paying close attention to those who had once supported Daisuke. Most remained loyal to Fugaku, but a few held quiet resentment. He took note of every glance, every hushed conversation.
Shisui, using his natural charisma, casually spoke with various Uchiha shinobi, gauging their thoughts. It wasn't long before he found something interesting.
"There's been movement at the western edge of the compound," Shisui reported later that night. "Certain people have been meeting there in secret. It's not just former Daisuke supporters—there are new faces."
Shina smirked. "Sounds like we just found our suspects."
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The Secret Meeting
The next evening, the three of them concealed their presence and moved toward the western sector of the compound. The meeting was small—no more than ten people—but what mattered wasn't the numbers. It was the man standing at the center.
Katsuro Uchiha.
Shina's smirk faded. "Well, well… looks like we found our new problem."
Katsuro had once been a respected member of the clan, a skilled shinobi known for his radical beliefs. He had never openly supported Daisuke, but he had also never condemned him.
Now, he stood before the gathered Uchiha, his voice filled with conviction.
"The village will never accept us as equals," he said. "Daisuke understood that, and while his execution was flawed, his vision was not."
Some murmured in agreement, others hesitated.
Shina glanced at Itachi. "What do you think? Shut this down now or wait?"
Itachi's Sharingan glowed faintly in the darkness. "We wait. We need to see how far he's willing to go."
Shisui nodded. "Agreed. If he's recruiting, there's a bigger plan in motion."
Shina sighed. "Fine. But if he makes a move, I call dibs on stopping him."
The three disappeared into the night, leaving the meeting undisturbed—for now.
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