Post-meal conversations were always fleeting, and this one came to an end when Uchiha Sasuke grew sleepy and wanted to rest.
Uchiha Mikoto busied herself with the housework, while Uchiha Fugaku stared silently at Uchiha Ran. Ran met his gaze without speaking. The air grew heavy.
At last, Fugaku lost his patience.
"Ran, come to the study. We need to talk."
Ran nodded, rose immediately, and followed him.
Fugaku took out a key, unlocked the study, and stepped inside with Ran before locking the door behind them. He sat down at the main desk and looked at Ran, who was still standing.
"Sit."
Ran didn't bother with formalities. He pulled over a stool and sat across from him.
"What are your thoughts on the coup?" Fugaku asked bluntly, skipping all pleasantries.
"Do it," Ran replied with a smile.
Fugaku was momentarily speechless.
"Do it? How? With what plan? Who's going to carry it out?"
"Launching a coup without a concrete plan is pure fantasy."
"And don't forget—Hiruzen Sarutobi may be soft toward outsiders, but he's ruthless internally. His political maneuvering within the village far surpasses ours."
Seeing that Ran seemed unconvinced, Fugaku began laying out the Third Hokage's methods and operations over the years.
This time, Ran sat up straight. Knowing the enemy was crucial—this part, he had to listen to carefully.
After a long while, Ran spoke again.
"So you're saying the influence of the Sarutobi, Utatane, and Mitokado families keeps expanding—and the Sarutobi alone command over three thousand ninja?"
Fugaku nodded. "That's common knowledge. The Hyūga Clan haven't voiced any objections either. Instead, they've shut themselves away."
"Hyūga Hiashi hasn't attended a Hokage meeting personally in over a year. Every time, he claims illness or seclusion and sends elders in his place."
"That's because of Hyūga Hizashi," Ran said calmly.
Fugaku looked at him in shock. That incident had only been known to the heads and elders of the clans at the time, and it had been forcibly suppressed by the Hokage himself.
"That's right," Fugaku sighed. "Even though Hiruzen tried to bury it, most clans were disgusted by what happened. They just didn't dare speak out."
"What about the Ino–Shika–Chō?" Ran asked. "Weren't those three families the first to support Hiruzen?"
"Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi, and Akimichi Chōza have all gone quiet," Fugaku replied. "Like the Hyūga, they've withdrawn from public affairs."
"Right now, the only clan still actively appearing before everyone is our Uchiha Clan."
Ran nodded slowly. "No wonder the village is so hostile toward us."
"Konoha is rotten to the core."
"The clans are completely disappointed in Hiruzen, but to avoid suspicion, they retreat behind closed doors and give up initiative. Meanwhile, the Uchiha Clan Head attends every meeting without fail."
"Doesn't that make it look like you're competing for the Hokage seat?"
"With Hiruzen's obsession with authority and Danzō Shimura's hunger for power, do you really think they wouldn't join forces against you?"
"Let me ask you—when all those clans pulled back, did no one warn you? Are you truly foolish, or just pretending?" Ran rubbed his temples, almost speechless.
Fugaku suddenly recalled something.
About a year ago, Hiashi had invited him to the Hyūga compound for a private discussion. But out of Uchiha pride—and using the excuse that two dōjutsu clans shouldn't associate too closely—he had politely declined.
"…There was such an invitation," Fugaku admitted. "From the Hyūga."
Ran shot to his feet.
"Are you kidding me?! Why didn't you mention something that important?!"
"I was trying to avoid suspicion!" Fugaku protested. "I didn't want the Hokage thinking the Uchiha had ulterior motives!"
"Even the Hyūga weren't worried, so what were you worried about?" Ran snapped.
"The Third Hokage is past his prime! He's not the war hero from the Second Great Ninja War anymore!"
"You're in your prime—and yet you—" Ran pointed at Fugaku, utterly exasperated.
Then something clicked.
"Did someone advise you not to go back then?" Ran asked sharply.
Fugaku nodded. "Yes. A man named Uchiha Katsumi."
Ran's expression darkened.
"Did he attend today's clan meeting?"
"No. He was assigned to gate duty," Fugaku replied gravely.
Ran's face turned pale.
"Old man, don't act rashly. I need to handle something."
The moment he finished speaking, Ran vanished and reappeared at the study door, kicking it open in a single strike.
The door shattered instantly.
Hearing the commotion, Mikoto dropped what she was doing and rushed over—only to see a shadow streak past her. She couldn't even make out its shape.
Fugaku snapped back to his senses and almost chased after him, but remembered Ran's warning. In the end, he sat back down, his expression dark and unsettled.
"System," Ran said urgently in his mind, "can you locate Uchiha Katsumi?"
"Ding! Yes. Target is currently heading toward Naka Shrine. He is scheduled to meet a contact from Root," the system replied flatly.
Ran's eyes narrowed as he accelerated.
Never underestimate anyone, he thought grimly.
The most dangerous place is often the safest.
They had chosen Naka Shrine as the meeting point.
The Uchiha only sent people there during major festivals for cleaning and rituals. On ordinary days, no one stayed there. And because it bore the Uchiha name, no one would suspect secret dealings within.
Outside Naka Shrine.
Uchiha Katsumi emerged from the forest wearing a python-head mask. He took out a flute and began to play.
Moments later, the sound of a dog barking echoed back—but any trained ear would recognize it as a human imitation.
Katsumi exhaled in relief and stepped out from the trees.
Two figures stood at the shrine entrance, their faces blank behind masks. One of them spoke coldly.
"Viper. Today's meeting report."
He extended his hand.
Katsumi reached to his waist and pulled out a scroll. As he prepared to hand it over, he spoke quietly.
"The Uchiha Clan…"