"Mikoto think it's time we discuss something... deeper."
"Shin~"
Mikoto, sitting beside Uchiha Shin, lowered her gaze, her cheeks tinged with red as she murmured his name.
Kanako hesitated before whispering timidly, "Master, is this really okay?"
"With the power of the Curse Mark enhancing your bodies, you're both far stronger than before."
Uchiha Shin stroked Kana's head gently, his other hand subtly intertwining his fingers with Mikoto's.
"As for me, well... if it's too much, I'll just pace myself, or shrink a little if I have to."
At that moment, Mikoto and Kanako surrendered themselves to him.
...
...
The next morning, Uchiha Shin found himself in the kitchen, a rare occasion.
"It's a bit early, but the sooner you get used to it, the sooner you can enjoy it fully."
Humming a tune, he turned around and began feeding a half-asleep Mikoto and Kana spoonfuls of hot porridge, the two girls still too drained to move much.
"You two can rest at home today. No need to worry about anything else."
Meanwhile, within the Uchiha district, an unprecedented number of clan members had gathered. Even those who had yet to awaken their Sharingan had come together, all moving toward the Elders' Hall.
Today was the day. The Uchiha clan would officially discuss the appointment of a new clan leader.
The hall was silent, all eyes fixated on one particular seat—the empty chair beside Uchiha Shinji.
"Tch! Uchiha Shin didn't even bother showing up on time for such an important meeting. Disgraceful!"
Uchiha Toyama, an elder seated across from Shinji, sneered.
His supporters quickly echoed his sentiment, but Uchiha Shinji merely opened his three-tomoe Sharingan and stared at him coldly.
"The meeting has yet to start, Elder Toyama. No need to rush."
Shinji's calm yet commanding tone shut down any further grumblings.
Currently, in the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Shin's rise in power had also bolstered Shinji's influence significantly. Toyama was acutely aware that if they failed to suppress Shin and Shinji today, his faction might never recover.
Just as Toyama was about to respond—
"Looks like I'm a little late, but I'm still on time."
A firm, unwavering voice echoed through the hall.
Uchiha Shin strode in, his presence immediately silencing the murmurs. His sharp gaze swept across the room, and in an instant, Toyama shut his mouth. The gathered clan members instinctively parted, making way for him.
Surrounded by the crowd, Shin entered the Elders' Hall and effortlessly took his seat next to Shinji.
Seeing him, Shinji's stern face softened into a rare smile.
"You're here, Shin. What happened? Why the delay?"
Shin's lips twitched, a hint of embarrassment surfacing. "Ahem... I was up late... playing with Mikoto."
Shinji raised a brow.
"At your age, you should be careful."
His words carried amusement rather than scolding. The truth was, Shinji was quite pleased. The stronger the bond between Shin and his granddaughter, the better. Besides, in times of war, relationships often moved quickly. He himself hoped to see a grandson or granddaughter soon.
After exchanging a few more quiet words, the room gradually fell silent as the appointed time arrived.
One of the eldest members of the clan, a neutral party, stood and addressed the gathered Uchiha.
"Since the departure of Uchiha Madara, our clan has been without a leader. Though the wars of the shinobi world rage on, we must recognize one truth—our Uchiha clan must remain united!"
His voice was firm, his expression solemn.
"We have reclaimed our rightful place in the heart of Konoha. Through strength and sheer will, we have proven that we are the mightiest clan in this village. But strength without leadership is meaningless. Today, we choose the one who will lead us forward!"
With his speech concluded, the elder sat down, his gaze shifting toward the two dominant factions in the hall.
On one side, Uchiha Shinji's faction. On the other, Uchiha Toyama's.
The next Uchiha leader would be chosen from among them.
Toyama shot a look at Fugaku, who took a deep breath before standing.
Under the scrutiny of the entire clan, Uchiha Fugaku began his speech, outlining his battlefield accomplishments and his qualifications for the role. His words were carefully rehearsed, subtly downplaying Uchiha Shin's experience while highlighting his own maturity and leadership.
Shin remained silent throughout, watching the spectacle with an indifferent expression.
Toyama, seeing Fugaku's performance, felt a sliver of relief.
"He may not have Shin's influence," Toyama thought, "but we have three generations' worth of connections backing us. We must win this election—no matter the cost!"
His fists clenched beneath the table. If their faction lost today, not only would they fall into irrelevance, but Toyama himself could be at risk of retaliation from Shin and Shinji.
Desperation had driven him to make a deal. Behind the scenes, he had already reached out to the Third Hokage, who, not wanting Shin to gain further power, had agreed to provide support.
For weeks now, Konoha's administration had subtly boosted the image of Toyama's faction, using their wartime achievements to sway public opinion. And if that wasn't enough... there was always force.
Toyama's eyes darkened.
"If we can't win fairly, then we'll take control by any means necessary."
Shin, catching the intensity of Toyama's malice, smirked.
"Heh... so that's how it is, huh?"
His expression betrayed nothing, but inside, he found Toyama's resolve amusing.
"This old fool and I think alike. If the election doesn't go my way, I'm taking it by force!"
A sudden shift occurred.
Toyama, watching Shin's composed demeanor, suddenly felt as though a predator had locked onto him. For a brief moment, he saw not a man, but a beast—an apex predator ready to strike.
Fugaku, still mid-speech, shuddered.
A suffocating, almost tangible killing intent filled the hall, pressing down on him like a vice.
He dared to meet Shin's gaze and instantly regretted it.
Those cold, predatory eyes carried no hesitation, no doubt. Only an unshakable certainty.
Shin was ready to kill him.
A lump formed in Fugaku's throat as he hurriedly wrapped up his speech and sat down, his heart pounding against his ribs.
The hall remained silent, the weight of unseen violence lingering in the air.
The election had yet to be decided.
But one thing was clear—whether by words or by blood, only one side would stand at the end of this battle.
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Bonus Chapter - 150 Power Stones