Chapter 29: Katsuro’s Ambition

The Uchiha compound seemed peaceful, but beneath that calm, shadows stirred. Katsuro Uchiha had emerged as a new threat, quietly gathering those still bitter about the village's treatment of the clan. While the Hokage deliberated Fugaku's request to restore the Uchiha's standing, Katsuro plotted his own path—one that could reignite rebellion.

Shina, Itachi, and Shisui knew they needed to uncover his plans before the fragile peace shattered.

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Watching from the Shadows

For the next few days, Katsuro moved carefully, holding private meetings with key clan members. Unlike Daisuke, he wasn't loud or reckless. His approach was subtle—convincing, almost diplomatic.

"He's smarter than Daisuke," Shisui observed, watching Katsuro from a nearby rooftop. "He's not trying to force a rebellion. He's selling one."

Shina crossed his arms. "He's dangerous. If he plays his cards right, he could convince a lot of people to follow him."

Itachi's expression remained calm, though his eyes glimmered with quiet intensity. "We need proof of his intentions before we act. If we confront him now, he'll deny everything."

Shina grinned. "Then let's push him to show his hand."

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A Risky Plan

Shina decided to confront Katsuro indirectly. The idea was simple—spread a rumor that the Hokage was considering moving the Uchiha to a more secure location near the village's edge. Such news would test Katsuro's patience, forcing him to reveal how far he'd go to resist the village.

By nightfall, the rumor had spread like wildfire. Shina, Itachi, and Shisui returned to the western part of the compound, where Katsuro's followers often gathered.

As expected, Katsuro wasn't pleased.

"This is exactly what I warned you about!" Katsuro said to the gathered Uchiha. His voice was low but carried conviction. "The Hokage and his council will never trust us. They want to isolate us—control us."

The group murmured in agreement, but one younger shinobi asked, "What do we do, then? If the head of our clan can't stop them?"

Katsuro paused, glancing around before replying, "Then we stop them ourselves."

Shina's smirk returned. Got you.

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The Confrontation

The next day, Shina approached Katsuro directly.

"Katsuro," Shina greeted casually, hands in his pockets. "Heard you've been busy lately."

Katsuro turned, offering a polite smile. "Shina. Just speaking with some of the younger clan members. The future of the Uchiha matters, after all."

Shina narrowed his eyes. "Future, huh? Funny, because the future you're talking about sounds a lot like Daisuke's old plans."

The smile faded. "Careful with your accusations."

Shina stepped closer, voice dropping. "You can drop the act. We know you're stirring up trouble. And trust me—you're not as good at hiding it as you think."

For a moment, silence stretched between them.

Then Katsuro smirked. "If you do know, then why haven't you stopped me?"

Shina returned the smirk. "Because I'm waiting for you to make a mistake big enough for everyone to see."

Katsuro's gaze darkened. "Then keep watching. You won't have to wait long."

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A Brewing Storm

Later that night, Shina met with Itachi and Shisui.

"He's planning something soon," Shina said. "I could see it in his eyes."

Itachi nodded. "We'll stay ready."

Shisui sighed. "Another storm's coming. Let's hope we're ready when it hits."

As the three of them looked out over the Uchiha compound, the wind shifted—carrying with it the promise of change, for better or worse.

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