Even though Shisui didn't fully believe it in his heart, he knew that everything Jin had said made sense.
All that money — the village funds — had gone straight into the pockets of the powerful. Led by Sarutobi Hiruzen, those funds were used to strengthen their own clan while others were left to struggle.
Why…?
Thinking of this, Shisui's face filled with helplessness. When he recalled how faithfully he had served, how he had trusted the Hokage without question, he felt a chill of regret.
The Uchiha were far from innocent, but compared to the corruption above them… he felt deceived. If this continued, the consequences would be catastrophic.
"Is there really no other way?" Shisui asked softly.
Uchiha Jin only shrugged. "I'm just a kid. I don't actually care what happens to the Uchiha clan. But, Shisui… you've always treated me well. I don't want to see you die for the wrong cause. You're my friend — I have to protect you."
Shisui gave a faint, bitter smile. He had always thought of Jin as someone to worry about — almost like a younger brother — yet now it felt reversed. Jin was the one protecting him.
And when he thought about it, it was true.
In front of Jin, he felt naïve — idealistic, even. His thoughts suddenly seemed too pure for the world they lived in.
What should he do now?
He couldn't change Jin's mind about the clan yet, but as a descendant of Uchiha Kagami, he couldn't abandon his duty either. After a long pause, he said:
"Jin, I won't force you. But I have my own path. If you still consider me your friend… then give me some advice. What should I do?"
Jin raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. That was easier than expected.
Shisui really was easy to convince. Then again, in the original timeline, he had no one he could truly confide in. Even Itachi — though close — often looked to him for direction.
Now, with Jin here, Shisui's loyalty and idealism could finally find balance.
"Shisui," Jin sighed. "It won't be easy. For the Uchiha as they are now, only great destruction can lead to great renewal."
But Shisui shook his head firmly. "I don't care. As long as there's a way."
Jin studied him for a while, then finally said:
"All right. If you want to reform the clan, the first step is unification. Right now, there are too many voices — radicals, moderates, and everything in between. You need to make them speak with one voice.
To do that, you'll need power — your own faction. A side that others can rally behind."
He leaned forward slightly, his tone low and deliberate.
"The first step is always the hardest. But once you've gained a foothold, you'll have to be ruthless. Divide and conquer. Use politics, persuasion, and manipulation if you must. Spread rumors. Exploit weaknesses. Turn their arrogance against them.
If two factions fight, use the chaos. Make sure their leaders fall — even if it looks accidental. Then take control of the narrative. Shape public opinion. Do what we did with Hatake Tsuchimoro — destroy their credibility."
"When it's over, clean up the mess, absorb their supporters, and finally force Fugaku to abdicate. Only once you've united the Uchiha will you be in a position to negotiate with the Hokage's line."
Shisui's hands trembled slightly. His scalp tingled as he stared at Jin in disbelief.
Was this really what it would take?
"Isn't that too cruel?" he whispered. "Can't it be done more gently?"
Jin rolled his eyes. "This is struggle. The fight for power isn't a dinner party — it's war. If you want to seize control, you'll have to destroy others to do it. That's the reality.
If you're kind in a power struggle, look no further than Hatake Sakumo. Compassion doesn't win — it kills you."
"In the end, there's no right or wrong. Only victory."
Shisui fell silent, deep in thought. The path Jin described was dark — completely opposed to his ideals — yet undeniably effective.
He had wanted to change the clan since childhood. That was why he graduated early, why he devoted himself to the "Will of Fire." He had believed Sarutobi Hiruzen's promises.
Years had passed, and nothing had changed.
He had been confused before, but even now — even in doubt — he still wanted to believe in Hiruzen.