"It was Elder Yashiro, he informed me to attend the clan meeting," Obito concluded.
"Ah, a clan meeting. Your father attended many of those back in the day..." Grandma said, drifting into her memories.
After dinner, Obito hurriedly cleared the table, washing the dishes and putting them away.
"Obito, you're so considerate. Your father never washed dishes at your age," Grandma instinctively reminisced.
Once an elderly person starts reminiscing, it's hard to stop. Obito listened and occasionally responded with a "hmm," but when it was almost eight o'clock, he had to interrupt as the clan meeting was about to start.
"Obito, you go ahead. I'm feeling a bit tired myself," Grandma said, smiling with a hint of fatigue.
"Alright then, Grandma, take a good rest." Obito waved as he headed towards the Nankai Shrine.
On the way to Nankai Shrine, Obito wasn't thinking about the clan meeting but rather how to convince Grandma to go to Konoha Hospital for a check-up.
Obito felt that Grandma was ill because, upon returning this time, he noticed her energy wasn't as it used to be; she was moving slower and looked older.
But Grandma felt she wasn't sick, rejecting Obito's suggestion to go to the hospital. He couldn't just use the Sharingan's Genjutsu to force her to go to the hospital, as she couldn't handle such stress.
"I'll ask Teacher Mokgetsu if there's any way tomorrow," Obito decided that he would seek advice from the all-knowing Sage Mokgetsu during cultivation.
Lost in thought, Obito unknowingly reached near Nankai Shrine.
"Obito, long time no see," greeted Uchiha Inabi, who also came to attend the clan meeting upon seeing Obito.
After being defeated last time, Uchiha Inabi had a period of self-doubt, especially since he was somewhat reputed within the Uchiha Clan but was defeated by Obito.
Nevertheless, Uchiha Inabi didn't dwell on it for long. Strength is strength, and weakness is weakness. He lost to Obito simply because he was weaker, so he needed more cultivation.
"Uh, you're Inabi-senpai from that day?" Obito tried hard to recall the other's name.
After all, Uchiha Inabi assisted him in acquiring an Advanced Fire Release Ninjutsu.
"Forget the 'senpai,' just call me Inabi. Could you spare some time to guide my Fire Release?" Uchiha Inabi smiled as he spoke with Obito.
He had watched the Chunin Examination and witnessed Obito's powerful Fire Release and Taijutsu, understanding Obito's current strength.
Uchiha Inabi couldn't dare claim to be a senior to Obito due to the vast difference in their abilities. If Obito showcased his Chunin Examination performance against him, he'd certainly be instantly defeated.
"Haha, if time permits, that won't be a problem," Obito couldn't help but smile broadly, feeling very flattered.
As the two walked into Nankai Shrine, they saw many Uchiha members already seated. Obito scanned the room, spotted Shisui, and directly sat next to him, while Uchiha Inabi also joined as there was plenty of room near them.
"It seems the clan holds great expectations for you, Shisui. This is my first time seeing someone attend a clan meeting before even becoming a ninja," Uchiha Inabi couldn't help remarking.
However, considering Shisui's abilities, it made sense. After all, though Shisui was still attending the Ninja Academy, he was capable of defeating Chunins. The only distinction from being a ninja was lacking a forehead protector.
"I just happened to meet the Clan Leader on the way," Shisui explained.
Unlike Obito, Shisui had a vested interest in the Uchiha's clan meetings, so he readily accepted Fugaku's invitation.
In Shisui's view, the Uchiha's issues could only be tackled with a thorough understanding of the clan. Thus, he was eager to attend both the younger generation's gatherings and the clan meetings.
When almost all the Uchiha members had arrived, Uchiha Yashiro nodded at Fugaku, who then announced the official commencement of the clan meeting.
"What does everyone think is the way for the Uchiha Clan to grow and thrive in the current times?" Fugaku introduced the main theme of the clan meeting.
"I think we should apply for more funding!" A Uchiha member around his twenties voiced his opinion.
"Our Police Squad carries such significant responsibilities, we have every reason to apply for more funds to cultivate clan members."
A stir instantly erupted inside the shrine, with many Uchiha members expressing their agreement.
"I think that's a feasible suggestion. If it weren't for our Uchiha's diligent work, spies from other ninja villages would have infiltrated Konoha long ago."
"This is a good proposal. We need the Uchiha to become stronger to better protect Konoha."
Most Uchiha ninjas worked in the Police Squad, with only a few taking part in regular team missions. More funding meant higher salaries, and no one would complain about making more money.
"I'll make an attempt to apply for more funds, but it may not get approved," Uchiha Fugaku replied, feeling the gazes of many Uchihas.
Actually, Fugaku believed it was practically certain the request would be denied. He didn't voice this, not wanting to dishearten the clan members.
Konoha was currently at war, and with the Police Squad not required on the front lines, it was impossible for Konoha's higher-ups to increase the Police Squad's funding at this time. Moreover, with no new achievements from the Police Squad, such an application was bound to be refused.
"We must have an Uchiha become the Hokage to grasp Konoha's core power," another Uchiha quickly added.
Uchiha Fugaku instinctively nodded at this, as it truly was critical for the clan's advancement.