Staring at the utterly puzzled Fugaku, Rinjin tapped his fingers rhythmically on the low table. After a moment of contemplation, he began:
"Fugaku, think about it!
Your friend—what are their strengths and weaknesses? You can accept all of them, can't you?
And why is that?
Because they're just your friend. The only expectation you have of them is companionship in life.
Take me as an example. I, too, have my strengths and weaknesses. But as your teacher, with no power or influence, what expectations could you possibly have of me?
At most, when you encounter something you don't understand, you come to me for answers. If my answer satisfies you, great. If not, it doesn't matter—you'll ultimately have to figure it out yourself.
But!
It's a different story for someone in a position of power.
Those who hold power also bear responsibilities.
For instance, the head of the Uchiha Clan—do you think your clansmen support him unconditionally?
I can assure you, they don't!
Your clansmen hold high expectations for him: they hope he will improve their lives, lead the Uchiha to greatness, and fulfill their idealized image of a leader.
But are your clansmen all the same, unchanging in their thoughts and desires?
No!
Everyone changes, and no two people are exactly alike—just like no two leaves in the world are identical.
This means that your clansmen's expectations of their leader vary greatly."
At this point, Rinjin slowly picked up his teacup, took a sip, and looked at Fugaku with a faint smile.
Fugaku, deep in thought, stared at Rinjin's hand holding the teacup. Hesitantly, he added:
"Teacher, are you saying... I should identify the areas where the clan leader fails to meet the expectations of the clansmen and then inform everyone?"
The moment Fugaku finished speaking, Rii, sitting nearby, rolled her eyes dramatically and muttered:
"You're so dumb! Why would you tell everyone? Are you not making enough enemies already? Or is your life too smooth and boring?"
"What do you mean by that, Big Sis Rii?"
At just over ten years old, Fugaku was no match for the cunning Rii, who had spent years absorbing Rinjin's teachings.
Seeing Fugaku's confusion, Rii extended her palm, tapping it with her other hand as she explained impatiently:
"Idiot! Have you forgotten everything my brother taught you?
Power equals desire, and people with desires will inevitably clash with others!
Find the areas where your clan leader fails to meet the expectations of the clansmen, but don't broadcast it yourself. Instead, give this information to his rivals!
Let his rivals spread the word and help you achieve your goal!"
Hearing Rii's words, Fugaku's eyes lit up. He suddenly recalled the secret meeting he had witnessed between Danzo and the clan leader at Naka Shrine.
Seeing Fugaku's reaction, Rinjin calmly tapped the table and said in a low voice:
"You're right. And Rii's right too. But neither of you is entirely correct."
Ignoring their puzzled expressions, Rinjin continued:
"How can you be sure that what you perceive as 'failing to meet expectations' truly fails to meet expectations?
What you see as a shortcoming might actually align with someone else's expectations.
People are multifaceted—don't fall into the trap of subjective assumptions."
Noticing their lingering confusion, Rinjin sighed and tapped his own head, pondering for a moment before coming up with a simple analogy.
"Let me give you an example. Suppose I help a widow in the village carry water. Do you think that's good or bad?"
Without waiting for their response, Rinjin continued:
"Some people might think I'm a good person, always willing to lend a helping hand.
Others might think I'm hypocritical and despise me for it.
And some might suspect ulterior motives, thinking I fancy the widow and have less-than-pure intentions.
People are complex. Don't waste your time trying to guess their thoughts.
What you need to do is meticulously document every aspect of your clan leader's life, so your clansmen can thoroughly understand him.
As for judgment, leave that to them!
The more they know about their leader, the more complex their opinions will become.
This is what we call 'lifting the veil of mystery.'"
As Rinjin finished speaking, Fugaku's head shot up, his eyes sparkling with admiration.
"Teacher, how does your mind work like that? When will I ever be as cunning as you?!"
Nearby, Rii grinned smugly, her lips curling in pride as she playfully teased:
"Brother~ Brother~
I know you so well, yet I never dislike you. Why is that?"
Hearing this, Rinjin's face immediately darkened.
Because, in name, I'm your brother, but in reality, I'm your father!
No matter what nonsense you come up with, it won't change the fact that I raised you, wiping your snot and changing your diapers!
After chatting for a bit longer, Rinjin and Rii saw off the now-energized Fugaku.
Returning to the tea room, Rinjin picked up his now-cold tea, taking a slow sip as his gaze flickered with uncertainty.
The Uchiha Clan—a clan with pride etched into their very bones.
Whether it was the pro-Hokage faction led by Kagami or the clan-first faction led by the clan head and the elder council, they all shared an unshakable pride in their surname.
Rinjin was convinced that these people would rather die than abandon their Uchiha name.
But that wasn't the outcome he desired.
The name "Uchiha" could remain in Konoha, but it had no place in the new Amegakure he envisioned.
Splitting the Uchiha was easy, but eroding their pride was exceptionally difficult.
As this thought crossed his mind, Rinjin's brows furrowed as he reviewed his past actions.
He had subtly guided Kagami Uchiha, giving him a direction—a visible yet incredibly challenging path.
If Kagami wasn't overly sensitive and had the thick skin of someone like Fugaku, whom Rinjin had trained...
Someone as resilient as Konoha's walls!
Then Kagami might still stand a chance.
But the Kagami shaped by the Uchiha's original family environment—though inheriting Tobirama Senju's Will of Fire—was ultimately still proud and sensitive.
All Kagami could do was propagate his ideals, establishing a new faction within the Uchiha Clan.
Over time, as Kagami ascended to Konoha's upper echelons, his faction gained more supporters.
However, because Kagami lacked ambition, his faction couldn't unite, let alone form an effective political force.
At this point, Rinjin couldn't help but picture the handsome face of Tobirama Senju in his mind.
The disciples this guy and his brother trained were truly unique.
There was the laziest, Torifu Akimichi; the idealistic but weak-willed Kagami;
Then there was the power-hungry, capable, and lecherous Hiruzen Sarutobi;
Next were the power-hungry but spineless, non-lecherous fence-sitters Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane;
And finally, the power-obsessed, highly capable, and non-lecherous Danzo Shimura.
Judging purely by ambition, capability, and lecherous tendencies, Hiruzen Sarutobi was undoubtedly the best choice for the Third Hokage.
Indeed, the philosophy of balance and moderation never fails. Ancient wisdom never lies.
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