big brother shina: reborn in the Uchiha clan

Tensions simmered within the Uchiha clan in the days following Shisui's intervention. While Kotoamatsukami had swayed the minds of some elders, the cracks within the clan only grew deeper. Whispers of manipulation and betrayal spread like wildfire, sowing mistrust among the members.

Shina, Itachi, and Shisui found themselves under scrutiny, their every move watched by both allies and skeptics alike.

---

Shina leaned back against the training post in the compound, arms crossed, watching as several Uchiha members passed by. Their eyes darted toward him and then quickly away, their whispers barely audible but unmistakably about him.

"Shina-nii," came a familiar voice. He turned to see Daigo, one of the younger clan members, approaching him hesitantly.

"What's up, Daigo?" Shina asked casually, though his keen eyes didn't miss the boy's nervousness.

Daigo fidgeted, avoiding Shina's gaze. "People are saying… well, they're saying Shisui used some kind of forbidden jutsu on the elders. Is that true?"

Shina's smirk was quick, though his eyes remained sharp. "Forbidden jutsu, huh? Sounds like a bedtime story to scare kids. Where'd you hear that nonsense?"

Daigo hesitated, then gestured toward a group of older Uchiha gathered near the far side of the courtyard. "Some of them are talking about it. They're saying it's proof that Shisui wants to take over the clan—or worse, that he's working with the Hokage."

Shina's expression darkened, but he quickly covered it with a nonchalant shrug. "People love to gossip, Daigo. Don't let it get to you." He ruffled the boy's hair, sending him off with a grin.

But as Daigo walked away, Shina's carefree demeanor vanished. He clenched his fists, his mind racing.

---

Later that evening, Shina met with Itachi and Shisui in their usual secluded spot near the edge of the compound. Shisui looked more tired than ever, the toll of Kotoamatsukami evident in his weary eyes.

"They're talking about you," Shina said bluntly, sitting down on a nearby rock. "The whole clan. Rumors about you using forbidden jutsu to control the elders. Some are even saying you're siding with the Hokage against the clan."

Shisui sighed, rubbing his temples. "I expected this. The hardliners are doing everything they can to discredit me. They're trying to rally the clan against us."

"They're succeeding," Itachi said, his tone quiet but grave. "Distrust is spreading faster than we can contain it. Even those who were unsure about the coup are starting to question your intentions, Shisui."

Shina leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "So what's the plan? Do we confront the hardliners directly? Call them out for spreading lies?"

Shisui shook his head. "That'll only make things worse. If we attack them publicly, it'll divide the clan even further. We need to be careful, strategic."

"Strategic how?" Shina pressed. "Because right now, it feels like we're just sitting around waiting for things to blow up."

Itachi spoke up, his voice calm but firm. "We need to focus on building trust with the undecided members of the clan. Show them that we're acting in their best interests, not against them."

Shina frowned, clearly unsatisfied. "And what about the hardliners? They're not going to stop spreading their poison just because we're playing nice."

Shisui looked away, his expression troubled. "I've been considering… using Kotoamatsukami again. On the ringleaders this time. If I can—"

"No," Itachi interrupted, his tone sharp. "You've already risked too much using it once. The strain on you is obvious, Shisui. And if the hardliners catch wind of it, it'll only confirm their accusations."

Shina nodded in agreement. "Itachi's right. You've done enough, Shisui. It's our turn to step up."

Shisui hesitated, then gave a reluctant nod. "Alright. But be careful. The hardliners are dangerous. If they feel cornered, they won't hesitate to escalate things."

Shina smirked, though his eyes held a dangerous glint. "Let them try. I've been itching for a fight anyway."

Itachi sighed, giving Shina a disapproving look. "This isn't about fighting, Shina. It's about protecting the clan."

"I know, I know," Shina said, waving him off. "But if they push us, I'm not just going to stand there and take it."

---

As the three parted ways, the weight of the situation hung heavily over them. The clan was a powder keg, and it felt like only a matter of time before the spark was struck.

Shina walked back to the compound alone, his mind racing. For all his bravado, he couldn't shake the feeling that they were running out of time.

"We need to end this," he muttered to himself. "Before it's too late."

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