Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Shina’s Unusual Way of Handling Clan Drama
The Uchiha clan was a powerhouse, but that didn't mean it was free from drama. Tensions always simmered just beneath the surface—political debates, family rivalries, and, of course, Fugaku's intense need for everyone to be a perfect shinobi.
Shina, however, had a unique way of handling these situations: by being as unserious as possible.
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One afternoon, Fugaku held a clan meeting in the main hall. The adults gathered to discuss the latest updates from the Hidden Leaf Village, the growing pressure from the village elders, and the Uchiha clan's place in the political landscape.
As always, Shina attended, not because he cared, but because his mother insisted. He sat cross-legged in the corner, chewing on a rice ball he had smuggled in.
Fugaku was in the middle of a passionate speech about the Uchiha's strength when Shina loudly crinkled the wrapper.
"Shina," Fugaku growled, glaring at him, "must you eat right now?"
Shina shrugged. "The clan's future is important, but so is my blood sugar."
A few younger Uchiha snickered. Even Mikoto had to bite back a smile.
Fugaku pinched the bridge of his nose. "Do you take anything seriously?"
Shina leaned back, balancing his rice ball on his finger like a kunai. "I take peace seriously, Father. And nothing brings people together like good food."
The tension in the room was thick, but before Fugaku could lecture him further, little Itachi, who had tagged along to observe, piped up.
"Shina-nii is right," he said softly. "Sometimes, people fight because they're too tense. Maybe we should take a break and eat together."
The room fell silent. No one knew how to respond—except Shina, who grinned and patted Itachi on the head. "See? The kid gets it."
Mikoto, ever the peacekeeper, took the opportunity to intervene. "Well, it wouldn't hurt to lighten the mood. Perhaps we should adjourn for a while."
Fugaku sighed in defeat. "Fine. But don't think this excuses your behavior, Shina."
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Later that day, Shina and Itachi sat by the compound's garden, enjoying more snacks.
"You really saved me back there, Itachi," Shina said, ruffling his brother's hair. "You've got a knack for saying the right thing at the right time."
Itachi looked up at him with a rare smile. "I just said what you would have said, Shina-nii."
Shina froze for a moment, then laughed. "Guess I'm rubbing off on you."
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Shina's antics didn't just lighten the mood during serious moments—they also began to bridge gaps in the clan. His laid-back attitude made him approachable, even to the usually distant members of the family. Over time, people began to realize that while Shina might not act like a typical Uchiha, he brought something the clan desperately needed: harmony.