Sleep: Follow-up

On the other hand, in stark contrast to the somber atmosphere in the Laboratory and Tobirama's deep sleep, Izuna's bedroom was filled with a carefree tranquility.

After taking a relaxing hot bath, washing away her fatigue and the grime of Kyoto, Izuna threw herself into the soft bedding.

He didn't even have time to say a few words to Ban before his head hit the pillow and he was instantly overwhelmed by a tidal wave of sleepiness. His breathing became long and steady, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously curled up slightly, as if he were having a sweet dream.

Madara, holding the special Nutrient Solution containing Izuna's left eye, sat on the edge of the bed, looking at his younger brother sleeping soundly and completely unguarded, and was momentarily at a loss for words, feeling both amused and exasperated.

He stared at the eyeball that floated silently in the container, enveloped in soft liquid, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the cool walls of the jar.

I've lost count of how many times this has happened.

Izuna always manages to make even the biggest problems seem like trivial matters that can be dealt with casually, quickly switching to his daily routine of "eating, sleeping, and playing games."

Should we admire his ridiculously strong ability to adjust psychologically, or worry about his instinctive avoidance?

Ban felt a mix of emotions, which ultimately culminated in a very soft sigh.

I left the room and went to the study, carefully placing the container on the table.

Izuna could fall asleep without a care in the world, but he couldn't.

As the Clan Head of the Uchiha clan and one of the founders of Konoha, Madara carried too many responsibilities on his shoulders and too many unsolved mysteries and heavy thoughts in his heart.

Right now, there are two urgent matters to attend to, and both are related to my younger brother who is sleeping soundly.

The first thing was the "Konoha Admission Ticket" plan that Izuna spontaneously proposed when he was in Kyoto, in front of the enthusiastic crowds and nobles.

This plan, which may seem like a quick-thinking solution to the chaotic situation at the time, actually contained profound considerations.

Konoha has been partially opened up from a closed and mysterious Ninja village into a special area that can be visited.

This not only opens up a completely new, non-violent revenue stream, but more importantly, it can change the outside world's stereotype of Ninjas in a gentle and sustainable way.

Extend Konoha's influence beyond mere military intimidation to the grassroots level.

This is undoubtedly a bold change to the traditional Ninja survival model.

Moreover, the effects are immediate.

No sooner had they left Kyoto than several nobles, either with keen senses or completely captivated by the performance, sent Envoy or followed them in person, earnestly inquiring about the specifics of "visiting Konoha."

The most outrageous of them all was that Daimyo's Wife.

She not only sent Envoys, but also directly used her privileges to "requisition" Uchiha Takashi, who was originally staying in the Capital to handle some follow-up matters, as a temporary bodyguard, ostensibly to "escort" her to visit Konoha.

Uchiha Takashi probably never imagined in his life that he, a Jonin Uchiha, would one day receive such an unusual mission as "escorting a noble lady on a friendly visit".

He must be on his way to Konoha right now, feeling incredibly conflicted.

These "guests" are almost at the village entrance. There are so many things to deal with: reception plan, designated open areas, fee schedule, security, etiquette procedures... all of which need to be addressed immediately.

Madara knew that this matter would ultimately fall on Izuna's shoulders, since he was the one who came up with the idea, and only Izuna's perfectly timed tact in dealing with nobles could handle it well.

But before that, as the Clan Head and elder brother, he had to set up the framework first, so that Izuna wouldn't be faced with a complete mess when he woke up.

The second matter was more troublesome and caused Ban a subtle sense of unease.

Uchiha Hinata on stage.

During the performance of "The Tale of the Heike: New Chapter of Ninja", the thirteen-year-old boy, who played Taira no Atsumori, awakened his Sharingan in the poignant scene of Atsumori's death.

Although it's only a single Tomoe, the fact that the Uchiha Clan could awaken their Sharingan through acting is unheard of.

The news spread like wildfire within the Uchiha clan, causing an immediate uproar.

In the Uchiha's understanding, the awakening of the Sharingan has always been closely linked to extreme pain, loss, and intense emotional stimulation intertwined with love and hate.

It is usually only when one loses a close friend or family member on the battlefield, or faces a life-or-death situation, that a strong spiritual impact can unlock the door to this bloodline.

And what about the Hinata?

On stage, he wore a magnificent costume, wielded a Samurai sword, and played a tragic figure from hundreds of years ago.

His "death" was fake, his "pain" was acted out, and his "loss" was scripted.

But he actually... just like that, he opened his eyes?!

This completely overturned the Uchiha Clan's understanding that had been held for thousands of years.

The reactions within the clan are extremely complex.

Some of the clansmen who had experienced the cruelty of war were shocked and even a little absurd. They couldn't understand it. Although they acknowledged Hinata's Strength, he was, after all, a guy known as the Judge, a smiling tiger who made even adults feel terrified.

Even so, they could not accept that the Sharingan, Kekkei Genkai symbolizing power and curse, would awaken because of a "drama".

This is practically an insult to those who opened their eyes in pools of blood and struggled in tears in the past.

Those who participated in or watched the performance felt both excited and confused.

The excitement stems from the fact that the power of the Sharingan seems to have a new, less bloody possibility of awakening.

I'm confused about whether this method of awakening is orthodox and what it means.

Of course, there are also a few extreme voices who believe that Hinata's Sharingan is impure, that it was awakened due to false emotions, and even question its power and potential.

Hinata himself was not surprised at all. When he was called in for questioning, he simply straightened his clothes and followed the tribesman who had called him.

Ban rubbed his temples.

That child probably has his own opinions, but this matter must be handled properly no matter what.

This is not just about Hinata's future; it could also affect the entire Uchiha Clan's re-evaluation of the Sharingan and their own power, and even influence how other clans within Konoha view the Uchiha.

Oh, there's one more thing.

It seems there's also an uproar among the Hyuga Clan.

Although detailed intelligence has not yet been officially reported, Madara could roughly guess what had happened based on the snippets of information relayed by the Uchiha's guards stationed around the Hyuga Clan Compound and the unusual frequency of their clan members' gatherings.

It's that same old, stale dispute over the Branch Family of the Main Family into branches.

It's probably related to this Kyoto trip.

The Hyuga Clan also delivered an outstanding performance in the production of "The Tale of the Heike".

Tokuko, who plays Hyuga Akari, and Hyuga Masayoshi, who plays Retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa, are both marginal figures who rose from the branch Branch Family to the Main Family through unorthodox methods.

They occupied a very important and glamorous position in the drama, winning great reputation and attention.

Especially Hinata Rei, the little girl who played Higa Shinrei in the drama, delivered a deeply moving performance at the cost of a broken leg, becoming almost the core of the tearjerker moments in the entire play, even captivating the Daimyo's Wife.

Those who separated from the Branch Family shone brightly on the stage under the spotlight.

This was nothing short of a silent shock to the Hyuga clan, Main Family with a strict hierarchy and absolute supremacy of the Hyuga Clan.

Those Caged Bird Seal on the foreheads of the Branch Families may bind their lives and their resistance, but they cannot bind the brilliance they radiate on stage, nor the praise and sympathy that come with it.

Madara could almost imagine the tense atmosphere within the Hyuga Clan Compound at that moment.

This matter... is very troublesome.

As the Clan Head, he could make decisions on Uchiha internal affairs with a single word.

But interfering in the Hyuga family affairs? Absolutely not.

That would only add fuel to the fire, and could even be interpreted as the Uchiha's attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of another clan and undermine the unity of Konoha.

Hashirama is the most suitable person to handle this matter.

The Senju Clan and the Hyuga Hashirama have a relatively peaceful relationship. Hashirama himself is known for his amiable personality and is the soon-to-be Hokage. It would be most appropriate for him to mediate or at least show concern.

Thinking of Hashirama, Madara rested his chin on his hand.

On another note... the appointment of the Hokage can now be put on the agenda.

This Kyoto trip not only showcased the new face of Konoha and its Ninjas to the world, but more importantly, it reached a basic consensus with the Daimyo of the Land of Fire on the concept of a "Special Administrative Region".

Although the details still require lengthy and complex negotiations, the general direction has been set.

From then on, Konoha was no longer an armed group outside the national system, but a special administrative region officially recognized by the Land of Fire and enjoying a high degree of autonomy.

This significant transformation requires a formal leader with sufficient authority and representativeness both internally and externally to drive and implement it.

After Hashirama officially assumes the Hokage Position, he will be able to legitimately represent Konoha, liaise with the Land of Fire's court, handle various matters related to the construction of the special zone, and better coordinate the interests among the various clans within the village.

The appointment ceremony and related regulations for the Hokage need to be drafted as soon as possible.

This involves the transfer of power, ceremonial procedures, announcements to people inside and outside the village, and so on—a whole host of tedious but necessary tasks.

Ban frowned.

This kind of paperwork and process planning... is not his forte.

Hashirama would probably slap his forehead and say, "Just throw a party so everyone can have fun," and then leave behind a huge mess.

Izuna is good at planning and coordination, but he needs to rest now, and... in his heart, Madara doesn't want his younger brother to get involved in these administrative matters right after returning home.

Tsk.

There's another troublesome guy we can capture and use.

Tobirama Senju.

Although Ban really, extremely, especially didn't want to admit it, that white-fuzzy hedgehog's brain was indeed very sharp.

It's most efficient to leave the planning and drafting of this pile of things to that guy.

As for the matter of Uchiha Hinata Sharingan within the Uchiha affair, and he should handle it himself.

Perfect opportunity! We can take this chance to gauge the current climate within the clan, put some discordant voices at a low level, and at the same time give Hinata a clear position and explanation.

However, Hinata child... Ban recalled the calm and composed demeanor of the boy when he was called away by his clansmen.

That child probably already had his own plans in mind.

That's fine.

Let the clansmen debate it first, let it ferment.

His final statement might be more effective.

So, let's sort out what needs to be done next.

First, we need to push for Hashirama Senju's official appointment as Hokage. This requires communicating with Hashirama himself to determine the ceremony's time and procedures, drafting the appointment document, and making a public announcement. Tobirama can be involved in this process.

Second, a preliminary framework for opening Konoha to the public was established. This included designating open areas, formulating visitor guidelines, setting fee standards, and arranging reception staff and security plans.

After Izuna has rested, he can then be tasked with refining the details and dealing with the specific "guests."

Third, handle the internal turmoil within the Uchiha clan caused by Uchiha Hinata's awakening of his Sharingan while acting.

This is an internal clan matter, and he will handle it personally. He needs to observe the clan's reaction, listen to opinions from all sides, and ultimately give an authoritative ruling, clarify his stance, and stabilize morale.

Fourth, pay attention to the turmoil within the Hyuga Clan caused by the performance.

It is not advisable to intervene directly in this matter, but close monitoring is necessary.

You could remind Hashirama, in his capacity as the future Hokage, to express concern or mediate when appropriate, to prevent conflicts from escalating and affecting the overall stability of Konoha.

Ban listed these things on a piece of paper, reviewed them twice, and then stood up.

Okay, let's go find Hashirama now.