Light and Darkness (Part 1)

In early February of the 47th year of Konoha, within the Uchiha Clan compound, many Uchiha ninjas looked curiously at the young man walking beside their clan head.

Although located in the "Second Ring" and some distance from the commercial district, the Uchiha Clan managed their compound quite well, and some villagers even chose to come here to shop.

In a senbei shop run by an elderly couple, many children cheered loudly as they received free gifts, while teenagers chased and played outside the store.

Merchants greeted customers enthusiastically, and the Uchiha ninjas stationed in the compound bowed in respect whenever they saw their clan head.

Such a peaceful scene made Fugaku Uchiha feel a sense of pride; it was a testament to his governance, proving that the Uchiha Clan was flourishing under his leadership!

"This is your first time here, right, Shu Furukawa? In fact, the goods and weapons sold by the Uchiha Clan are of superior quality, and the prices are lower than most merchants in the village."

"This is why everyone enjoys coming here to shop; we truly welcome interaction between our fellow villagers!"

Fugaku Uchiha spoke of the situation within his clan with pride, but his expression shifted quickly; as he sighed over the clan's dilemmas, he said regretfully:

"Many people in the village have a great misunderstanding of us, and the reputation of the Police Force is getting worse and worse."

"Perhaps many have forgotten that Konoha was originally founded by the Senju Clan and the Uchiha Clan together."

"We, too, love this village immensely."

Shu Furukawa, dressed in the blue casual wear of a chunin, nodded in acknowledgment, but he did not engage the clan head in talk of love, responding instead with a smile:

"Are you worried that the village will cut the budget for the Police Force, Fugaku-sama?"

"I personally don't think there is any need to worry at the moment. Sunagakure seems to be experiencing internal strife, and once a war breaks out, Orochimaru-sama will be dispatched to that front line."

"The Uchiha Clan will certainly be summoned, and the village might even increase the budget for the next quarter."

Upon hearing "increase the budget," Fugaku Uchiha did not smile; instead, he sighed helplessly and said:

"It seems Shu Furukawa has already understood the plight of the Uchiha Clan. As the clan head, I must think about the future of our people."

"..."

The two did not delve deeper into this matter here. After Fugaku Uchiha took Shu Furukawa on a tour of the compound, they returned to his home together.

As a clan head, Fugaku Uchiha's courtyard was not large, but every detail revealed refinement, and there was no shortage of modern appliances, with living conditions far exceeding those of commoners.

Mikoto Uchiha, heavily pregnant, served them tea. With a new family member arriving in a few months, her smile was exceptionally gentle:

"I truly hope this child can possess talent like Shu Furukawa's."

Fugaku Uchiha also held great expectations for his first child. A look of tenderness appeared on his face as he looked at his wife and said softly:

"I believe in this child. Go and rest."

Shu Furukawa bowed politely. After he sat back down, Fugaku Uchiha suddenly asked a rather sharp question:

"Shu Furukawa, what is your opinion of the Uchiha Clan?"

He had not intended to discuss such things, but after Shu Furukawa's previous remarks about the budget, Fugaku Uchiha knew that the young boy before him possessed an extraordinary [capacity].

"The Uchiha Clan perhaps carries the 'darkness' of the village; this is a phenomenon I have observed for many years."

"Many people are dominated by jealousy and hatred. Although my teacher does not like me being exposed to these things, everything that happens at Konoha Hospital constantly reminds me of it."

"A father who is a ninja will even envy his son's talent. This jealousy eventually evolves into hatred, leading a five-year-old child to draw a blade against his father."

"The hatred left behind by war continues to spread, twisting the minds of ninjas until death becomes a form of relief."

Shu Furukawa spoke calmly as he provided examples. He was not exaggerating; he had already witnessed many such cases where a five-year-old child killed their father and was subsequently absorbed by Root.

Not expecting to hear such an answer, Fugaku Uchiha was speechless for a moment. Shu Furukawa, conversely, wore a kind smile as he added:

"Both light and darkness are parts of the village. The Uchiha Clan has taken on a heavy responsibility, and the Hokage sees it all."

"..."

After a long silence, Fugaku Uchiha sighed. He actually felt that what Shu Furukawa said made sense; the Police Force faced the evil within the village directly, and they were indeed a part of the "darkness."

"No wonder many jonin hold Shu Furukawa in such high regard. Do you think the Uchiha Clan has a chance to make changes in the future?"

"That depends on the attitude of the higher-ups. Relying on village funding will always be problematic; the system needs reform."

Shu Furukawa did not hide his intentions. Seeing Fugaku Uchiha nod, he continued:

"That is why I have always hoped that Tsunade-sensei could become Hokage and redistribute the interests."

"The Uchiha Clan could shed some of the Police Force duties. Everyone knows the talent of Uchiha ninjas; the Police Force is simply too small."

"As a disciple, this is my wish, and I will continue to work hard for it. As for the result, that will depend on the village's choice."

Fugaku Uchiha, who had always been dissatisfied with the higher-ups, couldn't hold back after hearing the word "choice," and subconsciously asked:

"If the village makes the wrong choice..."

Halfway through his sentence, Fugaku Uchiha fell silent. Shu Furukawa did not mind, responding with a relaxed expression:

"There is no wrong choice; the Hokage must ultimately earn the recognition of everyone."

"Forgive my rudeness. Every time I discuss the Uchiha Clan, my thoughts seem a bit narrow."

Fugaku Uchiha laughed at himself and took a deep look at Shu Furukawa. He understood why other ninja clans were taking the initiative to reach out to him; an ordinary teenager would not have such thoughts.

The two stopped discussing these "profound" topics. Fugaku Uchiha took the initiative to share his insights on Fire Style ninjutsu and finally presented him with a scroll.

At dinner, Mikoto Uchiha became talkative under Shu Furukawa's guidance. Watching the two chat happily about culinary arts, Fugaku Uchiha also felt a sense of anticipation in his heart:

"If the child Mikoto is carrying possesses such talent, the Uchiha Clan will sooner or later be able to ascend to the position of Hokage."

"..."

After seeing Shu Furukawa off, a white-haired Uchiha ninja paid a visit. Although Yashiro Uchiha was older than Fugaku Uchiha, he remained extremely respectful in front of the clan head.

As his confidant, Fugaku Uchiha shared the contents of their previous conversation. Upon hearing the metaphor of "darkness," Yashiro, sitting opposite him, grew visibly displeased and eventually shouted outright:

"Arrogant brat!"

"Has he never considered that the Fourth Hokage might be born from the Uchiha Clan? He truly is a ninja raised by the Senju Clan!"

Fugaku Uchiha did not speak, merely staring at his confidant. Yashiro Uchiha's anger quickly dissipated, replaced by a dejected whisper:

"My apologies, Clan Head. I should not have lost my composure."

Yashiro Uchiha knew clearly in his heart that the Fourth Hokage would only be chosen from the Sannin; in terms of reputation and connections, all three far surpassed any ninja of the Uchiha Clan.

Seeing his confidant regain his composure, Fugaku Uchiha offered a final reminder:

"This is our chance to enter the center of power, Yashiro. I do not want to hear any other voices within the clan."

"..."