Qingyu was puzzled, but he didn't let it show.
He quietly moved to the very edge of the crowd, imagining that he could use everyone else as a shield.
Then he found a corner in the shadows and settled in, doing his best to go unnoticed.
Besides, this spot had been tested by history: if the Anbu ever surrounded them, Qingyu would be the first to point out which one was the Clan Head!
Fugaku glanced at him and gave an almost imperceptible nod before continuing his speech:
"...So, the official response from the Hokage's Office is that the Police Force's budget has been cut across the board by five percent this year.
"The reason given was, 'The village's finances are tightening, so every department has to weather the difficulties together.' But from what I've learned privately, the Anbu's budget has increased by eight percent over the same period, and the Mission Department's budget has gone up by three percent."
"This is blatant discrimination!" an elder from the Radical Faction shouted, slamming his cane against the floor.
"The Uchiha have bled for Konoha! How much did we contribute when the village was founded? And now they're even cutting our basic funding! They're treating us like outsiders!"
An elder from the Radical Faction suddenly slapped the table. "If the Hokage won't approve it, then we'll fight for it ourselves! The Uchiha's honor cannot be begged for!"
"Calm down." Fugaku raised a hand, his voice steady. "Anger and complaints won't solve anything. What we need are practical measures—measures that can improve the situation."
He looked around the room, his gaze passing over every face.
"I propose that at next month's Jonin meeting, we formally put forward a proposal to 'open up, to a limited extent, the option for Uchiha clan members to join regular mission teams.'
"Some of our younger clan members, especially the Chunin and Genin, could take on D-Rank, C-Rank, and even B-Rank Missions instead of being confined entirely to the Police Force.
"That would increase the clan's income and give our people more chances to interact with ordinary villagers, improving the Uchiha's image in the village."
"I object!" another elder from the Conservative Faction immediately said.
Ever since I joined the village as a soldier, my grandpa and my dad—weren't they both bleeding and sacrificing themselves for Konoha?
They already suffered enough for me. You want us to take low-level missions? No way!
"The Uchiha's honor lies in protecting Konoha's order and peace! Taking low-level missions like finding lost cats and dogs or escorting merchants, and mixing with ordinary ninja—that's beneath us! It would stain the Uchiha's dignity!"
"But the reality is that the Police Force has already reached capacity," a relatively moderate elder sighed.
"There are more and more young people in the clan, and a dozen or so Uchiha children graduate from the Ninja Academy every year.
"But fewer than five positions open up annually in the Police Force through retirement or reassignment. There simply aren't enough jobs.
"Are we supposed to let them remain Genin their whole lives, or spend their entire lives guarding a border outpost?"
"Then expand the Police Force!" someone from the Radical Faction said.
"The Hokage's Office won't approve it." The moderate elder shook his head. "They'd be happy if there were fewer of us."
The argument began.
Qingyu huddled in the corner, doing his best to play the invisible man.
Well, well. A Uchiha-style company board meeting? The Police Force's core business was shrinking, so they had to break into a new line of business?
Clan Head Fugaku's thinking was a lot like a product manager's. The traditional business wasn't growing, so now they wanted to tap into the young ninja market and find growth in the mission platform.
That elder from the Radical Faction sure knew how to pound the table. I know the type—just like the old-timers who oppose a company's transformation: "We make premium products! How can we start selling budget options?"
Still, the conflict was pretty real. Save face or save substance? Cling to traditional glory or focus on survival... Tsk, making a living as an Uchiha isn't easy.
A half-cooked mess...
Izuna suddenly snarked, "What kind of worms have the Uchiha become these days? We didn't waste time talking back then. We just fought our way out!"
Tobirama sneered. "What kind of bullshit are you spouting? You 'fought your way out,' and what happened? I kicked you to death like some stray dog on the roadside."
The argument went on for half an hour, and nobody convinced anyone.
Of course, the argument in Qingyu's head never stopped either.
At last, Fugaku summed things up, his tone leaving no room for argument. "All right. At next month's Jonin meeting, I'll formally put forward the proposal for 'limited opening.' At the same time, we need to strengthen the training of the younger generation within the clan..."
His gaze turned toward Qingyu, and his voice rose slightly. "Take Qingyu, for instance. His performance in this Chunin Ninja Exams deserves recognition!
"Although he only placed eighth in the end, that's already a great breakthrough for a child who was previously unknown and even ranked at the bottom of the Ninja Academy.
"It proves that the Uchiha's potential can be unlocked under the right pressure and in the right environment."
Whoosh!
Everyone's eyes immediately focused on Qingyu.
Qingyu forced himself to step forward and lowered his head. "Thank you for the praise, Clan Head. I still have a long way to go."
Wait, you're using me as an example of a successful transformation? Clan Head, that pitch came out of nowhere! I'm under a lot of pressure here!
"I hear you've also been experimenting with a new ninjutsu, one that combines Water and Fire Release?" Fugaku asked.
"Yes," Qingyu replied cautiously. "It's still at an early stage and very rough. I hope you'll forgive me, Clan Head."
"Innovation is a good thing." Fugaku nodded. "The Uchiha's future can't rely only on what our ancestors passed down. We need new blood and new ideas, too. Shisui."
Shisui stepped out of the crowd with a gentle smile. "Clan Head."
"For the next month, make time to train Qingyu," Fugaku said.
"His parents died young, so the clan should look after him. Your skills in ninjutsu and Shuriken will help him avoid a few wrong turns."
Shisui smiled and nodded. "Of course, no problem! Qingyu has a lot of potential, and I'm looking forward to working with him."
Qingyu's heart jolted.
Uchiha Shisui was going to train him? One of the strongest of the Uchiha's younger generation—Body Flicker Shisui! The guy whose eye Danzo would steal in the future!
That was way too much pressure!
Danzo: I've got my eye on you!
"Itachi," Fugaku said again.
Itachi stepped forward, expressionless. "Clan Head."
"Observe Qingyu's performance in the final round of the Chunin Ninja Exams and write a detailed assessment report. Include his tactical choices, use of ninjutsu, mental fortitude, and so on," Fugaku said.
"Hand the report directly to me."
"Understood." Itachi's answer was concise and firm.
At last, Fugaku looked at Qingyu, his gaze deep. "Prepare well for the final round. The Uchiha's honor needs every clan member to uphold and prove it! The clan will provide whatever support you need, but you have to walk your own path."
"Yes. I'll do my best." Qingyu bowed again.
I'm done for. The Uchiha's two biggest stars are going to be my personal tutor and examiner? Isn't that overkill? I just want to make Chunin! What happened to keeping a low profile and building up my strength?
The clan meeting discussed a few other minor matters, such as arrangements for the clan festival and the enrollment of several children, before it was adjourned.
People gradually began to leave.
Qingyu brought up the rear and was just about to slip out of the shrine when Shisui caught up with him.
"Qingyu," Shisui said with a beaming smile, warm as a friendly big brother's.
But Qingyu could still detect a hint of the "Your senior's going to give you some proper special training" kind of mischief in it.
Word, my experience is huge. Just bear with it!
"Senior Shisui." Qingyu hurriedly straightened up.
I'm scared! Konoha brotherly love—I'm at my wits' end!
Before you continue