Both Sides Eat

Early the next morning, Uchiha Ling arrived at the Hokage Office.

Compared to the imposing figure he cut at the clan meeting yesterday, Uchiha Ling appeared much calmer today.

"Lord Hokage." Uchiha Ling's voice sounded slightly lower than usual.

Hiruzen Sarutobi set down the documents in his hand and looked at the young man before him.

"Ling, you're here. How did the clan meeting go?" In truth, he had already heard that there had been many disputes at the Uchiha clan meeting last night.

Uchiha Ling looked up, a wry smile appearing on his face, and began to describe the situation in a tone tinged with helplessness:

"To get the clan to agree to share positions in the Military Police Force—for many clansmen who view the Military Police Force as an heirloom passed down by our ancestors and a symbol of Uchiha pride—it was practically like asking for their lives."

"The meeting was incredibly heated; several elderly elders nearly slammed the table. If I hadn't worn myself out arguing that this was for the sake of the Uchiha standing more firmly in the village in the future, this matter wouldn't even have been worth mentioning."

Uchiha Ling paused for a moment before continuing: "Many ordinary clansmen are worried: if we give up these positions, what benefits will we Uchiha get? Will we be marginalized later? Will the practical perks we relied on from working in the Military Police Force disappear?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi listened attentively, nodding from time to time. He could fully imagine how those stubborn Uchiha old-timers would oppose this.

That Uchiha Ling, at such a young age, could withstand such immense pressure to push this matter forward—regardless of his true motives—made Hiruzen Sarutobi hold him in higher regard for his ability and determination.

Furthermore, Uchiha Ling's claim that the clansmen only cared about practical interests aligned perfectly with Hiruzen Sarutobi's understanding of the Uchiha; he felt Uchiha Ling was not lying.

"Ling, you've worked hard."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone was filled with appreciation. "It is no small feat that you were able to prioritize the village's overall situation and persuade your clansmen."

In his heart, he felt that the decision to have Tsunade take Uchiha Ling as a disciple had been the right move; Uchiha Ling truly possessed the Will of Fire, much like Kagami Uchiha.

"This is what I should do."

Uchiha Ling lowered his head modestly, then shifted the topic, his face taking on a more troubled expression.

"However, Lord Hokage, the emotions of the people in the clan have only been temporarily suppressed. If we cannot give them some tangible 'compensation,' I fear that when the reforms proceed later, there will be chaos, which might even affect the operations of the Military Police Force and the stability of the village."

Uchiha Ling looked up, his eyes sincere as he gazed at Hiruzen Sarutobi:

"After thinking it over, I believe only by providing some concrete resources can we slightly appease everyone's resentment and comfort those clansmen who feel they have suffered losses by giving up their positions."

"With these things, it will be easier for me to speak when I return. I can tell the clansmen that we are not retreating, but rather trading a few positions for more support and resources from the village, all for the sake of the Uchiha's better development in the future."

"Only then might they be more willing to accept it, and the reforms can proceed more smoothly."

Upon hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi was not angry; instead, a look of "as expected" and "this is a bargain" flashed in his eyes.

Trading some resources for the Uchiha to relinquish core power in the Military Police Force—in his view, this was an absolute steal!

How could the positions and influence of the Military Police Force be compared to such meager resources?

That Uchiha Ling could persuade the Uchiha to agree to open up the Military Police Force was already a great merit. Now, simply needing some resources to appease those below was a very reasonable request—even smaller than the cost Hiruzen Sarutobi had anticipated.

"Ling, I understand your difficulties."

Hiruzen Sarutobi agreed readily, without a moment's hesitation.

"The Uchiha Clan has made such a great sacrifice for the unity of the village; the village will certainly not let you feel disheartened. Make a list of the resources you need and give it to me."

"As long as it is within a reasonable range, I will find a way to allocate them to you from the village's reserves. You must appease the clan and ensure that the reforms can be pushed forward smoothly."

Hiruzen Sarutobi felt quite satisfied, thinking that Uchiha Ling was indeed doing things in a down-to-earth manner, even considering such details.

Moreover, knowing how to solve problems with the most practical methods was far better than those who only shouted, "Everything is for Konoha."

"Thank you for your understanding, Lord Hokage!" Uchiha Ling immediately showed a look of relief and deep gratitude, bowing deeply.

"With your word, I have something to tell them when I return! I will compile the list as soon as possible, ensuring not a single cent of the village's money is wasted. All resources will be used to appease the clansmen and stabilize the situation."

Holding the resource allocation order personally approved by the Hokage, Uchiha Ling walked into Naka Shrine once again.

At this moment, his steps were steady, and the trace of fatigue on his face had long since vanished, replaced by composure and confidence.

Those with a say in the clan had mostly arrived, their gazes focused on the young man who now held significant power.

"Clan Head, elders, and clansmen." Uchiha Ling's voice was loud, echoing throughout the shrine.

"I have just returned from Lord Hokage. I have already reported to him our Uchiha decision to relinquish some seats in the Military Police Force for the sake of the village's overall situation."

As soon as these words were spoken, some hushed discussions broke out below.

Uchiha Ling did not wait for the questioning to grow louder; he directly raised the allocation order stamped with the Hokage's seal, his voice rising a notch with powerful persuasiveness:

"However! At my request, the Hokage has specifically approved a large amount of resources for us, intended to help the Uchiha develop and strengthen our foundation!"

Then, Uchiha Ling read out the contents of the list clearly, item by item:

Including tax exemptions for several areas, priority rights to undertake high-level missions, a large batch of high-quality ninja tools and training materials, and a piece of commercial land in a bustling part of the village...

With every item he read, the eyes of many Uchiha clansmen brightened.

These things were tangible benefits, relating to the interests and future development of every household.

"In the past, we Uchiha held onto the Military Police Force alone. It looked impressive, but in reality, we were guarded against everywhere, like being locked in a cage."

"Now, we are trading a little power for greater room for development and tangible resources, while also letting the whole village see the Uchiha's breadth of mind and sense of responsibility!"

"From now on, the path for us Uchiha in the village will only grow wider!"

The tangible benefits, coupled with the bright future painted by Uchiha Ling, instantly washed away the lingering dissatisfaction in the hearts of the clansmen.

Many who had originally opposed or hesitated began to whisper to one another, their faces showing signs of temptation and agreement.

Visible and tangible benefits are always the most persuasive.

Clan Head Uchiha Chishin watched the shift in the clansmen's attitudes from the stage, his heart filled with complex emotions.

Yet, he had to admit that this move by Uchiha Ling had indeed pacified the clan in a short period and brought Uchiha real, concrete advantages.

(For those readers eager for combat scenes, do not worry; the plot is about to reach its climax. The protagonist will be slaughtering his way through the Third Shinobi World War, and this wave of Emotion Points will be maxed out.)