Having It Both Ways

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

Compared with the imposing presence he had shown at the clan meeting the day before, Uchiha Ling seemed much calmer today.

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

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

"Ling, you're here. How did the clan meeting go?" He had already heard that there had been plenty of arguing at the Uchiha clan meeting the previous night.

Uchiha Ling raised his head. A bitter smile crossed his face, and he began to explain in a somewhat helpless tone:

"Getting the clan to agree to give up some of the Military Police Force's positions was like asking for their lives. A lot of them see the force as a treasured inheritance from their ancestors and a point of pride for the Uchiha.

"There was a fierce argument at the meeting. Several of the older elders nearly pounded the table. If I hadn't worn myself out explaining that this was for the Uchiha's future, so we could establish a firmer footing in the village, they wouldn't even have considered it."

Uchiha Ling paused before continuing. "Many ordinary clan members are worried about what we'll get in return for giving up the positions. They're afraid we'll be pushed aside in the future, and that we'll lose the benefits we used to get from working in the Military Police Force."

Hiruzen Sarutobi listened attentively, nodding from time to time. He could easily imagine how the stubborn old Uchiha would have opposed the idea.

For someone so young, Uchiha Ling had managed to withstand immense pressure and push the matter forward. Regardless of his true intentions, his ability and resolve impressed Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Besides, Ling's description of the clan members as concerned only with practical benefits matched Hiruzen Sarutobi's understanding of the Uchiha. He didn't think Ling was lying.

"Ling, thanks for all your hard work."

Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke with approval. "It wasn't easy to put the village's interests first and convince your clan."

He felt that arranging for Tsunade to take Uchiha Ling as her student had been the right decision. Ling truly possessed the same Will of Fire as Kagami Uchiha.

"It was the least I could do."

Uchiha Ling lowered his head modestly, then changed the subject, looking even more troubled.

"But, Lord Hokage, the clan members' anger has only been temporarily contained. If we can't offer them some tangible compensation, I'm worried there'll be trouble when the reforms begin. It could even affect the Military Police Force's work and the village's stability."

Uchiha Ling looked up at Hiruzen Sarutobi with an earnest expression.

"I've thought it over, and I think the only way to ease everyone's resentment is to provide some real resources, to reassure the clan members who feel they're losing out by giving up the positions.

"With those resources, I'll have an easier time explaining things when I go back. I can tell the clan that we aren't backing down. We're trading a few positions for greater support and resources from the village, all to secure a better future for the Uchiha.

"That may make it easier for them to accept the decision and allow the reforms to proceed more smoothly."

After hearing him out, Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't angry. Instead, a look of I knew it and that's a bargain flashed in his eyes.

Trading some resources for the Uchiha to give up their core authority over the Military Police Force seemed like an incredible deal to him!

The positions and influence of the Military Police Force were worth far more than a few resources.

Uchiha Ling had already done a great service by convincing the Uchiha to open up the force. Now he was only asking for resources to reassure the rank and file. It was a perfectly reasonable request, and the price was even lower than Hiruzen Sarutobi had expected.

"Ling, I understand your predicament."

Hiruzen Sarutobi agreed readily, without much hesitation.

"The Uchiha Clan has made a great sacrifice for the sake of unity in the village. The village certainly won't let you down. Make a list of the resources you need.

"As long as the request is reasonable, I'll find a way to allocate them from the village's reserves. Make sure you reassure the clan and keep the reforms on track."

Hiruzen Sarutobi was quite pleased. Uchiha Ling really was putting in the work; he'd even thought through the details.

And he knew how to solve problems in the most practical way. That was far better than people who did nothing but shout, "It's all for Konoha!"

"Thank you for understanding, Lord Hokage!" Uchiha Ling immediately looked relieved and deeply grateful, then bowed low.

"With your word, it'll be much easier to explain things when I get back! I'll prepare the list as soon as possible. I promise not to waste a single coin of the village's money. Every resource will go toward reassuring the clan and keeping things stable."

Holding the resource allocation form personally approved by the Hokage, Uchiha Ling entered Naka Shrine once more.

He walked with steady steps. The traces of fatigue had vanished from his face, replaced by composure and confidence.

Nearly everyone with influence in the clan had gathered. Their eyes were fixed on the young man who had already seized power.

"Clan head, elders, everyone." Uchiha Ling's voice rang through the shrine.

"I've just returned from meeting with Lord Hokage. I reported our decision: for the good of the village as a whole, the Uchiha are willing to give up some of our positions in the Military Police Force."

A few murmurs rose from the crowd.

Before anyone could voice their doubts, Uchiha Ling held up the allocation form bearing the Hokage's official seal. His voice grew louder, full of conviction.

"But! At my request, the Hokage has specially approved a large amount of resources to help our Uchiha grow and strengthen our foundations!"

Then Uchiha Ling clearly read out the items on the list, one by one.

They included tax reductions in several districts, priority in accepting high-level missions, a large supply of high-quality ninja tools and training materials, and a plot of land for a shop in a busy part of the village...

With each item he read, the eyes of more Uchiha clan members lit up.

These were tangible benefits, tied to the interests and future prospects of every household.

"Before, we Uchiha held on to the Military Police Force. It made us look powerful, but in reality, we were constantly watched and treated as if we were trapped in a cage.

"Now, we're trading a little authority for greater room to grow and resources we can actually use. We can also show the whole village the Uchiha's generosity and sense of responsibility!

"From now on, the Uchiha will only go further in the village!"

The tangible benefits, combined with the bright future Uchiha Ling painted, quickly dispelled the clan members' dissatisfaction.

Many who had originally opposed the idea or felt uncertain began whispering among themselves, their faces showing interest and approval.

Nothing was more persuasive than benefits they could see and touch.

Clan head Uchiha Chishin watched the clan members' attitudes shift, his feelings complicated.

But he had to admit that Uchiha Ling's approach had calmed the clan in a short time and brought the Uchiha real benefits.