Storms and Prestige

The Hidden Leaf Village felt as if a massive boulder had been dropped into its midst overnight; the calm surface of the water was shattered, and the resulting ripples spread to every corner.

The cause of this commotion was the joint document posted in the most prominent spot on the bulletin board, bearing both the Hokage's seal and the emblem of the Military Police Force: the official notice regarding the organizational reform of the Hidden Leaf Military Police Force.

"Did you hear? The Military Police Force is recruiting outsiders!"

"Is that for real? Is the Uchiha Clan actually willing to spit out the meat already in their mouths?"

"It's written in black and white! Every clan has a quota, and even civilian ninjas can sign up for the selection process!"

The news swept through the village's streets and alleys like a gale. In taverns, at the mission briefing center, and on family training grounds, almost everyone was discussing this matter.

Meanwhile, at Yakiniku Q on the other side of the village, three young ninjas sat around a table, though the atmosphere was not as relaxed as usual.

They were the younger generation of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio: Nara Shikaku, Akimichi Choza, and Yamanaka Inoichi.

Although they were still only Chunin, as the key heirs being groomed by their respective clans, they were already qualified to know and discuss this major event that had shaken the village.

Nara Shikaku used his chopsticks to mindlessly poke at the meat on the grill, his brows slightly furrowed. His eyes, which usually appeared listless, were now flashing with the light of analysis.

"Uchiha Ling played this hand beautifully," he said in a low voice, a hint of imperceptible admiration in his tone.

"On the surface, he has distributed the power of the Military Police Force, stopped everyone's mouths, and gained a reputation for 'considering the big picture.'"

"But in reality? He used a few insignificant seats to trade for the Hokage's trust and a massive amount of resources. More importantly, he broke the Uchiha's isolation and gained the opportunity to extend his reach into every corner of the village."

Akimichi Choza was focused on dipping a grilled slice of meat into sauce and stuffing it into his mouth, mumbling, "Shikaku, you're overcomplicating it. I just want to know, should we send people? If we go, will we get bullied by the Uchiha?" He was more concerned with practical issues and the safety of his companions.

Yamanaka Inoichi was more composed. He sensed the complex emotions of the people around them discussing the matter and interjected:

"We definitely have to go. This was decided by the higher-ups, and as the pillars of the Hokage's faction, our three clans cannot be absent."

"Besides, this is indeed a good opportunity to understand the Military Police Force and to understand Uchiha Ling."

Yamanaka Inoichi looked at Shikaku. "Shikaku, what do you think of Uchiha Ling as a person?"

Nara Shikaku put down his chopsticks and said seriously, "I can't see through him."

"But every step he takes seems risky, yet he achieves the best possible results. From his time at the academy to gaining the Hokage's attention, and then solving the Uchiha's troubles—he even backhanded Elder Danzo. I even think,"

Nara Shikaku lowered his voice, "his goal might be far more than just the Military Police Force." This speculation made even him feel a slight chill.

Meanwhile, similar discussions were taking place within mid-sized clans like the Hyuga, Inuzuka, and Aburame.

The Hyuga Clan had no major objections to sending Hyuga Tokuma from the branch family; it showed their stance without involving the core interests of the main house.

The Inuzuka and Aburame clans valued this as an opportunity for their clansmen to gain combat experience and access the core affairs of the village.

Regardless of their size, every clan had their own hidden agendas, but they all ultimately decided to participate.

However, those who were truly overjoyed, almost viewing Uchiha Ling as a savior, were the vast number of civilian ninjas in the Hidden Leaf.

"An opportunity! This is a heaven-sent opportunity!"

A civilian Genin who had just graduated from the ninja academy not long ago looked at the notice, his face flushed with excitement.

His friend beside him was equally thrilled: "Yeah! It used to be impossible to get into the Military Police Force! Now, we just need to pass the assessment! The Uchiha Clan is truly great!"

In the civilian residential areas and taverns, similar discussions could be heard everywhere.

"Captain Ling has given those of us without backgrounds a way out!"

"I heard the benefits in the Military Police Force are excellent, and you can even trade merit for ninjutsu!"

"My son has already signed up! If he gets selected, there's finally something to look forward to!"

Many parents of civilian ninjas were even more grateful to Uchiha Ling.

They had struggled at the bottom of the mission ladder their entire lives and knew the hardships of having no clan support.

Now, Uchiha Ling had broken down this barrier and opened a path for their children to reach higher levels; this gratitude was heartfelt.

Uchiha Ling's prestige among the civilians, which might have previously been due to resolving a few conflicts, had now truly taken root in their hearts, remembered and praised by countless families.

Even some ordinary villagers felt the change.

"The Uchiha Clan is being very magnanimous this time!"

"Indeed, it seems the Uchiha aren't all that arrogant and unapproachable after all. This Captain Ling is quite good."

The fear and alienation previously held toward the Uchiha began to quietly dissolve under this open attitude.

Inside the Hokage Office, Hiruzen Sarutobi stood by the window, listening to the Anbu report on the reactions of various parties in the village to the reform of the Military Police Force.

When he heard that there was noise within the Uchiha but it was quickly suppressed, heard that the major clans were cautious but actively participating, and especially when he heard the almost unanimous gratitude and support from the civilian ninjas, Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded with satisfaction, a gratified smile appearing on his face.

"It seems that letting Ling push this matter forward was the right choice."

He said to the two advisors beside him, "This child has a profound understanding of the Will of Fire; he is not limited to his own clan, but thinks of the entire Hidden Leaf. He is truly a student taught by Tsunade!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi increasingly felt that Uchiha Ling was a talent worth molding, an important bridge connecting the Uchiha to the village, and he even began to consider in his heart whether he could entrust him with heavier burdens in the future.

As for the deeper motives Uchiha Ling might have?

In Hiruzen Sarutobi's view, as long as it was for the prosperity and stability of the Hidden Leaf, a little ambition was not a bad thing.

Shimura Danzō naturally learned of everything as well.

Deep within his Root base, listening to the report from his subordinate, Danzō's expression was so gloomy it seemed as if water could drip from it, his single eye flickering with a venomous and icy light.

"That brat of the wicked Uchiha... his methods for manipulating hearts are truly sophisticated!"

The wooden cane in Danzō's hand struck the ground heavily, emitting a dull thud.

He knew clearly that this move by Uchiha Ling had not weakened his power; instead, he had seized the opportunity to infiltrate his influence into every stratum of the village, his prestige now soaring to the heavens.

This was far more terrifying than him simply controlling a closed-off Military Police Force!

"That fool Hiruzen, he's still feeling smug about this!"

Danzō roared in his heart. Although he had initially suggested weakening the power of the Imperial Guard Department, what he had intended was to abolish the regulations left behind by the Second Hokage.

He had not expected Hiruzen Sarutobi and Uchiha Ling to reach this conclusion, but having just been held accountable by Hiruzen, he could only watch helplessly as Uchiha Ling grew stronger step by step, burying his endless resentment deep within his heart.