Fugaku Takes Action

Young Uchiha Setsuna had perfectly inherited the Uchiha's arrogance. His failure in the competition for Fourth Hokage had already left him deeply resentful, and now the village was constantly on guard against the Uchiha. His heart was filled with anger.

"I don't see it that way. Why should we Uchiha bow and scrape before a civilian Ninja? We're so powerful—why not just take their place outright? I believe Konoha would become even stronger under Uchiha leadership."

Uchiha Setsuna's radical ideas were opposed by the steady and prudent Eagle.

"If force could solve everything, then why didn't the First Hokage and Uchiha Madara unite the Ninja World when they joined forces? Why did they distribute the Tailed Beasts instead?"

A Susanoo-Clad Buddha, two men wiping out four nations. Compared to that, present-day Leaf Village had truly declined completely.

"It was precisely because they failed to unify the Ninja World that today's chaos exists. We must inherit Uchiha Madara's will and unify it through force."

No one had expected Elder Setsuna's views to be so extreme. The other elder, Uchiha Baru, acted as though this had nothing to do with him and did not say a word.

"There's no point discussing that now. As long as we remain in Leaf Village, our goals are aligned with the village's. We absolutely cannot cause any more trouble."

Fugaku had failed in the competition for Fourth Hokage. The path through the upper ranks was no longer viable. Now, only by binding themselves firmly to Konoha could the Uchiha preserve themselves forever.

"I intend to hand over the authority of the Guard Division. At the same time, I'll have some outstanding clansmen join the Anbu and other departments, completely binding ourselves to Konoha. We prosper together, and suffer together."

As soon as Fugaku spoke those words, the expressions of the three elders beside him shifted unpredictably. Even Baru, who had remained silent all this time, showed a thoughtful expression.

The first to jump out in opposition was Elder Setsuna.

"Clan Head, that absolutely won't do. If we do that, what difference will there be between us and minor clans like Ino-Shika-Cho? The Uchiha should stand proud and obtain what we want through our own strength, not by submitting to obtain it."

Elder Eagle, his face covered in beard, immediately sprang to his feet. "What do you mean, submitting? Konoha was originally founded jointly by the former Clan Head Uchiha Madara and Hashirama Senju. The Uchiha's fate has long been bound to Leaf Village. This is everyone's village to begin with—how can it be called submission?"

Uchiha Setsuna did not want to continue arguing. "I'll say just one thing: I absolutely will not agree."

Uchiha Baru, who had remained silent until now, stepped in to mediate. "Everyone, calm down. Actually, the Clan Head is right. Although the Guard Division has a certain amount of authority, its work is all about offending people."

"If we keep doing it, it will easily arouse the villagers' dissatisfaction, even hatred. I'm sure everyone has heard at least a little about what the Security Force does in its daily work. People curse them behind their backs often enough."

"They may overlook it for a while, but the longer it goes on, the more resentment and dissatisfaction will accumulate. By then, the Uchiha will be even more ostracized within the village. Once that time comes, there will be no chance to turn back."

"Therefore, I believe the Clan Head is right. We can indeed hand over part of the Security Force's authority, but the Clan Head should remain Commander-in-Chief. Bring in Ninja from other clans below us to carry out missions alongside the Uchiha. If everyone is treated equally, they can supervise one another, and we can take the opportunity to cleanse our previous bad reputation."

"As for Clan Head Fugaku's proposal to send Uchiha clansmen into the Anbu, that is also feasible. It can be implemented at the same time."

Uchiha Setsuna fell silent.

When Uchiha Madara left Konoha, why had so many Uchiha clansmen not followed him? It was because they hated war, had grown accustomed to peace, and had had enough of drifting from place to place. Once they had somewhere to settle down and build a life, who would still be willing to live without a permanent home? Besides, after the five great Ninja villages had been established, it was no longer realistic for one clan to contend against an entire village.

Thus, when Uchiha Madara finally left, all he left at the village gates was an imposing silhouette and his legend.

The conflict was still in its early stages. It had only arisen from Fugaku's failure to become Hokage and the Uchiha's usual arrogance. Making concessions now and cutting their losses in time was the best choice. Even if some clansmen objected, they would only be a small minority.

Once the entire Uchiha developed thoughts of a military coup, with Danzō Shimura making moves behind the scenes, Clan Head Fugaku would only be dragged along by the whole clan.

Fugaku looked at the three elders before him. Only Uchiha Setsuna showed any intention of opposing the proposal. Following the principle that the minority obeys the majority, the matter was settled. All that remained was to discuss it with the Hokage and work out a concrete implementation plan.

"Then it's decided. I'll speak with the Hokage."

"Have the Security Force prepare in advance for the handover. Draw up a list of clansmen who have performed well, and have them take up posts in the village's Anbu when the time comes. I'll leave this matter to the three elders."

"Understood. We'll do it as soon as possible."

Uchiha Eagle and Baru agreed quickly. Although Setsuna did not agree outright, he did not continue to express clear opposition.

"Good. Then it's decided."

After saying that, Uchiha Fugaku rose and saw the three elders out.

Uchiha Itachi had just put down his younger brother when he saw his father leave together with the three elders.

He already understood. It seemed that his father, as Clan Head, had begun to take action. It appeared that his and Qingfeng's persuasion had worked.

In the Ninja World, peace was the eternal theme.

"I haven't seen Qingfeng in a long time. I'll go see him tomorrow and tell him about this while I'm at it."

When Fugaku returned, he saw his eldest son standing in the corridor, seemingly lost in thought.

He had long grown accustomed to Itachi's habits. He would think over every matter several times and analyze it carefully. He was an especially intelligent child.

It was just that he had too few friends within the clan. He had one older brother-like friend, Shisui, and one Uchiha genius, Uchiha Qingfeng.

Fugaku understood that as well, but Itachi's standards were simply too high. To him, children his own age were like toddlers. Only a genius like Qingfeng gave him someone with whom he shared some common ground.

Since Sasuke's birth, Itachi had barely left the house.

"Itachi, I haven't seen Qingfeng in a long time. When you have time, invite him over for a meal."

"Yes, Father."

Seeing Itachi's expression, Fugaku let out a soft sigh.

"The Ninja Academy will be starting soon. When the time comes, both of you should attend the Ninja Academy."

Faced with Itachi's puzzled gaze, Fugaku could only continue explaining, "Teaching yourself is not as good as having a teacher. Although I can teach you ninjutsu, there are things beyond ninjutsu that you need to learn as well."

There was another sentence he did not say aloud: It would be best to make more friends at the Ninja Academy, preferably female friends.

"Understood, Father."

Itachi was Fugaku's pride. Then why had he had Uchiha Sasuke? Mainly because of Itachi's personality—Fugaku was somewhat worried that he would carry the burden of the entire clan and live a lonely life.