Uchiha Hirotomo agreed to Uchiha Xiao's terms. A genius who was eighteen, had three tomoe, and possessed the Magnet Release kekkei genkai had agreed to become an elder of the clan. That would deepen their bond.
He agreed to as many of Uchiha Xiao's requests as he could. It was only an intelligence network, after all—a small matter. But he hadn't expected Uchiha Xiao's next words to make him break out in a cold sweat.
"Clan Head, there's one more thing. Put me in charge of the Konoha Military Police Force. I'll be responsible for communicating with the village leadership." Uchiha Xiao fixed his gaze on Uchiha Hirotomo. He knew the Military Police Force was the Uchiha's only source of power.
Uchiha Hirotomo hesitated. He opened his mouth, then closed it again. Lowering his head, he considered the matter. Usually, the position was passed down from clan head to clan head. The head managed the clan and dealt with the village leadership.
Now, Uchiha Xiao clearly wanted to take some power from the clan head. Even though every clan head had to attend meetings, being in charge of the Military Police Force gave you real clout!
Besides, the Military Police Force was also the main source of positions for the Uchiha Clan. It was a particularly respectable job, allowing its members to crack down on lawbreakers and punish criminals.
Uchiha Xiao sighed. "If you're unwilling to agree, Clan Head, I'll leave immediately and have nothing more to do with the clan." He rose, preparing to leave.
What he meant was clear: if Hirotomo wasn't willing to give him the position, he wouldn't become an elder. Whatever happened to the Uchiha after that would have nothing to do with him.
"Wait, Xiao. I want to know why you want to take charge of the Military Police Force. Are you trying to divide the power of the clan head's branch?" Uchiha Hirotomo stared intently at Uchiha Xiao, hoping to catch a change in his expression.
But he was disappointed. Uchiha Xiao remained composed, sitting upright. "Heh. Let me ask you something: how do the villagers feel about the Uchiha?"
Uchiha Hirotomo's face turned ashen. Because of the Military Police Force, many clan members had been treated with contempt by the villagers. People acted respectful to their faces but cursed them behind their backs.
Even the Uchiha serving in the Military Police Force had lost their enthusiasm. They didn't even bother explaining anymore. Now they simply arrested people, their faces dark.
"Besides, Clan Head Hirotomo, don't you think power can sometimes be a double-edged sword? What do people call the Military Police Force outside the clan? The Uchiha Military Police Force. They've practically made it ours. Have you ever considered what the people above us think?" Uchiha Xiao pointed toward the Hokage Building.
Uchiha Hirotomo's face darkened further. Uchiha Xiao knew this was his final attack. "Clan Head, when you hold on to power for too long, you're liable to become its slave. That's a poor way to do things, and it keeps you from thinking clearly." Uchiha Xiao fell silent and sat there calmly.
Uchiha Hirotomo thought back over the years. Perhaps Uchiha Xiao was right. When he first inherited the position of clan head and took charge of the Uchiha Military Police Force, he had not only held the power of the clan but also become one of the village's leaders, protecting the villagers.
But at some point, the Military Police Corps had begun to be slandered maliciously. The Uchiha were portrayed as villains who arrested anyone they didn't like.
He had reported it to the leadership, but they always said they would take care of it. Nothing ever came of it. Still, he hadn't been willing to give up control of the Military Police Corps, so he'd chosen to stay silent and keep making arrests.
And so the Military Police Corps became a department everyone despised, while the Uchiha Clan's reputation suffered too. They went from being the foremost clan to a family of bullies who abused their power.
Only the clan members serving in the Military Police Corps knew how aggrieved they felt. They had meant to protect the people of Konoha and their property, yet they were insulted as power-hungry bullies.
Uchiha Hirotomo looked up and asked, "Xiao, do you have a way to change all this?"
Uchiha Xiao leaned back with studied confidence. "I'm absolutely certain I can do it. But I'll need your cooperation, Clan Head. Otherwise, I can't guarantee success."
Uchiha Hirotomo nodded. "If you're confident, Xiao, I'm willing to give up the position of head of the Military Police Corps. I'll go see the Hokage tomorrow."
Uchiha Xiao shook his head. "Now is the best time. Night has just fallen."
"Now? You're in too much of a hurry! The Hokage must be asleep by now." Uchiha Hirotomo stared at him in disbelief.
"Clan Head, what I mean is that we should visit the Hokage tonight and make it clear that the Uchiha Clan will fully support his administration. Changing the leadership of the Military Police Corps will just be a side matter."
"You... Have you forgotten the Uchiha's pride? You'd actually have our clan bow its head?" Uchiha Hirotomo's expression darkened. He hadn't expected the person he'd put his faith in to be this sort.
Uchiha Xiao smiled faintly. "You have to understand: the Hokage has only just taken office, and his position isn't secure yet. We aren't bowing our heads—we're placing a bet."
"As the saying goes, 'Sending Charcoal in Snow is better than adding flowers to brocade.' If we're the first to visit the Hokage and offer our support, don't you believe all the rumors against us will disappear?" Uchiha Xiao said confidently.
"Even if they don't disappear, the Hokage will step in and clear our name," Uchiha Xiao added with a smile.
Uchiha Hirotomo was still hesitating. Uchiha Xiao frowned and said coldly, "Clan Head, I hope you understand that I'm doing this for the Uchiha. If you think it's humiliating, then give me the position of clan head too. I guarantee the Uchiha will have a much easier time in both the clan and the village."
"Instead of being ostracized and slandered like we are now!" Uchiha Xiao's voice turned icy as he stared at Uchiha Hirotomo.
Uchiha Hirotomo's face paled. For a moment, he thought he saw Lord Madara from the Warring States period. That glance had been filled with contempt and mockery.
"I... I agree, Xiao. Let's go at once!" Uchiha Hirotomo said, grabbing Uchiha Xiao's hand and setting off. Uchiha Xiao pulled his hand free. "Clan Head, you're going empty-handed?"
Uchiha Hirotomo froze. He'd already chosen a side. Was that not enough—did he still need to bring a gift?
Uchiha Xiao sighed. "Clan Head, the Hokage has a son named Shinnosuke Sarutobi, who's currently a student at Konoha Academy. Give him a set of ninja tools, preferably ones made by the Ninja Cat Clan."
Uchiha Hirotomo nodded. He now felt that Uchiha Xiao made a lot of sense. When it came to understanding human nature, he couldn't compare.
The Uchiha were a bunch of headstrong hotheads. This was the first time a wise man had appeared among them.
Uchiha Hirotomo summoned a Ninja Cat Clan familiar and spoke with it. Less than ten minutes later, a brand-new set of ninja tools and a tool pouch arrived.
Uchiha Hirotomo and Uchiha Xiao opened the door and headed toward the Sarutobi Clan Compound.
At that moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen was looking over a report containing information about Uchiha Xiao, gathered by the Anbu.
"Uchiha Xiao, son of Uchiha Donpu, grandson of Uchiha Izuna. His grandfather was Uchiha Tajima." Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled a puff of smoke, a glint flashing in his eyes.
Uchiha Izuna had been a legendary figure, renowned for his strategic brilliance just like his teacher. This kid had clearly inherited quite a bit of it.