Kagami's Resolve

Kumoi picked up his pen, smoothly signed his name on the proposal, and added the following note:

"Recommendation approved.

The vacant classroom on the east side of the old warehouse may temporarily be designated as an activity venue. The school logistics department will provide basic stationery, blank scrolls, and discarded ninja tools/materials within safe limits for them to dismantle and study.

Assign a Chunin teacher with a strong sense of responsibility and an open-minded outlook. I recommend a young teacher interested in new technology serve as the nominal advisor.

Do not interfere with their specific directions of exploration. Only oversee safety and answer basic questions.

The necessary funds will come from the Hokage Office's specially approved educational innovation pilot fund."

After writing it, he sent the approval back to Hiruzen Sarutobi:

"Senior brother, follow up on this.

Have the vice principal approve it 'naturally,' and 'just so happen' to select that suitable advisor.

Tell the children that the Hokage encourages all safe explorations beneficial to Konoha's future."

Hiruzen Sarutobi accepted the document and shook his head with a wry smile.

"Well, now we not only have to teach them ninjutsu, but also be the 'backers' for their hobby club."

Despite his words, his eyes were full of gratification.

The children taking the initiative to think and try to innovate made him, as an educator, happier than merely seeing them master an advanced ninjutsu.

Nara Shikato had already begun calculating the amount allocated to that "educational innovation pilot fund" and the renovation budget for the old warehouse classroom.

"Oh, right."

Kumoi added as though he had only just remembered.

"Use this first approved hobby club as an opportunity to issue a brief notice within the school, commending this spirit of proactive exploration and applying what one learns.

There is no need to mention specific names. Simply emphasize that such conduct embodies the New Will of Fire and Builder's Spirit.

Make the direction of the wind a little more obvious."

A seemingly naive initiative begun by children, under Nangō Kumoi's deliberate guidance and amplification,

was about to become a small yet crucial piece in Konoha's educational reforms and future talent-development model.

The seeds of thought had already broken through the soil of young hearts and begun stretching toward the sunlight.

Deep within the Uchiha Compound, the lights in Kagami's home glowed warmly.

His younger brother Xuan had abandoned his usual calm demeanor outside. Before he had even set down his schoolbag, he eagerly told his older brother, who was sorting through documents, about the day's news at school.

"...So Tsunade, Jiraiya, and that Orochimaru who always looks so cold started a 'hobby club.' They said they were going to research something new and unusual, and today they invited everyone to join voluntarily."

Xuan's eyes shone brightly, but they were soon clouded with doubt.

"Brother, I... kind of want to go take a look.

It sounds really interesting, different from what we usually study and practice. But..."

He did not finish, but Kagami already understood his younger brother's concerns.

The Uchiha Compound was like an exquisite fortress, with its own rules and atmosphere.

Getting too close to the Hokage's direct disciples, especially those with the Senju Bloodline, might not seem wise in the eyes of some clan members—particularly for Kagami Uchiha's younger brother.

Kagami set down the scroll in his hand, walked over to Xuan, and ruffled his black hair, gentle yet resolute.

"Xuan, lift your head."

He looked into his brother's eyes, so similar to his own yet far clearer. "What happens at school is your own business. If you find it interesting and want to go, then go."

"But the clan..."

Xuan spoke quietly, his gaze unconsciously drifting toward the window.

"The clan is my concern."

Kagami's tone was calm, but it carried undeniable strength. "You do not need to bind your own steps over 'possibilities' that have not yet happened.

What Father and Mother hoped we would see was never merely the sky within the walls of the Uchiha Compound.

These new things Kumoi... the Hokage is promoting may be a small path leading to a broader world.

You have talent, and you have curiosity. Just follow the direction you believe is right."

He paused. His voice softened, yet every word remained clear.

"Remember, your choices are first and foremost your own.

The Uchiha identity is your root, not chains that restrain your branches and leaves from growing.

If anyone criticizes you for it..."

A sharp glint flashed through Kagami's eyes.

"Then that is their problem, not your fault. Your brother will handle it."

Xuan stared blankly at his older brother. That familiar, reassuring support dispelled the gloom in his heart.

He nodded heavily. "Mm! I understand, Brother. I'll tell them tomorrow that I'm joining!"

Seeing the renewed brightness on his brother's face, a faint smile appeared on Kagami's lips as well.

However, after Xuan eagerly ran back to his room, the smile on Kagami's face gradually faded into deep thought.

"A hobby club... Tsunade, Orochimaru, Jiraiya..."

He murmured to himself.

This was clearly not just a children's game. Behind it, there had to be the Hokage's tacit approval, perhaps even encouragement.

This atmosphere of encouraging exploration and going beyond simple combat training was precisely what Kumoi had been trying to foster in Konoha.

In the long run, Xuan's participation might be a good thing. It could allow the Uchiha's younger generation to naturally integrate into the village's new tide of development.

But the more immediate storm clouds did not come from the children's explorations, but from certain increasingly clamorous voices within the clan.

Recently, several radical members led by Elder Yusuke had been gathering in secret more and more often.

They were dissatisfied with the Police Force's authority being restrained and "softened." They scorned the village's recent policy of deeply tying itself to the various clans and vigorously developing non-combat industries, believing it diluted the Uchiha's "purity" and combat glory.

They were even more impatient with Kagami, who served as a "bridge" yet seemed unable to bring the clan any "substantial expansion of benefits."

Some harsher remarks had even begun implying that Kagami's "stance had softened" because of the personal favor he had received from the Hokage.

Kagami kept every one of these disturbances in mind. He knew all too well that the Uchiha's pride and sensitivity were a double-edged blade. They could unite strength, but they could also sever the clan's ties with the village.

Kumoi's earlier guidance and the trust he had placed in Kagami were a key to resolving this historical dilemma.

But using that key required timing, as well as a clearer understanding from the Hokage of the Uchiha's true internal complexity.

"We cannot wait any longer."

Kagami walked to the window and looked toward Hokage Rock, his gaze becoming resolute.

"The Hawk Faction's dissatisfaction is building. For now, it is only talk, but if it is not guided or restrained, it may cause trouble.

The Hokage must be informed."

He decided that tomorrow, using a report on recent public security conditions and the "special advisor's" observations of the school's new developments as a pretext, he would visit the Hokage Office.

He needed to let Kumoi know that the Uchiha's younger generation, such as Xuan, was trying to engage with new things and integrate into the new atmosphere. At the same time, he needed to appropriately and skillfully point out the undercurrents beneath the surface.

This was both a repayment for Kumoi's trust and, as an Uchiha, a warning that his clan might be drifting toward a dangerous edge.

How to strike the right balance would be another test he faced as a "bridge."

As the night deepened, Kagami's thoughts had already formed a clear thread. All that remained was to wait until tomorrow, when he would have a conversation in that office overlooking Konoha—a conversation that might have far-reaching consequences.