Uchiha's Unusual Activity

The next day, the atmosphere at the Ninja Academy was indeed somewhat different from usual.

News of the newly approved "Future Technology and Exploration Interest Group," along with the Hokage Office's rare show of clear support, swept through the slightly stifling campus like a fresh breeze.

During morning breaks and afternoon free time, small groups of students could be seen gathered in the corridors, at the corners of the training grounds, and even beneath the trees, arguing or discussing something.

The topics were no longer limited to whose ninjutsu looked cooler or whose taijutsu was stronger. There were now plenty of strange new subjects:

"Hey, if you changed the chakra output frequency of Wind Release: Great Breakthrough, could you use it to dry clothes that were just washed?

My mom always complains that laundry takes too long to dry!"

"Idiot! That would take incredibly precise control!

But... my uncle works on an engineering team. He said the Hokage's Gumption Technique seems to adjust chakra flow to relieve fatigue. Maybe the principle is kind of similar?"

"Orochimaru asked me yesterday whether I knew of any plant juices that changed color when they came into contact with chakra...

I tested everything in my family's herb garden, and there really was a pale blue grass that turned purple!"

"Tsunade said she wanted to see whether she could make a 'snack' that tasted better than Military Ration Pills and could quickly heal minor wounds... Can that really be done?"

"Uchiha Gen actually signed up too! Isn't his brother in the Police Force? I thought they wouldn't be interested in this kind of thing."

Their arguments carried curiosity, while their discussions glimmered with unpolished imagination.

Though many of their ideas were naive, even laughable, that initiative to think for themselves and connect what they learned and heard with real problems was precisely the budding Builder's Spirit that Nangō Kumoi had repeatedly emphasized in his ideology classes.

He had firmly tied the traditional Will of Fire of "protecting Konoha" to the new meaning of "building a better home with their own hands."

Now, it seemed that this seed had truly taken root in the hearts of some children and was beginning to foster spontaneous initiative.

Naturally, these changes had also been noticed by the school and by the various parties watching in secret.

Some were pleased, some curious, and some dismissive. But regardless, a small yet genuine vitality was quietly taking root among the younger generation.

Meanwhile, at the Hokage Office.

As promised, Kagami Uchiha had come in his capacity as a "special advisor" to report on the village's overall public security situation and share some observations regarding the Ninja Academy's new developments—

Naturally, his focus subtly fell upon his younger brother Gen's involvement and the positive response from the younger students.

"...That is the general situation. Overall public security remains stable, the new residents in the South District have adapted well, and no major disputes have occurred. As for the school—"

Kagami's tone remained calm.

"The newly established interest group has attracted a number of students, including my younger brother, and the atmosphere is lively.

This shows that the Hokage's advocacy of applying knowledge in practice and encouraging exploration is having a positive effect."

Nangō Kumoi listened patiently, lightly tapping the tabletop with his fingers, his smile gentle.

"Stable is good. As for the school, it's a good thing that the children are interested.

Kagami, I remember your younger brother Gen. His talent and temperament are both excellent, and I'm glad he's participating so actively.

It shows that the younger generation of the Uchiha clan is also thinking about Konoha's future."

Then his tone shifted as he looked calmly at Kagami.

"But you did not come here specifically just to report these 'stable' matters and 'good things,' did you? Tell me, is there something you think I need to 'take note of'?"

Kagami's heart tightened slightly. He had long grown accustomed to Kumoi's sharp perception. After a brief moment of thought, he chose his words with candor and caution.

"The Hokage sees clearly. The overall atmosphere in the village and at the school has indeed improved.

It is only that... within the Uchiha clan, there are some... differing voices regarding the village's recent series of reforms, particularly the shift of resources toward construction and non-combat fields."

He did not directly mention the "hawks" or Elder Yusuke, but his meaning had already been conveyed.

"Some clan members still place greater importance on traditional martial glory and the authority and responsibilities of the Police Force. They harbor doubts about the proper extent of cooperation and integration.

They believe that the Uchiha's strength should be expressed more directly through deterrence and protection, rather than... being dispersed into other fields."

Kagami raised his head, his gaze clear and sincere.

"My reporting this to you is not meant to criticize the clan elders, nor do I believe these voices will immediately cause unrest.

I simply feel that the Hokage needs to understand that, within the Uchiha, acceptance of the village's new direction is not uniform.

My younger brother's participation in the interest group may also attract some unnecessary attention."

Nangō Kumoi listened quietly, without any sign of surprise on his face.

He let out a soft sigh, his tone still even.

"Kagami, thank you for your honesty. I can more or less guess what you are describing.

Reform will always be accompanied by differing voices. The Uchiha have a long history, and pride runs deep in their blood. Such a reaction is not strange. One could even say it is inevitable."

He rose and walked to the window, looking out at the flourishing Konoha beyond.

"The key lies in guidance. Simply suppressing differing opinions will only backfire, but allowing them to fester unchecked may also create hidden dangers.

As a 'bridge,' you are among them and feel these matters most directly. In your view, are these 'differing voices' currently limited to discussion, or have they already shown more concrete signs of movement?"

Kagami considered for a moment before answering.

"At present, they are mainly private discussions and dissatisfaction with current policies.

Within the Police Force, adjustments to duty regulations and training requirements have indeed caused some friction and misunderstanding in implementation.

However, there is still no clear evidence of organized unusual activity. It is only that... emotions need an outlet. If ignored for too long, or if external provocation arises, there may be unforeseen changes."

"I understand."

Kumoi nodded.

"The standardization of the Police Force is necessary. There is no room for compromise on that point.

But how to make our Uchiha compatriots truly understand that such standardization, and even their participation in the village's broader construction, will ultimately benefit the Uchiha themselves as well... that is a matter we must all consider."

He turned to Kagami, his expression serious.

"Kagami, the information you have provided is important. Continue paying attention to the atmosphere within the clan, especially any signs that dissatisfaction may be directed toward concrete action.

When necessary, you may use my name to offer appropriate reassurance, emphasizing the village's equal treatment of the Uchiha and the broad prospects of mutual benefit through future cooperation.

As for your younger brother Gen—"

He smiled.

"Let him participate in the interest group without worry. Exchanges and friendships among young people are themselves one of the best ways to break down barriers.

If there is criticism within the clan... you may tell them that this is something I am pleased to see and support."

Warmth filled Kagami's heart, though he also felt the weight of responsibility. Kumoi had given him considerable trust and room to handle matters flexibly.

"Yes, Lord Hokage. I will handle it properly."