The Uchiha clan's monthly gathering.
It could also be called a work summary meeting, mostly discussing trivial matters within the Police Force.
After all, the entire Police Force was under the Uchiha's control, so it made sense for the clan meeting to double as a work session.
"Why would Konoha residents fight over a mere hundred ryō dropped on the ground? I don't get it."
"And why would someone send flowers to the Police Force for no reason, disrupting our work? I found out it was a few kunoichi. Should we arrest them?"
"Especially those younger kunoichi—they always block our patrol routes. Could they be spies? Maybe we should arrest and interrogate them."
How would you even interrogate them!?
"Ahem." Uchiha Kin cleared his throat.
Listen to this.
Were these bastards summarizing their work or just bragging?
"Why doesn't anyone send me flowers? Where are the adoring little girls?"
Kin fell into deep thought. His looks weren't bad, after all.
The Uchiha clan was famously known for producing handsome men and beautiful women.
If Aburame Shibi knew Kin's troubles, he'd understand the reason.
Kin's attention was always drawn to well-endowed older women passing by, completely oblivious to the younger girls who admired him.
In the world of a lecherous old man, there was no room for flat-chested sprouts.
Like Kushina's type.
Who'd be interested in a bunch of flat boards?
A real man preferred a curvaceous older sister.
The entire Uchiha clan was discussing the details of their work and how to handle them.
The leaders, Hokaku and a few elders, kept their eyes closed, focusing only on clan matters. They had no interest in the Police Force's affairs.
Once the discussions died down, Hokaku raised his cane and struck the ground heavily.
"Now, let's talk about how to elevate the Uchiha's standing."
The atmosphere grew solemn.
While the Uchiha weren't yet backed into a corner as they would be in the future, the clan still felt the harsh suppression from the village.
The root of the problem traced back to Uchiha Madara and Hashirama Senju's final fallout, followed by Uchiha Setsuna's rebellion during the Second Hokage's reign.
These events had pushed the Uchiha clan to the fringes of Konoha's power structure.
In fact, many within the clan felt guilty about it.
Though the two key figures—Madara and Setsuna—had long realized Konoha's malice toward the Uchiha and harbored no regrets, one had been killed by the First Hokage, and the other was imprisoned. The former was beyond criticism, while the latter's records painted him as a cunning, selfish shinobi.
Combined with the village's brainwashing and the Uchiha's own arrogance, the clan had been forced into constant concessions.
"I think we should open the Police Force to other villagers. That would help us integrate better with the village," one man suggested.
The Police Force belonged to the Uchiha, but its duties had also driven a wedge between them and the villagers.
"No!"
Immediate objections followed.
"The Police Force was entrusted to the Uchiha by the Second Hokage! No one else can touch it!"
Most agreed with this sentiment.
The Police Force's authority was substantial, and the village's annual funding for it never decreased. The clan's share of the profits far exceeded what they could earn from missions.
Who would willingly give up such easy gains?
Only a rare few could see beyond the immediate benefits.
Still, the initial proposal wasn't without support. The group quickly split into two factions.
As the argument grew heated—
Thud!
Hokaku's cane struck the ground again.
"Stay on topic," he said sternly.
The goal was to elevate the Uchiha's status, not debate the Police Force's openness.
"If we want to raise our standing, we must get closer to the villagers and the Hokage."
"The villagers only need our protection. 'Closer to the Hokage'? Which Hokage has ever shown the Uchiha kindness?"
This time, the discussion stayed on track, focusing on methods to improve their standing.
The divide between the two factions became clear.
The Doves Faction advocated for integration with the villagers and alignment with the Hokage.
The Hawks Faction opposed them at every turn.
"Then what do you propose?"
The Doves, tired of constant rebuttals, grew irritated. The Hawks had shot down every idea without offering alternatives.
"Simple. The Uchiha must produce a Hokage. That would solve everything."
All eyes turned to Uchiha Fugaku, who had remained silent, and a few glanced at Uchiha Kin, who was watching the spectacle.
Both were the most likely candidates for Hokage.
Whether Dove or Hawk, every Uchiha dreamed of one of their own becoming Hokage.
Compared to the sparse attention Kin received, Fugaku was the center of focus.
The arguments ceased.
Even Hokaku looked at Fugaku.
"Fugaku, do you have what it takes to compete for the Hokage's seat?"
Fugaku hesitated. As the future clan head, great expectations rested on his shoulders.
"One must earn the people's recognition to become Hokage—not the other way around."
Though he was merely echoing Sarutobi Hiruzen's words, his stance was clear.
He leaned toward the Doves.
The Hawks' expressions darkened. Since Setsuna's imprisonment, their faction had been leaderless, and now even the future clan head sided with the Doves.
"Pfft."
A sudden laugh drew everyone's attention.
All eyes turned to Uchiha Kin.
"Uchiha Kin, do you have something to say?" Hokaku asked sternly.
"Not really. I just found our future clan head's stupidity amusing. My apologies—please continue."
Kin's merciless mockery of Fugaku drew furious glares.
Even Fugaku's face darkened. Being called stupid in front of everyone was hard to swallow.
"Kin, if you have any criticisms, voice them properly," Fugaku said coldly.
"You?" Kin looked at Fugaku and shook his head, sneering. "You're beyond saving. Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't become Hokage through universal recognition—he was appointed by Tobirama Senju. Yet you treat his words as gospel. Tch."
Fugaku wanted to retort but found no rebuttal.
Hiruzen hadn't become Hokage the way he claimed.
"If a fool like you becomes clan head, I'll enjoy watching how you lead the Uchiha to ruin."
Kin's words sent shockwaves through the room.
"How dare you!"
"He's the future clan head!"
"Uchiha Kin! You've gone too far!"
Everyone glared at him with fury.
Evening Two
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