Being able to follow Yuzuru was their long-cherished wish!
"Next, let's discuss the issue of clan expenditure..."
Presided over by Uchiha Taro, the assembly moved on to discuss the allocation of clan industries, the training of ninjas within the clan, the exchange of ninjutsu resources, and even trivial matters like clan greening and the architectural planning of the clan compound.
No detail was too small, and the discussion dragged on until the latter half of the night before finally winding down.
Uchiha Yuzuru listened intently. Since he was bound to the Family System, the clan was the foundation of his strength. He could absolutely not ignore these matters closely related to the clan's development.
"Alright, next let's discuss how we should increase the clan's influence in the village to prepare for the election of the next Hokage!"
Hearing Uchiha Taro's words, the crowd, who had been drowsy, instantly perked up.
A moment later, someone immediately raised their hand and stood up to speak. "Lord Clan Head, I think we should increase the manpower of the Military Police Force and dedicate ourselves more fully to maintaining the village's public order. This will surely enhance the Uchiha clan's influence in the village."
"I think we should just beat up all the strong fighters from other clans so everyone recognizes the power of our Uchiha clan."
"Clan Head Taro, we should regularly have the strong experts within the clan teach relevant experience and techniques to other clansmen, answering questions they encounter in their cultivation."
"..."
Listening to the suggestions proposed by the crowd, Uchiha Taro sighed secretly.
They were all clichés. While not completely useless, facts had already proven that these measures had little effect. The Uchiha clan's influence in the village was declining day by day, and their reputation was getting worse.
Sometimes Uchiha Taro really didn't understand. They were clearly working very hard, so why did it feel like the Uchiha's situation in the village was becoming increasingly difficult?
Just then, a young voice rang out. "Lord Clan Head, regarding making the Uchiha clan stronger, I actually have an idea."
Uchiha Taro looked up and found that Uchiha Yuzuru had stood up. Seeing this young figure, Uchiha Taro couldn't help but feel a trace of curiosity. What kind of insight would this recognized genius of the new generation, the fourteen-year-old youth who had just defeated Fugaku, offer on such a matter?
However, curiosity was just curiosity. Uchiha Taro did not hold much hope for Uchiha Yuzuru's suggestion. Unlike pure combat, one could not offer effective advice on such matters without rich experience and wisdom.
Clearly, the other clansmen thought the same as Uchiha Taro, looking at Uchiha Yuzuru with amusement. Although they admired Uchiha Yuzuru's strength, this kind of thing had absolutely nothing to do with combat prowess.
"Ahem... Yuzuru, since you have something to say, let's hear your thoughts."
At Uchiha Taro's signal, Uchiha Yuzuru spoke calmly. "If you want the Uchiha clan to become strong and increase our influence, there is a simple and effective method!"
Seeing his serious demeanor, everyone couldn't help but adopt a posture of attentive listening.
Then they heard Uchiha Yuzuru speak slowly: "Have children!"
Have children...
Huh?
Have children?!
After listening to Uchiha Yuzuru's words, everyone was stunned on the spot.
Immediately after, they looked at each other, strange expressions appearing on all their faces.
Have children...
What kind of solution was that?
Ignoring everyone's expressions, Uchiha Yuzuru continued, "I suggest that from now on, clansmen must marry before the age of twenty!"
"We need to have children early, have many children, and exceed the birth quotas!"
"Only in this way can our Uchiha clan become stronger and stronger."
Listening to Uchiha Yuzuru's shocking remarks, quite a few people felt insulted.
Uchiha Fugaku couldn't help but stand up and say, "Uchiha Yuzuru, watch your language! This is the clan assembly, not a place for you to spout nonsense!"
As soon as Uchiha Fugaku's voice fell, someone immediately chimed in, "That's right, are you looking down on us? You want us to pin all our hopes on the next generation?"
"I originally thought you had some ability, but I didn't expect you to be so weak in your bones!"
"Our Uchiha clan will absolutely not sink to the point of relying on children to prove ourselves."
Seeing the crowd's indignation, Uchiha Taro quickly waved his hand to stop them. After everyone quieted down, he turned to ask Uchiha Yuzuru, "Yuzuru, state your reasons. Everyone is waiting for your explanation."
Uchiha Yuzuru was not surprised by the crowd's reaction. Asking this group of Uchiha clansmen, whose bones were steeped in pride, to pin their future hopes on having children did indeed hurt their self-esteem a bit.
Thinking of this, Uchiha Yuzuru organized his language and continued to state his view.
"Everyone should know that population is the foundation of a shinobi clan. The larger the population, the stronger the shinobi clan's power."
"In the Warring States Era, many shinobi clans plundered populations from other places precisely to increase the number of their clansmen."
"Take Konoha for example. When the village was first founded, the Senju clan and the Uchiha clan were the undisputed noble shinobi clans, but what about now?"
"The Senju clan has vanished without a trace, and the Uchiha clan is barely maintaining its dignity by relying on past glory."
"Meanwhile, the Sarutobi clan, Shimura clan, Utatane clan, Mitokado clan..."
"Shinobi clans that were once trampled under our feet have now become forces in Konoha that cannot be ignored."
"Do Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo dare to suppress the shinobi clans so heavily now precisely because of the confidence their clansmen give them?"
Power and strength complemented each other. Although Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo had received Senju Tobirama's approval, how could they firmly control power without the support of strong clans?
Faced with Uchiha Yuzuru's question, everyone fell silent. They all knew Yuzuru was right. Four clans that didn't even possess a Kekkai Genkai had now become behemoths they didn't dare to provoke easily, simply by virtue of their population...
Seeing everyone's silence, Uchiha Yuzuru changed the subject. "If the Sarutobi and Shimura clans can rise by relying on population, our Uchiha clan naturally can do so even better."
"Compared to the Sarutobi and Shimura clans, not only do we possess a powerful Kekkai Genkai, but our talent for becoming ninjas also far exceeds theirs."
"With the same number of people, which shinobi clan could be an opponent for our Uchiha clan?"
Praised subtly by Uchiha Yuzuru, a look of pride appeared on the faces of the Uchiha clansmen.
"What Yuzuru says seems correct. Having children doesn't seem that hard to accept."
"He should have just said increasing the population. Saying 'have children' was a bit too blunt..."
"I didn't react just now, but thinking about it, Yuzuru has a point."
Seeing the clansmen becoming active again, Uchiha Yuzuru continued, "So..."