Chapter 77

Chapter 77

Uchiha Clan Territory

"Yosuke! This time you've really gone bold!"

Following Uchiha Yosuke's suggestion, the elite members of the clan were taken aback, some in shock and others frowning in thought.

The young clan leader, Uchiha Fugaku, furrowed his brow and spoke seriously:

"Yosuke, are you saying that the Police Force being exclusive to the Uchiha is the main reason for our isolation, and so now, the Police Force should belong to both the Uchiha and Senju, maybe even everyone?"

Fugaku seemed to grasp the underlying issue, making Yosuke smile and nod.

"Every other department in Konoha, even the Anbu on the surface, is open to all Konoha shinobi. Only the Police Force has become the Uchiha's private power. Do you think that's fair?"

"As they say, people resent unfairness more than lack. This exclusive privilege is Uchiha's honor but also the source of our isolation."

Yosuke spoke calmly, though he was inwardly focused. He knew this was only part of the reason most Konoha shinobi isolated the Uchiha.

"Of course, the Police Force's ultimate power will remain in Uchiha's control, but the Uchiha clan could focus more of its power within the Land of Fire, or even outside the village, rather than on trivial village matters.

As for patrolling within the village, I doubt anyone here would compete for those tasks, right?"

With this last remark, Yosuke adopted a teasing tone, instantly dispelling the serious atmosphere. Some clan members laughed:

"Who would want that? The Police Force duties within the village are all pointless, like handling drunks or finding lost pets."

"Exactly, everyone in the Police Force is scrambling for prison guard duty or village perimeter patrols—no one wants the in-village patrols."

One Uchiha elite after another voiced their grievances, making it clear they’d harbored these frustrations for a while.

"Yosuke, I understand your idea now."

After listening to his clan members’ complaints, the clan leader took on a serious expression and nodded in agreement.

"This really is the best opportunity to change the Police Force. Most importantly, if tonight’s incident were to happen again, then the distrust would not be solely directed at the Uchiha, but at the Senju, the Aburame, and any Konoha shinobi involved in the Police Force."

The timing was perfect, given the war on the frontlines, which required Uchiha to dispatch many of its elite forces.

"I’ll personally reach out to the Senju, the Aburame, and other clans. Due to the demands of the ongoing Shinobi World War, the Uchiha clan has resolved to send elite forces to the front, leaving our Police Force understrength in the village..."

The clan leader spoke with a sense of formality, clearly seeing the advantages of this plan. If this worked, any clan willing to join the Police Force would be less likely to isolate the Uchiha.

This was an excellent chance to ease relations with the village.

However, as the clan leader showed his excitement, Yosuke inwardly shook his head, realizing the clan leader still hadn’t grasped reality.

While some Konoha shinobi and clans may indeed isolate the Uchiha over the Police Force privilege, what about the Hokage's top advisors?

They’ll always view any force beyond their control with suspicion—that’s human nature!

Yosuke understood people, so he intended to gradually dismantle the Uchiha’s illusions, urging them to face reality sooner.

What he wanted was a unified and clear-sighted Uchiha!

---

**The Next Day**

The young clan leader, Uchiha Fugaku, personally visited the various clans.

At the Senju residence, after Fugaku left, Uzumaki Mito smiled.

"It seems the Uchiha have changed quite a bit over the years."

The once rigid, stubborn Uchiha now knew how to share.

Tsunade, standing beside her, scoffed with disdain.

"Grandma, I bet this is that kid's idea."

She held up a red book titled *My Struggle* and raised her eyebrow.

"The fourth edition, *In Konoha*, is quite well-written. It doesn’t confine itself to the Uchiha clan; it even addresses the clan’s flaws…"

The recently published fourth volume of *My Struggle* objectively described Konoha’s splendor and the Uchiha's stubbornness from an outsider’s perspective. Though it pointed out Uchiha's flaws, it also hinted at Yosuke’s broad worldview, free from being limited to his own clan.

“Oh, I guess I’m really getting old,” Mito chuckled at her granddaughter’s approval, proud of the young Uchiha’s wisdom and perspective.

"Tsunade, that young man already has the mindset of a Hokage, far ahead of you."

At her grandmother's rare joke, Tsunade looked exasperated. Still, deep down, a trace of pride flickered in her eyes, as if to say, *See? This is the guy I picked… well, he's an Uchiha, anyway.*

---

Meanwhile, the actions of the Uchiha clan didn’t escape the Hokage advisors’ notice.

**Hokage Office**

"Hiruzen, the Uchiha are unexpectedly giving up some of their power, allowing the Senju, other clans, and even civilian shinobi to join the Police Force."

Koharu Utatane spoke gravely, and Homura Mitokado nodded in agreement.

"Yes, this change in Uchiha’s approach is probably due to Lady Mito."

They had hoped to exploit some discord between the Senju and Uchiha, but the two clans’ collaboration on the Police Force now provided them a platform for unity.

"Here’s the latest report from the Rain Country."

Although wary, Hiruzen Sarutobi ignored the issue for now, focusing instead on a report marked with a "Secret" label.

Seeing the contents, both Koharu and Homura took on serious expressions.

Finally, Hiruzen exhaled a puff of smoke, his tone solemn.

"The Uchiha’s justification for their proposal is logical, reasonable, and appropriate. We have no grounds to interfere."

With the demands of the frontline war and the number of Uchiha elites deployed, Hiruzen Sarutobi chose to remain silent on the issue for the time being.

"But, Hiruzen, if this continues, the Uchiha will grow even more dangerous—especially with their alliance with the Senju!"

Hearing this, Koharu showed deep concern, and Homura’s brows furrowed tightly.

The Senju-Uchiha alliance presented a considerable threat to the Hokage advisors, especially with Mito’s influence still present.

At that moment, Danzo stormed in, seething with anger.

"Hiruzen! Leave this to the Root. This bond between the Senju and the Uchiha—it's all because of that Uchiha Yosuke!"

Danzo’s lack of decorum didn’t upset Koharu or Homura. In fact, they nodded approvingly at his words.

But Hiruzen frowned, his voice firm as he rebuked:

"Danzo! Right now, the priority is the Rain Country frontlines. As Hokage, I won’t permit reckless actions!"

Though Hiruzen scolded Danzo, as an old friend, Danzo caught his meaning and snorted dismissively.

"Hiruzen, don’t worry. After the war, Konoha won’t need such instability."

With Danzo’s huff, Hiruzen remained silent, while Ko

haru and Homura looked on in approval.

That silence meant only one thing—the matter would be addressed once the war ended.

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