Chapter 14: The Pit of the Second Generation

Uchiha Yū pointed out the mistakes of Uchiha Hachidaime and then helped them analyze who truly needed assistance.

He also described what kind of help these people required, as well as the precautions to be aware of. When it came to specific tasks, Uchiha Yū went on and on for hours, and Uchiha Hachidaime and the others listened with glazed eyes, almost falling asleep.

Honestly, the Uchiha clan's shinobi aren't suited for this work. They're too straightforward, their mouths are clumsy, and they all have explosive tempers.

Even though they're doing good deeds, they manage to offend people. Not to mention handling those trivial matters where right and wrong are hard to distinguish—these Uchiha lack the finesse to simultaneously offend both sides, leaving both sides resentful of the Uchiha.

The Konoha Military Police Force seems like a pit dug by Senju Tobirama specifically for the Uchiha.

The most suitable candidates for this job are the Ino-Shika-Cho trio. Nara is clever, Yamanaka understands people's hearts, and Akimichi is reliable in combat. They can handle anything properly.

Even if you handed it to the conservative Hyūga or the foolish Inuzuka, it would still be better than entrusting it to the irritable Uchiha.

A world of difference!

Yes, compared to the Uchiha, everyone else is practically divine.

As evening approached, Uchiha Yū saw off Uchiha Hachidaime and the others, closing the door with a sigh.

Changing the nature of a country is difficult; sometimes, things just aren't suitable. And with Uchiha Setsuna leading the extreme hardliners, any disgusting action they take could ruin everyone's efforts.

Uchiha Yū knew that today's conversation was necessary groundwork, even if it seemed futile.

After the monkey in his heart stirred, Uchiha Yū's thoughts began to shift. He murmured to himself, 'Why can't I take control of the Uchiha clan…'

"What are you mumbling about, meow?" Sanrō Yasei jumped onto Yū's shoulder.

She must have just woken up, stretching lazily with her white-gloved paws splitting like blooming plum blossoms, tempting Uchiha Yū.

[No, not yet. Our relationship isn't there yet. I can't pet her paws. Hold back!]

With a dry chuckle, Uchiha Yū replied, "Ah, I was talking about leading the Uchiha clan's Military Police Force to reverse our current passive situation. It's challenging."

"Meow, indeed, that's incredibly difficult, practically unsolvable, meow. Wait, you said 'unless.' Does that mean you have a solution for such a tough problem?"

"I have an unconventional solution."

Unless Uchiha Yū stepped forward and directly led Uchiha Hachidaime's squad.

He had the talent to handle every matter in Konoha, manage villagers' emotions while improving the Uchiha clan's and Military Police Force's reputation. He was confident.

But the issue wasn't there. Once he stepped forward, he'd become the Uchiha clan's change catalyst and a prime target for internal and external enemies.

He'd have to fight not only the stubborn faction within the clan but also the firm yet compromising clan head. He'd need to guard against Shimura Danzō's plots and assassinations, even contend with the Hokage for public support…

Sanrō Yasei shuddered, "Meow, you'll definitely die first."

"Yeah, I'd definitely die, so I won't take that path. I won't be at the forefront of the struggle."

[But controlling the Uchiha clan doesn't require being the figurehead. I can subtly influence their thinking and cultivate a suitable new clan head, making them my puppet.]

As Uchiha Yū pondered who in the clan could replace Uchiha Fugaku, Sanrō Yasei mewed, "Yū, I'm hungry, meow."

The adorable cat's soft request instantly dispelled Uchiha Yū's bad mood.

He rolled up his sleeves and smiled, saying, "We've been talking for too long today. Let me make the quickest meal."

"Okay, meow, hurry up, meow."

Uchiha Yū skillfully rinsed the rice, lit the stove, and steamed a pot of rice.

Even though carnivorous cats prefer meat, there happened to be leftover poached chicken for lunch. While cooking, he chopped the chicken into small pieces.

Then, he rummaged through the kitchen, found a wooden board-like piece of bonito, and used a kitchen scraper to shave a pile of bonito flakes. As the bonito flakes appeared, the salty, fresh aroma from the deep-sea dried bonito filled the air, captivating both human and feline senses and creating a delightful taste association.

A gurgling sound—the sound of humans and cats swallowing saliva—followed by their stomachs protesting like thunder.

[This flavor is truly irresistible. No wonder it's deep-sea bonito from the ninja world. The wood shavings from a past life couldn't compare to this allure.]

Soon, the rice was cooked. First, he sprinkled the diced chicken, then added a small amount of soy sauce for seasoning and color. After mixing it thoroughly, he sprinkled the bonito flakes onto the light brown rice.

As the hot rice steamed, the intense aroma of the bonito flakes intensified, whetting their appetites.

Just as they were devouring the meal, the strong fragrance wafted out, immediately drawing disapproval from the neighbors.

"Yū, that kid again, shaving bonito flakes. Does he have too much money?"

"Ever since he formed a contract with the ninja cat, he buys bonito every three months. That small piece costs as much as a month's worth of food for four people. He's extravagant."

"Idiot, that's a ninja cat, and Yū has been a ninja for a while. It's normal for a ninja to buy bonito."

"True, Tarō/Gardenia/Kotetsu/Chōji, you all need to work hard. Once you graduate from the ninja academy, you'll become ninjas and earn lots of money. You can buy whatever delicious food you want."

"Yeah! We'll do our best!"

Uchiha Yū and Sanrō Yasei paid no attention to the neighbors' complaints or encouragement. They enjoyed their simple meal until the pot of rice was completely empty—one person and one cat satisfied.

"Full now, truly comfortable, meow."

Uchiha Yū rested for a while, finished a cup of tea, and began cleaning up.

About half an hour later, Sanrō Yasei's nape was grabbed, and she involuntarily curled up, allowing Uchiha Yū to carry her out of the house.

"What are you doing, meow?"

"Let's go for a run together to exercise."

"No, my happy moment isn't over yet."

"Lihua-chan, haven't you noticed you've gained weight? If you don't exercise, you'll turn into a little pig, meow!"

"Don't call me Lihua-chan!"

"Getting fat, meow… Meow? Meow!!!"

Two hours later.

"I can't do it anymore, meow. I'm dying, meow. Can't run anymore, meow."

"Hmm, ninja cats aren't known for endurance. You've done enough exercise today, Lihua-chan. Rest well."

"You're still going?"

"Yes, I'll run a bit more. Today, I didn't prepare any weights, so I'll make up for it with time."

"Why suddenly so diligent, meow?"

"I have no choice; otherwise, I'll be in danger."