39. When Did Fugaku Become So Rigid!

"Let Uchiha suggest to the daimyo that Konoha and other ninjas also participate in the dock stationing. Why does this sound a little unreliable!"

Among other things, Uchiha is not at all interested in the ninja clans to which Konoha's high-ranking officials belong. Looking at the members of Shimura's clan, they seemed to be on the verge of collapse.

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura exchanged glances. They didn't believe that Uchiha would treat their families any differently. After all, they participated significantly when Uchiha was targeted, though not as much as Danzo.

"Notify the ninja clan leaders! Always worth a try."

The Third Hokage turned around and returned to his seat. He knew the chances of success were very slim, but there was nothing else he could do!

Due to the rapid development of Hokage's high-level families, regardless of the quality of ninjas, the number of shinobi in a single family was nearly catching up with major clans like Uchiha and Hyuga.

Ninjas don't engage in farming within the village, nor do they care about production. They are essentially supported by the village and their families.

These families were originally small clans with weak foundations, and the industries they owned couldn't support the huge number of shinobi.

It's only because there are people in top positions who can leverage the village's economy to support them. But Konoha isn't only these shinobi; there are some matters even Hokage cannot handle excessively.

If other ninjas cause unrest, Hokage, along with the so-called high-ranking individuals, might end up returning home to retire.

Soon, the clan leaders who received the notification gathered in the meeting room, and Fugaku was naturally among them.

In the past six months, not only had Uchiha changed, but the village's attitude toward Uchiha had also shifted.

Fugaku's presence at the meeting had become routine, and clan leaders who had a good personal rapport with him would nod in greeting, such as Hyuga Hiashi.

Previously, the Shimura clan had approached Hyuga to mediate the conflict with Uchiha. Though the issue wasn't resolved, Uchiha and Hyuga had indeed grown closer.

For instance, Hyuga shinobi would patrol around the Uchiha clan's perimeter, while Uchiha members would guard the outskirts of the Hyuga clan. The two dojutsu clans complemented each other directly.

Although the Third Hokage was reluctant to see this alliance strengthening, there was nothing he could do. Uchiha didn't trust the village, and Anbu's capabilities were limited. At the very least, Hyuga's Byakugan could detect things from a distance, whereas Anbu's role was largely restricted to surveillance.

The Hyuga clan also outright rejected the Third Hokage's proposal for additional protection.

"Kumogakure shinobi had already entered our eldest daughter's room, and your Anbu didn't react at all."

Uchiha had detected them early and monitored Hyuga all the way. And then, as Hokage, when something happens, you push us Hyuga into the spotlight? You're not trustworthy; please stay away from us...

Seeing the two clans drawing closer, the Third Hokage felt a headache coming on. Both Uchiha and Hyuga were proud clans with a rich heritage. After the incident, he wanted to compensate Hyuga, but they wouldn't accept it!

Though not as openly defiant as Uchiha, Hyuga had the attitude of listening politely but remaining sceptical in action. In other words, they just weren't cooperating fully.

"Ahem! Be quiet, everyone. I called everyone here this time because I have something to discuss, and it concerns every ninja in the village."

The Third Hokage coughed twice and, with a few words, broadened the issue from being Uchiha's alone to affecting all shinobi in Konoha.

The allure of vested interests stirred the crowd. Now, when it came to the dock and port, it wasn't just Hokage pushing Uchiha to relinquish control—it was the other shinobi.

The Third Hokage gave a brief explanation, and for a moment, the clan leaders all turned their attention to Fugaku with peculiar expressions, thinking, *So Uchiha could pull this off!* They hadn't expected him to establish ties with the daimyo quietly.

Fugaku closed his eyes and meditated as if the meeting had nothing to do with him and he was merely present for amusement.

"Chief Fugaku, the daimyo appointed your clan, the Uchiha, to guard the seaside pier port. What are your thoughts on this matter?"

The ninja clan leaders were no fools. They understood that this port was a lucrative location and naturally wouldn't want to watch the Uchiha clan claim such a prize alone.

"Huh? The daimyo appointed us Uchiha? Then I'll go back and select candidates right away. No need to remind me about these matters—Lord Hokage can just send word directly..."

Fugaku appeared to rouse from a light doze, looking irritably at the clan leader who had just spoken.

"Chief Fugaku, most of your Uchiha are skilled in Fire Style. The seaside isn't exactly your element. If your clan is stationed there alone, any unexpected attacks might be challenging to handle..."

"It's challenging, but Uchiha are adept at fighting! Don't forget that during the Third World War, we Uchiha were at the forefront, defending the coast against Mist Shinobi without a single defeat."

Fugaku sneered, his stance clear: if Konoha wanted Uchiha to relinquish any control over the harbor, Uchiha's attitude was simple: ignorance, refusal, and non-resistance.

To elaborate:

The daimyo asked Uchiha to handle this responsibility, and we didn't know anything beforehand.

If Konoha wants something from Uchiha in this matter, we won't accept it!

The daimyo appointed Uchiha to guard the port, and we won't refuse!

Yagami worked hard on this project—why should you leeches have a share? We Uchiha have no obligation to hand anything over.

Besides, this was the daimyo's decision, not Uchiha's, so why should we be burdened by your bad intentions...

The Mito clan leader felt a heaviness in his chest, momentarily at a loss for words. Uchiha's achievements against Mist Shinobi stood true; they didn't need support from other clans.

The heads of the Ino–Shika–Cho clans exchanged glances and chose to remain silent. Although they aligned with the Hokage's lineage, their loyalty was to Konoha, not specifically to the Hokage.

They were somewhat aware of village matters and recognized that certain individuals were eyeing Uchiha's growing influence with envy. It was best to stay uninvolved; their clans had their own holdings, enough to maintain their livelihoods.

"Chief Fugaku, your Uchiha clan is large. Isn't it improper to monopolize this opportunity? There are many shinobi in the village, and they also need jobs. If they can't sustain their incomes, Konoha's fighting power will decline."

"Indeed, Chief Fugaku, your clan is well-off while smaller clans like ours struggle. We kindly ask you to negotiate with the daimyo on our behalf."

······

Some minor clan leaders joined in. Many of them relied on village subsidies and lacked funds; training a shinobi was costly.

Even setting aside resources and maintaining ninja gear and equipment alone was a significant expense, and village subsidies barely sufficed.

"Hold on! What exactly are you implying? It wasn't us who suggested to the daimyo that Uchiha be stationed.

Didn't the daimyo clearly state his decision? He chose us because of our strength.

The pier is essentially a national gateway. Surely the daimyo has his reasons for selecting a powerful clan, correct?"

"Furthermore, we Uchiha also lack employment! We returned the police department to the village, and many of your clansmen are now part of it.

Is that not sufficient? If we forfeit clan jobs as well, we'll be left with nothing! Jobs aren't only your need, and you covet positions that Uchiha won through our own strength. Do you take us for pushovers?"

Fugaku's tone shifted as if only just realizing the true intent of this meeting. He activated his Three Tomoe Sharingan, casting a stern gaze.

The Third Hokage was immediately alarmed; he wanted Uchiha stationed at the pier but didn't intend for it to escalate into conflict!

Since when did Fugaku become so unyielding, activating his Sharingan at every turn, just like Yagami? Has the Uchiha temperament grown this fiery?

"Fugaku, calm down!"

The Third Hokage quickly intervened, and the other clan leaders averted their gazes.

In their eagerness for profit, they had nearly forgotten how formidable the Uchiha were—an oversight indeed.

"Calm down? Hokage-sama, why should I be calm? The entire village seems to be watching Uchiha. If there's even a sliver of benefit, they jump to meddle. But when Uchiha struggles… Third Hokage, is this what you meant?"

Fugaku looked coldly at the Third Hokage. Sarutobi couldn't help but twitch at the shift in address.

"Of course… not! I only feared it might be a misunderstanding! In the past, when assisting the daimyo in managing the Land of Fire, we formed joint forces from various clans.

This time, with only Uchiha going alone, I feared you might perceive this as a village directive, hence this meeting..."

The Third Hokage sighed, suggesting that Fugaku's concerns of being targeted were mistaken; convening a meeting wasn't unreasonable.

*Tch!* Sugary words aside, hasn't Uchiha been targeted enough?

"Hokage-sama, your worry is excessive. Uchiha will fully comply with the daimyo's request. If there's nothing further, I'll take my leave. As clan leader, I have a family to support!"

With that, Fugaku swept out of the room. His restraint had been honed; once oppressed by the village's leaders and divided within, he'd needed to be cautious and submissive.

But now, with Yagami handling village and clan affairs, making it harder for the leadership to suppress Uchiha directly, the clan has achieved regional autonomy and unity.

As the clan head, it was only natural to uphold some dignity.

----------------

You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion