Chapter 106: The Academy Gambit
As the ceremony concluded, Nara Haruyu discreetly incinerated a small slip of paper with a spark of Fire Release chakra. On it had been a single name: Senju Hashirama. In his analytical mind, Hashirama was the only truly qualified candidate for Hokage. Madara's power was undeniable, but his temperament was too volatile, too arrogant for the delicate role of leader. Haruyu knew he was not alone in this sentiment, but for now, they were powerless to change the outcome.
"Thus," the announcer's voice boomed, "our First Hokage is Uchiha Madara! We will uphold his leadership. Wherever the leaves flutter, the Will of Fire will burn! Now, let us hear from our Hokage!"
Uchiha Raizen, who had been standing at the forefront, smoothly stepped aside, ceding the platform to Madara.
"First," Madara began, his voice carrying a new, formal weight, "I thank the clan representatives for your trust. My first act is to appoint key positions. The defense of Konoha will fall to the Senju clan, with Senju Hashirama as Chief of the Konoha Guard. Patrol and reconnaissance duties will be handled jointly by the Hyūga and Inuzuka clans, with Hyūga Tenjin as Head of the Investigation Division, and the Inuzuka Patriarch as his deputy…"
He efficiently listed the assignments, a strategic balance of power that placated the major clans. Notably, the Sarutobi and Shimura clans were left without prominent roles.
"Now, I announce a fundamental initiative for our future," Madara continued. "Until now, we have trained our shinobi within our own clans. This ends today. We will establish a Ninja Academy. Advancement will not be based on strength alone, but also on cultural knowledge and resilience. The Sarutobi and Shimura clans will serve as the Academy's first Headmasters. The Sarutobi's balanced attributes make them ideal for this role." He paused, sensing the tension. "Let me be clear: this does not replace clan training. It supplements it. Your children may still learn your secrets at home. The Academy provides a unified foundation. Thank you for your trust."
With that, he stepped back, and Hashirama himself stepped forward to place the official Hokage haori over Madara's shoulders. This outcome was not the result of a true democratic vote, but of backroom negotiations and overwhelming pressure. Everyone in the know understood that in a free election, Madara would never have won. His fearsome reputation preceded him.
After the main ceremony, the clan patriarchs gathered in a private chamber. The air was thick with unspoken dissent.
"Elder Raizen," Inuzuka Tsume growled, unable to contain herself any longer. "What happened to the 'anonymous vote'? How did it become… this?"
Xu Bai, who had been leaning against the wall, didn't flinch. "Is there a difference? The matter is settled. Do you have a specific, actionable objection to the outcome?"
"I…!" Tsume sputtered, caught off guard.
"Let's set that aside for now," Nara Haruyu interjected smoothly, redirecting the conversation. "I believe we have a more immediate concern with this Academy. Many clans have unique, secret teaching methods. Out of deference today, no one objected. But you can be certain that our most promising geniuses will be kept within our own compounds, trained in our own ways."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the room. This was a universal truth.
"Actually, that problem has a simple solution," Raizen said, pushing himself off the wall.
"Oh? What solution do you propose, Elder Raizen?" Madara asked, his interest piqued.
"Our village now has an electoral system," Raizen began, his tone pragmatic. "So we institute one new rule: official ninja rank—Genin, Chūnin, Jōnin—can only be conferred by the Academy. Furthermore, only those who hold the rank of Jōnin will be eligible to run for elected office within the village."
The room fell into a stunned silence.
"This is…" someone started.
"I agree," Hashirama stated firmly, without hesitation.
"I also agree," Madara added, a glint in his eye. It was a masterstroke, a policy that strengthened the village's central authority while appearing fair.
Even Nara Haruyu was taken aback. He hadn't anticipated such a shrewd, systemic move. This Uchiha Raizen was a far greater political threat than he had calculated.
"There is one more matter," Raizen continued, his voice dropping slightly. "I intended to bring this up yesterday, but feared it would delay the Hokage inauguration. Now is the time. Each clan will be required to submit scrolls detailing their secret techniques, kinjutsu, and bloodline limit abilities to the village archives for safekeeping and… regulated study."
This time, the reaction was not silent. Every patriarch in the room shot to their feet, their faces a mixture of shock, outrage, and disbelief. He was asking for their very souls.
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