Hokage's Office.
The so-called "Konoha F4" gathered once again.
No sooner had Hiruzen returned than Danzo dragged the other three into a high-level meeting.
Danzo still felt a trace of regret.
"Why didn't the Uchiha cause more trouble?"
"I was waiting to use mishandling of the Uchiha issue as grounds to force Hiruzen Sarutobi to resign!"
The last time he had finally pushed Hiruzen into stepping down, Hiruzen had immediately produced his disciple—Minato Namikaze—to inherit the Hokage position.
If he could force Hiruzen to retire again, Danzo could recommend himself and contend for the Fifth Hokage seat.
Unfortunately, things had not unfolded according to his expectations.
It left him simmering with frustration.
"Hiruzen, you are too soft!"
"Today you should have taken the opportunity to wipe out the Uchiha entirely!"
Danzo struck the floor with his cane, killing intent flickering in his eyes.
Toward the Uchiha, Danzo had always advocated extermination.
The Sharingan's power was terrifying.
If it could not be controlled by him, how could he rest easy?
Hiruzen glanced sideways at Danzo.
He knew Danzo's mind all too well.
Wipe out the Uchiha?
You just want me to clash with them until both sides bleed—so you can reap the benefits.
Hiruzen's expression hardened.
"The Uchiha are comrades of Konoha. Do not speak of extermination again."
He paused before continuing,
"However… they cannot be left unchecked."
"With 'Blazing Demon' Yusuke ascending, I feel deep concern."
"What are your thoughts?"
Homura Mitokado pondered briefly before speaking.
"At present, perhaps we should attempt to win over Fugaku and make him our informant."
Danzo sneered.
"Win over the former Uchiha Clan Head?"
"Do you truly believe he would stand with us?"
Hiruzen also shook his head.
Judging from today's events, Fugaku was clearly standing closer to his clan.
Winning him over was unrealistic.
Still, Homura's suggestion sparked a new line of thought.
If the older core members were unreachable—
What about the younger generation?
During the Second Hokage's era, there had been many Uchiha willing to devote themselves fully to the village.
Hiruzen immediately thought of Shisui Uchiha—descendant of Kagami and peer of "Blazing Demon" Yusuke.
Then of Itachi Uchiha, the prodigy who had just graduated from the Academy.
As the idea formed, a faint smile tugged at Hiruzen's lips.
All for Konoha. The Will of Fire will guide them.
He had already decided to find an opportunity to instill his ideology into these youths.
The next day.
As the new Clan Head, Yusuke convened his first clan assembly.
Same location.
Same faces.
But this time—
Yusuke sat at the head seat.
"Greetings, Clan Head."
The gathered members offered a simple salute.
The Uchiha were not the Hyūga; they did not indulge in excessive formalities.
Yusuke nodded with a calm smile.
He maintained authority without putting on airs.
Measured. Composed. Balanced.
The clan was thoroughly satisfied.
Though young, Yusuke carried himself no worse than Fugaku.
At such an age, already possessing a leader's bearing—
The Uchiha's future looked bright.
Yusuke cleared his throat.
"I have gathered you today to announce two matters."
"Both are crucial to the Uchiha's reputation."
"I ask that everyone strictly abide by them."
His expression grew serious, and the atmosphere tightened.
Everyone understood—
Reform was coming.
Yusuke went straight to the point.
"First: strictly restrain all Uchiha members. No abusing power. No bullying others."
"Violators will be severely punished."
His tone was resolute.
If one was to cut away rot—
It required decisive force.
Then he added lightly,
"Of course… if others bully us, you may fight back."
"The Uchiha are not to be trampled."
The hall responded with approving murmurs.
Yusuke summarized simply:
"Do not provoke trouble. Do not fear trouble."
"Remember those six words."
He opposed abusing strength—
But he would not have the clan swallow humiliation either.
A warrior clan could not be expected to suddenly grow meek.
In the past, if someone provoked an Uchiha—
The response was immediate and fierce.
In recent years, under pressure from Konoha's leadership, tempers had cooled somewhat.
Fugaku's style had often been to smooth things over.
Now, that was changing.
If they were in the right—
They would not fear escalation.
After a brief pause, Yusuke continued.
"The second matter: reforming the Military Police's enforcement procedures."
The first announcement had merely been an appetizer.
This was the true objective.
"I believe everyone understands that since taking control of the Military Police Force, the Uchiha have gradually become a target for public resentment."
"If we wish to change public perception, reform is imperative."
The Second Hokage had assigned the Police Force to the Uchiha based on their clan traits.
Yet that arrangement had produced severe backlash.
Even when enforcing laws fairly, resentment brewed among villagers.
And the Uchiha, proud by nature, rarely deigned to explain themselves.
Over time—
Misunderstanding deepened.
Konoha's leadership knew the Uchiha's grievances—
Yet never assisted in correcting the narrative.
If you wear the crown, you bear its weight.
The Uchiha held enforcement authority.
Some resentment was "acceptable."
After all, no one intended to let an Uchiha become Hokage—
Reputation was expendable.
Fugaku had endured.
Yusuke would not.
If Konoha's leadership refused to share responsibility—
Then he would openly reform the system and pull every major clan into shared accountability.
Yusuke held up a document.
"From now on—no violent enforcement."
"Before conviction, suspects are to be treated properly."
"No abuse of punishment. No forced confessions."
"A jury system will be established."
"Members from other major clans will participate in trials to ensure fairness, transparency, and justice."
…
Drawing from structured judicial principles, Yusuke introduced a participatory review system.
In simple terms—
Decisions would not rest solely in Uchiha hands.
If problems arose—
Responsibility would be shared.
The Uchiha would not carry the blame alone.
The proposal received unanimous approval.
With such reforms—
Within a year, public perception of the Uchiha would inevitably shift.
Want More? Get up to +60 Extra Chapters on Patreon!
➤ https://www.patreon.com/aureliusstudios
➤ +300 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter Drop!
Thanks for the support!