Uchiha Fugaku's words rang through the ears of his clan members.
"Not only do we have to give up some of the Police Force's power, but we also have to ask the clan members to apologize to the villagers who made mistakes?"
The Uchiha clan felt humiliated.
Some members looked at Fugaku in disbelief. Was their leader really suggesting they trade the clan's interests for an uncertain future, just to regain the village's trust? Was compromising the way to earn mercy?
It seemed absurd to them.
The murmur of dissent grew louder:
"No, giving up half the Police Force is already too much. Why should we apologize? The Uchiha cannot be insulted."
"We did nothing wrong. Why should we say sorry?"
"Clan Head, this is unacceptable!"
"We care about the village, but why doesn't the village care about us? They keep targeting us and expect us to just endure!"
"We've been more than patient, yet they keep pushing us!"
"Clan Head, are you really willing to abandon half of us?"
Fugaku's decision caused frustration among many Uchiha clan members. Some felt abandoned by the clan leader, their faces showing despair and indignation.
"I have made my decision. If you refuse to apologize, then you can leave the Police Force!" Fugaku's voice was stern, silencing the protests.
With the leader's decision final, even those who disagreed had no choice but to accept it, their frustration evident.
The great elder, who had remained silent until now, snorted in disdain, and with that, he left the clan grounds, followed by the fourth elder and others. They feared staying any longer would only worsen the situation.
Itachi watched the departing elders with a cold gaze. To him, these dissenters were a threat to the clan's stability. If he ever became the leader, he knew he would need to deal with these stubborn individuals.
As the elders left, some clan members shook their heads in disappointment and prepared to leave the clan as well.
Everyone was feeling quite disappointed in the clan head.
Apologies, but things are just not working out.
"Dad, now's the perfect time to recruit people for the Chamber of Commerce!" Seeing the crowd slowly dispersing, Genya tugged at Uchiha Kinya's sleeve and urged him, "Hurry up, this is our best chance!"
Uchiha Kinya was momentarily surprised, then his eyes brightened. He gave his son a thumbs-up. His son was truly his good luck charm.
This was indeed a good opportunity.
Uchiha Kinya's eyes shone as he looked at the people about to leave. He then called out, "Fellow clansmen, please stay!"
Everyone stopped and stared at Uchiha Kinya, curious about what he wanted. Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi, who had not left yet, also turned their attention to him.
Uchiha Kinya took a moment to think, cleared his throat, and continued, "I won't say much. If you want to avoid dissatisfaction in the village, my Chamber of Commerce welcomes you. I, Uchiha Kinya, promise fair treatment to all!"
As he spoke, the Uchiha Kai and others standing beside him puffed out their chests and stood tall, eager to support Uchiha Kinya.
The others also looked at Uchiha Kinya. This time, there was no mockery, just curiosity in their eyes.
They exchanged looks, considering the possibility of joining.
Uchiha Itachi, who was watching, had an expressionless face that was now very cold.
To him, Uchiha Kinya seemed to be exploiting the Uchiha clan's internal issues to create divisions. He saw no good in this.
In his view, Uchiha Kinya was an unstable element. As the Hokage might see it, such elements needed to be removed.
Uchiha Kinya was just that—an unstable factor!
"Uchiha Kinya, what do I need to do to join the Chamber of Commerce? What are the benefits?" One of the ninjas, intrigued, began to ask.
"I, Uchiha Kinya, always judge people based on their abilities. Of course, your treatment will be the same as the Uchiha clan members in the Chamber of Commerce!" Uchiha Kinya stated plainly.
The ninja hesitated slightly, "Can I think about it?"
"Of course, the Chamber of Commerce is open to you whenever you're ready!" Uchiha Kinya nodded and made his position clear. He understood that these individuals might not join his chamber immediately, so he allowed them time to consider.
Currently, the Uchiha clan is facing increasing difficulties in Konoha, and the treatment of their Police Force is expected to worsen in the future. It's likely these people will come to understand this soon.
Some began to rethink their future prospects.
In the Sarutobi clan's territory:
This clan was one of the original founding clans of Konoha, established alongside the First Hokage and Uchiha Madara. They are renowned for their mastery of Fire Release techniques and are now among the most prosperous families.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, the current Hokage of Konoha, is also a member of this clan.
In a luxurious residence:
"Father, do you think Uncle will force the Uchiha clan to compromise and give up half of their Police Force?" A young man with a prominent beard asked eagerly, his eyes sparkling with excitement and ambition.
The old man he addressed resembled the Third Hokage in his older years. Sitting comfortably in his chair, he exuded an aura of authority, akin to the Third Hokage.
This man is Sarutobi Hiruzen's younger brother, Sarutobi Hitoshi, and the young man is Sarutobi Hiruzen's nephew, Sarutobi Eisuke.
"The Police Force will eventually become part of our Sarutobi clan," Sarutobi Hitoshi said confidently, puffing on his pipe and releasing a slow stream of smoke. "The Uchiha have already fallen from grace and have no options left."
His demeanor was calm and assured, as if victory was already in hand.
"Haha... yes, the Police Force is finally mine!" Sarutobi Eisuke forced a smile, his beard hiding a hint of cruelty.
The Sarutobi clan had grown stronger over the years. With three generations of influence, they had become quite powerful and somewhat unscrupulous.
Key positions in the village were filled with Sarutobi clan members. Even the daimyo of the Land of Fire was under their protection, with the heir of the clan, Asuma Sarutobi!
With their immense power, the Sarutobi clan was the strongest in Konoha, unmatched by anyone.
As long as they wanted, the Sarutobi clan could control the situation in Konoha.
"Tomorrow, you'll make those civilians who were wronged by the Uchiha accept the Uchiha's apology. Then, you'll take over half of the Police Force duties and split the village into two areas!" Sarutobi Hitoshi said, determination in his eyes as he took another puff of his cigarette.
Sarutobi Eisuke smiled, though his expression remained fierce. "Don't worry, Dad. I'll make sure the Uchiha apologize sincerely. Only with a sincere apology can they be forgiven!"
Support me on my and read upto 15 early Chapters.