Naruto: Legend of the Skylark

It wasn't just the Ino–Shika–Chō trio discussing this matter; other shinobi clans in the village, such as the Aburame clan and the Inuzuka clan, were also debating it.

Even more powerful clans like the Hyūga clan and the Uchiha clan were discussing the issue.

The Hyūga clan is a prominent family in Konohagakure. Although their current strength and influence are inferior to the Senju and Uchiha clans, tracing their origins, history, and the purity of their bloodline, the Hyūga clan could be considered the strongest in the shinobi world.

This is why, after the Uchiha clan was annihilated and the Senju clan mysteriously vanished, the Hyūga clan directly proclaimed themselves the strongest in Konoha!

The reason being that the Hyūga clan's bloodline can be traced back to Ōtsutsuki Hamura, the second son of Ōtsutsuki Kaguya, their ancestor.

In contrast, who were the ancestors of the Uchiha clan and the Senju clan? They were the two children of the Sage of Six Paths, Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo. This means, tracing the roots of history, the Hyūga clan is the 'uncle' to the Senju and Uchiha clans.

Therefore, they are a step above the Senju and Uchiha clans.

Moreover, unlike the Senju and Uchiha clans, the Hyūga clan has extremely strict rules, with a main family and branch family system passed down through generations. While this system has effectively preserved the Hyūga bloodline, allowing its purity to endure for thousands of years, it has also, to a large extent, made the entire Hyūga clan rigid.

When a clan has too many rules and becomes rigid, it tends to be slow in many matters. For instance, in this current situation, the Ino–Shika–Chō trio and the Sarutobi clan are already prepared to declare their support for the Hokage's initiative to establish a shinobi academy.

The Hyūga clan, however, is still embroiled in internal disputes, with most members believing they should maintain a wait-and-see attitude.

Precisely because their family-centric ideology has been passed down for countless generations and is deeply ingrained, many even find this development incomprehensible and believe it should be strongly opposed!

However, for such a clan to survive for thousands of years, a lot of 'moderation' is required. Thus, they have both an opposition faction and a conservative faction, making the current situation even more complex.

Ultimately, the Hyūga clan head decided to observe the situation before making a public statement.

Perhaps this is the main reason why, in the future, even though the Hyūga clan holds a noble position in Konohagakure, being the foremost prominent family after the Senju's retreat and the Uchiha's demise, they still couldn't deeply embed themselves into the core of Konohagakure's power structure?

Because successive Hokages had all recognized the Hyūga clan's serious flaw: 'slow action and prioritizing family.'

Allowing such a clan to become too deeply involved in Konohagakure's power center might bring more disadvantages than advantages. It could even cause the entire Konohagakure to rapidly 'age.'

In contrast to the Hyūga clan's wait-and-see approach, the Uchiha clan stands apart. Their clan inheritance is exceptional, with formidable geniuses emerging in each generation. Due to the existence of the Sharingan, although the Uchiha clan is renowned for its Fire Release in the shinobi world, they also possess numerous ninjutsu of other elemental natures, and many secret jutsu that ordinary people have never even heard of.

Therefore, this 'ninja academy' holds absolutely no meaning for them. Cultivating civilian shinobi who are inclined toward their clan? What a joke! The Uchiha clan, with its noble bloodline, needs commoners? They're not even worthy of polishing our shoes!

As for learning various clans' ninjutsu or basic knowledge? That's even more ridiculous. We can teach the basics ourselves. As for ninjutsu and such, our Uchiha clan's scrolls record an untold number of them; why would we need to learn from outsiders?

Thus, from the Uchiha clan's perspective, this so-called school offers them absolutely no benefit. On the contrary, it demands they relinquish a portion of their interests, so of course, they strongly oppose it.

As for whether this opposition would incite public outrage, is that something their noble Uchiha clansmen would consider? No, it doesn't exist. They are mere 'commoners,' only capable of squawking a bit. Would they dare to attack us?

Therefore, the Uchiha clan, without a second thought, immediately expressed their dissatisfaction and strong opposition to the Hokage Residence, claiming that the establishment of the ninja academy would disrupt the village's existing balance, bring countless unpredictable variables, and affect internal stability.

Inside the Uchiha clan's compound, a large group of shinobi bearing the Uchiha clan's crest sat together, fierce discussions constantly emanating from the room.

Most were strongly expressing their dissatisfaction with the establishment of the ninja academy, but a few younger Uchiha clansmen had conflicted expressions, seemingly wanting to speak but hesitating.

No clan lacks intelligent individuals, and the Uchiha clan is no exception. They are simply too immersed in their clan's power and glory to properly regard others.

However, with the establishment of the village, some of the younger generation of Uchiha clansmen have experienced shifts in their thinking, wanting to actively integrate into the entire village.

But precisely because they are young, they lack significant influence within the clan and thus cannot change the Uchiha clan's mindset. Perhaps their role will only become apparent in the future; for now, they are of no use.

Just as these people were denouncing and demanding 'justice' from the Hokage and the Senju clan, a shinobi from the Uchiha clan opened the door. Seeing the scene of 'deep resentment' inside, he frowned, then wore a helpless expression.

His action drew the attention of some Uchiha clan members inside. Then, an elder of the Uchiha clan asked, "Kagami, weren't you sent to the Hokage Residence to convey our opinions? Why are you back?"

Indeed, this young shinobi was Kagami Uchiha, the only Uchiha clan member that Tobirama truly trusted.

After hearing the question, Kagami spoke softly, "Hokage-sama's mind is made up. The establishment of the ninja academy has already begun. At the same time, the Sarutobi clan, Nara clan, Yamanaka clan, and Akimichi clan have all issued statements fully supporting Hokage-sama's decision... The villagers are also praising this decision. If we..."

"They are them, we are us, Kagami. Don't forget, you are a member of the Uchiha clan!!!" The elder frowned, speaking very sternly.

"The Uchiha are also a part of Konohagakure, aren't we?" Kagami retorted, equally unyielding.

His words silenced the entire room. The elder was so angry he nearly spat blood. While what he said was technically true, did Kagami not understand the underlying implications?

Just as the situation fell into an awkward silence, a large hand reached out from behind Kagami, patted his shoulder, and said, "Kagami, you're still too young. How can you speak to your elders like that? Go take care of your own business. Didn't Hokage-sama give you another mission?"

Upon hearing this, Kagami's emotions eased slightly. He then looked at the person behind him and said, "Sasuke-dono, thank you for the guidance. I will now go carry out Hokage-sama's orders..."

After speaking, Kagami nodded to Sarutobi Sasuke, then quickly left the place that agitated him.

Once Kagami left, Sasuke naturally walked into the Uchiha clan's compound. He looked at the masters sitting inside, smiled, and showed no sign of discomfort.

As mentioned before, Sasuke's strength was formidable, earning him respect even from the Uchiha clan. He was also the leader of the Sarutobi clan. Even if the Uchiha clan didn't think highly of them as the Senju's followers, they still had to show appropriate respect on the surface.

"Sasuke, why are you here? Does Hokage-sama have a mission for our Uchiha clan?" The elder looked at Sasuke, his tone slightly unfriendly.

Sasuke chuckled, then said, "As for missions, there really is one. Eizumi, during Madara's disappearance, I commend you for keeping the Uchiha clan from falling into disarray..."

Eizumi looked at Sasuke, then said, "If Hokage-sama wishes to inquire about the clan head's whereabouts, then I regret to say that although we are fully searching, we haven't found any trace of him. Recently... we've already begun to consider electing a new clan head."

Although Madara was the strongest in the Uchiha clan and its current head, he had now gone to extremes. Even within the somewhat 'obsessive' Uchiha clan, he didn't receive much recognition, and there was a deep rift between him and the clan.

"It's not about that. Madara is very powerful, and Hokage-sama isn't worried about any danger he might face outside. I came today for something else. I'm sure you've noticed that there are many 'management gaps' in the village. After all, we've only just settled the external threats. Before, we didn't have time to deal with them, but now we can properly think of ways to solve this problem," Sasuke said with a smile.

"If you're going to talk about the ninja academy, our Uchiha clan's stance is already very clear." Eizumi said in a deep voice.

"No, I want to talk about a completely new system that Hokage-sama is currently developing. We call it the 'Konoha Police Force'!" Sasuke said, looking at Eizumi with a serious expression.

As he spoke, a ripple of emotion crossed Eizumi's eyes. He had previously heard rumors about this 'security system'—that Tobirama was intent on establishing a police force to maintain village order and reduce the occurrence of various malicious incidents.

Now, Sasuke suddenly bringing up this matter here made Eizumi ponder the deeper meaning behind it.

Undoubtedly, once this security system was established, its administrators would essentially control a significant portion of Konohagakure's power. If the Uchiha clan wanted power, they certainly did!

"What... do you mean?" Eizumi thought for a long time, finally asking the question.

And a smile played on Sasuke's lips as he quietly said, "Ahem... That's a long story..."

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