Naruto: Uchiha Rejects Konoha

As soon as these words came out, everyone who had been flattering the Uchiha just moments ago was stunned, including the Third Hokage and the uninformed ninja clan leaders. It took a while for them to process. 

No! Something was off! This was far too unlike Uchiha. 

Wasn't Uchiha always fiercely ambitious when it came to power? They had once tightly controlled the police department and were rumoured to be planning a coup to seize the Hokage seat. Now, when the position was practically being handed to them, they outright refused? 

Or could it be that the Uchiha clan truly no longer intended to have anything to do with Konoha? But that didn't make sense either—they hadn't officially severed ties with the village. Despite moving the entire clan out of Konoha, some Uchiha members still remained in the village. Even the clan leader's son continued to attend Konoha's Shinobi Academy, which suggested that the Uchiha still held some attachment to the village. 

"Uchiha Yagami, you can't just dismiss the election of the Fifth Hokage by saying no," Utatane Koharu said, frowning. "Even if you personally have no interest in becoming Hokage, that doesn't mean the entire Uchiha clan feels the same way, does it?" 

Koharu was visibly irritated. She understood that Sarutobi's strategy was the most practical way to maintain Konoha's stability, but the thought of a Uchiha as Hokage still unsettled her. Now, Uchiha's apparent lack of appreciation for this gesture only made her angrier. 

"Elder Koharu," Yagami replied calmly, "as the director of Uchiha's office in Konoha Village, I have full authority to handle any and all issues between the Uchiha clan and Konoha Village. When I say we have no interest in Hokage, I am speaking for the entire Uchiha clan. Uchiha does not, and will not, desire the position of Hokage." 

Yagami's gaze swept across the stunned faces of Konoha's leadership, and he was thoroughly satisfied with their current expressions. 

In the past, Uchiha fought for power because they still cared about Konoha. But now, having distanced themselves emotionally and politically, the position of Hokage meant nothing to them. 

"You… what right do you have to say such a thing?" Koharu snapped angrily. "Where is Fugaku? He's the clan leader. Why isn't he here? How can you, a mere office director, speak for the entire Uchiha clan?" 

Yagami clicked his tongue in irritation. "Elder Koharu, are you hard of hearing? As I've already said, my word represents Uchiha. However, if you're dissatisfied with my title, I can just as easily become the Chief Representative of the Uchiha clan in Konoha Village. It's just a title. I can change it whenever I please." 

He spread his hands in a show of indifference, his tone laced with mockery. In his mind, he mused that if Koharu thought she could badger Fugaku into compliance, she was in for a rude awakening. From now on, all interactions between Konoha and Uchiha would go through him. Fugaku's role in such matters was effectively nullified. 

"That's enough, Koharu!" The Third Hokage interjected sharply. "Hokage candidates must be willing to take on the role. Let's not force the issue." 

Turning to Yagami, the Third Hokage adopted a more measured tone. "Yagami, you know the state of the village right now. We need someone strong enough to lead Konoha through these times. While there have been conflicts between the village and the Uchiha clan, surely you don't want to see Konoha crumble." 

Yagami regarded the Third Hokage silently for a moment before replying. 

"Third Hokage-sama, you're absolutely correct. Uchiha poured a great deal of effort into the founding of Konohagakure, and we don't wish to see the village fall apart. 

However, you must also understand that the Uchiha clan is deeply emotional by nature. If a Uchiha were to take on the role of Hokage, it might exacerbate existing tensions and only make things worse for Konoha. 

Furthermore, in terms of strength, both Tsunade-sama and Jiraiya-sama are more than qualified to lead as Hokage. There's no need to take unnecessary risks by entrusting this position to a Uchiha."

"In addition, although I, Yagami, may not be particularly gifted, I believe my strength is sufficient.

I will be stationed in Konoha for an extended period.

This can serve as a strategic battle asset for the village and provide a degree of deterrence to external threats. Making an Uchiha the Hokage is really unnecessary."

Konoha is currently facing numerous challenges, but at its core, it boils down to two issues: a lack of both hard power and soft power.

Hard power is the absence of strong individuals who can stabilize and protect the village. Soft power refers to the struggling economy and the looming threat of financial collapse.

Thus, if the Third Hokage wishes to retain his position, addressing these two issues will suffice.

In terms of hard power, Yagami stated calmly, "I will remain stationed in Konoha with my Mangekyō Sharingan. That should be enough."

As for the financial issues...

"Third Hokage, please rest assured. We Uchiha are not so narrow-minded. We understand the village's current plight.

Although the majority of our clan will remain stationed at the harbour dock, I will stay in Konoha. Furthermore, if needed, the village can hire personnel from the Uchiha Security Company for additional support. That should cover your requirements."

Yagami's tone was measured, but there was no mistaking the weight behind his words.

"In addition, our Uchiha Group has launched a long-term initiative called Rural Revitalization.

The program's aim is to assist and support smaller, struggling villages. If Konoha requires help, we can include it as one of our designated support points.

The program includes various facets, but in essence, we finance village construction and development while receiving certain conveniences from the village for our group's operations.

If this is of interest, I can submit an application to the group's board of directors immediately."

Yagami's demeanour suggested he was throwing Konoha a lifeline—but with conditions.

With Uchiha willing to provide both manpower and financial support, it would be foolish for the Third Hokage to refuse. Yagami seemed almost amused as if silently chiding the Third Hokage: If you're still considering retirement, think again. Just keep your Hokage hat on and deal with it.

The mention of Rural Revitalization piqued the Third Hokage's interest. "What are the conditions for your investment?"

The Third Hokage's focus shifted immediately to the financial aspect. Combat power, while important, was not Konoha's most pressing concern. With himself, Tsunade, and others, the village still had sufficient high-end combat capability. Moreover, Konoha had a large pool of capable ninjas, ensuring a solid baseline of strength.

The real crisis lay in finances. The village's coffers were nearly empty, and the damage from recent invasions was crippling. Without money, even contemplating a war was impossible.

The Third Hokage's thoughts raced: If the village were financially stable, we wouldn't be forced into such defensive postures. Instead, we could launch an offensive, demonstrating Konoha's strength and discouraging aggression. But without funds, even survival seems precarious.

Yagami responded plainly, "There are no hard conditions.

Out of goodwill and considering past ties, we are willing to allocate a larger share of funds to Konoha beyond the original allocation. However, all funds must be utilized under Uchiha's supervision.

Every ryō must be accounted for, and Konoha must grant us an advisory elder position to oversee the allocation and management of these funds.

We're willing to support the village's development, but we will not tolerate our money being used to enrich individual clans. If that condition isn't acceptable, there's no point in continuing this discussion.

After all, Uchiha's money doesn't just grow on trees."

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