Chapter 86: For a Greater Uchiha (Part 2)

The crowd's overwhelming cheers filled the venue, with fervent emotions radiating from the clan members as all eyes focused on Hanma.

Hanma nodded slightly, satisfied with the effect he had achieved.

He gestured to Minato to form a barrier.

Minato understood and, along with Kushina, stood on either side of the venue, starting to weave seals.

"Sealing Technique: Dual-Element Barrier!"

A light blue barrier slowly rose, enveloping the entire arena.

The Dual-Element Barrier was a beginner's version of the Four Violet Flames Formation, not particularly strong but effective in blocking spying and sound.

What Hanma was about to say next needed to be kept somewhat confidential.

Hanma executed a few simple hand signs, and a tall earthen pillar rose from the ground, transforming into a makeshift podium.

Hanma's gaze slowly swept over all the Uchiha present, and he raised his hand, signaling for silence.

"First, I want to thank the former patriarch, Setsuna, for his relentless efforts in securing benefits for our Uchiha clan during challenging times."

Hanma led the applause, and a wave of enthusiastic clapping swept over Setsuna, allowing him to exit gracefully.

"From the policies I've enacted, you can see I intend to reform the current state of the Uchiha. But before we implement reforms, we need to understand our demands."

The crowd fell into deep thought, and Hanma inwardly sighed, recognizing this as a reflection of the unclear factions within the Uchiha.

Some sought higher status in the village, others aimed to seize the Hokage position through combat, while some carried deep-seated grievances with no clear goal.

Hanma's speech today aimed to set a foundation for the Uchiha's future development.

"We Uchiha are one of Konoha's founding clans. Currently, we do not hold any positions within Konoha's upper echelon, which is the root of most clan members' dissatisfaction."

"The reason Konoha's leadership gives is that the Police Force can replace advisory positions."

"Today, let's discuss why Tobirama Senju established the Police Force. Why did he entrust such a significant department to us if his intention was to suppress us?"

"The first reason for establishing the Police Force was to isolate us from the battlefield, preventing us from gaining power and threatening the Hokage's rule."

"The second reason was to create a rift between us and most of Konoha's ninjas and tarnish our reputation among the villagers, hindering our development in Konoha."

Seeing the confused looks on the Uchiha's faces, it was clear many didn't understand the second point.

After all, from the Uchiha's perspective, they were just diligently performing their duties, so why would ninjas and villagers hate them?

Hanma sighed. Tobirama's strategy wasn't particularly brilliant, but in the ninja world, it stood out due to the environment of child soldiers.

"Perhaps you believe you're just doing your job, but have you considered that no one likes those who punish them?"

"Moreover, given our Uchiha pride, we don't show leniency to those who err."

"The stricter our enforcement, the more ninjas and civilians we punish, improving Konoha's law and order. But those punished will not commend the Uchiha for it, will they?"

Hanma's explanation of the Police Force's true purpose deeply resonated with every Uchiha.

Every Uchiha working in the Police Force eventually fell into deep confusion.

Why?

Why, despite diligently performing their duties, were they met with villagers' curses and ninjas' discontent?

Why?

Why were they, Uchiha meant to shed blood on the battlefield, stuck in Konoha handling trivial matters?

As the crowd's anger grew, Hanma shifted his tone and slowly spoke:

"Though the Second Hokage did not grant us upward mobility, he did create a peaceful environment for us to thrive, leading to our clan's growth."

Hanma acknowledged Tobirama's merits, stating that while their anger was justified, it shouldn't consume them.

"Patriarch, what should we do?"

The Uchiha were confused, desperately seeking Hanma's solution.

Hanma waved his hand, signaling for silence, and spoke solemnly:

"What are we striving for? This is the most crucial question. We seek greater power, family happiness, and fair treatment."

"Though we haven't enjoyed the glory as Konoha's founders, we haven't been grossly mistreated. However, the real crisis for Uchiha has yet to come."

"Konoha's current structure is based on the Second Hokage's vision. The Third Hokage, as his successor, rigidly implements his policies."

"The Second Hokage aimed to eliminate ninja clans and fully integrate Konoha. Yet, most of the Third Hokage's supporters are also from ninja clans, and to maintain his legitimacy, he targets the Uchiha."

"Behind the Third Hokage stand the Hyuga, Shimura, Sarutobi, Nara, Akimichi, Yamanaka, Kurama clans, and many civilian ninjas benefiting from the academy."

"If we seize power through force, assassinations would be effective, but maintaining our rule would be challenging due to the intricate web of alliances."

Hanma candidly discussed armed rebellion, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy Konoha post-takeover.

The crowd, including Setsuna, fell silent. The Uchiha's desire to seize power stemmed more from decades of frustration than a genuine intent to rule.

While Tobirama's policies opened upward mobility for civilian ninjas and expanded Konoha's military, it overlooked a crucial element.

The source of ninja power lies in the Otsutsuki bloodline, dependent on kekkei genkai and chakra.

When ninja clans interbreed, their descendants lose power, similar to how Indra's lineage degenerated into regular Uchiha.

Under Tobirama's policies, hundreds of high-level ninjas might emerge, but none with decisive battlefield capabilities.

In the ninja world, bloodline is paramount, a rule set by the Otsutsuki.

Facing the Otsutsuki clan in the future, Tobirama's policies would leave Konoha vulnerable.

However, given Tobirama's limited knowledge of the ninja world and Uchiha's instability, his decisions were understandable.

Hanma, as an Uchiha, aimed to find the best path forward.

Seeing his clan deep in thought, he redirected their focus to himself.

"If the world seeks destruction, the Uchiha must ponder first."

"To resolve this, we must await a strong external force. The ninja world won't remain peaceful; more wars are inevitable. Achievements on the battlefield are undeniable."

"Our Uchiha must unify and steadfastly pursue our path, resisting any attempts to destabilize us internally!"

"From now on, the Police Force will significantly downsize, focusing on foreign espionage. Civilians will manage their own order; the Police Force will not be involved."

"Ninjas freed from the Police Force will participate in regular missions. With me here, the Third Hokage won't use the Police Force as an excuse to interfere with us."

"I will also establish a special squad, with three-tomoe Sharingan as a minimum requirement, selecting recognized clan members for particular missions supporting Uchiha."

Hanma referred to aiding Orochimaru in establishing his footing in the Hidden Mist.

"So, I urge everyone to train diligently and let go of their grievances. I assure you, as long as I lead the Uchiha, we will not face unjust treatment!"

"As for the Hokage position, trust that when the time is right, the Uchiha will attain it!"

"Let us strive together!"

The exuberant clan's spirit melded into a majestic Uchiha crest behind Hanma.

Hanma raised his right hand, and the clan echoed his gesture.

"For a Greater Uchiha!"

Hanma roared.

"For a Greater Uchiha!!"

The clan members responded in unison.

Just as Hanma was about to conclude the clan meeting perfectly, Uchiha Shin staggered towards him, seemingly to retort.

But before he could approach, he received a heavy punch to the face.

"Uchiha Shin, being incapable is forgivable, but being foolish is deadly!"

Setsuna coldly remarked, wiping his sleeve.

Several middle-aged, three-tomoe Uchiha surrounded him, their eyes glowing red, glaring at him.

Uchiha Shin clutched his face and shouted:

"I just want to say that from now on, I only recognize Hanma as the clan leader!"

The crowd burst into laughter, and Hanma walked over to Uchiha Shin, shaking his hand.

Hanma's succession as leader marked a new beginning for the Uchiha clan.

From this moment, the Uchiha had direction and purpose, no longer wandering Konoha with pent-up resentment.

The future of the Uchiha was bright!

(End of Chapter)