Chapter 484: Uchiha’s Rise and Fall, All Tied to the Police Force

Hearing this, Fugaku Uchiha quickly responded:

"Tsunade-sama, the Uchiha clan has never done anything to threaten the village or harm its interests. Yet the targeting and mistrust we face…"

"I'm well aware of why the Uchiha are being targeted," Tsunade interrupted, her tone firm. "But there are situations I cannot change right now."

She continued, her expression serious:

"I'll consider your request carefully. But if there's nothing else, you should leave."

To lift the surveillance and suspicion toward the Uchiha wasn't something that could be done easily.

Even though Tsunade had gained significant control over the village's affairs, she was still constrained. At best, she could maintain the status quo and prevent the situation from worsening.

The rest would have to wait until she was in a stronger position to act.

As for whether the situation would change, Tsunade needed time to think.

Fugaku left, and neither Tsunade nor Takuya bothered inviting him to stay for the meal.

Takuya emerged from the kitchen, placing two plates of rice bowls on the coffee table. Picking up a spoon, he started eating heartily.

Tsunade gave him a side-eye.

"Are you seriously just going to sit there and say nothing?"

"What else would I do?"

Takuya chuckled, amused.

"The Uchiha want to pledge loyalty to you, not me. Why should I care?"

"But their ambition isn't small—they're trying to reclaim elder status in the council."

In Konoha's early days, clans that contributed significantly to the village were granted elder positions.

However, some clans held titles without any real power.

The Uchiha were the prime example of this.

They were excluded from village affairs, their opinions rarely sought.

The Hyuga clan, in contrast, chose to keep a low profile. Unless summoned, they rarely participated in council meetings.

The Uchiha wanted a seat at the table but had no opportunity to claim it.

"Big appetite, huh? Aren't they afraid they'll choke on their own ambition?"

Tsunade frowned. The Uchiha were still under surveillance and scrutiny—wasn't it a bit premature to start thinking about benefits?

"They can have it," Takuya said suddenly.

"What?"

Tsunade's eyes widened, thinking she had misheard.

She hadn't.

Takuya pointed his spoon in the air for emphasis.

"If the Uchiha pledge loyalty and obey your instructions, and if Fugaku can handle the hawks in his clan, what's the harm in giving them elder rights?"

"You're not joking?"

Tsunade's tone grew sharper.

Returning the Uchiha's elder rights would undoubtedly cause an uproar. The Third Hokage, the two elder advisors, and even some clans would vehemently oppose such a move.

"Do I look like I'm joking?"

Noticing the hint of anger in Tsunade's gaze, Takuya quickly shifted his tone.

"As long as the Uchiha behave, why not?

"Restoring their elder status isn't a gift; it's returning what's rightfully theirs."

"Go on. I'm listening."

Tsunade put down her spoon, finding the food suddenly less appetizing.

Takuya took a moment to gather his thoughts before continuing:

"You're going to become the Fourth Hokage eventually. When that happens, the Uchiha will be one of your strongest assets.

"Think about it—how many jonin does Konoha have? The Uchiha alone make up nearly a tenth of that number. Do you realize what that means?"

"And these aren't ordinary jonin. Even without awakening their Sharingan, Uchiha ninja are significantly stronger than average."

"I'm not denying the Uchiha's strength," Tsunade said, slamming her hand on the table for emphasis. "But don't forget—the Police Force is under their control. It's a critical department with substantial authority. If they regain elder rights, their power could inflate dangerously."

Takuya nearly choked on his food, struggling to hold back laughter.

Tsunade clenched her fists, tempted to punch him.

With a sigh, Takuya composed himself, a wry smile on his face.

"No wonder they say women with long hair lack foresight… Uh, just kidding, just kidding! You're not wrong—the Police Force is important and powerful.

"But here's the thing: the Uchiha's success and failure both lie with the Police Force.

"Even if they regain elder rights, the Police Force ensures they can't stir up too much trouble."

The Police Force had great authority, but at what cost?

The Uchiha had clung to their control over the department so fiercely that their reputation had been dragged through the mud.

After a brief pause, Takuya elaborated:

"Sure, clans like the Sarutobi, Shimura, and the Ino-Shika-Cho trio are all strong. But would they ever truly align with you?

"No. They'll always have their own interests.

"But the Uchiha?

"They have no allies. Their reputation is in the gutter because of the Police Force, and their arrogance, coupled with the village's mistrust, has left them isolated.

"You're their only lifeline."

Takuya's voice grew firmer.

"If you offer them even a sliver of goodwill—say, restoring elder rights—they'll become the sharpest blade in your arsenal."

"But a blade that sharp could hurt its wielder."

Tsunade frowned.

"The Uchiha are too complicated to handle."

"Then it's not your problem."

Takuya clapped his hands as if closing the matter.

"All you need to do is keep Fugaku in check.

"Fugaku might be soft when it comes to the village, but he's ruthless with his own people.

"Keep him on a leash for a while, then offer him this deal:

"Tell him you're open to welcoming the Uchiha back into the fold. Restore their elder rights. Ease the village's surveillance. Allow them to integrate into Konoha.

"But he has to deal with the hawks in his clan first."

The hawks were aggressive but ultimately harmless. The doves were useless—soft and spineless.

With Fugaku's leadership, neither faction could cause significant trouble.

"Most importantly, the Uchiha have no allies. Not a single clan will stand with them.

"If they want to improve their situation and regain their rightful place, they have no choice but to align with you.

"No Tsunade, no progress. Without you, they remain the same ostracized Uchiha as before."

Takuya leaned back with a confident smirk.

"They'll never become Hokage. Any other clan might have a chance at the seat, but not the Uchiha. That's the reality."

"I'll think about it."

Tsunade tapped her fingers on the table, deciding she needed to give the matter serious consideration.

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DO NOT FORGET POWER STONE AND CHATTING