Chapter 22: Clan Reforms and the Will of Hikari

Hikari stood at the center of the Uchiha clan council hall, her Mangekyō Sharingan still fresh in their memories. The elders watched her with a mixture of awe and wariness — the kind of respect only true power could command.

"I've made a breakthrough in my research," she said calmly, her gaze sweeping the room.

"Using advanced medical knowledge, I've developed a compound — a medicine that restores optic function and heals chakra meridians. It not only halts the degradation caused by the Mangekyō Sharingan... it reverses it."

Murmurs spread like wildfire among the gathered elders and elite clan members.

"In the near future, this medicine will be one of the highest-tier rewards within the reformed Pavilion of Merit. It will only be accessible to those who make significant contributions to the clan's advancement."

A clear message. Strength would be earned — not inherited.

In recent years, Hikari's declining health had diminished her influence within the clan, especially among the younger and middle generations. But now, with her restored power radiating from her left eye and a revolutionary proposal in hand, she had regained not just authority — but reverence.

A tremor passed through the chamber. The Second Elder rose to his feet.

"I support Lady Hikari," he declared firmly. "With her leadership, these reforms can elevate the Uchiha clan to new heights."

His support was based not on the details of the reforms, but on his faith in Hikari. After all, it was she who had ended the clan's internal strife by creating Isana — the autonomous guardian construct. It was Hikari who had halted the spiral of endless skirmishes that once plagued the Uchiha.

The Third Elder followed suit, though his tone was more cautious.

"The Pavilion of Merit — I support its restructuring," he said."As for the Military Police Force… the concept of an elite unit with centralized training and standard evaluations resembles the structure of the ANBU. That's promising. It would free our most talented members from mundane patrol work."

But then his expression darkened.

"However, to open the Military Police to outsiders? To allow civilian shinobi, and even other clans, to join — and take captain-level roles?""That feels like surrendering the very heart of our power."

At his words, several nodded in agreement. The Military Police had always been the Uchiha's domain — their stronghold within the village system.

Hikari's eyes narrowed.

"That belief is precisely what has shackled us."

Her voice turned cold — steel wrapped in ice.

"Why do you think the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, gave us the Police Force in the first place?""It wasn't a gesture of trust. It was a poisoned gift."

The room went still.

"He wanted to isolate us — saddle us with the village's resentment and blame. Petty crimes, domestic disputes, bureaucratic paperwork — we were made enforcers, not heroes. And in that position, our image has rotted."

She stepped forward, her tone rising.

"Ask yourselves: when the Hidden Leaf was founded, how many allied clans stood by our side? And where are they now? Who stands with us today?"

"We've allowed ourselves to become a wedge between the people and the Hokage — a clan seen as enforcers, not protectors."

Silence. Then she gave a bitter smile.

"Some of you still cling to the fantasy that an Uchiha will become Hokage. But how can we, without allies? Without the people's trust?"

"Even if we seized the title by force — could we hold it? Are we stronger than the entire village united against us?"

Her words struck deep. None could refute them. The Uchiha clan had power — yes. But power alone had become a curse, not a blessing.

Hikari continued:

"That is why the reform of the Military Police is not just strategic — it is necessary."

"Let outsiders and minor clans take over the day-to-day affairs. Let them bear the burden. Let them be the face of the police."

"We will become the judges, the overseers — stepping in only when the situation demands true authority."

She scanned the room again.

"Any objections?"

Heads shook slowly — not in defiance, but in silent agreement. The plan was bold, but it achieved two goals: it released the clan from the weight of daily scorn, and it elevated their status above bureaucratic pettiness.

The Fourth Elder then stood.

"Lady Hikari, your training proposal is… impressive," he said with a slight bow."But isn't it too ambitious? Preschool programs, after-school intensives, special genin and chūnin drills, even jōnin-level experience exchanges…"

He paused, concerned.

"Even with our financial reserves, such an expansive plan would strain us. Do you truly believe it's sustainable?"

The Second Elder looked toward Hikari as well.

"I assume you've considered this. You must have a solution."

All eyes turned to her.

Hikari nodded, calm and composed.

"Of course. You don't need to worry about funding."

"I've prepared a list of rare, high-value commodities for trade. Their sale alone will cover our needs for years."

She spoke of gold from the City of Gold, and treasures from Skypiea — but more importantly, she hinted at new economic weapons: food pills enhanced with Sea King meat. Even at a diluted concentration, these pills would outperform any supplement available in the market by over 30%.

And then there was Gin's contribution — a streamlined version of the Body Enhancement Elixir, developed with help from the Kuraha family. Though its potency would be reduced by 90%, its marketability and reliability would still make it one of the most sought-after performance boosters in the shinobi world.

"Even the gold alone would be enough to fund the clan for a decade," Hikari admitted."But it's important we maintain transparency and a logical explanation for the source of our funding. Everything must be above suspicion."

The room relaxed. Hikari wasn't just powerful — she was prepared. Every detail accounted for, every consequence predicted.

At that moment, the Uchiha clan began to believe again — not just in survival, but in something greater.

In legacy.