The Uchiha clan had always been a source of concern for the village.
When Tobirama Senju established the Konoha Military Police Force, he assigned most of its responsibilities to the Uchiha. On the surface, it was an expression of trust—putting them in charge of maintaining law and order in the village. But it was also a way to keep a close eye on their every move.
As a result, the Uchiha's prestige and authority in Konoha reached its peak.
However, punishing criminals is a thankless job that easily breeds resentment. Holding so much power made them appear arrogant. Coupled with the Uchiha's naturally prideful disposition and the village's underlying prejudice, dissatisfaction began to fester—sowing the seeds for future rebellion.
"Fugaku-san, I have a suggestion for you."
"Go ahead."
"If possible, try to bring some outsiders into the Konoha Police Force. If it's made up entirely of Uchiha, people will only grow more resentful," Kiyosuke said. "You've already drawn criticism for being too heavy-handed in punishing criminals, and given your clan's temperament, it's inevitable. When people see your methods, they can't help but feel uneasy. Honestly, the Uchiha's reputation isn't exactly stellar."
Uchiha Fugaku fell silent for a moment. Kiyosuke had hit the nail on the head. Once a Sharingan was awakened, one's personality could easily become extreme. Acting on impulse and using excessive force became second nature. He found it all incredibly frustrating.
He looked at the boy in front of him and said,
"The Second Hokage established the Police Force with the hidden intention of monitoring the Uchiha. The village leadership still doesn't trust us. Every day I walk a tightrope."
Caught between loyalty to the village and loyalty to his clan, Fugaku had endured years of headaches trying to maintain that delicate balance.
"You're right. The Second was a Senju, and the Uchiha were their sworn enemies. If anyone outside your clan understood the Uchiha best, it would be him. Few could rival his knowledge of the Sharingan. He feared Madara Uchiha—and the remnants Madara left behind. Though he wasn't exactly a saint, at least he wasn't as paranoid as the current Third."
"What makes you say that?"
"Uchiha Kagami."
"Uchiha Kagami?" Fugaku gave Kiyosuke a puzzled look.
Kiyosuke continued, "Sure, he kept a wary eye on the Uchiha, but he still chose to trust Kagami. He took him in as his disciple. That shows he didn't want to wipe out the Uchiha, only manage them carefully. He still considered you part of the village."
Unfortunately, Uchiha Kagami died too young. The Second had intended to use Kagami as a bridge to influence the Uchiha, to pass down the Will of Fire and gradually integrate them fully into the village.
"If Kagami hadn't died so early, you probably wouldn't be the clan head right now. It would've been him. The Third would've trusted his old comrade and the Uchiha under his leadership. But sadly, he died too soon."
Kiyosuke shook his head. Kagami died prematurely, and the Second was killed off by "plot armor." Otherwise, the Uchiha wouldn't be in such a tragic state now.
The Third and Danzo twisted the Second's intentions, treating the Uchiha with extreme suspicion and marginalization. That, in turn, fueled the Uchiha's own sense of isolation from the village.
Fugaku clenched his fists. Kiyosuke's words had opened his eyes, but he still didn't know how to change things.
"Tobirama's wariness of the Uchiha made sense. His research on the Sharingan and his prejudice were real—but he never wanted your clan destroyed. Fugaku-san, you should start tightening discipline within your clan without changing too much. Also, make sure none of your people come looking for trouble with me. If they do, something bad might happen."
"Thank you for your advice today, Asakawa-sensei. You'll be a friend to the Uchiha clan. I won't let any of us offend you," Fugaku said with a bow. Today's conversation had been enlightening. He hadn't found a perfect solution, but he finally had a direction.
Kiyosuke nodded. "That's that. One more thing—don't be too strict with your son. Itachi is a genius. He's on par with Kakashi, maybe even better in some ways. Just don't put too much pressure on him. Let him grow up naturally. He's already contemplating the meaning of life at that age—definitely not a good sign."
For once, Fugaku allowed himself a small smile.
"It's fine. He's my son, after all. Taking him to the battlefield was the right choice."
"No, it really wasn't. Exposing him to war so early will only make him think about all the wrong things. A child should grow up carefree. Our generation didn't have that luxury—but you? You brought your son to the battlefield? You've got nerves of steel. He's a genius, sure, but that doesn't mean you can throw him into chaos like that."
You really are one hell of a father!
No wonder your son ends up killing you with filial piety!
"I'll think about your advice."
No, you absolutely won't.
Whatever. No point pushing it—you'll learn the hard way soon enough.
Kiyosuke stood up, brushed himself off, and said,
"Let's leave it at that. The Uchiha should keep a low profile. Stop comparing yourselves to the Hyūga—it won't bring you any benefits."
Fugaku shook his head slightly and escorted him to the door.
"Farewell, Asakawa-sensei. You've done the Uchiha a great favor."
"Mm."
Kiyosuke turned and left. He'd said what he needed to say. Whether the Uchiha could change their fate was up to them now. If they stayed the same... then there was no helping it. On the night of the massacre, maybe he'd go find Obito and see what was up with that guy.
If the clan held together, then fine—they could keep on living.
Speaking of which... did Fugaku really just suggest I become Hokage?
Tch. Sure, the position sounds cool, but honestly, I'm not interested at all.
With everyone watching, he strode out of the Uchiha compound, patted his belly, and decided to head over to Ichiraku Ramen. The dango hadn't been filling enough.
Just then, an Anbu appeared before him and bowed respectfully.
"Kiyosuke-sama, the Hokage wishes to see you."
"I'm being called '-sama' now? That feels... kinda awkward," Kiyosuke said with a scratch of his head.
"What does the Hokage want with me?"
He was being addressed like that because his strength had reached a level worthy of respect. Once someone had enough power and prestige, even without an official rank, they'd be called "-sama."
It was a sign of recognition.
"I don't know the reason. Please come with me," the Anbu said before vanishing.
Kiyosuke paused for a moment, then decided to go to the Hokage's office first.
"Could it be because someone saw me visiting the Uchiha, and now the Hokage wants to ask about it? Hiruzen might be shady, but at least on the surface, he still acts like a kind old man."
With that thought, he made his way to the Hokage Building to find out what Sarutobi Hiruzen wanted from him.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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