In the Hidden Leaf Village's council chamber, the heads of all major clans and elite jōnin among the commoner shinobi were gathered.
Uchiha Fugaku sat at the head of the chamber, presiding over his first council meeting as the newly appointed Fifth Hokage.
"This meeting has three main issues that require discussion," he announced, scanning the room.
"The first: I intend to reform the personnel system of the Police Force. From this day forward, membership will no longer be limited to the Uchiha clan alone."
"The Hokage-sama means shinobi from other clans may now join the Police Force? " asked Hatake Nobuhiro, head of the Hatake clan, with a thoughtful expression.
"Correct. Shinobi of all clans may enter and serve within the Police Force," Fugaku affirmed with a nod.
The Police Force had been established by the Second Hokage, originally as a way to isolate the Uchiha. Now, with Fugaku as Hokage, he sought to end that isolation. Still, because the Force's duties—maintaining order and public security—were indispensable, he had chosen a middle path: to broaden participation instead of abolishing it outright.
"What are your views on this matter? " Fugaku asked, letting his gaze sweep across the assembly.
"This will strengthen the police force with a greater diversity of skills. I support Hokage-sama's proposal," Nara Shikaku said after a moment's thought.
"I agree as well.""As do I.""…"
One after another, clan heads voiced their support. Some, like Shikaku, judged the reform as beneficial to the village. Others simply recognized Fugaku's intent: to end his clan's enforced isolation. Opposing him now would only make them adversaries of the new Hokage.
"Very well. Then this matter is settled," Fugaku said with satisfaction. He then continued, "The second issue: I propose loosening the restrictions on learning higher-level jutsu."
Traditionally, a shinobi could learn new techniques from two sources: their clan or the village's Jutsu Archive. The latter was tightly regulated, requiring not only proof of ability but also a high record of service and contributions to the village. Only with sufficient merit could one apply to study higher-ranked jutsu. Fugaku now intended to lower the contribution requirements, making access easier.
"Hokage-sama, those restrictions exist to encourage shinobi to take missions and serve the village. If we relax them, it could weaken that motivation," said Inuzuka Claw, head of the Inuzuka clan, with concern.
"Indeed," added Yamanaka Hiichi, frowning. "If fewer shinobi accept missions, the result could be harmful."
But a voice rose from among the elite commoner jōnin: "On the contrary, loosening these limits would strengthen the overall power of our shinobi and thus the village itself."
"I agree. For us, this reform would be invaluable," said another.
For clan shinobi, techniques could be passed down through their families. For commoner shinobi, however, the Archive was the only source of advanced jutsu. For them, Fugaku's proposal was a rare and welcome opportunity.
The chamber broke into heated debate—some in favor, others opposed.
"Since opinions are divided, we will settle this by vote," Fugaku declared.
"I agree.""I agree.""…"
Hands were raised, the majority in favor. Fugaku nodded. "Then the proposal passes."
He had introduced the reform not simply for fairness, but with a deeper purpose: the world of shinobi, though seemingly at peace, was rife with undercurrents. Akatsuki's shadow loomed, plotting a vast upheaval that could one day engulf the entire shinobi world. Fugaku sought to prepare the Leaf by raising its collective strength.
He paused before continuing with a colder tone.
"The third issue: after investigation, it has been revealed that four clans—Sarutobi, Koharu, Mito, and Shimura—abused their authority during their time in power, engaging repeatedly in corruption and embezzlement of village resources."
At his signal, ANBU operatives stepped forward, distributing dossiers to each clan head and elite jōnin present. The leaders and key members of those four clans had already been imprisoned on charges of insubordination. Yet many others in their families remained untouched—until now.
And these accusations were no fabrication: the evidence of corruption was real.
"Such actions cannot be tolerated. These clans must face punishment! " one clan representative said furiously after scanning the files.
"Agreed! They must be held accountable," added an elite commoner jōnin, equally enraged.
Resentment toward the Third Hokage's faction had been growing, particularly after the incident with Naruto Uzumaki. Now, with these revelations, anger turned into outrage.
One after another, voices rang out, calling for harsh punishment. Some spoke from genuine anger, others out of recognition of Fugaku's intent.
"These clans have betrayed the village's trust," Fugaku declared. "I propose that their shinobi be reassigned to border outposts as punishment."
Although the great nations were not officially at war, the borders remained unstable and skirmishes frequent. To serve at the frontiers meant constant danger, where casualties were all but inevitable. Fugaku need not lift a hand—the borders themselves would bleed those clans dry.
"I support this measure.""As do I.""…"
One by one, hands were raised in approval. The council passed Fugaku's final proposal.
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