Hyuga Hiashi was inwardly stunned.
He never imagined the Uchiha clan would truly share power — and not just symbolic seats, but real authority.
In the Hidden Leaf, the Hyuga and Uchiha were both considered noble clans. But when it came to fame and influence, the Uchiha had long outshone them. Their name carried more weight, both in Konoha and across the shinobi world. And though Hiashi would never say it aloud, even he knew the Hyuga's reputation couldn't compare.
It wasn't just battle prowess that gave the Uchiha an edge — it was their control over the Konoha Military Police Force, a powerful institution that allowed them to act with near-impunity. They were one of the few clans who could stand before the Hokage and refuse with minimal consequence.
If the Hyuga could claim a piece of that enforcement authority, it would significantly elevate the clan's status — making them a true pillar of the village, not just a traditional family with strong bloodline jutsu.
Hiashi was tempted. Very tempted.
But appearances had to be maintained. He couldn't jump at the offer like some overeager genin. Instead, he kept his tone composed, eyes narrowed in measured skepticism.
"Are the Uchiha truly prepared to go through with this?"
The other clan heads turned to Uchiha Fugaku, waiting for an explanation. None of them could understand it. Why would the Uchiha suddenly be willing to dilute their own power? Was it genuine goodwill… or something else?
Surely, it wasn't charity.
If this was a trap, it was elaborate. If it was a political maneuver, it was bold. Because to offer real authority — not just titles — was to risk reshaping the balance of power in Konoha.
Fugaku, however, remained unruffled.
His lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. "Of course," he said calmly. "This is for the sake of peace and stability in the village. We, the Uchiha, are simply not numerous enough anymore. Many of our members no longer wish to continue their duties within the Police Force."
He sipped his tea, letting the weight of his words settle before continuing.
"To protect Konoha, we need partners. The Inuzuka clan, with its ninken, is perfectly suited for pursuit and tracking. The Ino-Shika-Cho trio possess exceptional coordination and sensory ability — ideal for field enforcement. And the Hyuga's Byakugan surpasses even our Sharingan in surveillance. Your clans are all natural fits for the new system."
The logic was sound. Even reasonable.
And it was true that some Uchiha had grown weary of their role — especially with mounting hostility from other villagers. Some wanted out. So handing off those positions wasn't entirely sacrificial. Still, the offer was generous by any measure.
Fugaku glanced at the other heads, gauging their reactions. He wasn't just giving up control. He was buying alliances — paying with power.
Nara Shikaku remained unreadable, but his mind was racing. "This is a textbook political gambit. Say it's for peace, offer them a seat, and they'll owe you. Classic soft power."
But the bait… was substantial.
Hyuga Hiashi's fingers tapped lightly against the armrest of his chair. In his heart, the decision had already been made. The offer was too strategic to decline.
And it wasn't subjugation.
The Hyuga wouldn't be serving the Uchiha — they'd be enforcing law, with authority of their own.
To be seen as equal enforcers of justice would raise their clan's status dramatically.
Still, some appearances had to be kept.
He gave a small, diplomatic smile. "Since Fugaku-dono is offering this sincerely, the Hyuga clan will accept. For the sake of the village's peace and order."
Fugaku gave a satisfied nod. That was the opening he needed — the first major clan had accepted. The ice had been broken.
Now… all eyes turned to the others.
The Inuzuka clan head frowned in contemplation. The Hyuga's acceptance shook him. Were the Hyuga now aligned with the Uchiha? If so, how would that shift future political dynamics? The Uchiha were rising — clearly. Could the Inuzuka afford to remain neutral?
Still, the Inuzuka hesitated. So did the others.
They weren't ready to move — not until they saw what the Ino-Shika-Cho trio decided.
Among that trio, all eyes went to Nara Shikaku.
He was the brain of the alliance — and everyone knew it.
Akimichi Choza and Yamanaka Inoichi both deferred to him with a glance. Their decision would follow his lead.
But Shikaku was under no illusions. His next words would shape the future of all three clans.
On one hand, Fugaku was offering an extraordinary deal — real power, regional control, law enforcement authority. It could elevate their standing permanently.
But on the other…
He remembered the Hokage's quiet acts of support. The protection. The trust.
The loyalty.
To accept the Uchiha's offer now would be to betray Sarutobi Hiruzen — a man who had shown faith in them since the Second Shinobi War.
After a long, heavy silence, Shikaku finally spoke.
"Fugaku-dono. Your offer is generous — and it's clear you speak with sincerity. But allow us to decline."
A small wave of tension rippled through the room.
Even Fugaku blinked, visibly surprised.
"You would turn down actual authority?" he asked, unable to hide his disbelief. "We offer full control over your districts. The Uchiha will not interfere in your enforcement duties. Is that not what any clan would want?"
Shikaku smiled thinly, but shook his head.
"The terms are indeed attractive. But sometimes, accepting too much invites compromise elsewhere. We owe the Hokage a great deal. And while we respect the Uchiha's strength… this isn't the path for us."
Choza and Inoichi both nodded, their loyalty quietly affirmed.
Fugaku's expression darkened slightly.
He had expected at least some resistance — but to have only one clan accept was a serious blow. The entire structure of Ryosuke's plan depended on broad support.
Without it, the restructuring of the Police Force could stall — or worse, backfire politically.
The Inuzuka clan head looked toward Shikaku, admiration in his eyes. The Nara patriarch had chosen loyalty over gain — and that example carried weight. Inspired, he stood and nodded.
"Our clan… will also decline."
It was done.
Only one clan had accepted — and three had formally rejected.
Fugaku's gaze turned toward Ryosuke at the edge of the room.
This had been Ryosuke's plan from the start — redistribute power to forge alliances. It had worked — partially. But only winning over the Hyuga wasn't enough to shift the balance in Konoha's inner council.
Without the support of the Ino-Shika-Cho, it wouldn't cripple the Hokage's faction.
And now, everyone was looking to Ryosuke.
Though young, he had already been called the real decision-maker of the Uchiha.
He would have the final word.
The clan heads did not underestimate him. Fugaku had made it clear: Ryosuke wasn't just the future of the Uchiha — he was the one holding the reins now.
If he allowed them to leave, the matter would be over… for now.
But even refusal didn't mean enmity. And none of the clans wanted to provoke the Uchiha unnecessarily. The meeting had been formal. Respectful. No bridges were burned — but neither were they built.
They waited in silence for Ryosuke to speak.
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