Chapter 67: The Current State of the Uchiha
"I've already gotten it ready for you, Shiyu Uchiha. I specially had it custom-made. You should try it on later and see if it fits. If not, we'll have no choice but to buy one since there won't be enough time for another custom order." Uchiha Shizhi spoke toward the two siblings.
"Do I really have to wear it?" Shiyu frowned with obvious reluctance, making a final attempt at resistance.
"No way," both mother and daughter answered at the same time, then exchanged smiles after speaking—clearly finding the situation amusing given how much discomfort poor Shiyu was showing.
After hearing that response, Shiyu grew visibly unhappy. Sensing Mikoto's intent to tease him about this further, he tried to quickly change the subject.
"By the way, Mother, what kind of things are usually discussed at the clan meetings?" Originally meant to be a distraction, his question actually sparked some real curiosity.
Mikoto also turned to Uchiha Shizhi, clearly curious as well. Although she'd attended clan meetings before, back then she'd just graduated from the ninja academy and still held the rank of Genin. Soon afterward came the outbreak of the Second Great Ninja War, after which she never participated again.
However, eligibility to attend the Uchiha clan meetings depended on one's Sharingan capabilities. Since Mikoto showed early talent and already possessed the Sharingan with two tomoe, she received considerable attention.
Shizhi personally did not enjoy attending such meetings. She disliked the atmosphere; the clan members would often argue over various issues. However, Uchiha Shizhi's capabilities and reputation remained consistently strong, enabling her to easily resolve any disputes.
It was during this time that Mikoto began to deeply admire Shizhi, vowing internally to become a ninja just like her someday.
"As for this meeting, there will probably be four main points discussed.
First, the war had just ended, and many clan members had been injured so badly they had to retire or even died in service. We must offer comfort and compensation. While the village itself has already provided rewards, these people fought for the sake of our clan as well, so we cannot remain indifferent.
Take your maternal aunt's family, for example. Her husband and wife both perished on the battlefield in the Land of Rivers, leaving behind only their elderly mother-in-law and a single orphaned child. Both of you should make an effort to support them when you have the chance."
Shiyu Uchiha didn't expect Shizhi's opening statement to hit so hard—he almost couldn't process the emotional impact. Thinking of Obito, Shiyu's heart was filled with complex emotions, as if he were swallowing a jumble of conflicting feelings all at once.
Obito still wasn't raising any major concerns at the time—he was just a little too hyper and mischievous for his own good, nothing too serious—yet. So Shiyu forced himself to push those thoughts aside and keep listening attentively to Uchiha Shizhi's explanation.
"Second, during recent times, many of our clan members from the frontlines have gradually returned. First, we need to assess and recognize their contributions. Based on these merits, we shall assign suitable ranks within the Konoha Military Police Force accordingly. Additional honors may also be granted. Due to numerous vacancies currently existing inside the police force, placement shouldn't prove difficult. Even the structure of the clan council itself might require slight modifications."
As Uchiha Shizhi spoke, a cold glint flickered in her eyes. It was obvious she was about to take action against those who held positions without contributing anything and the traitors within the clan. She had tolerated those fools for far too long, and this opportunity was perfect.
Shiyu Uchiha didn't see the icy gleam in his mother's eyes, but when he heard mention of the Konoha Military Police Force, his mind began racing. In recent years, while contemplating the future direction of the Uchiha Clan, he'd already realized how much that organization restricted them.
Shiyu Uchiha cursed the evil Tobirama Senju under his breath but couldn't help admiring that twisted genius. He'd learned quite a bit from him.
Then he considered whether to suggest using this opportunity to deal with the Military Police issue—but they still needed control over it. After all, the head of the Military Police was technically a high-ranking official in Konoha, so if handled properly, there could be huge benefits.
Furthermore, the authority granted to the Military Police was simply too great. If Shiyu controlled it, he was confident he could swallow the advantages and discard the burdens, creating a village within the village.
Uchiha Shizhi paused briefly before continuing, "Thirdly, our clan's commercial development over the next few years. After the war, we'll have some time of peace to develop. We need to earn more money—clan progress and talent cultivation depend heavily on financial resources.
Although our Uchiha industries can't rival the Senju Clan's, we rank second in Konoha with a solid foundation. As long as no further wars erupt, we'll soon return to our peak condition."
As Shiyu Uchiha listened, he suddenly recalled the saying: "When the Senju stumble, the Sarutobi feast." The Senju were stumbling now, but they still had their backbone. They would likely sell off most of their assets soon—presenting an excellent opportunity to make a fortune.
Thinking about this made Shiyu Uchiha extremely excited; his joy overflowed, almost drooling at the thought. After all, the Senju Clan's properties sprawled across the entire Land of Fire—they were just too extensive. Obtaining even a small portion would allow the Uchiha Clan to get fat off them, compensating for years of losses—and then some.
"Fourth—and most importantly—is the matter of cultivating talent. Currently, our clan needs more talents to compensate for the depletion caused by the Second Ninja War and prepare for the future."
After finishing her speech, Uchiha Shizhi noticed the expression on Shiyu's face and knew he must have been thinking something. However, she didn't ask directly, merely watching curiously, waiting for him to explain.
Gathering his thoughts for a moment, Shiyu Uchiha finally said, "Mother, now that the Senju Clan has lost all its pillars… do you think they might fully implement that plan? With such heavy casualties recently, they'll probably sell off all external clan properties outside the Hidden Village and the Land of Fire. Since there's no heir anymore, they can use these assets as compensation. Perhaps they'll divide up much of the internal properties within the village, leaving enough foundation for the remaining clan members."
"Can that really happen? Princess Tsunade is still alive, isn't she?"
Mikoto Uchiha said in disagreement. She felt that as long as Tsunade, the symbol of hope, remained strong, the Senju clan wouldn't be completely wiped out. The look Shiyu Uchiha cast toward Shizhi Uchiha seemed to carry the same meaning.
If Shiyu Uchiha hadn't already known the outcome, she probably would've doubted it too. After all, no one could have imagined that the once-mighty Senju clan would collapse so suddenly, leaving only Tsunade—who had abandoned the family name—still active.
Moreover, Shiyu Uchiha suspected this situation was largely related to Tsunade's fear of blood. After all, this banner had already fallen halfway. Mito Uzumaki likely wouldn't place her hopes on her anymore, making it highly possible she'd actively push for this change.
Shiyu Uchiha couldn't reveal the real reason—after all, how would she know such a secret? Still, she told Shizhi Uchiha, "The possibility is extremely high. This must be The First Hokage's will, and Mito-sama should carry it out. Most importantly, it comes down to Tsunade's attitude. From what I can tell, Tsunade has no interest in reviving the Senju clan at all."
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