Immortality begins with the ninjas of Konoha.

In early February of Konoha Year 47, within the Uchiha clan's territory, many Uchiha clan ninjas curiously looked at the young man beside the clan leader.

Although located in the "Second Ring Road" and some distance from the commercial area, the Uchiha clan has managed their clan's territory very well, and some villagers even choose to shop there.

In a rice cracker shop run by an elderly couple, many children cheered loudly as they received free gifts, while teenagers chased and played outside the shop.

The merchants warmly greeted the customers, and the Uchiha ninjas who remained in the clan territory bowed respectfully to their clan leader.

Such a peaceful scene made Fugaku Uchiha feel proud, as it demonstrated his governing ability, and the Uchiha clan was thriving under his leadership!

"Is this your first time here, Furukawa-kun? In fact, the Uchiha clan sells superior goods and weapons at prices lower than most merchants in the village."

"This is also why everyone likes to come here to shop; we warmly welcome exchanges among colleagues!"

When Fugaku Uchiha spoke of the clan's situation, he appeared proud, but his expression quickly changed. He sighed regretfully as he lamented the clan's predicament:

"Many people in the village have a great misunderstanding of us, and the reputation of the guard team is getting worse and worse."

"Many people may have forgotten that Konoha was originally founded by the Senju and Uchiha clans."

"We love this village just as much."

Wearing a Chunin blue casual uniform, Furukawa Osamu nodded in agreement, but he didn't engage in any talk of passion with the clan leader, instead responding with a smile:

"Is Lord Fugaku worried about the village cutting its guard budget?"

"I don't think we need to worry for now. It seems that there is internal strife in Sunagakure. If war breaks out, Lord Orochimaru will be sent to this front."

"The Uchiha clan will definitely be drafted, and the village will even increase its budget for the next quarter."

Upon hearing "increase the budget," Fugaku Uchiha didn't smile. Instead, he sighed helplessly and said:

"It seems that Furukawa-kun is already aware of the Uchiha clan's predicament. As the clan head, I need to think about the future of the clan."

"..."

The two did not discuss the matter in depth here. After taking Furukawa Osamu on a tour of the clan's territory, Fugaku Uchiha returned home together.

As the clan head, Fugaku Uchiha's family home was not large, but every corner exuded exquisite craftsmanship, and it was equipped with all the modern appliances, making his living conditions far superior to those of ordinary people.

Uchiha Mikoto, heavily pregnant, served tea to the two of them. In a few months, she would be welcoming a new family member, and Mikoto's smile was exceptionally gentle.

"I really hope this child can have talent like Furukawa-kun."

Fugaku Uchiha also had high expectations for his first child. A loving expression appeared on his face as he looked at his wife and whispered:

"I believe in this child. Go and rest."

After Furukawa Osamu politely bowed and sat down again, Uchiha Fugaku suddenly asked a somewhat pointed question:

"Furukawa-kun, what are your thoughts on the Uchiha clan?"

I didn't want to talk about these things, but when Furukawa Osamu mentioned the budget earlier, Uchiha Fugaku knew that the child in front of him had an unusual "capacity".

"The Uchiha clan may have borne the 'darkness' of the village; this is a phenomenon I've observed over many years."

"Many people are driven by jealousy and hatred. Although my teacher doesn't like me being exposed to these things, everything that happens at Konoha Hospital keeps reminding me of them."

"A father who is a ninja might even be jealous of his son's talent, and this jealousy eventually turns into hatred, leading to a 5-year-old boy wielding a knife against his father."

"The hatred left over from the war continued to spread, and the hatred twisted the minds of the ninjas, making death a kind of relief."

Osamu Furukawa calmly gave an example, not exaggerating, that he had witnessed many instances of a 5-year-old child killing his father and being absorbed by the Root.

Unexpectedly, Fugaku Uchiha was speechless for a moment upon hearing this answer, while Osamu Furukawa, on the other hand, showed a kind smile and continued:

"Light and darkness are both part of the village. The Uchiha clan has shouldered a heavy responsibility, as even the Hokage has witnessed."

"..."

After a long silence, Fugaku Uchiha sighed. He actually felt that what Osamu Furukawa said made sense. The guards faced the evil in the village directly and were indeed part of the "darkness".

"No wonder so many Jonin have such high regard for Furukawa-kun. Do you think the Uchiha clan has a chance to make changes in the future?"

"It depends on the attitude of the higher authorities. Relying on village funding has always been problematic, and the system needs to be reformed."

Furukawa Osamu didn't hide his purpose. Seeing Uchiha Fugaku nod, he continued:

"That's why I've always hoped that Tsunade-sensei could become Hokage and redistribute the benefits."

"The Uchiha clan can get rid of some of the guard duties. Everyone knows the Uchiha ninja's talent, and the guard is too small."

"As a disciple, this is my wish, and I will continue to work hard for it. As for the outcome, that depends on the village's choice."

Fugaku Uchiha, who had always been dissatisfied with the higher-ups, couldn't hold back when he heard the word "choice" and instinctively asked:

"What if the village makes the wrong choice..."

He stopped mid-sentence, and Furukawa Osamu, unperturbed, continued his response with a relaxed expression:

"Without making the wrong choice, the Hokage will eventually gain everyone's approval."

"Please excuse my narrow-mindedness whenever I talk about the Uchiha clan."

Fugaku Uchiha chuckled self-deprecatingly and gave Osamu Furukawa a deep look. He understood why other ninja clans would take the initiative to make contact; ordinary teenagers wouldn't have such thoughts.

The two stopped discussing these "profound" topics, and Fugaku Uchiha took the initiative to share his insights on Fire Release ninjutsu, and even gave him a scroll at the end.

During dinner, Mikoto Uchiha, encouraged by Osamu Furukawa, became quite talkative. Watching the two chatting about cooking, Fugaku Uchiha felt a sense of anticipation.

"If Mikoto's child also had such talent, the Uchiha clan would eventually become Hokage."

"..."

After seeing off Furukawa Osamu, a white-haired Uchiha ninja arrived. Although Uchiha Hachimoku was older than Uchiha Fugaku, he was very respectful in front of the clan leader.

As one of his trusted confidants, Fugaku Uchiha shared their previous conversation. The Eighth Hokage, sitting opposite him, was displeased by the metaphor of "darkness," and eventually shouted:

"Arrogant brat!"

"Didn't he ever imagine that the Fourth Hokage would emerge from the Uchiha clan? Truly worthy of being a ninja trained by the Senju clan!"

Fugaku Uchiha remained silent, only staring at his trusted aide. The Eighth Hokage Uchiha quickly lost his anger, then muttered dejectedly:

"I'm sorry, clan leader, I shouldn't have lost my composure."

The Eighth Hokage knew that the Fourth Hokage would be chosen from among the Legendary Sannin, and in terms of prestige and connections, the three of them far surpassed the Uchiha clan ninjas.

Seeing that his trusted aide had regained his composure, Fugaku Uchiha gave him another instruction:

"This is a good opportunity for us to enter the center of power, Eighth Generation. I don't want to hear any other voices in the clan."

"..."