Revitalizing the Uchiha clan starts with becoming a Kage.

He was somewhat worried that his junior had spoken on a whim.

Although based on his familiar personality and his performance at the clan meetings a couple of times, there's no need to worry about this, Shoji is still a young man, only 14 years old. Even in this world where people mature so early, he is still a teenager.

They are very strong.

This does not necessarily indicate mature thinking.

This is one of the main reasons why Itachi Uchiha was completely misled in the original work.

How could a mere ten-year-old kid who joined the Dark Division possibly have any mature thoughts? He just believes whatever others say. Elder Xuanlan has similar concerns about Jiang Si, except this is a solemn clan meeting, and as an elder of the clan, he must abide by the clan's rules.

"Yes, Elder Qianhui, I am not speaking recklessly, but truly considering this from the perspective of the clan. Fellow clansmen, please listen carefully to what I have to say."

Always maintain a calm and composed mindset.

That neither arrogant nor humble demeanor.

We'll leave aside the ordinary clansmen for now.

The eight elders at the head of the table each revealed a hint of admiration in their eyes.

"First of all, I want to make it clear that the fundamental goal is to restore the clan's prestige and status in the village as it was when it was founded. But to achieve this, we must gain the trust of others. There is no such thing as a free lunch. If you want to get something, you have to give something in return!"

"This is an eternal truth!"

"As I just said, Konoha was founded by the Uchiha, but the Uchiha are also Konoha's Uchiha. We cannot get that wrong. We dedicate ourselves to the village and fight for the village, not for others, but for ourselves! Just as a clan is a whole to each of us as individuals, isn't the village also a whole to which our Uchiha clan, this 'individual,' corresponds?"

“I know that the clansmen are very resentful of the exclusion, isolation, and suspicion from some people in the village, but shouldn’t we stand up and prove that our clan will always be the Uchiha of Konoha?”

"Human emotions have always been two-way. Before we ask others to do something, we must first look at what we have done!"

"If you want to gain a higher status, more support, or even worship, shouldn't you prove it with your actions? The reason why the Hokage of each generation became Hokage is because they proved it with their actions!? Konoha was founded by our ancestors, are we going to let others slander us as 'the filth of the village' in the future!?"

"We are the proud Uchiha clan. We must cleanse ourselves of our own stains, not to prove anything to others. It is simply because we are one of the two great ninja clans that founded Konoha, and the strongest Uchiha clan in the world. We have a duty to protect Konoha, and even more so, a duty to defend the supreme dignity of the Uchiha clan!"

A resolute expression appeared on Jiang Si's face. His resounding words echoed throughout the secret chamber. Apart from a few straightforward and hot-tempered individuals who looked at Jiang Si with disapproving sneers, the remaining clansmen, including the high-ranking Uchiha leaders such as Fugaku, Elder Genran, and Elder Chie at the head of the room, all wore thoughtful expressions.

Of course, they were not easily persuaded by Jiang Si.

Many things are, in most cases, several times easier to talk about than to do.

But it must be acknowledged that...

The general's words do indeed have a great deal of reference value.

In particular, the point that "the Uchiha are the Uchiha of Konoha, and Konoha is a ninja village founded by the Uchiha themselves" is likely to provoke deep thought or even resonance in some people.

For example, Shisui, who is sitting upright next to Jiang Si at this moment, is like that.

'So this is how you view your clan and village? Shoji, you are mine...'

At this moment, a different kind of light flashed in the eyes of the general.

At this moment, Fugaku, who was at the head of the table, looked at Shoji with a deep gaze, and a subtle change appeared in the expression on his face.

Although in this morning's meeting.

The Third Hokage did not explicitly state which ninja clans were required to send personnel. However, in general, large clans such as the Uchiha, Hyuga, Aburame, Nara, and Inuzuka would have to send their respective members. In the Third Shinobi World War, the Uchiha actually sent more than two hundred clan members to participate in the war, most of whom were concentrated on the battlefield against the Kirigakure. Shisui became famous because of this battle.

If it's not explicitly stated, then it's being done according to convention.

It's just that the current situation is special, which is why Fugaku is hesitant and conflicted.

But at this moment, Shoji's words seemed to open a door for Fugaku. If the higher-ups suspected that he had a stain on his record, wouldn't it be better to wash it away with his actions?

They could even use this as an opportunity to probe the higher-ups, especially what attitude the Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, holds towards the Uchiha clan!

Another, and even more important, point is...

If that mysterious Uchiha clansman really is lurking within their clan.

Such an operation, if the other side takes any further action, will most likely expose the corresponding traces.

The Nine-Tailed Fox's rampage six months ago.

Fugaku already deeply regretted not going to support the Fourth Hokage. Not only was he unable to gather any clues about that mysterious Uchiha clansman, but it also directly led to the Fourth Hokage's death in battle. Fugaku knew very well how powerful the Mangekyou Sharingan was in suppressing tailed beasts.

Even though his own power was worlds apart from that of his ancestor, Uchiha Madara.

However, with his own assistance, that mysterious Uchiha clansman would definitely slip up, and the Fourth Hokage might not have had to die in battle!

This is the thing that Fugaku regrets most in the past six months.

now.

We can take the initiative and have a chance to break through their defenses.

Fugaku has no intention of giving up.

Although it would very likely involve risking the lives of hundreds of tribesmen.

But the probability of this risk is controllable, and Fugaku doesn't believe the village can be that insidious.

'It's still worth a try!'

16. A Clan's Decision

'I wonder if this General has considered this aspect, or if he simply wants his clan to gain more recognition and trust.'

Fugaku looked at the upright figure of the general not far away and thought to himself.

But no matter what.

Shoji's words truly broke through Fugaku's previous limitations in thinking.

The same applies to the eight elders.

These elders could discern what was important. Among the ordinary clansmen, those who were slightly older, more experienced, and had more contact with other ninja clansmen in the village could more or less understand the weight of Jiang Si's words.

At this moment, the Uchiha clan members, including Yashiro, Tekka, and Inari, who were all over thirty years old, looked at Shoji with a slightly strange expression.

"Chief, if you agree, I am willing to be the first to respond!"

Shoji wasn't sure how much effect his words would have. Having memories of both his past and present lives, Shoji understood the Uchiha clan very well, especially if they decided on any major clan affairs through voting.

The general is certain that his proposal will not be approved.

It's not that those who oppose it will be in the majority.

Rather, the greatest proportion should be those who remain silent and neutral.

In such a situation, silence is a different kind of denial.

The proud, stubborn, and traditional Uchiha clan would easily make such a choice.

Fortunately, the clan leader holds considerable power within the Uchiha clan, and generally, the decisions made by the clan leader represent the collective will of the clan!

Therefore, the target that Shoji initially wanted to persuade was 'Uchiha Fugaku'!

Shoji believed that during this period, Fugaku still possessed a certain degree of independent decision-making ability!

The most important point is...

Fugaku's way of thinking is probably somewhat similar to that of the Third Hokage.

He wanted to resolve all disputes through peaceful negotiations as much as possible, as can be seen from Fugaku's series of actions in the original work.

You could call it bearing hardship for the sake of the bigger picture, or you could call it weakness and incompetence in not daring to take responsibility. How you interpret it depends on your perspective and stance.

For the general.

I can't say that all of my words were 'acting'.

In terms of sincerity, it's fair to say it's about 50/50. If possible, Shoji would naturally not want to resolve the current crisis of the Uchiha clan through cruel means. No one is born liking killing, and the Uchiha clan is no exception.

As Jiang Si had previously stated, his two plans were: first, to peacefully resolve the conflict between the clan and the village from within; and second, to take ruthless measures from the outside to save the clan from annihilation.

Regardless of which option you choose, these words are the 'stepping stone'!

Because these words were not only meant for the Uchiha clan members present, but also for the Third Hokage, through Uchiha Shisui, who was standing beside Shoji at that moment!

Kill two birds with one stone!

To solve a problem, you must get as close as possible to the problem itself or its source.

The Uchiha clan will eventually be wiped out.

There are internal reasons, but also pressure from higher-ups.

Jiang Si hopes to solve this problem from both sides simultaneously. The former is relatively easy to handle, but the latter requires paying an equal price and taking corresponding risks to gain a certain level of trust, with only a certain probability of success.

One's own actions.

The words of still water.

It is an important component of this event.

I hope this step will go smoothly!

Jiang Si appeared outwardly calm, but inwardly he was also gripping his emotions, silently thinking to himself.

After exchanging glances with the elders, Fugaku turned his gaze back to Shoji and said, "Yes, I understand what you mean. Please sit down, Shoji-kun."

There was no direct response; he simply nodded and casually said, "I understand," before waving for the officer to sit down.

In the very first moment.

Jiang Si was slightly taken aback, just as he was about to say something more.

It was as if he had thought of something.

After bowing in greeting, he quietly returned to his seat.

"Does anyone else have any other opinions on the suggestion made by Mr. Jiang Si?"

Fugaku leaned forward slightly, his solemn gaze sweeping over each of his clansmen, his tone deliberately emphasizing the words "other perspectives."

Even the most naive members of the clan can immediately understand the meaning of their clan leader.

To put it bluntly, Shoji's words did indeed resonate with these clansmen, but as mentioned before, the vast majority of the Uchiha clan are rigid and traditional, and their perceptions limit their judgment.

For example, in this matter.

Even if they might agree with Shoji's views to some extent.

However, it is difficult for them to express their agreement.

Of course, the probability of it being rejected is not very high.