NOVEL NEXT Chapter 22: New Uchiha Clan Rules
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"Exactly!"
Uchiha Jiri nodded with satisfaction at the gathered crowd's reactions, her face expressionless. "Through a fortunate encounter, I've made a breakthrough in this area of research."
"I've developed a medicinal formula that nurtures the eyes and the optic nerves."
"It can repair the wear and tear of the Mangekyō Sharingan."
"Furthermore, this formula strengthens and nourishes the eyes and optic nerves of all members of the Uchiha clan."
"In the future, I'll add this formula to the reformed Merit Hall as a redeemable item."
"Anyone who contributes sufficiently to the clan will be able to exchange their merit points for it."
"Now, give me your answer—do you agree with my proposed reforms?"
Over the years, as Jiri's health declined, her strength diminished as well. This led to a noticeable drop in her influence within the clan, especially among the younger and middle-aged generations.
Revealing her full recovery—both physical and ocular—was a strategic move to reassert her authority and silence any dissent. This was essential for ensuring the smooth implementation of her reforms.
At the same time, she intended to send a clear message to Sarutobi Hiruzen and his allies: I have recovered. Stop your schemes, or face the consequences.
After all, she was Uchiha Jiri.
"Well, uh…"
The assembled Uchiha ninja exchanged uncertain glances. Finally, the Second Elder stepped forward and spoke, "I agree! I believe that under Lady Jiri's leadership, these reforms will greatly benefit the development of the Uchiha."
It wasn't just the reforms themselves that the Second Elder supported; he trusted Jiri's capabilities.
Her strength and intellect were beyond question.
Years ago, when the Uchiha clan teetered on the brink of self-destruction due to infighting—members hunting each other's Sharingan like trophies—it was Jiri who created Izanami.
With her overwhelming power, she ended the chaos and restored order. Without her intervention, the Uchiha clan might have faced extinction from within.
The Third Elder then spoke, "In principle, I support the Merit Hall reforms. However, regarding the Security Force reforms, could we reconsider a few aspects?"
"I have no objection to extracting elites from the Security Force to form a specialized unit for focused training and periodic evaluations."
"This structure reminds me of the Anbu, and it could indeed strengthen our clan's overall power while freeing our elites from mundane Security Force duties."
"However, opening Security Force positions to civilians and even other clans—and going as far as to assign a division captain from outside—seems excessive."
"After all, the Security Force has always been our stronghold."
This sentiment was echoed by several clan members aligned with the Third Elder, who expressed concerns about inviting outsiders into the Security Force.
"Fools!"
Jiri's cold voice silenced the room. "Didn't you understand me? This isn't relinquishing power—it's shedding a burden!"
"Why do you think the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, handed the Security Force entirely to us? It wasn't just to placate the Uchiha; it was a poisoned gift!"
"What I'm discarding are the toxic parts!"
"All of you should know that having our clan handle every petty dispute among villagers has done us no favors."
"Not only does it bring no benefit to the Uchiha, but it also erodes any goodwill the villagers—and even other clans—might have had toward us!"
"Isn't the outcome of these years of development clear enough?"
"At the village's founding, while we didn't have many allies, we at least had some friendly clans. Now, ask yourselves: do we have any left?"
"Don't give me nonsense about how the Uchiha don't need allies or friends! If you want an Uchiha to become Hokage, how do you think that's possible without the support of the villagers and other clans?"
"Even if we forcibly seize the position with sheer power, do you honestly believe we'd be able to hold it?"
"We may be strong, but can we truly stand against the entire village?"
Jiri's words left the Third Elder and his supporters visibly subdued, their heads bowed slightly in acknowledgment.
"Let me make it clear: the Security Force reforms are non-negotiable."
"Let civilian and minor clan ninjas handle the trivial, thankless tasks. Assign a division captain to oversee these duties."
"As for us, we'll focus on more significant matters, serving as judges for escalated disputes. Does anyone have an issue with that?"
Faced with Jiri's undeniable logic and authority, even the Third Elder could only nod in agreement.
The Fourth Elder hesitantly spoke up, "Lady Jiri, I support most of your plans, including the clan academy initiative. However, isn't the scope a bit too ambitious? And the benefits—aren't they too generous?"
"There's the preschool, after-school tutoring, genin and chunin enhancement classes, and even jonin exchange programs. The resources and manpower required for this are astronomical!"
"Even with the clan's wealth, I doubt we can sustain this for long. Should we scale back a little?"
The Second Elder nodded. "The expenses do seem considerable. But I trust Lady Jiri wouldn't propose this without a solution. Am I correct?"
All eyes turned to Jiri, awaiting her answer.
"Of course!"
Jiri's confident reply reassured the room. "You don't need to worry about funding. I've been preparing high-value, rare commodities to sell."
"Once everything is ready, we'll generate the necessary funds."
Jiri planned to sell gold from the Golden City and Sky Island's unique shells. She also intended to produce and sell modified versions of the Super Soldier Pills crafted by Kaito from Sea King meat.
Additionally, Kaito could create a diluted version of the medicinal tonic similar to what he and Kureha used for her recovery.
Even these products alone would suffice to fund the reforms, though Jiri had more ideas in reserve.
If not for the need to maintain reasonable sources of wealth, the gold from the Golden City alone would have sustained the Uchiha clan for years.
For now, appearances must be kept.
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