Naruto: Yes, Uchiha-sama.

Chapter 161 The wicked Tobirama Senju wants to push the Uchiha clan into the abyss.

Uchiha Makoto laughed.

The Uchiha elders laughed along with them—Makoto, what a kind person!

The air in the room was instantly filled with a cheerful atmosphere.

Subsequently
The Uchiha elders stopped beating around the bush and began to tell Uchiha Makoto about the recent situation of the Uchiha clan in the village.

The information given by the clan elders was roughly the same as what Uchiha Makoto had secretly gathered.

The Uchiha clan's situation in Konoha was neither good nor bad. Although Tobirama Senju was always wary of the Uchiha clan, he never neglected to treat them with the respect due to them.

After all, Tobirama Senju didn't want the Uchiha clan to join Makoto Uchiha's side. Since the Uchiha clan was the founding family of Konoha, he could forget about becoming Hokage. Even Hashirama Senju had to use his loving iron fist to comfort Tobirama Senju.

just
Tobirama Senju was very cunning.

The Uchiha clan has never been able to gain any real control over the core power structure of the village.

This is a major headache for the elders of the Uchiha clan.

After all, if the Uchiha clan wants to compete with Tobirama Senju in the future, they can't let him continue to hold the core power in the village. Right now, Tobirama Senju sits in the Hokage's office every day, and when the clan elders go to see Tobirama Senju to discuss matters, their aura is already half-lowered!
As Uchiha Makoto sipped his tea, he asked several questions that concerned him, listening to the complaints of the Uchiha clan elders, and he had already made up his mind.

Although Makoto Uchiha did not want the Uchiha clan to be too powerful in Konoha.

According to Makoto Uchiha's plan, at the very least, the Uchiha clan could fight Tobirama Senju to a 30/70 split at Konoha's high-level decision-making meetings, and he could then step in to support the Uchiha clan and make it a 40/60 or even 50/50 split.

However, the Uchiha clan's current status and influence in Konoha are far too low; they completely lack the power and influence that the second-in-command of Konoha should have.

To this day, the Uchiha clan has no allies in Konoha with whom they can support each other.

This is outrageous.

I had already warned them, but they still managed to make such a mess of their clan in Konoha.

Uchiha Makoto had no idea what these clan elders had been doing all these past few years!
We're already in the era of ninja villages!

It seems that the clan elders who hold power in the family have not yet caught up in the moment. Their thinking is still stuck in the individualistic survival style of the ninja clans during the Warring States period, and they have not transformed into the survival style of the ninja clans that band together in the ninja village era.

They naively believed that because the Uchiha clan and Madara Uchiha were strong, they could live a carefree life in Konoha.

Uchiha Makoto glanced coldly at the group of clan elders. How could the Uchiha clan grow strong and powerful with these insects by their side?

He just mentioned looking for allies and supporters in Konoha.

The elders spoke with considerable arrogance, displaying the airs of a powerful bloodline clan and looking down on the lesser ninja clans.

Even families with secret arts would subtly belittle them in their words.

The Hyuga clan, which is also a bloodline ninja clan, is another example.
Logically speaking, the Uchiha clan, being the second-in-command of Konoha, should have teamed up with the Hyuga clan, the third-in-command, to deal with the Senju clan in order to maximize their benefits.

However, the elders did not try to win them over; instead, they believed that the Hyuga clan should take the initiative to befriend the Uchiha clan.

After all, although the Hyuga clan is strong overall, it doesn't have any top-tier powerhouses. So why would the Uchiha clan take the initiative to be friendly?
However, the Hyuga clan is a two-faced bunch, like a slippery eel!

When the second and eldest sons compete for a position, the third son inevitably has to wait for the best offer.

If the Uchiha clan doesn't take the initiative to show goodwill, then the Hyuga clan will certainly not take the initiative either. In any case, the Hyuga clan has its own ulterior motives. It doesn't really matter who becomes Hokage; they'll still get their share. It's just that they'll get a little less when they maintain neutrality.

The Uchiha clan, with their haughty attitude and waiting for others to take the initiative, were nowhere near as proactive as Tobirama Senju in showing goodwill.

Tobirama Senju did this merely as a favor by taking on disciples; he took on quite a few, all selected from powerful clans in Konoha. He also used his position to oversee the selection of ANBU members and the formation of personnel for various departments in Konoha. All of this was a gesture of goodwill.

The Uchiha clan initially had the ability to compete, but the list submitted by the clan elders consisted entirely of clan members. Now, being one step behind means falling further behind.

Five years of golden time, once missed, is gone forever.

"Elder, true power isn't about a piece of paper that grants a position that determines honor or disgrace within the Uchiha clan, nor is it the fleeting pleasure of achieving clan glory. Power refers to the extent to which you can influence and control others, and even the entire spiritual life of Konoha."

"The Uchiha clan can fight and kill with their fists outside, but within Konoha, it's all about interpersonal relationships and social graces."

"What's the use of the Uchiha clan being good at fighting? Even Madara-sama couldn't easily attack the ninja clans within the village, let alone defeat Hashirama-sama. What's the point of you guys putting on airs all day? I think if Madara-sama didn't become the Second Hokage, it would be better for Konoha if Tobirama Senju became Hokage, you bunch of guys."

Uchiha Makoto spoke with a tone of disappointment and frustration.

Actually, these words...
Makoto Uchiha had mentioned this in his letters to the clan, but clearly no one took his advice seriously. You can't teach someone to understand something unless they're slapped in the face by reality.

Fortunately, it's not too late.

In a few years
If the storyline were to unfold as it should, first Madara Uchiha would defect from Konoha, then Madara would fight Hashirama Senju at the Valley of the End, resulting in one death and one injury. Finally, Tobirama Senju would successfully become the Second Hokage of Konoha. At that time, the Uchiha clan's reputation in Konoha would be ruined because of Madara's defection, and Tobirama Senju would be able to manipulate the Uchiha clan like a soft persimmon.

Ah, of course, the current situation is a good thing for Uchiha Makoto.

The Uchiha clan's weakness and stupidity only highlight the value of Uchiha Makoto.

Makoto Uchiha could also use the actions of the Uchiha clan to legitimately expand his influence in Konoha.

Until this point.
The elders of the Uchiha clan only began to reflect on their own problems after being ridiculed by Makoto Uchiha to his face.

That is indeed the case.

The selection of Hokage in Konoha is a democratic vote. Unless you have the strength to overturn the table like Madara Uchiha or Hashirama Senju, everyone has to follow the rules.

If the Uchiha clan doesn't have enough supporters right now, and Madara Uchiha doesn't become Hokage, Tobirama Senju could practically have the Second Hokage position in his pocket.

The anxious elders began to discuss the matter animatedly.

"Makoto, you're right. But back then we didn't know that Lord Madara wasn't interested in the Second Hokage, and that Tobirama Senju was eyeing the position of Second Hokage with covetous intent. It wasn't that we were too incompetent, but that Tobirama Senju was too cunning!"

"That's right, we never thought this day would come."

"."

"Cheng, what do you think we should do now?"

Faced with the complaints of the clan elders.

Uchiha Makoto suddenly felt that his teammates were a bit... No wonder you guys couldn't beat Senju Tobirama.

However, in order for Akatsuki to be able to intervene in Konoha in the future, he still planned to do something, so Uchiha Makoto paused and said:
"Isn't there a great opportunity right now?"

“I remember Tobirama Senju had the Uchiha clan start setting up the Konoha Police Department after the New Year. Isn’t this a perfect opportunity to win over the ninja clans?” “Take half of the Konoha Police Department’s personnel and then split it off within Konoha!”

"Huh? Half?"

"This is a department that our Uchiha clan fought hard to obtain from Tobirama Senju, and the Uchiha clan has absolute power within it."

The clan elders frowned, feeling that Uchiha Makoto's suggestion was truly a knife to their bones.

A government-affiliated position is invaluable.

Even in Konoha, it's the same.

According to Tobirama Senju's rules in Konoha.

Ninjas registered in Konoha receive a fixed salary and special benefits during holidays.

Salaries are determined based on the average income of ninjas of different ranks within the village and the village's cost of living.

Take genin as an example. They basically make a living by carrying out D-rank missions. The average salary for a D-rank mission is about 10,000 to 30,000 taels. After deducting the village's cut and the share of the other team members, an ordinary genin can only earn a few thousand taels for completing a D-rank mission. At most, they can complete more than 20 missions a month and earn a few tens of thousands of taels.

The ninjas also have to pay for the losses incurred during missions out of their own pockets, which is also an expense.

Moreover, although D-rank missions pose little threat to ninjas, there are always unexpected events.

That would be terrible if someone got injured.
In short, even in Konoha, the lives of genin were actually quite difficult.

But having a formal position within the village makes all the difference.

The current fixed salary for a genin (lower-ranking ninja) is 50,000 ryo per month.

Chunin, and Jonin are even higher!
Most importantly, this money is guaranteed and is paid monthly, completely separate from the income earned by ninjas from missions.

Even the Senju clan doesn't currently control an entire department in Konoha!
Therefore, the Uchiha clan believed that acquiring the Konoha Police Department was a concession from Tobirama Senju, even though Tobirama Senju also made additional demands—the Uchiha clan had to solve their own funding for establishing the Konoha Police Department, including the funding for the first three years. The Uchiha clan agreed to all of these conditions.

The Uchiha clan isn't short of funds right now, so this deal is definitely worthwhile.

After enduring the hardships of the first three years, this is the unique and loyal harvest of the Uchiha clan!

As the saying goes, "Don't let the good stuff go to outsiders!"
The clan elders can't possibly distribute these positions to outsiders, can they?
Therefore, every member of the Uchiha clan has their eyes on these organizational structures, regarding them as a benefit of the Uchiha clan as the founding family and a symbol of the Uchiha clan's extraordinary status in Konoha!
Meanwhile, the elders of the Uchiha clan also intended to develop the Konoha Police Department into the Uchiha clan's headquarters, a fortress exclusively belonging to the Uchiha clan.

"Cheng, I think we should reconsider this matter."

"This is a very important matter. If we do this, we won't be able to explain it to our family."

"Yes, they've split off so many positions."

The Uchiha clan elders began to shake their heads.

Uchiha Makoto casually mentions half the organization's strength, making it sound so easy for him, but he's cutting into his own people first. How could the Uchiha clan members possibly agree to that?

If we do that, things will get really messy for the family!
Uchiha Makoto was also helpless.

Of course he knew that this was all a conspiracy by Tobirama Senju, that old devil of the Senju clan!
Tobirama Senju offered the Uchiha clan an irresistible opportunity.

The flatbread was both fragrant and eye-catching.

Uchiha Makoto has the power to distribute this delicious pie as he pleases.

Meanwhile, the other clans of Konoha are watching with bated breath. Uchiha, you don't want to take it all for yourselves, do you?

However, the Uchiha clan members would never give up their cakes, as they considered them a symbol of the Uchiha clan's extraordinary status in Konoha.

Moreover, the job is really appealing; people from Shandong can best understand this feeling.

However, the elders all began to vote against it.

Uchiha Makoto did not back down.

"If the Uchiha clan takes it all for themselves this time, their situation in Konoha will likely become increasingly difficult. Tobirama Senju is forcing you to make a choice, but he knows that given the Uchiha clan's character, they will probably choose to take it all for themselves."

"With so many large and small clans in Konoha watching the Uchiha clan hoard everything, what will they think? Will they still support an Uchiha clansman becoming Hokage?"

Those involved are often confused, while bystanders see things clearly. Uchiha Makoto analyzed the situation from an outsider's perspective.

The Uchiha clan, who hoard their wealth, how could they possibly be worthy of being the Kage of Konoha in the eyes of the other clans, large and small?

"Tobirama Senju, he's truly despicable!"

"As expected, I knew Tobirama Senju was up to no good!"

"No wonder he was so decisive back then!"

"Then what should we do? Should we split up half of the staff?"

The problem quickly circled back to itself.

Cutting flesh is not so easy.

The elders present all knew that whoever spoke first, whoever made the first decision, would have to bear the pressure from the clan. They were also afraid that someone would throw excrement at their door in the middle of the night.

Uchiha Makoto, now an outsider, remained unmoved, quietly observing them.

He certainly has a way to solve this problem.

Isn't it just a matter of money?

Even though Xiaoren Village is now involved in more and more projects, the majority of its fiscal funds are invested in various projects over the next five years. It is a stage where it spends a lot but earns little. The initial investment in industry is very high, and it is impossible to get a return quickly.

Some investments may not even break even after five years.

The village's funds were actually a bit tight, but fortunately, Xiaoren Village had the national-level income from salt tax as a source of revenue.

This is a stable and reliable source of income; it should be enough to get through the difficult early stages.

It's just that there are a few hundred million more taels of silver in the Akatsuki Village's accounts every year, which is not a particularly large expense!

However, he could give the money.

But it absolutely cannot be given away easily; Uchiha Makoto must maintain a proper stance!
(End of this chapter)