Minato Namikaze directly told Fugaku Uchiha that he had come today to have an open and sincere discussion.
Fugaku Uchiha stared at the Fourth Hokage and asked, "Then, Fourth Hokage wants to ask me something? Is it about the relationship between the Uchiha clan and Konoha?"
Minato also looked straight into Fugaku's eyes as he spoke, "More than that. There are various issues I want to discuss. I've realized that the relationship between the Uchiha and Konoha is quite complicated, intricately woven with power dynamics, trust, and misunderstandings."
Leader Fugaku of the Uchiha clan must understand this very well. Therefore, as the current Hokage, I wish to resolve these complex relations. If there are any issues, we can face them together, rather than allowing divisions and misunderstandings to grow into unmanageable conflict."
Uchiha Fugaku remained silent. Minato did not press him, but simply waited patiently for him to speak again.
After a while.
Uchiha Fugaku finally spoke again, "How does the Fourth view our Uchiha clan?"
Minato replied, "Actually, I have quite a favorable opinion of the Uchiha clan. Mikoto is Kushina's good friend, and my student Obito is also from the Uchiha clan."
Hearing Minato's words, Uchiha Fugaku's hardened expression softened slightly.
Minato continued, "I've done thorough research on this matter. From a historical perspective, during the reign of the Second Hokage, the Konoha Military Police Force was established alongside detention facilities to maintain village security.
At that time, the Uchiha clan had significant objections, believing the Second Hokage had isolated and marginalized them, indicating dislike and targeting toward the Uchiha clan.
However, I don't think the Second Hokage disliked the Uchiha or was intentionally targeting them.
Prior to that, many Uchiha clan members were dissatisfied with the Second's leadership, believing Konoha was co-founded by the Uchiha and Senju clans, so the second Hokage should have been from the Uchiha clan. They were involved in several power struggles. Even during the era of the Konoha Police Force, incidents occurred where certain individuals incited Uchiha clan members to rebel.
If the Second truly disliked the Uchiha clan, he wouldn't have refrained from holding them accountable, nor would he have established the Konoha Military Police Force or cultivated Uchiha talents. During his reign, the Second personally trained many Uchiha clan members. Among his elite personal guard unit, there was even one Uchiha member.
Therefore, I believe the Second's intention wasn't specifically targeting the Uchiha clan but rather considering all ninja clans—that is, monitoring any clan that might potentially threaten the village and making appropriate arrangements accordingly."
Uchiha Fugaku spoke up, "Now that the Second has passed away, dwelling too much on past events isn't particularly meaningful anymore. Since the Fourth has conducted thorough research, you should already know that the Uchiha clan's situation within Konoha hasn't been easy, and we've faced discrimination."
Minato Namikaze nodded and said, "That's true, but this wasn't the Third's intention. The Third always wanted to improve the relationship between Konoha and the Uchiha clan. However, Danzo, who previously served as Hokage's advisor, misunderstood the Second's meaning and took rather extreme actions targeting the Uchiha. Even though the Third tried to improve the situation, he couldn't find any effective way."
Fugaku Uchiha frowned and asked, "Why was there no solution? Couldn't the Third simply stop Danzo?"
Minato shook his head. "Change needs to come from both sides. As the Konoha Military Police Force, the Uchiha clan has often handled disputes unfairly—resorting to excessive force repeatedly. I'm sure you, Clan Leader Fugaku, are well aware of such incidents.
"Since only members of the Uchiha family can join Konoha's Military Police Force, this department has become a private organization of the Uchiha clan. These unjust practices have intensified the villagers' resentment toward the Uchiha.
"The Third wanted to improve things but was powerless. Under these circumstances, how could the Third, as Hokage, openly support the Uchiha clan? Don't you agree, Clan Leader Fugaku?"
Fugaku lowered his head slightly, his expression darkening.
Indeed, what Minato had said was true. Some members of the Military Police Force were arrogant, conceited, and still indulging in their past glories.
Minato stood up and continued, "Clan Leader Fugaku, I genuinely hope to improve the relationship between the Uchiha and the village. I want both sides to coexist peacefully without misunderstandings or barriers, working together for the development of the village.
"Just like I mentioned before, improving such a complicated relationship requires efforts from both parties. It's difficult for me alone to make real progress. That's why I need your support—give me an opportunity to mend things.
"It's getting late today, so I'll take my leave first. I hope you can think carefully about it, Fugaku. I'm waiting for your reply."
With that, Minato left the Uchiha clan compound.
Fugaku remained sitting on the tatami mat motionless for quite some time, deep in thought.
Improving relations between the Uchiha and Konoha—he had dreamed of this for a long time.
Previously, however, Fugaku had been helpless because Danzo's interference made direct communication with Hiruzen Sarutobi nearly impossible.
But now...
Minato's appearance brought new hope to the Uchiha clan.
Because unlike others, Minato held no prejudice against the Uchiha. His wife was a close friend of Rin Nohara, and Obito was Minato's student.
Obito's status within the Uchiha clan had been rising sharply since he awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan.
Originally, Fugaku had wanted Obito to join the Konoha Military Police Force, but Obito refused.
He preferred remaining with Kakashi, Rin Nohara, and Shindai.
Moreover, Obito began to grow disenchanted with the arrogant attitude displayed by some of his own clansmen.
From the very beginning, Minato Namikaze had clearly shown his sincerity by trying to build a closer relationship with him. Minato wanted to invite him to work together in resolving the Uchiha clan issue.
However, Fugaku Uchiha still felt somewhat troubled because he knew his clansmen well—they were radical, arrogant, and narrow-minded.
Minato had made it very clear: improvement required effort from both sides. That meant the Konoha Military Police Force would certainly need to change.
As Minato pointed out, the Konoha Military Police had become almost a private department of the Uchiha clan. Any reform would inevitably provoke strong opposition from some members of the clan.
Fugaku's eyes darkened slightly as he murmured, "If this time truly presents an opportunity… we absolutely cannot let it slip away."
...
Shindai was currently at Minato Namikaze's house, sitting on the couch facing Pakura, Kushina Uzumaki, and Obito.
Kakashi asked curiously, "What urgent matter did you call us here for, Shindai?"
Shindai shook the paper in his hand slightly. "This is a speech I just wrote. Listen to it and give me some suggestions."
Pakura asked in confusion, "A speech? What are you planning to speak about?"
With great enthusiasm, Shindai replied, "Of course it's for the charity event! I'll also go onstage and ask the villagers to donate a bit of money to me!"
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