Chapter 169: Long Since Destined

"From my personal perspective, such a reform is undoubtedly a good thing."

Uchiha Fugaku glanced at Uchiha Zen, who wore a rather carefree expression, and replied.

He could tell that Uchiha Zen had already realized the heavy weight carried by this document, but simply did not care about it.

However, Uchiha Zen could afford to not care, while he could not, because he was the head of the Uchiha clan, responsible for managing such a massive family.

"Allocating the village's resources based on strength and opening up the inheritance of ninjutsu can eliminate a great deal of bureaucratic parasites."

"Though I am reluctant to admit it, such people do exist within the Uchiha clan."

"Therefore, if this reform succeeds, it will further strengthen the village's power."

Listening to Uchiha Fugaku's fluent discourse, Uchiha Zen nodded.

Yet he did not reply immediately, choosing instead to wait for what was to come.

For he knew very well that the focal point of Fugaku's words was never at the beginning, but at the end.

Sure enough, after a brief pause, Fugaku continued:

"However, this reform cannot be viewed merely from an individual perspective."

"A reform of this scale will involve every single clan in Konoha, affecting countless individuals."

"Even if I wish to support Minato in my heart, the clan—especially some of the elders—are not so easily persuaded..."

Having listened intently to Fugaku's words, Uchiha Zen spoke directly: "To put it simply, the clan leader is now hesitant and undecided, is that correct?"

Hearing this, a surge of hot blood rushed to Uchiha Fugaku's head.

Although Uchiha Zen had not said anything explicitly, it felt as though he had said everything, delivering a direct and sharp mockery.

Forcing himself to calm down, Uchiha Fugaku retorted with a hint of annoyance: "Indeed, which is why I brought you here—to hear your thoughts."

He had to admit that for the clan to reach its current state, Uchiha Zen was far more crucial than he was as the clan head.

And now, not only the Uchiha, but all the clans in Konoha were forced to face an entirely new choice.

This choice might very well lead the village and the clans toward a future drastically different from the present.

Under such circumstances, it was indeed difficult for him to make a decision.

Therefore, Uchiha Fugaku had learned his lesson this time, deciding to first consult Uchiha Zen, who always had a plan.

Presumably, this document was currently circulating only among the higher-ups of the village, which left a considerable room for maneuver.

Uchiha Zen lowered his gaze once more to scan the document in his hand, then slowly said: "Since the clan leader wishes to hear it, I shall share my perspective."

He paused, adding with deep significance: "However, my view might be far more radical than yours."

Hearing this, Uchiha Fugaku's heart sank, and he replied, "Go ahead."

Uchiha Zen stated without hesitation:

"If I were in your position, I would choose to stand on Minato-senpai's side regarding this reform."

"Of course, this is not due to any personal emotional bias, but a choice born from my true conviction."

Was Minato's reform bold?

To this, Uchiha Zen could only say it was immensely bold.

Throughout history, in any world, actions involving the reform of political systems were invariably accompanied by massive upheavals.

They could even trigger violent revolutions!

Uchiha Zen did not believe that Minato was unaware of this.

Yet Minato had still released such a document, demonstrating his firm resolve to alter the power structure of Konoha.

Therefore, in Uchiha Zen's view, this reform was most likely irreversible.

"Furthermore, while resistance to reform is inevitable, the current opposition is likely no longer sufficient to stop it."

Uchiha Zen thought to himself, his gaze growing deep and profound.

In the village today, Minato's strength was unquestionable.

A single technique like the Flying Thunder God Technique was enough to render Minato invincible.

What was more, the Nine-Tails, which everyone had neglected for so long, resided within the bodies of Kushina and Naruto.

Naruto might not yet be able to access the power of the Nine-Tails, given his tender age.

Kushina, however, was entirely different; having lost half of the Nine-Tails' power was, for her, actually a form of enhancement.

Coupled with the Uzumaki clan's natural proficiency in various sealing techniques, she was likely more than capable of controlling the Nine-Tails in battle.

This easily overlooked detail was probably the ultimate guarantee that gave Minato the courage to enact such reforms!

In addition, after more than two years in office, Minato had long since firmly established his position as the Hokage.

The Hokage held the ultimate moral high ground of the village, and in the face of this righteousness, offering opposition was no easy task.

Finally...

"Such a reform will not harm my interests; instead, it will make Konoha stronger."

"A stronger Konoha means that Terra, hidden within the village, will grow stronger as well."

Knowing this, Uchiha Zen had no reason whatsoever to oppose the reform.

"A choice of true conviction? Why?"

Seeing Uchiha Zen's attitude so resolute, Uchiha Fugaku was momentarily taken aback.

Noticing Uchiha Zen's stance, he found himself somewhat bewildered.

He even wondered if he had missed something in the document, which had led to such a massive discrepancy in their interpretations.

Uchiha Zen then spoke up: "Clan leader, you think too much and consider things far too comprehensively, which is precisely why you cannot make up your mind."

Uchiha Fugaku raised an eyebrow, signaling for Uchiha Zen to continue.

Uchiha Zen slowly explained: "With a reform like this, the first thing anyone thinks of is that it will provoke opposition from many people—especially clans like ours—not only because our family interests might be diluted, but also because the elders within the clan will be dissatisfied, am I right?"

"Indeed, that is certain," Fugaku sighed. "Even now, the situation within the clan is much the same, but I have no better solution, so I have simply turned a blind eye."

For a clan like the Uchiha, due to historical inheritance, this phenomenon was even more pronounced.

Ordinary Uchiha clansmen found it extremely difficult to rise to prominence.

Even if they possessed a certain degree of talent and strength, the quota for annual promotions was so limited that it was rarely their turn.

Without promotions, ascending to important positions within the family was nearly impossible.

Of course, the Uchiha were still relatively fortunate; they did not stint on passing down their clan's ninjutsu to talented and capable members.

Unlike the Hyuga clan, where only members of the main branch were permitted to learn advanced ninjutsu or secret techniques...

Yet, without a doubt, such situations were extremely common and existed everywhere!

Uchiha Zen smiled lightly and responded: "Since there are so many opponents, has the clan leader ever considered that the supporters will only be far more numerous?"

This reform would undoubtedly offend the upper echelons of all the major clans.

However, the lower-tier members of these same clans would finally be given a chance to rise.

Therefore, once the news spread, the members of the major clans would become divided, preventing them from forming a united front.

Then there were the civilian ninja, who constituted the largest population in the village yet held the least hope for promotion.

Among these civilian ninja, there was no shortage of fiercely talented individuals who had previously been buried due to various reasons.

Following the reform, once they acquired matching resources and rights, they would undoubtedly rise rapidly.

Such a force, realizing they had been given a chance to alter their destiny, would undoubtedly stand firmly on Minato's side.

This was the truly terrifying aspect of the present reform.

Though it appeared to be a mere probing gesture, its outcome was likely predetermined.

Under the irresistible momentum of the grand trend, neither individuals nor the upper echelons of the various clans had the power to directly defy such a will...