As Sasuke spoke, he walked over to Eizumi and casually sat down cross-legged. Eizumi showed no signs of discomfort and even extended a hand to offer him a cup of tea.
Without any pretense or politeness, Sasuke took the tea, took a sip to moisten his throat, then quietly began, "I imagine you've heard the rumors. The village indeed needs such a department to maintain daily public order and the corresponding security force."
"We have indeed heard such rumors. However, does this matter... concern our Uchiha clan?" Eizumi asked quietly, looking at Sasuke.
Sasuke chuckled, then said, "Of course it concerns you. You speak as if the Uchiha clan isn't part of the village. Doesn't everything in the village concern everyone?"
Listening to Sasuke's 'righteous' words, Eizumi felt a wave of nausea, but he couldn't call Sasuke out for speaking nonsense. So, he could only nod, giving a perfunctory reply, "You're right, it does concern us."
Sasuke found Eizumi's expression somewhat amusing. He then continued, "It's like this: this security system is very important, so it needs capable people to oversee its establishment. At the same time, this system clearly requires a lot of manpower to maintain its effective operation. And currently... you understand the situation in the village."
"Understand? What do you mean?" Eizumi raised an eyebrow, asking softly.
"To establish this system, we need a sufficient number of shinobi, and they must be powerful shinobi. Otherwise, if some shinobi in the village cause trouble, we can't just send ordinary people to stop or apprehend them, can we? Wouldn't that just needlessly increase casualties?" Sasuke said with a smile.
Eizumi nodded in agreement, then, as if he had already guessed something, a smile appeared on his face as he said, "You're right, that's exactly it!"
"But that presents a challenge. Due to various previous reasons, the Senju clan cannot bear this heavy responsibility. After all, the Senju clan currently doesn't have that much manpower. Other clans lack sufficient strength, and civilian shinobi are out of the question. Firstly, their numbers aren't enough. Secondly, the civilian shinobi's strength isn't enough. Lastly, they may not have the courage to apprehend 'people of status.' Therefore, we at the Hokage Residence have unanimously decided that this important task should be handed over to your Uchiha clan to manage and bear!" Sasuke didn't beat around the bush and directly stated this.
Upon hearing this, Eizumi's expression grew increasingly delighted, but he quickly calmed down and said, "That's not entirely true, is it? In my opinion, the Hyūga clan also has a lot of manpower, and they are a prominent clan in the shinobi world. Their status is no less than that of our Uchiha clan or the Senju clan. They also don't have any major responsibilities. Why didn't Tobirama-dono favor them?"
Sasuke had previously thought of suggesting to Tobirama that the Hyūga clan take on the main body of this system. However, Tobirama rejected this proposal. The establishment of this security system was not only to maintain order within the village but also for Tobirama to give the Uchiha clan something to do. Otherwise, if they gathered idly all day, who knew what trouble they might stir up.
Another point was that the Uchiha clan, after all, had jointly established Konohagakure with the Senju clan. If the Uchiha clan were simply left idle and cold-shouldered, it would not bode well for the Senju clan's reputation, and rumors of 'ingratitude' would surely spread.
Finally, while Tobirama might dislike the Uchiha clan, with his broad-mindedness, he was still willing to accommodate them. Giving them this task expressed trust in the Uchiha clan.
At the same time, this would effectively keep the Uchiha clan under the watchful eyes of the higher-ups, serving a certain 'monitoring' function.
After all, ultimately, Tobirama's feelings towards the Uchiha clan were still quite unfriendly; a degree of caution was still necessary.
However, although Sasuke understood Tobirama's thoughts, he couldn't just tell the Uchiha clan members everything right now. Wouldn't that just provoke conflict? He'd have to be crazy to do that.
So Sasuke smiled and said, "You're right. The Hyūga clan was indeed among our considerations. However, we ultimately felt that your Uchiha clan was more suitable. If you want a reason, it's because the Hyūga clan's 'agility' is indeed somewhat slow, and their various rules are also quite cumbersome. Their efficiency is clearly inferior to your Uchiha clan's swift action! And what does this security system need? It needs speed, precision, and ruthlessness, doesn't it? Efficiency is also paramount!"
Listening to Sasuke's explanation, Eizumi nodded in agreement. It wasn't that he looked down on the Hyūga clan; when it came to efficiency, the Uchiha clan truly outclassed them by a mile! Therefore, Sasuke's reasoning made Eizumi agree with his statement.
"That's true, the Hyūga clan does have that flaw. Entrusting this important task to them would indeed be inappropriate. Hokage-sama's consideration is thorough," Eizumi said softly.
"So, that's what I came here to discuss. I want to represent Hokage-sama and ask your Uchiha clan if you are willing to take some time out of your busy schedules to complete this arduous task?" Sasuke smiled, directly stating his purpose.
Eizumi had long wanted to integrate the Uchiha clan into Konoha's power structure. Now that he heard this question, he naturally wouldn't refuse. He immediately said, "Since Hokage-sama has spoken, our Uchiha clan, as a member of the village, naturally must contribute to the entire Konohagakure. Forget about being busy; even if we were swamped with a thousand or ten thousand tasks, we would still obey Hokage-sama's instructions and put forth our full effort to do this well!"
Sasuke heard this, grinned, revealing a bright smile. He said, "That's good. Since your Uchiha clan is willing to take on this important task, we are relieved. I will now return and convey your thoughts to Hokage-sama, so that this system can be put into motion as soon as possible."
"Mm, then thank you, Sasuke, for coming all this way. I'll see you off," Eizumi said with a chuckle. His attitude now was infinitely better than when Sasuke first arrived; indeed, good news brings a cheerful spirit.
Sasuke waved his hand, saying, "See me off? I know the way. We'll be seeing each other often from now on to foster our close relationship."
"Hahahaha, of course! We are all people of the same village, so we naturally need to maintain close ties often," Eizumi said with a hearty laugh.
However, just then, Sasuke suddenly stopped his movement to get up, then, with some confusion, asked, "Oh, by the way, I heard that your Uchiha clan's stance on the ninja academy matter..."
Eizumi wasn't too surprised to hear this. From the moment Sasuke brought up this 'good news' out of nowhere, he knew this was bound to be a 'transaction.' If Sasuke hadn't mentioned it, he might have found it strange.
"Ah, some of the lower-ranking clansmen don't quite understand this good initiative. I'm currently trying to persuade them. One shouldn't always have such narrow views, but rather broaden their horizons and look at these matters from the perspective of the entire village, don't you agree?" Eizumi immediately changed his tune and said.
Sasuke didn't have the bad taste to expose him. Instead, he nodded in strong agreement, saying, "Yes, that's right. One must look at these matters from a long-term, future-oriented perspective. Eizumi, your understanding is truly deep."
"Don't worry, I will handle these conflicts. We will definitely support Hokage-sama's decisions and contribute to the village!" Eizumi took the hint when Sasuke didn't press the matter too much.
Then Sasuke chuckled and said, "Alright, since you've said so, we naturally trust that your Uchiha clan can make the right judgment in such matters. Of course, we also hope you can express your stance soon. After all, the sooner the 'ninja academy' matter is settled, the sooner our personnel at the Hokage Residence will be free to cooperate with you in establishing Konoha's security system, wouldn't you agree?"
"Exactly, exactly! Don't worry, Sasuke. You can tell Hokage-sama that our Uchiha clan will issue a statement today announcing our support for the establishment of the ninja academy, ensuring we remain in lockstep with the village and resolutely uphold Hokage-sama's decisions!" Eizumi said without hesitation.
After this matter was settled, Sasuke finally truly stood up. After bidding farewell to Eizumi, he left the Uchiha clan's compound.
Watching Sasuke's retreating figure, Eizumi's eyes flashed with a hint of understanding, and he quietly murmured, "He really is an old fox, Sasuke."
After speaking, he turned and looked at the clansmen sitting in the compound, then said, "You all heard what was just said. This matter is no longer just about that troublesome 'ninja academy.' It's also about whether our Uchiha clan can grasp power in Konohagakure. Don't be fooled by Sasuke sounding like he absolutely needed us just now. If we really trip up the people at the Hokage Residence, they could hand this task over to the 'slow-moving' Hyūga clan at any time... This is a trade. So, forget about the 'school or no school' matter for now. Let's make this security system our Uchiha clan's top priority. Go, issue a public statement now, saying that our Uchiha clan is deeply concerned with the entire Konohagakure, resolutely supports Hokage-sama's decisions, contributes to the village, and builds a beautiful campus for the children!"
Eizumi called Sasuke an old fox, but looking at him now, wasn't he also an old fox?
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