When it came to reforming the Uchiha Clan, there were already well-established examples within the village that could serve as references.
One of the most successful models was the Ino–Shika–Chō formation.
Under normal circumstances, a Jonin instructor was not from the same clan as their students. However, clans would still arrange internal training at key moments to ensure their techniques and traditions were preserved.
For example, Nara Shikaku's team had once been led by Kato Dan.
Thinking of Kato Dan brought a trace of regret.
He had been a capable and courageous ninja, someone who continued fighting despite severe injuries, only falling during the battle at Mount Kikyo.
When Hayashi first heard Orochimaru mention it, he had remained silent for a moment in respect.
A man like that deserved recognition.
Even if his story ended too soon, perhaps in another timeline, things turned out differently. Either way, there was no point dwelling on it now.
Returning to the matter at hand, reforming the Uchiha was never something that could be completed overnight. In truth, the process had already begun long ago.
During the war in the Land of Water, Hayashi had already started testing his ideas.
Whenever extra Genin were available, he would assign them to Uchiha teams. Fighting side by side on the battlefield created trust faster than anything else.
As a result, many Uchiha ninja had already formed connections with members of other clans. These relationships continued to deepen over time.
Hayashi had no intention of changing that approach. Even after the war ended, he planned to maintain the existing team structures.
With that resolved, the next issue was the isolation of the Uchiha compound.
Simply tearing down the walls would not be enough.
Hayashi intended to transform the area into something entirely different. He planned to develop a commercial and leisure district that highlighted Uchiha history while blending it with the village's modern lifestyle.
Civilian merchants would be allowed to rent spaces and open shops. Over time, it would grow into a fully functional district that attracted both ninja and civilians.
Reform required more than ideas. It required time, planning, and persistence.
Hayashi and the Third Hokage spent a long time discussing these concepts. The more they spoke, the more aligned their views became.
Hiruzen gradually realized that Hayashi was not only strong but also remarkably capable in governance.
Glancing at the sky, Hayashi stood.
"I will take my leave for now. If anything comes up, I will report back."
The Third Hokage gave him a knowing look.
"Someone is waiting for you, right?" he said with a faint smile. "Being young has its advantages."
Hayashi simply smiled in response.
He understood what the Hokage meant, though in truth, no one was actually waiting for him.
Before leaving, he paused and turned back.
"Hokage, there is something else."
Hiruzen's expression grew serious.
"What is it?"
"While recovering bodies in the Land of Earth, it was discovered that some Uchiha had their Sharingan removed."
Hiruzen's brows furrowed immediately.
In the shinobi world, a Kekkei Genkai was the foundation of a clan's power. Losing it was no small matter.
"Was it Iwagakure?" he asked.
Hayashi shook his head.
"The bodies were intact when they were first recovered. The eyes disappeared afterward, when the clan went to retrieve them."
Hiruzen fell into thought.
"How many?"
"Four pairs of Sharingan."
His expression darkened.
"That is serious."
After a brief pause, he spoke in a firm tone.
"I will assign the Anbu to investigate immediately. The Uchiha will receive an answer."
Hayashi nodded and left.
In truth, only one pair had been taken.
He had deliberately exaggerated the number and implied that the culprit was from within the village.
Whether it was Root, Zetsu, or someone else did not matter.
At this moment, it had to be Root.
Even if Danzo was not responsible this time, he would have been at some point. Hayashi saw no issue in setting the stage early.
If rumors surfaced in the future, Hiruzen would not be caught off guard.
After leaving the Hokage Building, Hayashi headed straight for the Uchiha compound.
The person the Hokage mentioned earlier did not exist. Kushina was still on the battlefield, and his home had been left unattended for some time.
Mikoto and the others had already returned to their own homes.
As soon as he entered the compound, he was greeted with enthusiasm.
The streets were crowded, and people leaned out from windows to catch a glimpse of him.
Hayashi greeted everyone along the way, politely refusing several enthusiastic aunties trying to arrange matches for him. By the time he reached his destination, his hands were filled with various items.
He finally arrived at the residence of the Grand Elder.
Uchiha Yun, the Grand Elder, was more than a decade older than the Third Hokage. His age showed clearly, but his presence remained strong.
Seeing Hayashi, he broke into a wide smile.
Six other elders were present, all of whom had supported Hayashi in the past.
Those who had opposed him had gradually lost influence and were being replaced.
Such was the nature of internal struggle. Once a decision was made, there was rarely a second chance.
More importantly, Hayashi's true support came from the ordinary Uchiha ninja. As long as they stood with him, his position remained secure.
The same principle applied to the village as a whole.
Even if Danzo had once gained approval from the Daimyo, without the support of the Jonin, he could never become Hokage.
Power without a foundation was meaningless.
The group sat together, and Uchiha Hikari spoke first.
"Clan Head, did the Hokage agree?"
"He agreed," Hayashi replied.
Convincing the elders had not been easy. If the Third Hokage could still be guided, the elders were deeply set in their ways.
They had once refused to follow Madara, choosing stability over uncertainty. Now, they were reluctant to give up the authority that came with controlling the Military Police Force.
Still, Hayashi's reputation and strength ensured their cooperation.
An elder spoke hesitantly.
"Do we really allow merchants to open shops here? Will it not disrupt the clan?"
Hayashi sighed lightly.
"You are only selling to fellow clan members. How much profit can that bring?"
"Opening the area will increase traffic and demand. That benefits everyone."
His tone sharpened slightly.
"And let me be clear. If anyone engages in forced transactions or tries to drive away outsiders, I will deal with it personally."
The Uchiha had a reputation for such behavior. Prices were often inflated, discouraging outsiders from visiting.
In some cases, it was done deliberately to maintain isolation.
Hayashi had no intention of allowing that to continue.
He continued outlining his plan.
"The commercial district will be centered around four main squares. The scale must be large enough to attract attention."
"It will serve ninja, civilians, and visitors from across the Land of Fire."
"This will become one of Konoha's key locations."
He paused briefly before adding,
"Focus on quality. We are not building a market filled with low-grade goods. This should be a high-end district."
"For example, Ichiraku Ramen is considering opening a branch here. Offer them a reasonable rent."
The elders exchanged uncertain glances.
Hayashi stood, his voice steady.
"Our compound is located at the center of the village. Over the past decade, Konoha has expanded rapidly, and it will continue to grow."
"This location will only become more valuable."
He continued,
"The Senju compound is large and mostly unused. Tsunade-sensei plans to convert it into a forest park."
"That means we will have direct access to a major recreational area."
"With a commercial district nearby, demand for housing and shops will increase significantly."
He looked at them one by one.
"Do not focus only on immediate gains."
"In time, the value of this place will far exceed what you expect."
===
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