Since the decision has been made, there is naturally no reason to go back on it. Therefore, despite your instructions, our Ino–Shika–Chō alliance will carry out our duties diligently, without daring to slack off or disobey."
Even while feeling the heavy, mountain-like pressure radiating from Uchiha Yue, Nara Shikaku—head of the Nara clan and renowned for his calm intellect—was the first to rise and reaffirm his stance. His unwavering tone, despite the intimidating chakra aura around Yue, reignited the momentum of the assembly.
As he spoke, others followed, one after another reaffirming their positions with a growing sense of unity. Compared to the initial chaos when Yue first declared his intention to succeed the Hokage position, the current mood had shifted dramatically. No longer was it a scattered, hesitant chorus of voices—now it was a synchronized declaration of intent. The scene, grand and imposing, felt like the formation of a new era.
"Very well," Uchiha Yue began, his gaze sweeping over the gathered clan heads and Konoha councilors, "it seems you've all accepted reality and prepared yourselves accordingly. Then, I won't stand on ceremony."
"However," he continued, his voice becoming colder, "before I become the Fifth Hokage, there are some unpleasant truths I must make clear. I am not a traditionalist. I don't care for ceremonial formalities or outdated systems."
"When I take office, I will reform Konoha from the foundation. That will inevitably touch some of your vested interests. I advise you to prepare mentally."
"Of course, since you've chosen to support me, I will ensure that none of you are left behind."
"Because profit—true profit—is not finite. If you stop clinging to outdated structures and traditions that have long lost their relevance, you'll find the world is far broader and richer than you ever imagined."
His eyes lingered briefly on Nara Shikaku, who had spoken first, before turning once again to address the room. His tone softened slightly, carrying a hint of indulgent patience.
With the knowledge of his previous life, Uchiha Yue could not bring himself to revere the so-called "village" of Konoha as it currently existed. Though hailed as one of the Five Great Shinobi Nations, and boasting a powerful military force, in Yue's eyes, the village itself was little more than a large compound with some public infrastructure, its urban layout primitive and stagnant.
Compared to even the third-tier cities of his former life, Konoha's scale, technology, and organization were laughable. Worse still, it was shackled by the whims of the Fire Daimyō, a feudal lord who dictated military budgets without lifting a finger in defense of the nation.
Uchiha Yue wanted to tear it down to the foundations and rebuild—a truly modern city, prosperous and self-sufficient, driven by a meritocratic system and unbound by backward ideologies. He saw a future where chakra-enhanced technology, rational governance, and civilian-military integration would generate benefits so immense that they would eclipse the old Konoha by countless leagues.
And with that prosperity, not only would the village grow stronger, but every clan that remained loyal and adaptable would find itself sharing in an era of unprecedented development. After all, as he had already proven with his reformation of the Uchiha clan, even the strongest dragons cannot thrive in shallow ponds. Only by expanding the entire system could they all soar.
"Since your decision has already been made," Shikaku spoke up once more, "then please give the order directly, my lord. We will cooperate fully. I believe that with your capabilities, Konoha will flourish. And we will not suffer losses."
As some clan leaders still hesitated, Shikaku's clear words rang out, snapping them out of their uncertainty. His loyal expression was more than support—it was a signal to others: there was no turning back now. Uchiha Yue was not Sarutobi Hiruzen. This was no longer the Konoha they knew.
"Nara Shikaku, right?" Yue finally said, his sharp eyes landing on the man again. "Your intelligence is as renowned as the legends say. How would you like to serve as my Hokage advisor and assist me in handling Konoha's daily affairs?"
The sudden offer made the room stir. Shikaku's eyes widened in surprise, and he hesitated.
Having read the original history of Konoha, Yue naturally understood Shikaku's brilliance. In canon, he had served as the chief strategist during the Fourth Great Ninja War, handling enormous pressure under a nearly collapsing Allied Shinobi Forces command. Even during peacetime, his contributions to internal village affairs were vital, although they had often been kept behind the scenes due to Sarutobi Hiruzen's iron grip on power.
This time, however, Shikaku's performance had exceeded expectations. By stepping forward during a volatile moment and guiding the others, he had ensured the transition of power would proceed smoothly. Yue genuinely respected such capability.
Though he had seized power through force and killed multiple Konoha high-ranking elders—including Danzo and Homura—he had no intention of becoming a micromanaging tyrant like Hiruzen. He had plans to create an administrative council under his Hokage office to handle policy and execution, while he himself focused on overarching strategy and power consolidation.
Just like with the Uchiha clan, where daily operations were already entrusted to Uchiha Flint and the clan's administrative council, Yue believed in efficient delegation. Only with that kind of system could he pursue further self-cultivation, deepen his Mangekyō Sharingan abilities, and prepare for the dangerous future ahead—perhaps even the Ōtsutsuki threat.
After all, this world still obeyed the law of the jungle: power was everything. If he had not personally eliminated Sarutobi Hiruzen and crushed the high council's resistance, no amount of talk would have secured him the position of Hokage. Force was the prerequisite; politics followed after.
"Me, your advisor?" Shikaku blinked, clearly shaken. "Isn't that… a bit too sudden?"
Truth be told, he had originally stood out to protect the interests of his clan. His loyalty to the Third Hokage was well known, and many considered him a die-hard supporter of the old regime. He had acted out of pragmatism—to ensure the Nara clan would not be purged under the new rule of Uchiha Yue.
That Yue would now offer him a position of such influence—so openly and without suspicion—was completely outside of his calculations. The move was not only unexpected, but terrifying in its boldness.
But Yue understood his concerns all too well.
"Don't worry," Yue said calmly. "I am not Sarutobi Hiruzen—who lacked strength but was obsessed with power, hoarding it to feel secure."
"If you have the talent, and you do not oppose me, I will provide a platform for you to shine. Why wouldn't I allow someone like you to better serve Konoha?"
"Of course, I offer trust, but not blind trust. If you ever waver or betray me, I won't hesitate to remove you. I'm not interested in forgiving saboteurs."
His words were plain and direct, but the pressure behind them was unmistakable. His eyes swept the room again, and everyone who met his gaze immediately lowered their heads.
The message was clear: loyalty would be rewarded—but betrayal, even in thought, would not be tolerated.
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