In Konoha there are about 10,000-12,000 active ninja operating under the village. With there being recognized 8 major clans. Senju clan, Nara clan, Akimichi clan, Sarutobi clan, Hyūga clan, Uchiha clan, Aburame clan, and Yamanaka clan. Each one of these major clan has around 1,000 members. When the hidden leaf was founded these major clans were the pillars that brought strength and reputation.
Soon after they announced an alliance smaller families scurried to their side hoping to be accepted into a stronger villages system, hoping to show their worth and jump up the ranks to reach the pinnacle of the shinobi world. Many of the smaller clans competed to with each other to be given higher level missions. Many kissed the feet of these stronger clans. Others tried to be vassel clans, hoping to get the crumbs of a larger clan.
The Shimura Clan being good friends with the Sarutobi clan, dating back to the founders of the clan, Sasuke Sarutobi and Nakada Shimura. Were close enough to keep their kin together. If one was given a role the other would quickly try to establish a connection with the other. Making it unthinkable to be closer to another family. When the Second Hokage trusted the Sarutobi, they naturally found a way the other could be invited.
The Fūma Clan and Kurama clan were vassal family's that fought on the front line for the Uchiha, so naturally followed them to Konoha. But they were never treated as equals, with the Uchiha reminding them of their place all the same.
The Hatake Clan came from the mountains in the north looking to expand from simple carpenters, deciding that the family needed to adapt to this dangerous world and became ninja.
The Kohaku Clan was a bunch of greedy merchants known for kissing ass, so they just went with the wave marrying into powerful family's if they could. In the future this would bore fruit as Moegi Kazamatsuri, being apart of a branch family was passed Hashirama's mokuton, wood release. Without the need for any Hashirama experiments.
During the Warring States period, the Hyuga clan, known for their powerful Byakugan and strategic influence, found themselves in a position of relative wealth and prosperity. Their settlement along the southern coast was strategically chosen, offering both fertile land and access to vital trade routes. This location allowed the Hyuga to build a prosperous estate, with their wealth derived from both agriculture and their influence over nearby villages.
While the Hyuga clan did not boast the same sheer numbers as some of the other great clans, they made up for it with their wealth and martial prowess. In their eyes, power was not only gained by battle but also through strategic alliances. The Hyuga clan, with their ever-expanding resources, employed several smaller families in a form of quasi-feudal relationship. Among these were the Inuzuka, a humble but tenacious family known for their bond with dogs and their tracking abilities.
The Inuzuka family, though smaller in number, was fiercely loyal, living on the outskirts of the Hyuga's southern estate. They provided a variety of services—tracking, guard duty, and even offering their dogs' assistance during hunts and the occasional war campaign. The Inuzuka were not treated with much respect, as their role was often viewed as that of mere servants or vassals to the wealthier Hyuga.
Despite the Hyuga clan's condescending view of the Inuzuka, there was an unspoken understanding: the Inuzuka would provide loyalty, in exchange for basic protection and the occasional handout. The Inuzuka, who had always lived on the fringes of larger society, accepted this arrangement. They saw themselves as a necessary yet expendable tool in the Hyuga's machinations.
The Inuzuka family's loyalty was rooted in their dependence on the Hyuga's wealth. While the Hyuga might have dismissed them as little more than tools to be used, the Inuzuka family had its own pride. The dogs they raised weren't simply tools; they were symbols of their honor and commitment. The bond between the Inuzuka and their canine companions ran deep, a secret strength that the Hyuga would soon come to regret overlooking.
It wasn't until a major conflict between neighboring clans broke out—one that involved the Hyuga clan's strategic interests—that the Inuzuka family's true value became apparent. As the Hyuga clan sent their warriors into battle, the Inuzuka's tracking skills proved essential. Their dogs helped locate hidden enemy camps, intercepting crucial intelligence. Slowly, the Inuzuka began to earn the trust of the Hyuga through their contributions, though their place in the grand scheme of things never fully shifted.
Yet, this growing respect didn't erase the deep-seated resentment that brewed within the Inuzuka. They were treated like mere tools, despite the sacrifices they made for the Hyuga. Over time, a quiet rebellion began to simmer beneath the surface. The Inuzuka, led by a new generation of warriors who had grown tired of the Hyuga's dismissiveness, began to quietly train their own shinobi in secret. These warriors would fight not just for the Hyuga, but for their own future—one where they wouldn't be at the mercy of the Hyuga's wealth and power.
The Inuzuka's growing power was a shadow the Hyuga clan couldn't see—blinded by their wealth and the belief that their Byakugan allowed them to see everything. What they failed to understand was that sometimes, the greatest strength comes not from seeing everything clearly, but from knowing when to be silent and when to act. The Inuzuka, once regarded as little more than vassals, would one day show the Hyuga that the loyalty they had demanded could be turned against them, with devastating consequences.
As it came in the first shinobi world war. During the start of the war Senju Tobirama was faced with many problems. Both from external and internal politics at the time Senju tobirama saw the decline of his Senju clan as they were demanded to take the frontline against the hidden cloud village. While the Uchiha dealt with the stone village. Konoha was then attacked from a third front, that being from the hidden Mist village, so the village had to spilt their forces again. This time Sarutobi Sasuke led his clan against the first Mizukage. But feeling disrespected the hidden sands leader Reto. The man crazy enough to tell the god of shinobi Hashirama to give him money for already overpowering a mere one tales beast. That man entered the war hoping to make a profit. Leaving Konoha low on ninja but ultimately sending in Haru Hyūga to lead the front as the commander.
During the war Tobirama saw firsthand the decline of the senju with him having only 10 percent of the clan left including himself. So, this is where he began his plan to save the members by forcing them to marry into family's and removing their surname for all male members. Effectively dissolving the clan. But Konoha needed a new pillar, a new family. So, he declared that the family that shows the most will of fire would be rewarded with the recognition they deserved.
All the major clan heads at the time knew what this could mean. For a major family they could rise to the position of a hokage advisor like in the original timeline. Or maybe the next hokage outright. While a minor family could rise to be a major player in the next round of politics.
The smaller family's eagerly volunteered their members to be on the frontlines in hope of glory. Tobirama was pleased as this allowed his family to recover their numbers. With this being the war that many of the vassal or smaller clans going extinct in Konoha as they were too eager to prove their worth. But didn't have enough ninja in the meatgrinder that is war. Tobirama knew this could be a possible outcome but deemed that the blood of the Senju would be a future backbone of the village and that they were more valuable than the lesser family's to macerated as clans.
Eventually Sasuke Sarutobi perished in battle to the mist, but he'd done enough to defeat the first Mizukage. His clan was of course saddened by his death, but the village recognized the clans rising strength as the third strongest clan. This heightens level of fame boosted his strongest son, one of the many children he fathered, Hiruzen.
The Hyūga saw this shift in the tides as their position of third strongest family was challenged, a position they thought was already utterly ridiculous. So, to prove themselves they tasked the clans under them to charge and make a frontal assault towards the sand village and get the head of their leader, Reto.
In an attempt to prove their strength and assert their dominance, the Hyūga demanded that the Inuzuka lead a brutal assault on the Sand Village, a mission no clan had dared take on without dire consequences. The task was simple yet insurmountable: bring back the head of the Sand Village's leader, Reto. The mission was a near-suicidal one, with the risk of losing a great many warriors, but the Hyuga had already decided. The Inuzuka clan's powerful senses, battle experience, and their animal companions would be central to the attack.
A brutal agreement was made between the clan's elders and the Hyūga leadership. The plan would force the clan to sacrifice forty percent of their warriors. They tried to make Haru Hyūga see reason, but the man didn't care, he wanted to preserve his family and take all the recognition from his sector of the war. He still had a family first, village second mentality. The sacrifice of their loyal companions, and family members were the last straw, the Inuzuka were done being disrespected in such a way. In the end the plan to eliminate Reto worked and their part in the war was over.
The War Council of the Second Hokage
The room was vast, filled with the quiet murmur of clan heads and high-ranking officers seated around a long wooden table, its surface littered with various scrolls and papers—some marked with ink, others awaiting signatures. The walls were adorned with portraits of the village and the symbols of Konoha's most prominent clans. The air was thick with a mixture of exhaustion and anticipation, as the last step to peace was within their reach: the final document with the Land of Lightning. But Tobirama Senju, ever vigilant in his leadership, had other matters in mind.
At the head of the table, Tobirama leaned forward slightly, his sharp gaze sweeping over the gathered clan heads and their representatives. He was a man of purpose, never one for unnecessary speeches, but today, he needed to address his people before the final signatures were made.
Tobirama:"Today marks the end of an era. We've endured the horrors of war and survived because of each and every one of you. But now, it's time for Konoha to not only survive, but to thrive."
He paused, allowing his words to settle in the room. Some clan heads exchanged glances, a mix of relief and lingering tension. The room was filled with the memories of those who had fallen, including the late Sasuke Sarutobi, whose death still cast a shadow over the Sarutobi clan. Hiruzen Sarutobi, the representative of his clan now, sat at the edge of the table, his posture straight, though his eyes betrayed the grief of losing his father. He was now his clan's future, but it would take time to fill the great shoes left behind.
Tobirama:"I recognize the sacrifices each clan has made to bring us here. But a village can't stand without loyalty, and loyalty is earned. I intend to reward each of you for your hard work, for your sacrifice, so that we remain united—strong."
The tension in the room was palpable. Each clan head knew this moment was pivotal, that what they received here could shift the balance of influence in the village. Every word from Tobirama carried weight.
Tobirama:"First, the Uchiha. Your clan's contribution to the battlefield and to the intelligence network cannot be overstated. As the village grows, your strength must be recognized. In addition to your land grants and resources, I propose the establishment of a new position for the Uchiha. A specialized police force under your command to ensure internal stability and protect Konoha from within. The Uchiha will lead it, with full autonomy."
Aiko Uchiha, seated across from Tobirama, nodded silently, his sharp eyes giving away nothing. The offer was significant, and he knew it.
Tobirama:
"Next, the Nara, Yamanaka, and Akimichi. You three are the backbone of our strategies, intelligence, medical support, and recreational activities. Your collective strength in battle and beyond is what keeps Konoha running. In return for your efforts, I'll grant your clans the authority to establish a new strategic hubs for research and experimentation. This also includes the right to make new business and trade.
The heads of each clan exchanged approving glances, the offer to run their facilities and to host projects for a day of post war fun was something they had long wanted. It was a sign of respect, a sign that their unique talents were now indispensable.
Tobirama:"The Hyuga… your Byakugan and your ability to fight are legendary, but I know that there is more you can offer. I'm assigning you the duty of developing Konoha's border defenses. You'll head a new division dedicated to the protection of our outer lands. This task is yours to command, and you'll receive the resources necessary to carry it out."
Haur Hyūga , seated stiffly with an air of pride, nodded approvingly. The honor of such an assignment was a significant reward, as they've long had roots to the coast of the land of fire, and now they can return there when they wish. But it also solidify the Hyūga's position in Konoha's future.
Tobirama:"There are still a few clans whose sacrifice must not go unnoticed, whose contributions have been significant but whose losses were too great to be burdened with further responsibility. The Aburame clan, the Hatake, the Fuma, the Kohaku, the Kurama, the Lee, and the Shimura clans have all stood bravely. But now, it is time to recognize them in a way that ensures their survival and prosperity in the years ahead."
The room quieted, each clan leader now listening intently. Tobirama's voice carried a different tone now—one of solemn recognition, not of ambition or strategy. These clans had fought, lost, and endured. It was time to offer them what they truly needed: security.
Tobirama:"The Aburame clan has long been the unseen strength behind Konoha's defenses, their insects providing invaluable intelligence and support. But they have paid a heavy price. In recognition of their sacrifice, I will grant the Aburame clan new land, along with a substantial increase in their resources to continue their breeding and training of insect-based techniques. You will also be given the means to build clan homes—comfortable, secure, and plentiful. No responsibilities for leadership or high command will be given, only the ability to rebuild your numbers and ensure your prosperity."
Shiki Aburame, seated among the representatives, offered a respectful bow, his expression calm but his pride in his clan's survival evident in the quiet respect he held for the Hokage's words.
Tobirama then turned his gaze to the Hatake clan.
Tobirama:"The Hatake clan has always been among Konoha's most elite, though they have suffered heavily in recent conflicts. The loss of so many warriors cannot be understated. As such, I will offer the Hatake family a large estate and the resources needed to rebuild. Though they will not take on command positions in the near future, their legacy will be preserved through the establishment of a memorial, where the stories of their fallen warriors will be honored. The estate will serve as a sanctuary for the Hatake to regain their strength in peace, without the pressure of frontline battles."
Ko Hatake, representing his clan, nodded solemnly. The Hatake had always prided themselves on their skill and their fierce loyalty, but Koi knew that this gesture was a necessary one to allow his clan the time to recover. Though many decided they'd rather be merchants than ninja.
Tobirama:"The Fuma clan, once known for their stealth and cunning, has been devastated by the ravages of war. Their numbers are too few to manage responsibilities in the immediate future. I offer them money, and a isolated settlement where they may focus on rebuilding their numbers in peace. Enabling the clan to recover and regain their strength."
The Fuma clan head, an older man with weathered features, offered a quiet thanks, but he felt this was not enough to quiet the decent in the clan. Their legacy, was rather fragile now.
Tobirama:"The Kohaku clan has also lost much, their once proud warriors now reduced in number. I recognize their skill in espionage and subtlety, but their time for responsibility is not now. The Kohaku will be provided with secure holdings, money, and land to ensure their clan can thrive once more. They will have the means to train their next generation in the quiet of their homes, without the pressure of immediate combat or high-stakes duties."
The Kohaku clan head, a man known for his calm demeanor, exchanged a brief look with his fellow leaders before bowing in silent gratitude. The clan's expertise in secrecy and infiltration was invaluable, but their current situation required solace more than strategy.
Tobirama:"The Kurama clan's contributions in both strategy and morale have been essential, but with their numbers diminished, I cannot burden them with leadership roles at this time. The Kurama will be granted land for the construction of their clan homes, as well as substantial resources to secure the future of their unique techniques. They will be free to rebuild, focusing on the welfare of their people."
The Kurama clan representative, a quiet but dignified woman, nodded firmly. The Kurama clan's reputation for their mind-based techniques would endure, but they had not escaped the ravages of war unscathed. With time showing they would never recover from this point on.
Tobirama's gaze then shifted toward the Shimura clan, his expression briefly hardening, though his voice remained calm.
Tobirama:"Finally, the Shimura clan. Though their involvement in recent events has been… complicated, their sacrifice is no less important. I will offer the Shimura clan the same honor as the others: land, wealth, and the chance to rebuild. However, their future responsibilities will be discussed later, when they have recovered from their losses. Their loyalty has been tested, and it will be rewarded in time."
Nakada Shimura, present but not speaking, gave a barely perceptible nod. With rumors spreading that he had a hand in Sasuke's downfall. Still the Shimura clan began a venture in agriculture, hiding behind their wealth, hanging on the strength of their leadership.
Finally it was down to one
Tobirama:"The Inuzuka clan, recognized for their loyalty and battle prowess. You will be honored as one of Konoha's legacy clans, your names written in the annals of history. To that end, I will ensure that your role in village security is solidified. You will have expanded land and funding for the breeding of your ninja dogs, alongside the creation of an elite unit that will serve as the village's first response team.
The Inuzuka head, a gruff man with a weathered face, leaned forward slightly, his eyes filled with surprise and pride. His clan, once seen as simple and rugged, now had its place alongside the elite. The mention of a response team and the expansion of land were gifts more valuable than gold.
The room fell silent, as the Inuzuka leader, now emboldened, spoke up with reverence:"Thank you, Lord Hokage. The Inuzuka clan will never falter in our loyalty to Konoha. Our teeth and claws are yours to command."
Tobirama gave a slight nod, his expression impassive but filled with acknowledgment. The Inuzuka had earned this.