"A new era is coming."
After receiving the summons from the Hokage Tower, Hyūga Soushu was dressed in a solemn black ceremonial robe by an unusually blushing Mahiru Uchiha.
That rarely ever happened.
In the past, no matter how important the event or gathering, Hyūga Soushu always showed up in his simple Jonin vest. Even during that coup which nearly tore his clan apart—when he himself ended it and took over leadership—he never changed his modest appearance. Now suddenly dressing up like this was extremely rare.
"I wonder what those guys will decide," muttered Mahiru-chan while adjusting Soushu's collar. "If we miss this chance, things might get really tough down the line."
"I don't think it'll come to that. I believe the four clan leaders have already made their calculations. The real question is just how much we can wrest from those vultures."
Hyūga Soushu shrugged casually, easily responding to his lover.
The main subject of their conversation was the Uchiha Clan.
The biggest difference between the Uchiha and other Konoha ninja clans was their control over the Konoha Military Police Force—one of the village's most powerful institutions—a privilege that also tied them down, preventing them from relocating outside the village like other ninja clans.
Still, in Mahiru Uchiha's view, while maintaining peace within the Konoha Police had its perks, politics offered something far more promising for the Uchiha. Especially now, with the Great Ninja War nearing its end and various factions settling down to recover, this was a once-in-a-century opportunity for ninja clans to expand their influence.
"Also true," sighed Mahiru Uchiha slightly before letting it go.
She had never used the power of the Uchiha Clan to interfere with the system Hyūga Soushu had built, nor had she used the strength of the Hyūga Clan to meddle in the internal power struggles of the Uchiha Clan. Thus, at this crucial moment, even though her heart brimmed with countless thoughts, she could do little but accept the situation.
"Don't worry too much — things will sort themselves out when the time comes," Hyūga Soushu kissed Mahiru Uchiha's forehead comfortingly. "After all, the Uchiha are an ancient and revered clan, respected throughout the ninja world for generations. As long as they don't implode like the Senju did, they'll never lose their place. Besides, you still have the Occupied Territories as backup."
"I guess you're right," Mahiru-chan didn't dwell on it further and quickly turned her attention back to what mattered most. "What about our wedding?"
"After today's meeting, let the elders decide on a date."
Hyūga Soushu affectionately ruffled Mahiru Uchiha's hair.
Though clearly reluctant, Sakumo Hatake followed Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi's wishes and arrived at the venue for the Ninja Clan Summit. After all, compared to the terrifying possibility of another civil war in Konoha, cutting losses early was the better choice.
What's most important is that the war heroes—those veteran ninjas who had once supported him with unwavering loyalty—also urgently needed a stable place to belong. To address this, Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi proposed the establishment of a Standing Ninja Army within the village—a dedicated initiative aimed at accommodating these battle-scarred heroes. Many had suffered from combat trauma and mental disorders, making reintegration into civilian life nearly impossible, thus preventing them from ending up in prison due to post-war instability or slipping into poverty after suffering injuries during peacetime.
As for funding the Standing Ninja Army, the Third Hokage was fully assured of its financial backing.
After ninja clans were deployed to govern regional areas, those suffering the greatest losses weren't the smaller nations or minor ninja villages, but rather the local nobles within the Land of Fire—particularly the border guards stationed near regions controlled by ninja clans. Their fate wouldn't be much better than those nobles in the Land of Lightning's occupied territories.
After all, resources in the ninja world are limited; every morsel consumed by nobles meant fewer left for the ninja clans.
This struggle over scarce resources would inevitably drive the affected noble families to strongly support Konoha—the embodiment of orthodoxy—as they resisted the growing influence of independent ninja clan fiefdoms.
As for private ninjas owned by aristocratic families or black-market ninjas secretly gathered behind their backs, in the eyes of Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, these riffraff were no different from ronin. While they might threaten smaller or mid-tier clans, they posed no real challenge to the broader reality that dominant ninja clans were freely devouring national resources.
Even if those black-market ninjas endlessly boasted about their prowess, they could not deny that they were little more than fugitives fleeing ceaselessly from purges by the Five Great Ninja Villages.
Inside the conference hall, clan leaders eager to emulate the Hyuga Clan's precedent and gain regional authority whispered among themselves, openly discussing how best to extract maximum profit from the village by any means possible—all done brazenly under the noses of Konoha's top leadership. On stage, Konoha's F3 feigned ignorance, pretending not to hear or see what transpired before them, although Hatake Sakumo's expression grew increasingly grim.
As for the Ino–Shika–Cho triad currently absent on missions, they had already calculated how to fill the power voids left behind when disobedient clans departed the village—especially watching the Uchiha Clan with great interest, considering how coveted the policing authority held by the Uchiha truly was.
Power never simply vanishes.
Unclaimed power naturally finds a new master and continues to serve its purpose within its new bearer. Even clan leaders like Ino–Shika–Cho, who had repeatedly stirred public resentment against the Policing Department, understood this well.
Of course, from the perspective of supporting clans aligned with the Hokage faction, having the Uchiha control the Policing Department was inherently problematic. Yet once transferred into hands representing justice and true orthodoxy under the Hokage, it could easily transform its image completely. Therefore, generalizations wouldn't suffice—when all else failed and the department's reputation couldn't be salvaged, they could always just rename it entirely!
After all, what really mattered was the power itself!
Just as numerous ninja clans conspired openly among themselves, the Uchiha Clan Leader entered the conference hall flanked by subordinate clans, taking an uninvited seat in an empty section without hesitation.
By then, only three minutes remained until the official commencement of the Ninja Clan Summit.
Yet not a single representative from the key Hyuga Clan had arrived yet.
Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi also felt somewhat anxious. Thus, while hiding behind the table in front of him, he discreetly took out a small crystal ball and used the Telescope Technique to peek through. After confirming that Hyuga Soushu was on his way to the venue, walking alongside a group of Clan Leaders who were chatting cheerfully, he finally felt relieved.
He discreetly retrieved a small crystal ball from the table and used the Telescope Technique to take a peek. Upon confirming that Hyuga Soushu was on his way to the conference hall, chatting happily with a group of Clan Leaders, he finally relaxed.
After all, the most critical aspect of this Ninja Clan Summit was to exile the powerful Hyuga Clan from Konoha's core structure. As for the other clans—including the Uchiha Clan—were just along for the ride.
When the figure of Hyuga Soushu appeared at the entrance of the conference hall, the previously loud and chatty clan heads immediately fell silent.
Those who had closer relations with him stood up to greet him warmly. Those with more neutral relationships simply nodded in acknowledgment. Even among the Uchiha Clan's ranks, the leader of the Shiranami Clan stood up to acknowledge him.
Seeing even the Shiranami Clan's leader rise on behalf of his clan left Sakumo Hatake at a loss for words.
Less than 20% of Konoha's population—its elite ninja clans—monopolized over 80% of the village's resources. While removing the clans would certainly weaken Konoha's foundation, it also meant greater opportunities for non-clan shinobi. As for what kind of effects this so-called liberation might bring, only the Sage of Six Paths could possibly know.
"Fate cannot be controlled by man."
Sakumo Hatake sighed inwardly, his expression darkened, yet under the astonished gazes of Konoha's F3, he still rose to his feet and waved politely toward Hyuga Soushu.
Hyuga Soushu, wearing a bright smile, also waved back in greeting towards the seated Sakumo Hatake.
But that was all there was—there was no room for secret discussions between them in such a setting.
Moreover, with their changing statuses and differing positions, the relationship between the two men had already become irrecoverable.
"Now that all clan leaders have arrived, let us begin the meeting."
Hiruzen Sarutobi coughed lightly and gestured for Homura Mitokado to start delivering his prepared speech.
"During the Second Great Ninja Conflict, each ninja clan devoted itself entirely to the war effort, making indelible contributions to our eventual victory. However, the village now faces financial difficulties and cannot properly reward everyone accordingly. Therefore, we propose establishing feudal domains as compensation. We sincerely hope all clan leaders can understand our difficult circumstances."
After reading through a long, awkwardly classical introduction, Homura finally laid out the true purpose disguised in eloquence.
Upon receiving the summons, the clan leaders had already figured out the top leadership's intentions inside-out. Hence, this entire performance was nothing more than throwing pearls before swine—completely ignored by all.
"We hereby designate the Eastern Coastal Defense Garrison and the Northern Border Defense Force as the vassal territories of the Hyuga Clan. Hyuga Soushu shall assume full command, along with the authority to appoint designated field commanders."
The first major topic announced was none other than the crucial matter concerning the Hyuga Clan itself.
Instantly, all eyes in the room focused on Hyuga Soushu.
Although every single clan leader secretly longed to expand their influence across the vast lands of the ninja world, their ultimate determination depended largely on the Hyuga Clan's decision. And Hyuga Soushu's personal will would determine whether this Ninja Clan Summit ended successfully or fizzled out unimpressively.
"The Hyūga Clan will surely provide the most reliable security guarantee for the village's eastern and northern fronts!"
After scanning everyone in the room, Hyūga Soushu spoke slowly: "However, our clan's territory, houses, shops, and other real estate are private properties of the Hyūga Clan. These assets are categorically not subject to negotiation or exchange."
Unlike other ninja clans, the Eastern Coastal Defense Garrison, the Northern Border Army, and even the occupied territories in the Land of Lightning all fell under the Hyūga Clan's sphere of influence. The Hokage faction merely acknowledged and endorsed these arrangements as hereditary rights—it wasn't really giving up much, so it was only natural for Soushu to demand everything he wanted.
As for what ordinary ninja serving in those two border forces might do, Soushu didn't care at all; nor did he fear any disloyalty from them. When it came to throwing money around, the village could never match the Hyūga who controlled the occupied territories in the Land of Lightning.
"Clan property is sacred and inviolable! This principle is absolute!"
Third Hokage Sarutobi responded solemnly, "However, the ninja of the Hyūga Clan serve as an irreplaceable reconnaissance force for the village. Clan Leader Soushu must maintain a certain number of Byakugan ninja within the village."
"That's easy enough to handle!" Naturally, Hyūga Soushu readily agreed.
"Then let's continue." Third Hokage Sarutobi nodded toward Homura Mitokado to proceed with announcing the distribution overview of feudal domains.
Among Konoha's current standing ninja army, both the eastern and northern fronts were already under Hyūga control. Therefore, what remained available from the village itself consisted solely of the western front and the Northwestern Border Forces.
Additionally, to offer adequate and appealing posts for each major ninja clan, the Rain Country Frontline Army camp—originally scheduled for disbanding—was preserved and renamed the Central-Southern Border Defensive Force, officially becoming part of Konoha's standing ninja military structure.
At this point, the previously enthusiastic clan leaders immediately cooled down. They suddenly realized—the plum assignments had already fallen into the hands of the Hyūga Clan!
Although the actual jurisdiction of the Northwestern Border Forces covered vast territories including the Land of Herbs, those lands had already been informally divided among the participating clans. Thus, even gaining control over the command of the Northwestern Border Forces offered little room for maneuver unless one was willing to expand toward the Lands of Waterfall or Earth.
As for the defensive zone along the western front, it was nothing but barren wasteland. Although the Land of Rivers between Fire and Wind Countries fell within the Western Front Line's control, its land was notoriously barren. Even squeezing every last drop of profit from it wouldn't yield much benefit—and on top of that, there were always Sand ninja raiding sporadically out of the desert.
What made things unbearable, though, was the newly reorganized Central-Southern Border Forces converted from the Rain Country Camp. This unit faced none other than Sanshouo Hanzō—the "demigod" who had frustrated many great nations countless times. Ordinary ninja clans simply had no stomach for going up against someone who could swallow such a formidable figure whole.
Therefore, as soon as they realized the situation, the clan leaders fell silent. The conference hall fell into heavy silence.
"It is proposed that the Uchiha Clan dispatch half of its ninja to reinforce the Western Front Line Defensive Forces. In exchange, the commander will be directly appointed by the Four Great Clans. As counterbalance, the Northern Subdivision of the Policing Department must fall under direct village administration."
The second hard feudal assignment was now placed upon the Uchiha Clan.
"This..."
Uchiha Clan Leader hesitated slightly.
Although the Konoha Policing Department officially maintained several units, in practical terms it only had four divisions functioning as standing forces for direct law enforcement and public security management. Moreover, the control of the Western Division had already been transferred to the Hyuga Clan under Hyuga Soushu as part of an exchange deal. If they were to lose jurisdiction over the Northern District where the Hokage Tower stood, the authority of the Policing Department would be drastically reduced.
But this was a Border Force!
Clutching his resolve, Uchiha Clan Leader made his decision: "Deal!"
Though using such a commercially-charged word like "deal" felt inappropriate under these circumstances, Homura Mitokado showed no concern whatsoever. He immediately withdrew his hammer and sealed the agreement. To prevent any possibility of the Uchiha Clan Leader backing out, he promptly ordered administrative ninjas to draft official appointment documents, ensuring the decision was irreversible.
With the two powerful clans settled, handling those scattered smaller ninja clans became much easier.
The principle for dispatching external forces was straightforward—relocate all major branches of clans that had conflicts with the Hokage faction to border regions, letting them clash against black market ninjas, underground ronin, or even hostile ninja forces from rival villages. So during the distribution of the remaining two border forces' positions, Homura thoroughly implemented this strategy.
"We propose transferring ninja from seven families including Inuzuka and Aburame to reinforce the Northwest Border Defense Forces; we propose transferring ninja from twelve clans including Sarutobi, Nara, and Akimichi to strengthen the Central-Southern Border Defensive Force!"
As expected, the final allocation essentially reflected a mix-and-match strategy based purely on proximity to the Hokage faction. The sole upside was that the Hokage faction had taken the brunt of the burden of handling the hardest assignments. Consequently, the number of clan members needing external reassignment remained relatively small—enough only to fill gaps in the village's internal structure.
Meanwhile, although clan heads from the seven families—including Inuzuka and Aburame—who got assigned to the extremely unappealing Northwest Border Army felt resentful, seeing their assigned territories could connect with the Northern Front led by Hyuga Soushu eventually caused them to silently accept this arrangement.
Thus, Leaf ninja clans that had long been locked inside Konoha's internal structure under the village system, forced into deadly cycles of internal competition, now finally transformed—with varying degrees of willingness—into loose cannons let off the leash!
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>