After Fugaku posed the question, Ryosuke already had a list in mind. He responded calmly:
"The Hyūga clan, with their Byakugan kekkei genkai, should be brought into the Guard Corps. We can offer them a vice-commander role."
Fugaku nodded approvingly. The Hyūga head had even spoken up at the recent clan leaders' summit. In Konoha, the Hyūga were indeed a prominent clan.
And on the battlefield, the Byakugan's range and insight made it strategically superior to even the Sharingan, despite lacking in raw combat power. Their inclusion would lend authority and legitimacy to the reorganized Guard Corps.
"Agreed. Anyone else?"
Ryosuke chuckled slightly.
"Yes — we should also invite the Ino–Shika–Chō clans, as well as the Inuzuka."
Fugaku's face tightened. These four clans were long-time staunch supporters of the Third Hokage.
"Ryosuke, that might not be so easy."
But Ryosuke remained confident, his tone casual:
"Exactly because they support the Third Hokage, we must bring them in."
"If they join the Uchiha-led Guard Corps, I'd love to see how Hiruzen reacts."
He continued coolly:
"Don't worry that they might cause trouble. Like I said before — as long as the Uchiha stay strong, our leadership won't be challenged."
Fugaku paused… then finally understood Ryosuke's play. It wasn't just about sharing power — it was about shifting the power base itself.
He's trying to undermine the Third Hokage's foundation of support.
Pulling these loyal clans into the Uchiha-led Guard Corps wouldn't just change the organization — it would weaken Sarutobi Hiruzen politically, isolating him.
Once these clans are under Uchiha influence, the Hokage won't have a coalition left.
Fugaku marveled at the brilliance of it.
But he raised a concern:
"Do you really think these clans will agree to join? Wouldn't that be seen as betraying the Third?"
Ryosuke smiled thinly.
"If they turn down real power handed to them on a silver platter… they'd have to be fools."
And Fugaku had to admit — he was right.
Joining the new Guard Corps would mean direct influence, real authority, and elevation in village standing. No one in their right mind would refuse.
It was a well-disguised wedge. Ryosuke wasn't just building a coalition — he was crafting an elegant political trap. The bait? Status and security. The cost? Loyalty to the old order.
And if they refused?
Ryosuke's eyes darkened slightly. "Then I'll make sure they accept — one way or another."
Fugaku didn't doubt that for a second. When Ryosuke made up his mind, there was no stopping him.
"Very well," Fugaku said. "I'll send envoys to deliver invitations to the five clans immediately."
"Of course," he added, "you'll need to be present for the meeting yourself."
"Naturally," Ryosuke replied, finishing the tea in his cup. "If that's all, Clan Head, I'll take my leave."
"I'll send that tea to your residence later," Fugaku offered.
Ryosuke gave a nod of acknowledgment and departed — time to get a breath of fresh air.
Once he was gone, Fugaku gave the order: five formal invitations, one to each clan head. The messengers set off immediately.
At the Hyūga Compound, Hyūga Hiashi accepted the letter, brow furrowed in curiosity.
"Did they say what this was about?"
The Uchiha messenger shook his head. "No. I still need to deliver the rest."
Hiashi didn't press further, but suspicion lingered. What are the Uchiha planning?
The clan had grown terrifyingly powerful lately. With their dominance, maybe the Hyūga had to choose sides — and soon. Supporting the Uchiha might just be the safest route to protect Hyūga status in the village.
After all, the Konoha leadership had proven vulnerable. A traitor from within had risen to the top. Danzo had stolen Uchiha Sharingan — how was that different from what the Cloud tried with the Byakugan?
Meanwhile, the Ino, Nara, and Akimichi clan heads gathered after receiving their invitations.
These three families always made decisions together. It was how they'd endured and secured their place in Konoha's hierarchy.
Individually, none were especially dominant. But united, they wielded considerable influence.
Still, even the jovial Akimichi Chōza looked grim this time.
They'd all seen Ryosuke's power firsthand. The Uchiha weren't just ascendant — they were untouchable.
"Do you think this is a trap?" Chōza asked. "They could ambush us in their compound…"
He turned to his sharper comrades.
"Hiashi? Shikaku? Should we go?"
Yamanaka Inoichi couldn't decide. Everyone turned to Nara Shikaku, the tactician.
After a long moment, Shikaku finally said:
"We go."
Inoichi was alarmed. "But what if they attack us?"
Shikaku shook his head, helpless.
"If they want to kill us, staying home won't help. Let's not delude ourselves — against Ryosuke, we don't stand a chance. If we're being honest, this guy might already rival the First Hokage."
That silenced the group.
They'd all heard the whispers. Ryosuke's strength wasn't just elite — it was bordering mythical. He was like a second Madara, but more calculating.
"Going is the only option."
The Inuzuka clan head also received the invitation and quickly came to the same conclusion.
They couldn't afford to reject an Uchiha invitation — not now.
If they ended up on Ryosuke's bad side, no one in the village could protect them. Not the current Hokage. Not the council. Maybe not even the entire military arm of Konoha.
After all, Danzo — once feared — had been defeated and humiliated. That moment would remain forever etched in the memories of the clans.
The Uchiha had taken the throne — even if unofficially.
Thus began the quiet political reshaping of Konoha.
The Uchiha had extended a hand — not as conquerors, but as gatekeepers.
Who would accept?
And who would fall?
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