As autumn passed and spring arrived, Shimura Danzo remained unusually well-behaved for some time.
Both the Hokage and the Uchiha enjoyed a relatively peaceful period.
Danzo, however, wasn't having an easy time.
First, his already poor reputation made espionage operations in other nations exceedingly difficult.
To expand his Root organization, he had to borrow personnel from major ninja clans.
But due to incidents involving Hiruzen, the Hyuga, and the Uchiha, Root found it hard to recruit high-level Jonin.
Even when walking through the streets of the Hidden Leaf, he could overhear mothers using his name as a disciplinary tool for their children.
For example, one mother-son exchange went like this:
"Mom, I don't want to eat."
"If you don't eat, Shimura Danzo will come and take you away."
Another variation was just as effective:
"Stop crying, or Shimura Danzo will come for you!"
The child would immediately fall silent upon hearing this.
Truly, Shimura Danzo had made a great contribution to education.
Speaking of education, Uchiha Yato had recently noticed several issues within the Uchiha Clan.
First and foremost, it was related to upbringing.
The Uchiha Clan revered strength, which fostered a fiercely competitive nature among its members.
This was especially true for the younger generation—the true seedlings of the clan.
Of course, exceptions existed, like Obito, who was only three—the same age as Kakashi—and Shisui, who was just two.
These Uchiha children were notorious for their arrogance in the ninja academy.
This behavior was problematic. The Uchiha Clan had risen through martial prowess, but it could also fall because of it.
During the Warring States period, their exceptional combat ability had made them and the Senju the two great clans.
In the era of hidden villages, this formidable strength could defend against external enemies—or be turned inward against dissenters.
But with the Senju Clan fully integrated into the Hidden Leaf, the balance between the two great clans was lost.This perfectly showcased the Uchiha clan's arrogant nature, which ultimately led to their inevitable eradication by the Hidden Leaf.
In the original story, did no one make any efforts?
Efforts were indeed made, from Uchiha Kagami to Uchiha Shisui—both were exemplary figures.
They naively believed that certain changes could earn them understanding from the higher-ups and acceptance from the villagers.
The moderate faction among the Uchiha elders was relatively more receptive.
However, the radical faction was another story entirely.
Rather than persisting down that path, why not try a different approach?
The stubborn ideologies of the older generation could be challenged by the fresh perspectives of the younger generation.
Of course, this would inevitably lead to some clashes and unpleasantness, but that was unavoidable.
Thus, that very night, Uchiha Yato once again paid a nocturnal visit to Uchiha Kei's home.
Why say "once again"?
Previously, whenever Uchiha Yato had urgent matters, he would barge into Uchiha Kei's home regardless of the time or occasion.
If not for the fact that Uchiha Yato had no scandalous affairs and, over the years, aside from his eccentric behavior,
there were no other outrageous incidents or rumors of him being involved with any women, his reputation might have suffered.
Uchiha Kei arrived in the parlor to speak with Uchiha Yato.
But at this moment, his face was as dark as a pot—again, it was only because of Uchiha Yato's peculiar nature
that he didn't feel like he was wearing a metaphorical "green hat."
The issue stemmed from how Uchiha Yato had greeted them upon entering.
From outside the window, Uchiha Yato had whispered, "Sister-in-law, open the door."
His volume was just loud enough for the homeowners to hear but not so loud as to alert passersby.
However, the house currently held Uchiha Kei and his wife, and Uchiha Yato had addressed the wife first.
This immediately made Uchiha Kei deeply uncomfortable, as if his home had been violated.
Uchiha Kei's wife noticed her husband's discomfort.
So she said, "The window isn't locked. Just come in."
Uchiha Kei's wife assumed that by saying, "You two talk. I'll make tea,"
she could gracefully exit and preserve her husband's dignity.
But as soon as Uchiha Yato entered, he blurted out:
"Sister-in-law, the clan head isn't home today, right?"
"I came to discuss something with you."
Well, that escalated quickly.
Upon hearing these words, Uchiha Kei's face turned green—he was sitting right there, alive and well! What was Uchiha Yato implying?
The awkwardness instantly rendered all three of them speechless.
At this point, Uchiha Yato hastily explained, "Isn't our clan's education system managed by your wife?"
"Of course I came to speak with her. I was thinking—could we reform our clan's education?"
Seeing that the conversation had turned serious, Uchiha Kei's wife interjected:
"Whatever topic you want to discuss today, talk to Kei first."
"Even if it's about education, it requires the elders' approval. I'll go make tea for you two. You talk first."
With that, she left Uchiha Yato and Uchiha Kei alone.
The moment his wife was gone, Uchiha Kei immediately went ballistic.
"You brat!"
"Coming to my house in the dead of night—"
"What the hell do you think you're doing?!"Uchiha Yato also felt this was somewhat excessive, as the behavior was a bit uncouth after all.
With his head lowered, he explained pitifully, "Haven't I always been like this?"
"Mainly, the Uchiha Clan's problems are too severe right now. I just want the clan to develop properly."
In the end, Uchiha Kei joked self-deprecatingly, "Fine, as long as you don't crawl out of my wardrobe."
Uchiha Yato couldn't resist adding snarkily, "Then I'll crawl out from under your bed."
Finally, after a verbal scolding from Uchiha Kei, they got down to business.
Uchiha Kei said, "You came here today because you want to reform the Uchiha's education system?"
Uchiha Yato replied, "Yes. I feel our children nowadays are too hot-blooded."
Uchiha Kei didn't immediately grasp Yato's choice of words.
Yato continued, "Most students or civilians at the ninja academy only have one word for the Uchiha."
"Arrogant."
His tone grew heavier as he spoke, and Kei's expression darkened.
Yato let Kei calm down before continuing, "Do you think I'm exaggerating?"
"Do you feel these people don't understand noble clans at all, or that their words are nothing but insolent nonsense?"
Kei nodded. As the leader of the Uchiha Clan, he valued honor more than his own life and would never tolerate anyone slandering the Uchiha.
But it was precisely this unyielding nature that made the clan's Military Police Force so prone to drawing hatred.
After some thought, Kei asked, "So what does this have to do with education?"
Yato took a sip of tea. "The older generation and even our own are too set in our ways to change."
"But young people like Uchiha Shisui and Obito can still be influenced."
"Saving the Uchiha starts with the children—that's my plan."
After listening, Kei pondered for a moment before finally saying,
"We'll discuss it with the elders tomorrow. Some things must be corrected."
Kei had essentially agreed to Yato's proposal, but the real challenge lay in convincing the stubborn old-timers.
That would depend on Yato's silver tongue.