(I'm back stronger than ever ^-^ Thank you all for your patience)
Hyūga Hiashi was astonished.
He never expected the Uchiha Clan to actually share power. This was real power.
In the Leaf Village, the Uchiha and the Hyūga were both noble clans. However, the reputation of the Uchiha was much higher than that of the Hyūga family. Even though he didn't want to admit it, the Hyūga family's fame in the ninja world simply couldn't compare to the Uchiha Clan.
It wasn't just the gap in combat power, but also because the other party held great authority through the Konoha Military Police Force.
Such rights allowed them to not even give the Third Hokage face.
If the Hyūga family could also possess the authority of the Police Force, it would certainly greatly enhance the family's influence, raise their reputation, and make them a famous noble clan that held actual power.
To be honest, he was a little tempted, but he wouldn't accept it directly. There was no need to appear so impatient.
He spoke calmly, "Is the Uchiha Clan truly serious about this?"
The other clan heads also looked at Uchiha Fugaku, equally puzzled in their hearts. Why would the Uchiha Clan make such a big change and directly give up power? Wasn't this digging up their own foundation?
Or perhaps they wanted to win them over, but the price of this solicitation was indeed a bit high.
Fugaku looked at these people and said with a smile, "Of course, it is for the peace and stability of the village. My Uchiha Clan does not have enough people, and at the same time, some people do not want to continue serving in the Police Force."
"We want to maintain the peace and stability of the Leaf Village, but the spirit is willing while the flesh is weak."
"The Inuzuka Clan raises ninja dogs, which is convenient for tracking suspects, leaving them nowhere to escape."
"As for the Ino-Shika-Chō trio, they are also very suitable for the duties of the Police Force."
"The Hyūga family's Byakugan has more advantages in crime prevention than our Uchiha Clan."
What he said was not wrong. When discussing with the clansmen, some were indeed no longer willing to manage the affairs of the Leaf Village; these things made them mentally exhausted.
The quotas from those who with Drew could naturally be given to these five major families.
Where those people went was, of course, up to them. Moreover, the family had also received a large amount of compensation, which should arrive before long.
They could afford to support these people.
Nara Shikaku remained calm internally.
What the other party said sounded very nice—that it was for the peace and stability of the Leaf, but in reality, it was just to win over their three clans.
What surprised him was that they used such great power to win them over. This was undoubtedly a true 'open conspiracy,' making it a difficult choice.
Hyūga Hiashi, however, was very satisfied. The other party spoke very pleasantly about the peace and stability of the village.
Moreover, they wouldn't be acting as lackeys for the other party, but would possess law enforcement rights.
The Hyūga Clan with law enforcement rights would go a step further. As for the other party wanting to win over the Hyūga Clan, they would indeed have to give the other party face in the future, but that would be all.
As for full support, that wasn't necessary. After all, the other party didn't say this was a transaction. If it were a transaction, it would be a bit difficult to handle and would need to be weighed.
Now, there was no need to weigh it at all. He smiled and said, "Since Clan Head Fugaku invites us with such sincerity, our Hyūga Clan accepts, for the peace and stability of the village."
Seeing that the Hyūga family agreed, Fugaku was happy. A good start was a good thing.
He looked at the Ino-Shika-Chō trio and the Inuzuka Clan.
The four clan heads were silent, likely deep in thought.
The Inuzuka Clan Head watched the Hyūga family's declaration, his heart shaken.
The Hyūga Clan had entered the Uchiha's camp. what choice should his clan make?
Helpless, he could only look at the Ino-Shika-Chō trio at the side. As supporters of the Third Hokage, he wanted to see what choice they would make.
Akimichi Chōza and Yamanaka Inoichi both looked at Nara Shikaku. Naturally, the smartest person should make the smartest choice in such matters.
Nara Shikaku felt immense pressure in his heart at this moment.
The fate of the three clans was in his hands. On one side, the Uchiha was offering great benefits, which would undoubtedly greatly improve the status of the three families. However, their three clans had also received the favor of Lord Hokage.
After thinking for a long time, he decided to speak.
"Clan Head Fugaku, thank you for the invitation, but allow us to refuse."
Perhaps the Uchiha Clan was unstoppable and would definitely control the Leaf Village in the future.
Looking at the current strength of the Uchiha Clan, one could see that by choosing to support the Third Hokage, they might not enjoy the benefits of being followers later on.
But to backstab the Third Hokage because of this would affect the morality in their hearts; it was truly a bit shameful.
Akimichi Chōza and Yamanaka Inoichi looked at Shikaku, who had made the decision, and felt relieved.
The Third Hokage had treated them well. Backstabbing him would be unjustifiable, so they naturally agreed with such a decision.
Hyūga Hiashi was a little surprised. Facing the Uchiha Clan, which would definitely rise, these three clans still chose not to join. They chose to give up such an opportunity to strengthen their families and chose to support the Third Hokage instead.
He felt they couldn't read the current situation, but this was their decision.
Perhaps they knew but still chose this way. It couldn't be said to be wrong; it could only be said that these were the different choices of each family.
Fugaku's face looked a bit ugly; he was in disbelief.
Becoming part of the Police Force and holding partial real power couldn't tempt them?
Unwilling to give up, he said, "Clan Head Nara, what is being given to you is real power. It represents that, barring special circumstances, my Uchiha Clan will basically not interfere with matters in your jurisdiction. Does Clan Head Nara look down on this?"
Nara Shikaku shook his head and said, "The Uchiha Clan has indeed made very attractive conditions and is very sincere. It is just that we cannot agree."
Seeing that he couldn't shake the other party's will, Fugaku realized he couldn't win them over. It meant the other party was still willing to betray the Third Hokage and chose to follow him.
The Inuzuka Clan Head felt admiration for Clan Head Shikaku. With such a role model, he made up his mind.
He chose not to join the Police Force. The Inuzuka family would not be fence-sitters.
Nara Shikaku spoke at this time.
"Clan Head Fugaku, if there is nothing else, please allow us to take our leave."
At this moment, Fugaku looked at Uchiha Ryōsuke. It seemed he had no way to win them over, but Ryōsuke was the one who proposed this idea, so he should have a follow-up plan.
Winning over only the Hyūga Clan was not fatal to the Third Hokage because Hyūga Hiashi had long since ceased to stand on the Hokage's side.
Without the participation of the other four clans, Ryōsuke's plan would fall through.
Noticing Fugaku's action, the heads of the Ino-Shika-Chō trio and the Inuzuka Clan naturally waited for the young man to speak. They didn't underestimate him too much just because he was young.
Because Uchiha Fugaku had already said that Ryōsuke was the person in charge of the Uchiha Clan.
Only if this young man agreed could they leave.
Although they chose not to join the Police Force, this did not mean they wanted to fight to the death with the Uchiha Clan; that would be very unwise.