Chapter 89: The Tide Has Turned

"Hmm?" Uchiha Rei narrowed his eyes slightly as he heard the voice of doubt and looked at Uchiha Ryo. The attention of the clansmen on the field was focused on the two, shifting back and forth with various expressions.

Uchiha Ryo glanced at the people around him, then at the look in Uchiha Rei's eyes, and his heart skipped a beat. During their time in the hospital, he and Uchiha Xiong were far from ignorant. They understood perfectly everything Uchiha Rei had done while leading the clan. After being discharged, they had already decided not to oppose Uchiha Rei unless absolutely necessary, even abandoning any intention to make things difficult for him in the Police Force. From now on, each would walk their own path, minding their own business.

Yet Uchiha Rei was pushing further, and the topic he had just raised was clearly targeting their most fundamental interests. If the Police Force were reformed in this way, the clan elders would be swept aside completely. Thinking of this, Uchiha Ryo feigned composure and spoke in a deep voice, "Uchiha Rei, you're just a squad leader, not even officially appointed yet. What gives you the right to claim the Police Force is no longer suitable for the village and must be reformed?"

"That's right. The Police Force has always belonged to the Uchiha. Have you considered how the clansmen would feel if it were split up?" Uchiha Xiong, after some hesitation, chose to speak up in support. He too wished to avoid conflict with the increasingly influential Uchiha Rei, but this time he could not stay silent. If they lost their authority in the Police Force, the clan elders would become nothing more than mascots!

Seeing the opposition from the two and the reluctance from several other clan elders serving in the Police Force, Uchiha Rei was unsurprised. He withdrew his gaze and spoke calmly, "The clansmen's feelings? Let me make it clear: everything I do is for the sake of the clansmen."

"Nonsense!" Uchiha Ryo immediately challenged him.

Uchiha Xiong followed, "You betray the clan's interests and still claim it's for the clansmen?"

Uchiha Rei's expression didn't change as he replied calmly, "Whether I'm speaking nonsense or betraying the clan's interests is not for you two to decide."

With that, Uchiha Rei ignored them and addressed the crowd, "Let me analyze things briefly so everyone can understand."

Upon hearing this, everyone focused their attention and listened intently. Even Uchiha Ryo and Uchiha Xiong did not immediately refute him, needing to hear what Uchiha Rei had to say before responding.

Uchiha Rei began, "I know many are hesitant, since the Police Force is almost the only place within the clan where we can hold positions. But the real question is, why is that?"

The clansmen looked at each other, until one stood up in frustration, "It's because the village doesn't trust us!"

This comment instantly elicited sympathy from the crowd. Some were already accustomed to it, while the rest looked embarrassed.

Uchiha Rei gestured for silence and continued, "True, the village previously didn't trust the Uchiha."

"But now, with the Fourth Hokage, Minato, in power, things are different. He genuinely trusts us Uchiha."

"You should all have seen this from his willingness to stand up for us recently."

His explanation earned subtle nods from the clansmen; none refuted him. The Fourth Hokage’s intervention for the Uchiha had happened only days before, witnessed by many.

"But so what? What does that have to do with the Police Force?" another clansman voiced, his confusion mirroring that of most.

Uchiha Rei smiled, speaking slowly, "Of course it matters. If the Fourth Hokage trusts our clan, why would our opportunities for office be limited to just the Police Force?"

The crowd was momentarily stunned, then quickly grasped his meaning. Uchiha Rei's point was clear. Even Uchiha Fugaku, seated at the head, nodded unconsciously, a faint smile on his face. Reflecting on recent events, he felt most gratified for having heeded Uchiha Rei's advice during the Nine-Tails incident, saving Minato.

Seeing the clansmen's excitement, Uchiha Rei spoke again, "But don't celebrate too soon. There's an issue—have you considered it?"

"What issue?" some asked impatiently, their faces anxious.

After all, those attending the clan meeting were among the stronger members, not all from the Police Force. The Police Force could never include the entire clan; financially, it was unsustainable and the village would never allow it. Most were ordinary shinobi, supporting their families through missions.

Now, with the prospect of holding positions in the village, they were eager not to miss the chance.

"The issue is, what reason does the village have to grant the Uchiha positions in other departments?" Uchiha Rei said. "Remember, every department in the village is staffed by members of various clans, except the Police Force, which is monopolized by the Uchiha."

He paused, letting his words sink in, then continued, "In this situation, do you think it's reasonable for the village to hand over more positions to us?"

"We've always demanded fairness, but if we cannot share ourselves, what reason do other clans have to treat us fairly?"

At these words, the righteous indignation faded from the faces of many clansmen. Though often radical, they understood this basic logic: they couldn't demand exclusive control of the Police Force while expecting the village to open all other departments to them. Unless...

Suddenly realizing something, the clansmen all fixed their gaze upon Uchiha Rei. This time, their looks were not of awe, but of gratitude. They understood Uchiha Rei's intent: to obtain, one must first be willing to give.

If the Police Force were managed like other departments, the village would have no reason not to allow them to serve elsewhere!

Seeing the reaction of the clansmen, Uchiha Rei felt confident; only the final step remained. He nodded toward Shisui at his side, then spoke again, "You should all understand my meaning now. So I ask once more: who supports this, and who opposes?"

Uchiha Ryo, Uchiha Xiong, and several clan elders' expressions changed. They had not expected Uchiha Rei to offer such a reason. At this moment, to oppose him would mean going against most clansmen who were not in the Police Force. If they did so, they would lose all authority, becoming objects of scorn.

Yet, if they chose to acquiesce, they would be the first to be eliminated. No, this cannot be allowed—they had to find a way.

Uchiha Ryo and Uchiha Xiong exchanged a glance, intending to delay the matter. But before they could rise, Shisui and several others stood up.

Seeing this, Uchiha Ryo, Uchiha Xiong, and their allies felt a sinking dread. They knew—the tide had already turned against them...