Rebuilding Uchiha By Removing Fugaku

Uchiha Setsuna couldn't help but smirk as he noticed the confidence radiating from the faces of the various ninja clans.

What a bunch of fools.

They likely hadn't realized that the "preparatory training" mentioned by Clan Head Toki actually involved familiarizing civilian children with the use of scientific ninja tools in advance.

Imagining the sight of those civilian kids flying around the battlefield using the tools, Uchiha Setsuna decided he wouldn't miss the upcoming competition for anything.

The times were changing, after all.

Toki wasn't as shortsighted as Naruto from the Boruto era.

Naruto had the means to quickly strengthen his ninjas yet insisted that anything not gained through personal hard work shouldn't be used.

Ridiculous.

Most low-level ninjas had limited potential.

Not everyone possessed the talent to ascend to the ranks of elite jonin or even Kage-level power through sheer hard work.

Allowing lower-ranking ninjas to adapt to scientific ninja tools would not only greatly enhance their mission success and survival rates but also bolster Konoha's overall foundational strength.

Additionally, by controlling the supply of these advanced tools, Konoha could ensure that no one dared to rebel.

Such progress clearly benefited everyone. Yet Naruto, during the Boruto era, adamantly opposed their use. It was no wonder that storyline was widely criticized—it bore little resemblance to the intelligence displayed in Shippuden.

---

The true determinant of strength among ordinary ninjas lay in ninjutsu.

One of the criteria for becoming a jonin was mastering more than two chakra natures. Learning ninjutsu with different attributes allowed ninjas to defeat opponents by exploiting elemental weaknesses.

Many special jonin struggled to break through to full jonin status precisely because they couldn't master a second chakra nature.

Scientific ninja tools, however, could bridge this gap entirely, reshaping the ninja world.

With these tools, the gap between ordinary ninjas and elite ninjas could be reduced significantly.

Even genin armed with enough scientific ninja scrolls could exhaust and potentially overcome a standard jonin in battle.

While elite jonin capable of utilizing chakra nature transformations fluently would remain unmatched, scientific ninja tools could spell disaster for the rest.

This shift would fundamentally alter the nature of war in the ninja world. Combat would transition from the strategic battles of the cold weapon era to the resource-driven bombardments of a "hot weapon" age.

And what would matter most in such wars?

Money, of course.

The wealthier nation, with more tools, scrolls, and ninjutsu reserves, would hold the advantage.

This shift in warfare would position the Uchiha clan, as the premier "ninja arms merchants," to become an unrivaled global power—much like a certain modern-day superpower.

But for this vision to become reality, scientific ninja tools needed to enter the public sphere.

In times of peace, the Chunin Exams provided the perfect platform for such a demonstration.

By controlling the ninja academy, Toki wasn't merely seizing control of Konoha's future generations—he was cultivating a new generation of "tech-centric" ninjas. These weren't just regular fighters but would serve as the backbone of Konoha's new economy and military might.

---

After laying out his vision for both economic and military development, Toki made an announcement:

"I hereby establish the Konoha Biological Research Department, with Orochimaru as its head. Its primary research focuses will be immortality and health products that extend life."

"In addition, I'm founding the Konoha Civil Research Department, tasked with developing technologies for public use, such as electric appliances, transportation systems, and electronic devices. Nara Shikaku will head this department."

Nara Shikaku was taken aback.

"Wait, scientific research? Immortality? People's livelihood technology? Why are we, a ninja village, researching these things?"

Konoha's research efforts had always centered on ninjutsu, forbidden techniques, and military advancements. Health products? Civilian technology? What was Toki thinking?

Toki glanced at the gathered ninja clans with a look of disdain.

"Have you forgotten the original purpose of Konoha's founding?" he asked.

"Konoha was created to prevent the children of the clans from constantly going to war."

"But with the integration of ninja villages into the great nations, we've become tools for their arms races. Each of the three great ninja wars has dragged even fresh academy graduates onto the battlefield, often with more intensity than the Warring States Era."

"If this continues, what's the point of the ninja village system?"

Toki's words silenced the room.

"Why do the daimyos, nobles, and wealthy merchants—who have no real strength—live such extravagant, carefree lives?" he continued. "Meanwhile, we Konoha ninjas, with access to the world's best technologies and ninjutsu, waste everything on an endless arms race instead of improving our own economy?"

"This is why Konoha has always been subservient to the Fire Nation's daimyo."

---

Toki's words planted a seed of realization in the minds of many.

"While military strength remains a priority, we must simultaneously pursue economic development," he concluded. "Imagine a future where, instead of risking our own lives, we can simply hire ninjas from other villages to fight for us."

The room was stunned. Even Sarutobi Hiruzen, seated in the corner, was visibly shaken.

"Is that… really possible?" someone muttered.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's ambitions had always revolved around consolidating the Sarutobi clan's power and ensuring the Hokage's office remained in their hands. He had never considered developing Konoha's economy to the extent that other villages could be reduced to hired help.

The patriarchs of the ninja clans began to understand the depth of Toki's vision.

For the first time, they saw a path where Konoha could break free from the control of the daimyo, and instead, dominate the ninja world through economic strength.

But Toki wasn't done. He turned to the Akimichi clan head, who had asked whether economic development should take precedence over military power.

"Dignity lies only on the edge of a blade," Toki replied coldly. "Truth is spoken only within the range of a jutsu's reach."

He reminded them of the fate of the Uzumaki clan, whose flourishing economy could not protect them from annihilation in the absence of military strength.

The room grew solemn. Toki's words resonated deeply.

Even Akimichi Choza, who had previously only cared about what to eat for lunch, was filled with admiration for Toki's leadership.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, too, found himself grudgingly impressed.

Toki's plan wasn't just about wealth—it was about creating a self-sufficient, unassailable Konoha.

Konoha's ambition to rise from a mere tool of the noble class to a noble class in its own right would inevitably provoke resistance from the existing aristocracy. The nobles in power would certainly do everything in their power to prevent the emergence of a powerful entity like Konoha that could rival their status.

Their method of stopping Konoha's ascension would be straightforward: hiring other ninja villages to attack Konoha.

This tactic mirrors what happened in the Naruto movie, where the Fire Daimyō's minister bluntly threatened Tsunade with Konoha's destruction if they couldn't resolve an issue. To them, Konoha was nothing more than an entity that could be crushed with the right application of wealth and influence.

And in truth, this confidence was not unfounded. Without a shinobi of unparalleled strength (like a Kage-level shinobi or higher), a younger and weaker Konoha could indeed be annihilated by an alliance of the four other great ninja villages hired by the Land of Fire. The destruction of Konoha would be almost guaranteed, as even a single powerful adversary like Pain nearly destroyed the village. The combined forces of the other ninja villages would be catastrophic.

However, this moment presented Konoha with an unprecedented opportunity for growth and independence.

The Akatsuki had not yet fully formed, and the major ninja villages, having just emerged from the bloody conflicts of the Third Ninja War, had no desire to engage in more conflict, especially not against Konoha, whose strength they now feared.

Even if the Fire Daimyō offered massive amounts of money, only the economically struggling Sunagakure, desperate for funding, might consider such an offer. But Sunagakure alone was no match for Konoha. This left the Fire Daimyō in a frustrating position where he had no viable means to sanction Konoha despite its rebellious intentions.

Toki recognized this pivotal moment. Just as he had seized power from the Third Hokage, Konoha now had a unique chance to break free from the Fire Daimyō's control. Toki had carefully planned this from the moment he tore up the old hierarchical agreement with the Fire Nation and replaced it with an equal one.

For decades, Sarutobi Hiruzen had kowtowed to the Fire Daimyō, enabling the nobles to view Konoha as nothing more than subordinates. Even the appointment of a Hokage required the daimyo's approval. Now, for Konoha to unilaterally assert its independence and demand financial support without servitude was unprecedented—and enraging.

If not for the risk of provoking the ire of other nations' daimyōs, Toki would have preferred outright destruction of the Fire Daimyō, as it would make it much easier to establish Konoha as the ruling force of the Fire Nation. Becoming the ruler of the Fire Nation would be far more efficient than remaining Hokage. After all, the position of Hokage would then become a mere extension of his authority.

Still, direct confrontation was not necessary. With Orochimaru's advancements in biotechnology and Toki's insights into an industrialized future, Konoha would soon evolve into an economic superpower. With economic dominance, Konoha could systematically bleed the daimyo dry, taking over every business and resource they controlled. When the daimyo could no longer even afford to pay their ministers, bankruptcy and liquidation would be inevitable.

At that point, Konoha could seamlessly step in, replacing the Fire Nation's daimyō and effectively ruling as its sovereign.

Toki's mind briefly wandered to the idea of consolidating power through marriage. As Tsunade was a princess of the Fire Nation, marrying her would provide him with an impeccable claim to leadership. Furthermore, the thought of expanding his "harem" with numerous concubines under the guise of political alliances amused him greatly.

---

After presenting these visionary plans to the ninja clans, Toki turned to Sarutobi Hiruzen with a sly smile.

"There's one more crucial matter to address," Toki began. "Kumo has sent a letter requesting a peace treaty with Konoha. However, their tone has been less than respectful, and they refuse to compensate us for the damage they caused."

Toki continued with a saintly expression, "In the spirit of peace, the Uchiha clan is willing to forgo any spoils from the negotiations and agree to sign an unconditional peace treaty with Kumogakure. Additionally, the Uchiha clan will personally cover all expenses related to the damages and provide pensions for our fallen heroes."

The assembled ninja leaders were stunned.

For a clan to willingly forfeit its rewards and shoulder the financial burden of war? And all in the name of peace for the village?

This level of selflessness was unprecedented.

The patriarch of the Yamanaka clan spoke up, somewhat embarrassed. "Uchiha Patriarch, defending Konoha is everyone's responsibility. It wouldn't be right to let the Uchiha clan bear all the costs alone."

Other clan leaders nodded in agreement. The Uchiha's generosity and sacrifice had won them unprecedented goodwill.

But Toki firmly shook his head. "No. The heroes of Konoha deserve to be honored without burdening others. This is a debt the Uchiha clan is proud to bear."

He then turned to Sarutobi Hiruzen. "Patriarch Sarutobi, the village deeply desires peace. Therefore, I entrust you with the honor of negotiating the peace treaty with Kumogakure. As a former Hokage, no one is better suited to represent Konoha on such an important mission."

Sarutobi Hiruzen froze in surprise. Then, suppressing his delight, he nodded solemnly. "Very well. I'll take on this responsibility for the village."

---

After the meeting, Tsunade approached Toki, clamping him in place with a fierce look.

"You're not running away again," she growled.

Toki, caught off guard, couldn't help but enjoy the moment. Seeing his smug expression, Tsunade turned red and angrily swung her fist.

Toki activated his Mangekyō Sharingan just in time to block her strike.

Tsunade froze, her eyes widening. "You've awakened the Mangekyō?"