Konoha’s Five-Element Ninja

Chapter 51: Hayama's Proposal

Before the banquet began, Uchiha Fugaku, as the host, expressed his gratitude to Hayama for joining the Uchiha clan. With those words, the atmosphere quickly became lively as everyone exchanged pleasantries.

When the timing felt right, Fugaku clapped his hands, and servants promptly brought in the prepared dishes. As a long-established clan in the ninja world, the Uchiha upheld a sense of decorum when hosting guests, which made Hayama feel slightly restrained.

"Hayama, no need to be so formal," Fugaku said warmly. "The Uchiha aren't burdened by so many rules. Just relax and enjoy yourself. Here, try this lobster sashimi." Fugaku picked up a piece and placed it on Hayama's plate, clearly noticing Hayama's unease.

Hayama slowly put the lobster into his mouth, savoring the interplay of the wasabi and the tender lobster meat. Raising his brows, he asked, "Fugaku-dono…"

"Just call me Fugaku," he said, waving off the honorific. "No need for all that 'dono' nonsense—we're all friends here tonight."

Hayama hesitated but, seeing Fugaku's insistence, relented. "Fugaku, this lobster is incredibly fresh. Where is it sourced?"

Fugaku chuckled and pointed to a ninja seated beside Hayama. "You should ask our logistics chief here. He'll know."

The ninja, who looked to be in his thirties, exuded a palpable air of menace. With a friendly smile, he said, "This isn't your average lobster. It was actually a summoning beast from the Mist ninja. After capturing it, we turned it into tonight's delicacy."

Hayama nodded respectfully. "May I ask your name, sir?"

"No need to be so formal. Just call me Keiji," the man replied.

Despite Keiji's invitation, Hayama couldn't bring himself to simply use the man's first name. After some back-and-forth, he settled on addressing him as "Keiji-nii."

After enjoying a satisfying meal, the servants brought out sake, and the lively chatter reached its peak. Glasses were raised, and laughter filled the room. The banquet didn't end until around ten that evening. Hayama said goodbye to everyone before heading home with Yamashiro Tatsu.

When Hayama returned to his house, he found the floor covered in a thick layer of dust. Sighing, he set about cleaning enough space to sleep. Finally, he lay down on his bed, reflecting on how he could contribute to the Uchiha clan.

From what he observed at the banquet, the Uchiha's foundation was exceptionally strong. Every ninja present exuded the aura of an elite, with most likely having fully matured three-tomoe Sharingan. In terms of combat power, Hayama knew he couldn't bring anything new to the table.

If he had chosen the Uchiha as his backers, he needed to prove his worth. Since combat wasn't an option, he decided to offer his intellect instead. Drawing on his previous life's experience with political strategy, he was confident he could identify the Uchiha's weaknesses and propose effective solutions.

This line of thought relaxed him, and he soon drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, Hayama woke early, massaged his slightly sore head, and resolved to avoid drinking in the future. After a quick wash, he dressed in casual clothes and headed to the hospital to visit his mother.

He realized it had been two years since he last saw her and felt his resentment toward the higher-ups grow. As he walked, familiar faces among the Konoha ninja acted as if they didn't know him, their cold indifference plastering his face with a frosty expression.

When Hayama finally saw his mother in her hospital room, he felt tears well up. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he softly called out, "Mother…"

His mother's pale face lit up with a weak smile, but she was quickly overcome by a fit of coughing. Hayama rushed to pat her back, his heart heavy with worry.

After what felt like an eternity, his mother caught her breath. Grasping Hayama's hand tightly, she looked him up and down, her relief evident once she confirmed he wasn't injured. Tears began to stream down her face.

"You're back. That's all that matters," she murmured. "Hayama, let's leave the ninja life behind. I've already arranged a small shop for you. Let's just live quietly in the village—no more fighting."

Hayama's throat tightened, but he couldn't agree. He was already on a precarious path. Even if he wanted to walk away, he couldn't. The only way to ensure a peaceful life now was to first secure his position in the village.

His mother, seeing his silence, sighed deeply and lay back on her bed. "You can't beat them. You just can't beat them…"

It was clear she had heard something that left her feeling utterly defeated. Hayama's blood boiled at the thought that his mother might have suffered unjust treatment. Looking at her frail, emaciated form, he felt a burning desire to storm the Hokage's office and confront the leadership. But he knew he couldn't afford to act impulsively. The reality was harsh, and his survival depended on playing his cards wisely.

"Mother, I'll arrange for you to be transferred soon. You won't stay here anymore," he promised, deciding to move her to the Uchiha's hospital where she could receive better care.

His mother didn't respond, her gaze vacant. She lay motionless, murmuring his father's name over and over.

In the days that followed, Hayama spent his mornings at the hospital with his mother. After helping her finish her lunch, he would walk through the village, observing how the Uchiha police handled their duties.

The Uchiha police force wielded significant authority in Konoha, handling everything from infiltrations by enemy ninja to minor infractions like street vendors blocking the road. Yet Hayama could see that their work bred resentment among the villagers. Over time, this animosity had turned into outright hostility.

Hayama quickly deduced the root of the problem. After all, who ever liked law enforcement?

By the sixth day, Hayama had formed a clear plan. That afternoon, he paid a visit to Uchiha Fugaku to present his ideas.

After exchanging pleasantries, they sat in Fugaku's study.

"How is your mother's health?" Fugaku asked, casually leafing through a letter.

"Not very good," Hayama replied.

Fugaku set the letter aside and sat up straight. "What's the problem? Is it the doctors at the hospital?"

Hayama offered a bitter smile and said nothing. Fugaku seemed to understand and promptly called out to someone outside the window.

"Raven, bring Hayama's mother to the Uchiha hospital. Arrange the best room and the best doctors for her—only the best."

A low voice outside responded, "Understood," before falling silent. Hayama was deeply moved by Fugaku's immediate support.

"Fugaku-sama—"

"Just call me Fugaku."

Hayama sighed, running a hand over his head. "Fugaku, I came today with some suggestions for the Uchiha clan."

Fugaku had anticipated this and remained composed. He nodded, signaling Hayama to continue.

"Right now, the clan's biggest challenge isn't the lack of representation in the village's decision-making. I believe the most pressing issue is something else entirely."

Fugaku furrowed his brow. "What is it?"

"Reputation," Hayama replied with a faint smile. "The Uchiha's reputation within the village."

"Reputation?" Fugaku looked puzzled.

"Yes. The Uchiha's current challenge isn't their martial reputation but their image among the common villagers."

Pausing to ensure Fugaku understood, Hayama continued, "Right now, it's unlikely that the Uchiha will regain a seat at the decision-making table. The best hope lies with the next Hokage, but Sarutobi Hiruzen is still in his prime and isn't stepping down anytime soon. That means the Uchiha need to focus on rebuilding their public image, setting the stage for the next power transition."

Fugaku seemed intrigued. "But the Uchiha name is already renowned across the ninja world. Why would we need to build a reputation?"

Hayama shook his head. "What the Uchiha need is not fame for their strength but recognition as protectors and supporters of the people."

Fugaku was momentarily stunned. Raised in a tradition that revered strength, he couldn't immediately grasp why winning over the ordinary villagers mattered.

Seeing Fugaku's confusion, Hayama smiled knowingly and began to outline his proposal.

The plan consisted of three steps, each carefully designed to enhance the Uchiha's image.

First, recruit local troublemakers and assign them minor law enforcement duties under the police force's oversight. By redirecting the public's frustrations toward these recruits and then publicly disciplining any misconduct, the Uchiha could position themselves as champions of fairness.

Second, launch a Fire Country Daily newspaper. Initially distribute it for free, and later charge a minimal cost. The publication would include major news, human-interest stories, and importantly, highlight the Uchiha's positive contributions to the community, gradually shifting public perception.

Third, create a community market around the Uchiha district and provide discount coupons for essential goods. Allow villagers to shop there freely, fostering goodwill and showcasing the clan's generosity.

By the end of Hayama's presentation, Fugaku was visibly moved. His understanding of strategy seemed to expand as if a new door had been opened.

As dusk fell, Fugaku eagerly invited Hayama to stay for dinner and even called for his father, the clan head, to discuss the clan's future direction.

In the quiet study, Fugaku held Hayama's arm warmly, praising his ingenuity. Looking at Hayama's confident smile, Fugaku couldn't help but feel he had struck gold with this new ally.

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