NOVEL WEB Chapter 217: Chapter 217
"You might laugh, Hui-dono, but hearing your evaluation of the Uchiha clan brought me a sense of relief," the Uchiha leader said with a self-deprecating chuckle, his tone noticeably lighter.
Hui smiled but said nothing, allowing the clan leader to continue.
"To outsiders, the Uchiha are seen as arrogant and cold. These labels, while widely accepted, are deeply unfair to us.
"Arrogance, I'll admit, has some truth to it. After all, the Uchiha clan produces many 'geniuses,' and we are undeniably one of Konoha's most prominent clans. Pride is a natural result of such status. But to call it outright arrogance is an exaggeration."
He paused before addressing the second label. "As for being cold and unapproachable, that accusation came from our role as Konoha's police force. If we were overly lenient or compassionate in enforcing the law, we wouldn't be doing our job properly. So, while it's true that we often appear unfeeling, no one considers why the Uchiha have adopted this image."
The leader sighed;
"The root of the problem lies in how the police force and the Uchiha have become inseparable in the villagers' eyes. Any resentment toward law enforcement naturally spills over onto the Uchiha clan as a whole."
He glanced at Hui, as if seeking confirmation, before elaborating. "This situation didn't happen by chance—it was engineered by the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama. By assigning the Uchiha to lead the police force, he appeared to elevate our clan's prestige. In reality, he pushed us into an impossible position.
"If we uphold the law rigorously, we incur the villagers' resentment. But if we show leniency, we're accused of negligence and punished for it. With no other choice, we've become strict enforcers of the law, which has alienated us from the rest of the village."
The Uchiha leader gave a bitter laugh. "Imagine if the entire city's police officers came from one family. No matter how well-intentioned they might be, a single instance of misconduct or harsh enforcement would taint the entire family's reputation. Over time, that negative impression becomes impossible to shake."
His tone turned serious. "Hui-dono, while the Uchiha appear to thrive on the surface, the reality is that we are teetering on the edge of a collapse. I think-no I belive, Hui-dono can see that as well. I invited you here today because I hope you can help us escape this predicament."
With that, the Uchiha leader bowed deeply, his head almost touching the ground.
Hui quietly sipped his tea, then set the cup down. "I understand the Uchiha clan's situation. And while I agree that this policy is unfair, it's still a directive established by grandfather Tobirama. Changing it won't be easy."
Hui neither agreed to help outright nor rejected the request.
The Uchiha leader nodded. "I understand. The Uchiha don't expect immediate change. After enduring this for so many years, what's a few more? All we ask is that when Hui-dono becomes the Third Hokage, you give us a chance—a chance to integrate the Uchiha more fully into Konoha."
Though Hui hadn't given a definitive answer, the Uchiha leader was visibly relieved. Because he understood Hui's words.
"The Uchiha have always been an integral part of Konoha, one of its most distinguished clans," Hui began. "Your contributions to the village are undeniable. However, true integration isn't something I can singlehandedly grant—it requires effort from every member of the Uchiha clan.
"Public perception is difficult to change overnight, but as long as you persevere, the Uchiha can reshape how the villagers see you. It starts with small, heartfelt actions that counteract the current perception of coldness and pride."
Hui's advice was straightforward but. He recognized that the Uchiha's reputation wasn't irreparable.
While their current image—aloof, stern, and domineering—was negative, it wasn't insurmountable. Simple, compassionate actions could gradually change people's opinions.
"People are drawn to contrasts," Hui explained. "A person known for kindness who commits a single unkind act might be labeled a villain. Conversely, someone perceived as cold who does something warm and kind can transform public perception.
"For the Uchiha, small acts of kindness and humanity could go a long way. But the key is consistency. If some of your members continue to act in ways that provoke anger, it will undo the goodwill of the others."
He stopped short of explicitly telling the Uchiha leader what to do, leaving room for the clan to take the initiative.
After all, as Tobirama had once advised, the harsher the pressure on the Uchiha now, the more gratitude they would feel when Hui softened policies in the future.
The Uchiha leader said with a firm nod. "I will make sure our clan understands what needs to be done. The Uchiha will change."
The pressure he carried on his shoulders were evident. He was well aware of the challenges the Uchiha faced, especially with the other great clans in the village.
The Senju, despite their diminished numbers, remained a powerhouse due to Tobirama and Hui. Even in decline, the Senju were considered Konoha's most prestigious clan.
The Hyuga, another bloodline limit clan, shared similarities with the Uchiha in their pride and aloofness. Yet the villagers' perception of the Hyuga was markedly different—they were seen as strong, talented, and honorable.
The reason for this discrepancy was clear: the Hyuga weren't burdened with law enforcement duties.
Their image hadn't been tarnished by the resentment and frustration directed at the police force.
Beyond the Hyuga, there was also the Uzumaki clan.
After the fall of Uzushiogakure, the Uzumaki had relocated en masse to Konoha, instantly elevating their status to rival that of the Senju, Uchiha, and Hyuga.
Faced with such formidable competition, the Uchiha leader felt the weight of his responsibilities. He couldn't afford for his clan to fall behind.
"I sincerely hope Hui-dono ascends to the position of Hokage soon," the Uchiha leader said, his tone filled with hope.
With Hui's attitude at the moment, once he become the hokage, Uchiha clans bitter days will come to an end.
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