Wrecking The Past

8

Hiruzen stared contemplatively as he had called a Council meeting. While his expression gave away nothing internally he was deeply unsatisfied. Kagami Uchiha sat with an empty face, the same as the others but if one was a part of the Uchiha clan you could see the amusement in his eyes as he sifted through the documents of the topic of discussion to be had. Council meetings were held every three months and in the last three months under Naruto's careful manipulation, the Uchiha clan had become the most influential clan within the village. Their businesses extended from just being in the police force.

Naruto had taken one look at their internal shopping district and said no. So they bought land and built their own marketplace, they got contracts with merchants and exotic vendors to supply them and soon the Uchiha Market became a local hit. Naruto dug into the Police force and noted their clashes with the ANBU for cases and said no. So now the ANBU commander and Uchiha Police Force Chief were close friends as their factions now worked together. The Uchiha Clan had a policy for married women. Once married you stopped being a kunoichi as such the women took to clothing to pass their time. The Uchiha Clan was one of tradition and in times of war, they took to making the clothes that others in the clan would wear. Now while they weren't in times of war they still took up this as a hobby, gathering together to build formal clothing for weddings or anniversaries, banquets, or even the main family.

Naruto approached them with a proposal, a formal dressmaking shop. They would take orders and use their skills to build the required outfits, this way the women wouldn't feel isolated and would help soften the image of the Uchiha Clan being staunch holders of tradition. It also helps as it could be a gossip spot for curious civilian women. The Uchiha women will be responsible for helping banish the most violent rumors about the clan and how they treat their women. Knowing civilian women they would spread the word that came right from the mouths of Uchiha men's wives.

"What if we're not popular?" One of the women had asked and Naruto fixed her with a pleased smirk.

"Trust me, we will be."

And true to his word they were popular, so much popular that Naruto had to teach them to make shadow clones so that they didn't neglect their other duties. The rumor mill went pumping but Naruto wasn't done yet as he had one more thing in store, some community service was in order and the Uchiha were wealthy enough to splurge on it.

"How do you suggest we do that?" Kagami asked.

"War orphans," Naruto pushed a document towards him. "We have two hostels sitting empty. The orphanages are beyond capacity. The elderly have expressed interest in providing hot meals for these children, why not do it when they are in our custody."

"You have an ulterior motive don't you?" Kagami looked as Naruto's smirk came into place.

"We'll only be taking on children that have potential and reserves fit to be a shinobi. We'll also be taking in children who come from smaller clans that have fallen. Since they aren't around to confirm or deny we feed them the lie that the Uchiha were to be responsible for them if their clan ever fell due to a friendship."

"You're a demon," Kagami mumbled. "But it'll work, we can tell them it took so long to get them from the civilian orphanage because of paperwork. I trust you have chosen the ones you want."

"Yes," Naruto nodded. "With this, we can ensure that we have our own handful of special shinobi in the future that are loyal to the Uchiha Clan. They will be sponsored by us and will pay their taxes through us. They won't bear the Uchiha name because that would be ridiculous but they will bear the insignia of being a friend of the Uchiha Clan. Most of these children want someone to care for them and their dream, they will be loyal to those who offer it up on a silver plate."

"There's more isn't there?" Kagami motioned for Naruto to continue.

"You know what, I like you," Naruto confessed. "You understand me. But yes there is more. I took note of our disabled clan members and their desire to teach the young. They won't be dealing out clan secrets but they will teach them how to be shinobi. They will teach the academy curriculum and anything they deem fit. If a prodigy emerges we can deal with it then and have them placed in the academy. If anything this will loosen up the shinobi forces to the Uchiha since they are contributing to that faction by finding and housing talent."

"A complete overhaul of our resources and image," Kagami muttered as he took in everything Naruto had set in motion. "You're a damn mastermind."

Naruto chuckled softly. "Well, I intend to give retribution to the Senju."

"With this, we might just overthrow them but I don't see where the mud-throwing is going," Kagami looked through the files.

"That's where you come in," Naruto turned away from him. "Remember that elder meeting that was called for me?"

Kagami nodded.

"You're going to use the knowledge I gathered to back Sarutobi into a corner in that meeting. Egg him on, and ask the others if any other clan would live there so close to the prison. Threaten to leave the village if something isn't done about it. Then suggest this compound," Naruto slid the property over. "It's more than enough for all of us with land space to grow. It's close to a spring waterfall which would be wonderful for the kids in the summer. Best of all, it's close to the Police Force and far from that fucking prison. If that Senju-adopted waste of shit tries to steer you clear just threaten to leave."

"What if he takes the bluff?"

"I have friends everywhere Kagami," Naruto replied cryptically. "Pick a village, any village, and the Uchiha clan will fit right in. You'd be surprised to know how many villages would want the illustrious Uchiha Clan. Only Konoha is treating us like scum because of how my grandfather chose to take things. Why condemn an entire clan for one man?"

"But that man was right and for that, I and the entire Uchiha clan apologize for our treatment of your grandfather," Kagami bowed and Naruto gave him a smile, a genuine one.

"Thank you."