Akira spoke with pointed emphasis, "Danzo is the Hokage's advisor, and a close friend of the Third Hokage. Plus, we don't have any evidence!"
Fugaku stood there, rigid and unmoving, his chest heaving with suppressed anger. His face shifted between expressions, and his Sharingan gleamed with a chilling light. After standing silently for several minutes, he let out a deep sigh, his frustration palpable.
Looking over at Akira, Fugaku asked, "What's your take on researching Wood Release?"
Akira's face lit up slightly as he replied, "My plan is to acquire a biomedical research company, then funnel significant funding into it. We'll hire a large team of researchers to work on this."
An individual can only accomplish so much, but a collective effort is on a different scale. Even though civilians aren't ninja, their research capabilities often surpass those of shinobi who haven't received rigorous scientific training.
"Civilians?" Fugaku frowned, doubt clear in his gaze. "Are you sure they're up to it? They don't know anything about chakra."
Akira's expression turned somewhat amused. "So, all of Konoha's research has been led solely by shinobi?"
"Mostly, yes. Our medical ninja usually oversee such projects; rarely do we hire civilian researchers," Fugaku replied, nodding.
Akira fell silent, speechless. "Isn't that a bit... closed-minded? It's really underestimating what civilians are capable of."
"They're not ninja. They don't have chakra," Fugaku replied dismissively. "What a medical ninja can handle easily, a civilian researcher has to go through great lengths to accomplish."
Fugaku's view reflected the mindset of most shinobi. For ninja, who wield chakra, many things come easily.
Take surgery, for instance. For civilians, surgery requires specialized medicine, equipment, and a team of healthcare professionals to work in unison. However, a medical ninja can perform a procedure virtually anywhere. Rin, fresh out of the academy, was able to replace Kakashi's eye, and it worked immediately after.
For civilians, even attempting such a procedure would be far-fetched, and recovery would take far longer. The advantage chakra gives is like a gulf between two worlds.
Akira's expression grew solemn. "Never underestimate the strength of ordinary people."
As a time-traveler, he knew well how powerful a unified populace could be. Even without supernatural abilities, a well-coordinated group could create extraordinary changes.
"Shinobi are few in number compared to the vast population of civilians," Akira explained to Fugaku. "With a large enough pool, we're bound to find true talents among them. If we cultivate those, our research will undoubtedly progress faster than Konoha's."
Fugaku seemed moved by his words, his gaze wandering to the household electronics — all things made by civilians who didn't possess chakra.
"Ninja... all we know is how to kill. Aside from that, what do we truly contribute to the world?" This thought surfaced unbidden in Fugaku's mind.
"Then let's give it a try. I'll make arrangements to get this started as soon as possible." Fugaku nodded, looking at Akira. "Where should our research base be located? I'm wary of putting it in Konoha — the Byakugan of the Hyūga clan poses a real risk."
"There's no need to hide it," Akira replied confidently. "We'll establish the research institute within our clan's territory. There, we can work openly."
This was something he had thought through long ago, not a sudden idea.
"Isn't that too risky?" Mikoto voiced her concern.
"Mikoto-san, we're a legitimate company. We won't be breaking any of Konoha's or the Land of Fire's laws," Akira said with a smile.
Cloning technology isn't banned. Under the guise of studying biocloning, they could work on incorporating cells from the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, into their research.
Konoha's ninja might be elite assassins, but when it comes to scientific research, they're out of their depth. A standard inspection wouldn't detect any issues, and without Sharingan or Byakugan, identifying Hashirama's cells would be next to impossible.
What's more, the Uchiha clan controls the Konoha Police Force, responsible for maintaining order. This means they would conduct the inspections themselves. Policing themselves — it was almost laughable.
"As long as we're not conducting human experiments outright, it shouldn't be a problem."
The Uchiha and Hyūga districts aren't close, so they're out of the Byakugan's range. Given the current tension between the clans, it's unlikely any Hyūga would come near Uchiha grounds.
"I understand." Fugaku nodded. "With the Police Force covering us, we shouldn't run into major issues."
"No one would suspect the Uchiha clan of pursuing the First Hokage's Wood Release. That's a mental blind spot," Akira noted.
Fugaku smiled wryly. "Our clan's pride is in our Sharingan... yet here we are, coveting the power of the Senju. It's shameful in the eyes of our ancestors."
"Fugaku, you're doing what's necessary. The survival of our clan is paramount, and the Uchiha need to acquire greater power." Mikoto's voice was soft but firm.
Fugaku sighed, then turned back to Akira. "Regarding human experimentation, we'll use death row prisoners from the Fire Country's prisons for test subjects. But the experiments themselves can't be conducted in Konoha."
"Of course," Akira nodded. "Danzo's just waiting for an excuse to act against us. We can't hand him one on a silver platter."
"One more thing." Akira's tone grew serious as he addressed Fugaku. "Clan Leader, let's keep our true purpose hidden from most of the clan, especially Shisui."
"Naturally. Until we have results, only a few will know." Fugaku paused, then asked, "Why single out Shisui? Do you think he's a risk?"
"He's close to the Third Hokage and the village elders, and the Will of Fire runs deep in him. It's best he remains unaware."
"You think he'd reveal our plans to the higher-ups?" Fugaku raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "Shisui is young, but he's mature. I doubt he'd do that."
"It's just a precaution," Akira shrugged. "Isn't the Third Hokage considering him for the ANBU? He'd be the only Uchiha with that opportunity."
Fugaku nodded slowly. "Very well. I won't let Shisui in on this."
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