The succession ceremony of the Uchiha clan leader had been completed. Uchiha Daizo handed over the symbolic Uchiha fan, which represented the authority of the clan head, to Uchiha Naraku during the ceremony. (The original fan was taken away by Madara Uchiha; this one was purely symbolic.)
After receiving the Uchiha fan, Uchiha Naraku officially became the head of the Uchiha clan.
"From now on, I am the leader of the Uchiha clan. I will let the world witness the power and majesty of our clan!"
Naraku made this declaration solemnly at the inauguration ceremony, met with enthusiastic gazes and approval from his clansmen.
...
Hokage Office
"Uchiha Naraku has become the new head of the Uchiha clan. So is finally stepping back?" Mitokado Homura asked, scanning the letter in his hand.
"Young ones are easier to deal with than old veterans like Daizō " Utatane Koharu said calmly.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, sat in silence, puffing on his pipe.
Three of the elders—Hiruzen, Homura, and Koharu—were gathered. The fourth, Shimura Danzō, was currently leading a battalion in the Land of Rain.
"I've seen that boy, Naraku. He has a strong Will of Fire," Hiruzen said, exhaling a smoke ring slowly.
"The Uchiha are Konoha's largest shinobi clan. We must ensure they do not grow unchecked."
By "growing," she referred to closely monitoring the clan—particularly to prevent further development of the Mangekyō Sharingan, often awakened through emotional trauma.
"Hmm," Hiruzen grunted, nodding slightly.
...
Naraku, despite becoming clan leader, was irritated. Days had passed, and his only active supporters were Uchiha Yashiro and a handful of young Genin. Most Uchiha elite ninjas still reported to the Elder Council.
This power structure could not continue. Being a mere figurehead was meaningless.
Determined, Naraku led his group to the Elders' House.
...
Elders' House – Living Room
"Naraku, what brings you here today?" Daizō asked curiously.
"Uncle, I am the clan leader, but I can't mobilize the clan members or track their activities. How can I lead like this?"
Daizō paused, frowning. He had overlooked this flaw. Though Naraku held the title, real power remained with Daizō and Sanzō.
"Do you have any suggestions?" Daizō asked. He had already acknowledged Naraku's potential to lead.
"Yes. I propose we establish a Clan Affairs Hall. From now on, all clan-related reports and duties should go through it.
Be it missions, pensions, training, ninjutsu registration, even things like street maintenance, family defence, and care for the elderly or orphans—all should be managed by the hall."
Naraku continued, "Mission earnings already contribute a 10% family tax for clan expenses. If the hall manages these funds transparently, it supports fairness and accountability."
Daizō nodded thoughtfully. The control of mission revenue had long kept power in his hands. The clan trusted him because he funded widows, orphans, and elder care from those taxes.
"That's a solid suggestion," Daizō finally said. He didn't immediately oppose the idea, though he understood it was an effort to shift authority away from him.
He was tired, though. After nearly thirty years leading the Uchiha, the weight had become exhausting. Originally, he supported his son Fugaku for succession, but Naraku was proving himself.
"Uncle, after we build the hall, I propose appointing elder advisors—respected veterans and contributors to the clan—to assist the clan head. You might not be retiring anytime soon."
Naraku smiled. Daizō, nearly fifty, was indeed an elder in the ninja world. With so many dying young from missions and chakra exhaustion, living to fifty was a feat.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had lived long partly because he stayed in Konoha after retirement—unlike most shinobi who die on missions.
"I see. Your suggestion has merit. Historically, we've had clan leaders but never a formal administrative body like the Hokage's office. Let's wait until Sanzō returns this evening to discuss site selection."
...
That Night – Naraku's Home
As before, Chief Elder Uchiha Daizō and Guard Captain Uchiha Sanzō sat at the top of the table.
Clan Head Uchiha Naraku knelt below, as tradition dictated.
"A Clan Affairs Hall? A great idea. With our thousands of clan members and nearly a thousand ninjas, we need such an institution," Sanzō agreed, stroking his chin.
"I suggest building it next to the Hokage's building, to highlight the Uchiha's prominence," Sanzō added, laughing.
"You're right," Daizō said. "It would enhance our reputation."
Naraku frowned.
"Uncle, Father, the Uchiha do not have the power to challenge the Hokage's authority. While the Konoha Police Force is strong, the Hokage commands Genin squads, Jōnin, and the ANBU—each filled with elite shinobi. Now isn't the time for flaunting power."
"Of course, it was just banter," Daizō said with a chuckle. "We know better."
"I believe this location is best," Naraku said, pointing to a map. He chose the central spot in the clan compound—close to his home and equally accessible to all clan members.
"Why this location, Naraku?" Daizō asked.
"Because it's fair. It allows all clansmen equal access, rather than favouring those near the Hokage or hidden corners."
Daizō and Sanzō exchanged a glance, then nodded in agreement..