A week had passed since the end-of-year exams. On the morning when the results were posted, a crowd of students had gathered in front of the academy to check their scores. The air was thick with anticipation, but Aryan Uchiha was already planning his next move. After reviewing the results, Aryan called for a gathering of all the first-year students at the training ground.
Once everyone had assembled, Aryan stood on the makeshift stage and addressed his classmates. His voice was steady, and his expression was one of calm confidence.
"I am incredibly happy with the results I've seen today," Aryan began, his gaze sweeping across the gathered students. "But these results aren't mine alone—they are the result of the hard work each of you has put in over the past year. I may have helped guide the way, but it is each of you who chose to walk this path and put in the effort."
There was a murmur of agreement from the crowd, and Aryan continued, "Remember, this is just the beginning. Over the upcoming vacation, don't forget to keep working towards your goals. Train hard, but also take care of your bodies. Our classmates may not be around to ensure you do, so the responsibility is yours alone."
He finished his speech with a smile and a wave. "Enjoy your free time, everyone. You've earned it."
Unaware of the political storm that his actions had sparked within the village, Aryan returned home, spending the rest of the day happily with his mother. His father and brother were away, occupied with their duties at the police station.
That evening, after Kenji and Hiroshi returned home, the family shared a quiet dinner together. But as the meal drew to a close, Kenji turned to Aryan with a serious expression. "Aryan, tonight we've been summoned to attend an important meeting with the clan higher-ups. It will be your first time joining such a gathering."
Aryan nodded, feeling a mixture of anticipation and curiosity. When they arrived at the Uchiha compound's majestic meeting hall, Aryan couldn't help but be in awe of its grandeur. The room slowly filled as the clan's elders and other members arrived. Once everyone was seated, the clan head rose to address the group.
"Good evening, everyone," the clan head began, his voice commanding the attention of the room. "Tonight, we are here to discuss a matter that has been brought to our attention—Aryan Uchiha's role in establishing a student club at the academy and the rise of civilian ninjas as a result."
He paused, glancing at Aryan with a smile before continuing. "We have heard varying opinions on this matter. Some see it as a positive development, while others are more cautious."
The discussion among the elders was intense. Some expressed support for Aryan's initiative, seeing it as a way to strengthen the village by integrating civilian ninjas into its ranks. Others were indifferent, not seeing how this could directly affect the Uchiha clan. One elder, however, voiced a concern shared by many: "While this may not directly affect the Uchiha, it could certainly alarm the smaller and mid-sized clans. They may feel threatened by the rise of civilian ninjas, who could potentially challenge their standing."
As the debate continued, the room was filled with differing perspectives. Some elders worried that Aryan's actions might disrupt the village's delicate balance of power. Others argued that supporting the rise of civilian ninjas was a natural extension of the Uchiha's role as the village's protectors.
Finally, the clan head turned to Aryan. "Aryan, you've heard our concerns. What is your view on this matter?"
Aryan stood up, took a deep breath, and began to speak. "We are no longer in the Warring States Period. That time has passed, and now we all live together in a single village, alongside clans who were once our enemies. It was the Uchiha, alongside the Senju, who founded this village. And now, as the guardians of this village, we uphold the law, which applies equally to all citizens. This is our pride as Uchiha."
He paused, his voice growing stronger with conviction. "As the founders of this village, it is our responsibility to ensure the well-being and growth of its citizens. We, the Uchiha, are the proud ones. And I declare myself as the Prideful One, who will not bow down to any force that opposes me in my duty as an Uchiha. It is our responsibility to put an end to the discrimination that still exists within this village. I am simply doing what is right."
The room fell silent as Aryan's words resonated with the clan members. The clan head slowly stood up, his gaze steady as he looked at Aryan. "You, who declare yourself the Prideful One—is this the path you have chosen to walk?"
The clan head's Sharingan spun into view, his eyes locking onto Aryan's.
In response, Aryan removed his black glasses and fully opened his Six Eyes, meeting the clan head's gaze with unwavering resolve. "Yes, this is my decision, and I will uphold it."
The tension in the room was palpable as the other clan members felt their blood boiling with pride. One by one, they activated their Sharingan, their eyes reflecting the same determination that Aryan had shown.
The clan head smiled at Aryan, then turned to address the entire clan. "We Uchiha do not bow down to anyone. We are the proud Uchiha, protectors of the village, upholders of justice. We stand with Aryan Uchiha, the Prideful One."
The room erupted in agreement, with the clan members chanting in unison, "We do not bow down. We do not discriminate. We uphold justice."
Aryan felt goosebumps rise on his skin as he listened to the powerful voices of his clan, feeling the overwhelming support they were offering him.
As the meeting came to a close, most of the clan members left the hall, leaving only the elders, the clan head, Aryan, and Kenji behind. The clan head approached Aryan, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"We expected great things from you since the day you were born," the clan head said quietly. "You will change not only the Uchiha but also this village. Some of us now truly believe in the Uchiha lore surrounding the name Aryan."
One of the elders chuckled, turning to another elder. "I told you before, but you didn't believe me."
The clan head then handed Aryan a book titled Uchiha Style Full Body Yoga Exercises. "Since you wish to help the people of this village, go forward with all your strength. This book was compiled by our Uchiha researchers and doctors, based on the information you provided. These yoga postures are beneficial for both ninjas and civilians. And don't worry about any clan that opposes you on your journey. We Uchiha will handle any opposition you face."
With that, Kenji and Aryan left the meeting hall and headed home. On their way back, Kenji spoke to Aryan about the potential consequences of his actions. "You must understand that your decision to support the rise of civilian ninjas will have repercussions among the smaller and mid-sized clans. They may see this as a threat to their status and react accordingly."
Aryan listened carefully, realizing the gravity of his choices. He was reminded that they were still living in the era following the First Ninja World War, and not much time had passed since the establishment of the village. People's memories of the Warring States Period were still fresh.
But despite the challenges ahead, Aryan felt grateful to be born into a powerful clan like the Uchiha. If he had been a civilian, he might not have been able to accomplish what he had set out to do.
Author's Note:
This fanfic is a product of my imagination running wild, so don't worry too much about small details regarding character timelines or canon accuracy. I'm just having fun with this story, and I hope you are too. If this isn't for you, feel free to move on, but if you're enjoying it, just go with the flow and enjoy Aryan's journey in this unique take on the Naruto universe!