Naruto's Strongest Force - Chapter 16
In the bustling Konoha’s Eighth Street, almost every shop was run by members of the Uchiha clan. Many Uchiha civilians without ninja talents did business there.
Since last week, the number of Uchiha patrolling Eighth Street has tripled. Uchiha members patrolled back and forth, swiftly responding to any disturbances.
Recently, all the shop owners noticed that business on Eighth Street had improved significantly. The traffic has increased, especially today.
Many people flocked to Eighth Street, leaving the shop owners bewildered.
Upon inquiry, the shop owners discovered that the patrol members of streets one to four had been wholly replaced. The new enforcers were cold and ruthless, handling conflicts with a heavy hand, often resulting in broken limbs.
As a result, people from streets one to four were terrified. Civilians preferred to shop in streets five to eight, where the patrols were managed by the Hyuga and Uchiha clans, respectively.
…
Today, Uchiha Yangshu received orders from the deputy clan leader to have all the suspended Uchiha members visit their previously patrolled areas.
Though the order was perplexing, the Uchiha members, tired of being cooped up in the clan grounds, welcomed the chance to relax and went out.
Unexpectedly, the shop owners, who used to view them disdainfully, now greeted them warmly as if seeing their long-lost family.
Before, these shopkeepers would spit on the ground or take a detour to avoid them. Now, they eagerly approached to chat.
When Uchiha Yangshu arrived near the Shimizu Tavern, the tavern owner enthusiastically asked, “Captain Yangshu, are you back on patrol?”
Yangshu, puzzled, explained patiently, “I’ve been suspended and won’t be doing patrols anymore. I’m just out for a walk.”
The tavern owner grabbed his hand, “You can’t be suspended. You Uchiha are the best at handling patrols.”
Yangshu was amused and exasperated. He had dealt with this tavern owner many times before, and the owner used to be arrogant and constantly filed complaints.
Yangshu tried to explain, “I’ve been suspended due to too many complaints. The deputy clan leader has decided I won’t be working in the Police Force anymore.”
“I’ll withdraw my complaints! Just come back and patrol!”
Yangshu had to use a substitution jutsu to escape the owner’s grip, leaving the tavern rather undignifiedly.
Despite the odd encounter, Yangshu felt a wave of satisfaction. The previous grievances dissipated.
Similar scenes played out in various streets previously patrolled by the Uchiha. The shopkeepers warmly welcomed the former Uchiha patrols, expressing disappointment when they learned they weren’t returning to their duties. Many even pleaded for their return.
Had the Uchiha not been so agile, they might have been stuck in the streets, unable to leave.
These Uchiha members, who had been strong-handed and offended many, now found themselves being implored to return to their duties. The long-suppressed frustrations and grievances were suddenly lifted, replaced by a sense of being needed.
Some were even tempted to petition the clan leader to reinstate them, knowing that Uchiha Fugaku, the Police Force captain, could easily do so.
Back at the clan grounds, a few did go to see Fugaku, whose response left them feeling like they might have been under a genjutsu.
He didn’t agree or disagree; he merely instructed them to continue their leave.
Fugaku then summoned Shisui, Itachi, and Natsuki. Natsuki had been immersed in training at the practice field, with Itachi as his sparring partner. Shisui, recovering from his injuries, was also training.
The three quickly arrived together.
“Sit down, Shisui, how’s your recovery?” Fugaku asked after nodding to Natsuki and Itachi.
“Thank you for your concern, Clan Leader. I’m almost fully recovered,” Shisui replied, sitting up straight.
“Was it you who sent out those people, Natsuki?” Fugaku inquired.
Natsuki chuckled, “They’re not causing trouble anymore, are they?”
Fugaku nodded, “Your method worked. They used to be looked down upon, but now everyone wants them back.”
Natsuki turned to Shisui and Itachi, “Shisui, Itachi, what have you noticed over the past few days?”
Shisui and Itachi had been closely monitoring the suspended Uchiha members and worried they might cause trouble. However, the recent developments had surprised them.
Itachi spoke first, “Senior Natsuki highlighted our clan’s irreplaceability.”
Shisui added, “I think the village now sees how much they need us Uchiha.”
Natsuki nodded, pleased with their insights.
“People have a bad habit of taking things for granted,” he explained. “They ignored us because we were always there. But when they lose us and compare, they realize how essential we are.”
“No one is better suited for the Police Force than us. But there are schemers in the village who see us as a threat and try to suppress us.”
“So, we retreated strategically to remove the perceived threat. When the villagers realize their suspicions were baseless, they’ll appreciate us.”
Everyone listened intently. These were basic concepts, but in their harsh world, many had been on the battlefield since they turned ten, with little education beyond combat.
Even geniuses could be misled without proper guidance and turn into fools. Or, as the Third Hokage preached, they could be brainwashed by the Will of Fire.
Fugaku asked, “Some Uchiha want to return to the Police Force. What do you think, Natsuki?”
Natsuki rolled his eyes, “No way.”
Shisui hesitated, “But many villagers desperately want us back.”
Only Itachi sat quietly, knowing Natsuki would explain.
Natsuki ruffled Shisui’s hair, “Shisui, don’t forget how you lost your eye.”
“People are forgetful. If we go back now, we’re just repeating the cycle.”
“At first, the shopkeepers and civilians might be happy, but eventually, it’ll go back to the way it was.”
“Until the root cause is addressed, nothing we do will change anything.”
Fugaku watched Natsuki speak with conviction, realizing how difficult it was to lead a clan. Fortunately, they had Natsuki.
Itachi asked, “What is the root cause, Senior?”
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