Naruto's Strongest Force - Chapter 8
At the Root headquarters.
“Lord Danzo, the Third Hokage sent someone to retrieve Shisui’s left eye.”
Danzo gritted his teeth. “Go to the storeroom and bring a Sharingan.”
“But we only have three left,” a Root member protested.
Danzo slammed his hand on the armrest. “Do you think I don’t know that?! We need to hand over a Sharingan to appease the Third Hokage.”
“Understood.”
Danzo seethed with rage. “Damn it! This is a disgrace!”
His face darkened. He had never been outmaneuvered like this. Today’s fiasco was a total loss. The usually passive Fugaku had unexpectedly shown his fangs, pushing an elder forward as a mouthpiece and threatening to sever ties with the village over Shisui’s Sharingan.
He needed to find a way to strike back.
…
At dawn, after only a few hours of rest, Fourth Elder Uchiha Hinata arrived at the Konoha Military Police Force headquarters. Every morning, members of the Police Force would report for duty and, if needed, hold a brief meeting.
Upon reaching his desk, he found a pile of complaints, mainly about Uchiha members’ excessive use of force. Typically, he would resolve these by rotating the accused Uchiha members to different areas, avoiding punishment while addressing the complaints.
Today, however, was different. He picked up the “Suspended for Reflection” stamp and began stamping the complaint forms. To expedite the process, he created several shadow clones to help.
Shadow clones were a godsend; in no time, all the complaint forms were processed.
Hinata reviewed the results. Approximately 80% of the Police Force members had been suspended, primarily the hawkish Uchiha members, who were more confrontational and thus frequently complained about. Some dovish members were also suspended.
When everyone had gathered, Hinata read from a list, “Yuta, Yoto, Naoto, Yao, Kai…”
“All those I just named are suspended for reflection due to complaints.”
The crowd erupted in protest. “Fourth Elder! Is this a mistake? We’re suspended?”
Hinata glared, silencing them. “Fools! Stop complaining. You have new assignments. Report to the Deputy Clan Leader immediately!”
He gave a knowing look to the hawkish members. After last night’s incident with Kazuya retrieving Shisui’s Sharingan, these members recognised Kazuya’s hawkish stance and were eager to follow his lead. Without further protest, they left.
With the hawks gone, the hall felt much emptier, leaving behind only the dovish members and those who remained neutral.
Hinata instructed, “Everyone left, your patrol areas are now limited to Uchiha-owned properties. Do not respond to incidents elsewhere.”
Protecting Uchiha assets was the top priority, and the remaining members, though dovish, welcomed the change, having faced much criticism from villagers. They were happy to focus on Uchiha properties and quickly organised their patrol routes.
…
As expected by the Third Hokage, Uchiha Fugaku proposed a high-level meeting in the morning. Attendees included the Third Hokage, Hiashi Hyuga, Uchiha Fugaku, and Kazuya.
Having suffered a significant blow to his reputation, Danzo remained at his root base.
Seeing Fugaku bring Kazuya again, the others wondered if Fugaku was truly grooming this man.
Today, Fugaku returned to his respectful self, addressing the Third Hokage, “Lord Hokage, please forgive my actions last night. I was desperate.”
The Third Hokage, outwardly friendly but inwardly suspicious, thought Fugaku should be here to lodge a formal complaint. “Fugaku, there’s no need to apologize. Anyone would have acted similarly in such a situation.”
Fugaku nodded and stepped aside, allowing Kazuya to speak. Kazuya’s tone was calm, “Our clan leader understands the friction between our Police Force and the villagers. This ongoing conflict is detrimental to Konoha’s security.”
“Our clan leader is committed to reforming the Police Force. Those accused of excessive force have been suspended.”
“Mm…” The Third Hokage nodded, curious about the Uchiha’s true intentions.
Considering how many Uchiha had complaints against them, the Third Hokage wondered how many were left in the Police Force. Perhaps 80%?
Kazuya continued, “With many Uchiha members suspended, we have numerous vacancies in the Police Force. Today, we have invited Clan Leader Hiashi to discuss providing personnel from the Hyuga clan to maintain normal operations.”
“What?!”
The Third Hokage and Hiashi Hyuga were visibly shocked.
The Police Force had always been dominated by the Uchiha, with little to no outside involvement. Allowing Hyuga members to join would significantly reduce the Uchiha’s control and influence over the village.
Could it be that Fugaku showed he wasn’t power-hungry, seeking the village’s favour in return? Or was this a collaboration between Uchiha and Hyuga?
The Third Hokage considered this but wasn’t sure.
“Deputy Clan Leader Kazuya, I’m pleased to see you considering the relationship between the Uchiha and the village. I have no objections. You may discuss this further with Hiashi.”
Hiashi, cautious of a potential scheme, was still tempted by the offer. The Hyuga clan’s influence in Konoha had waned, and gaining control of the Police Force was an opportunity.
He gave Fugaku and Kazuya a friendly smile, and Kazuya returned it.
“We Uchiha have borne the brunt long enough; now it’s the Hyuga’s turn to take on the responsibility.”
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