Land of Whirlpools.
Uzumaki Jun frowned as he read the short message sent by Kakuzu via messenger hawk.
In a shinobi world where dogs and hawks were used as messengers, Whirlpool Country did have messenger hawks.
As for messenger dogs...
Currently, only Konoha's Inuzuka Clan sold them, but the ones available to outsiders were neutered versions, capable only of simple tasks like delivering messages or finding objects...
As for the special ninken...
Konoha had rules against selling them freely.
"Mercenaries?" Uzumaki Jun set down the message and muttered, "But if they want to buy on credit..."
That would be troublesome.
What if Amegakure didn't pay back the money?
After all, after the Second Shinobi World War, Hanzo would grow old, lose his willpower, and weaken, becoming a man who betrayed his promises.
If Hanzo simply refused to repay the debt, what could be done?
So, Uzumaki Jun didn't dare agree to this deal lightly.
Moreover...
War didn't align with the ideals of the Akatsuki organization.
After all, Akatsuki was a peace-seeking organization. If they became mercenaries...
The Five Great Shinobi Villages would immediately take action, as no one wanted to see a free mercenary group with the Rinnegan and a pseudo-God of Shinobi who could fight on equal terms with Hashirama.
Thus, maintaining neutrality was Akatsuki's lifeline.
But...
The Land of Rain was a major steel-producing country.
Just look at its future sewer system—everything was built with a steampunk-style metal framework...
If Whirlpool Country could collaborate with the Land of Rain on development, steel shortages would no longer be an issue.
However, the Land of Rain was simply too poor. Without enough mining workers, production would remain low. Plus, with the three surrounding major villages watching closely, if things weren't handled properly, Whirlpool Country might end up as the Land of Rain's unfortunate sibling.
But...
"What should I do?" Uzumaki Jun sighed. He was very tempted by such a massive steel-producing base.
Especially as Whirlpool Country gradually modernized, the demand for steel would skyrocket...
Skyscrapers, transportation, experimental equipment, sewer systems—all of these required vast amounts of steel.
Not to mention the externally sold Infinite Gauntlets, which also needed steel.
Thus, having a stable steel supply base was absolutely essential for Whirlpool Country.
Uzumaki Jun rubbed his temples, his mind filled with conflict...
An organization's core beliefs couldn't be casually altered. If Akatsuki claimed to be an organization dedicated to peace, then it could only be that. If its principles were changed just for a bit of profit...
How could strong recruits be attracted in the future?
So, Akatsuki absolutely could not take action directly...
"It seems I need a third party to step in."
Uzumaki Jun sighed deeply and pulled out a spore stored in his system...
When external matters were unresolved, he would turn to Zetsu.
Zetsu was a good comrade. He would surely arrange everything properly.
Konoha.
With the Uchiha Clan's annihilation, no clan was willing to take over the Military Police Force. Though the title of "Konoha's Protectors" sounded impressive, everyone in the village knew...
It was a trap.
Whoever took it might become the next Uchiha Clan.
Thus, during this period, order in Konoha...
Was somewhat chaotic.
Shops set up stalls haphazardly, villagers occupied pedestrian streets with unauthorized stalls—this not only ruined the village's appearance but also created safety hazards.
So...
"Recently, the ANBU have received many complaints from villagers," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, taking a puff of his pipe. "It seems the Military Police Force must be resolved quickly."
Otherwise...
Enemy spies might sneak in unnoticed.
Especially during wartime.
Vigilance was always necessary.
"None of the clans are willing to take over the Military Police Force's duties," Utatane Koharu said with a sigh. "After all, the Uchiha Clan's fate..."
Was too tragic.
"Tch." Sarutobi Hiruzen rubbed his forehead in frustration. "What should we do?"
Leaving the Military Police Force empty wasn't a solution.
The village's image was still very important. After all, Konoha was the leader of the Five Great Shinobi Villages.
If the village wasn't clean and orderly, wouldn't that embarrass him, the Hokage?
"Perhaps the Sarutobi Clan could temporarily take over the Military Police Force?" Utatane Koharu suggested after some thought. "This might be the best solution for now."
With the Senju and Uchiha Clans gone, only the Hyūga, Sarutobi, and Shimura Clans had the prestige and strength to deter other clans from causing trouble.
Back then, the Uchiha Clan had relied on their status as a prestigious clan and their stern demeanor...
To keep other clans in line.
Thus, the Military Police Force's leadership had to come from a clan with sufficient prestige and strength, ensuring it wouldn't become a tool for oppression.
But since the Uchiha Clan had fallen because of the Military Police Force...
No other major clan would dare take the risk except the Hokage's Sarutobi Clan.
"The Sarutobi Clan?" Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned, deep in thought. Finally, he sighed and shook his head. "The Sarutobi Clan isn't suitable."
"During the Uchiha incident, I realized a flaw in the village's system."
Sarutobi Hiruzen stood up, placing his pipe behind his back as he spoke solemnly. "Konoha doesn't belong to just one or two clans. It is..."
"The village of everyone."
"Having a single clan control the Military Police Force would only create conflict between that clan and the village."
Just like the Uchiha Clan. Why had the Second Hokage assigned them to the Military Police Force?
Though the position held great authority and status, it kept them away from Konoha's core. Plus, the Military Police Force's duties...
Were all about enforcing unpopular rules.
This eventually led to the entire village resenting the Uchiha Clan.
But only this way could the Uchiha Clan lose the people's support, ensuring...
No one would back them for Hokage.
So...
"The Military Police Force can no longer be controlled by a single clan," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, taking a slow puff. "All clans must share the responsibility to reduce village tensions."
Damn it!
Wanting the Sarutobi Clan to take over the Military Police Force?
Wouldn't that ruin his legacy?
"You make a valid point," Utatane Koharu said after some thought, nodding. "In that case, I'll arrange it."
December, Year 32 of the Konoha Calendar.
To prevent another tragedy like the Uchiha Clan's, Konoha amended its Military Police Force policies, abolishing the single-clan control system and replacing it with a shared responsibility model among all clans.
This reform not only eased tensions between the Military Police Force and the village but also prevented any one clan from monopolizing power.
It was praised by all clans in Konoha.
That same month...
Land of Whirlpools.
"Grandpa Madara," Uchiha Mikoto said, holding a cup of hot tea as she looked at Uchiha Madara lounging on a rocking chair in the sun. "Today is the first graduation ceremony for Whirlpool Country's academy students. Aren't you going?"