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Uchiha Nanka Shrine.
In the dim, secret chamber, Uchiha Yoru knelt respectfully at the lower end, facing the clan leader Fugaku and Elder Tachibana.
After a long while, Fugaku finally revealed a calm expression, but his gaze was directed at Elder Tachibana as he spoke.
"Elder Tachibana, Uchiha Yoru's contributions to the family are evident to all."
Upon hearing these words, Uchiha Yoru's heart leaped with excitement. It's finally here! After all he had done, the family was finally going to show some appreciation. Otherwise, who would work hard without any rewards? Besides, those in power knew well the importance of balancing kindness and authority.
Elder Tachibana merely glanced at Uchiha Yoru with a calm expression, nodding slightly. "Indeed, he has done well, especially becoming Orochimaru's disciple."
At this point, Elder Tachibana suddenly chuckled with a hoarse laugh, casting a meaningful glance at Uchiha Yoru before shaking his head at Fugaku. "My body is failing me day by day, and it will soon need a successor."
Fugaku nodded steadily. "Uchiha Yoru has earned this. The Police Force's Seventh Squad is currently in need of a captain."
The Police Force! This was a powerful department, akin to Konoha's police bureau, with each squad overseeing a part of Konoha.
In this context, Fugaku was like the chief of the bureau, and the squad captains were like the chiefs of the smaller divisions.
Upon hearing this, Uchiha Yoru bowed his head even lower, but his heart was pounding. Despite being Orochimaru's disciple, he was still just a regular ninja at heart.
To put it simply, civilians in the ninja world were like ordinary people, while ninjas were like government officials with power. However, they were still just soldiers. Even a powerful Jonin like Kakashi Hatake, despite being famous, had no real authority.
For example, Kakashi might be strong, but if the six departments of Konoha decided to detain or investigate him, he would have no choice but to comply.
There were very few departments with real power in the ninja world, or rather, the circle of power was very small. No matter how strong a ninja was, if they hadn't reached the rank of Kage, they had to bow to authority.
Becoming a squad captain in the Police Force was a step into the realm of real power, though this was only within the Uchiha clan's sphere of influence. The relationship between the Uchiha and Konoha was still quite delicate.
After Fugaku spoke, there was a long silence, and Elder Tachibana seemed to be deep in thought with his eyes half-closed.
Uchiha Yoru inwardly cursed the old foxes but maintained a look of excitement and humility on his face.
"Although Teacher Orochimaru is under house arrest, he instructed me to try to ease the tensions between Konoha and other clans."
This statement made Fugaku and Elder Tachibana's eyes flash with understanding.
"Teacher Orochimaru said that the Uchiha are currently isolated, and now is the perfect time to build bridges with other major clans. After all, it takes more than a day to thaw a frozen river."
Elder Tachibana couldn't help but laugh and clap his hands. "Well said! Well said! Orochimaru is truly remarkable. It's true that it takes more than a day to thaw a frozen river."
Fugaku also smiled. Others might not understand the implications, but they, who dealt with power regularly, certainly did.
Orochimaru, though under house arrest, was not giving up. He was instructing his allies to build relationships with other clans in Konoha.
Clearly, the former Hokage's faction feared that Orochimaru's presence would upset the balance and affect their interests.
However, Orochimaru was making his move. This period of house arrest was an opportunity to reconnect with the other clans. As for future interests, there would be plenty of time to negotiate and reach a mutually beneficial agreement, or to make the weaker clans concede some benefits.
Orochimaru wouldn't act personally, but the Uchiha clan, who were fully aligned with him, would be the vanguard.
The Uchiha were more than willing to take this opportunity to rebuild trust with the major clans of Konoha. It was a golden opportunity.
The Uchiha were isolated? But now they represented Orochimaru, and who knew who would become the Fifth Hokage? They couldn't afford to offend anyone who might become the Hokage in the future.
While they tacitly accepted the actions of the Sarutobi clan, it didn't mean they wanted to completely sever ties with Orochimaru.
"Fugaku, I think Shisui would be a good fit. Shisui has always been part of the Police Force, and he could serve as Yoru's deputy, helping him get up to speed with his new responsibilities. Perhaps it's time to reorganize the Seventh Squad."
Elder Tachibana smiled, as Uchiha Yoru had brought significant progress to the clan.
Fugaku also smiled and nodded. "Very well. From today, Uchiha Yoru, you are appointed as the captain of the Seventh Squad of the Police Force, reporting directly to Lord Orochimaru and responsible for the security patrols of West Street."
A significant gift! Handing over a squad of the Police Force to Orochimaru was a generous move. First, it showed the clan's commitment to supporting Orochimaru, and second, it allowed them to act under Orochimaru's banner.
As for the Police Force being under the Uchiha's control, politics required a facade until the relationship was fully strained.
Uchiha Yoru firmly nodded at the two. "Thank you, Clan Leader and Elder, for your trust. For the Uchiha!"
The Police Force had nine squads, each responsible for different areas of Konoha, including the outer regions.
Patrolling the outer regions was a tedious task but had more members. In contrast, patrolling within the village was relatively easier.
Uchiha Yoru was filled with excitement. This was his true entry into the center of power, and he would now have a say in the clan's council.
Looking at the young Uchiha Yoru, Elder Tachibana couldn't help but show admiration. They hadn't chosen wrong. He had brought such significant benefits to the clan, making him a true hero of the Uchiha.
While admiring him, Elder Tachibana still felt the need to give some advice.
"Clan Leader, I remember that many members of the Seventh Squad were dispatched to the border. The squad seems understaffed."
He cast a meaningful glance at Fugaku, smiling casually. Fugaku was taken aback but then understood the elder's intent and nodded solemnly. "The Seventh Squad is understaffed, and it is responsible for West Street."
Both Fugaku and Elder Tachibana looked at him with a thoughtful expression, and Uchiha Yoru inwardly cursed. Damn bureaucracy, it really existed everywhere.
Why couldn't they just speak clearly? If not for his time with Orochimaru, he might not have understood the implications.
"Clan Leader, Elder, rest assured. Many of the village's elite returned with Teacher Orochimaru, and the Seventh Squad will be quickly restored to full strength."
Both men smiled, inwardly admiring the young man's understanding and maturity.
The meaning was simple: the Seventh Squad was understaffed, and this was a clear indication that they intended to gift this squad to Orochimaru as a token of goodwill.
A squad composed of Uchiha and Orochimaru's elite was a clear sign of their support. It was a direct gift of real power.
The purpose was clear: mutual benefit.
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(End of Chapter)