Hearing Danzo suggest that Orochimaru and Sora should be completely integrated into Root, Sarutobi Hiruzen and Namikaze Minato said "no" in unison.
If Sora and Orochimaru, two of Konoha's most prestigious shinobi, fully joined Root, it would be a significant loss for Namikaze Minato's authority.
After careful consideration, Namikaze Minato said, "Sora can become the leader of the new department, but I want to appoint a deputy leader. The two will jointly manage the new department."
Danzo asked, "Who do you plan to appoint as deputy leader?"
Namikaze Minato decisively announced a name: "Uchiha Shisui!"
Hearing this name, both Danzo and Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned.
The new department was meant to check and balance the Uchiha clan. How could they appoint an Uchiha clan member to a leadership position?
Namikaze Minato explained, "Lord Third, Assistant Hokage, please hear me out first. If Sora joins the new department, then based on the division of power, the Uchiha clan will clearly see that this new department was established specifically to restrict them.
We have just established a channel of trust with the Uchiha clan, and if we suddenly establish a department targeting them, this newly formed trust will collapse instantly.
Though the Uchiha clan cannot be completely trusted now, that doesn't mean they cannot be trusted in the future. If the Uchiha clan is genuinely seeking change, then this new department might destroy that possibility.
Since Sora will be made the leader, someone must be there to reassure the Uchiha clan and give them a sense of security.
For this role, Shisui, who comes from the Uchiha clan but also serves as a member of the Hokage guard and has moved beyond clan nationalism, is the perfect fit."
Sarutobi Hiruzen thought for a moment and then nodded. "Your reasoning makes sense. Since we want Sora to lead the new department, we must give the Uchiha clan some reassurance. It is indeed appropriate for Shisui to take the position of deputy leader."
Danzo considered the situation. It seemed that to make Sora the leader of the new department, they would have to accept Uchiha Shisui as the deputy leader.
However, in Danzo's opinion, if Sora wanted to assert authority over Uchiha Shisui, he would certainly be capable of doing so.
With that in mind...
Danzo nodded, "Very well, I agree."
Namikaze Minato nodded and said, "Then the new department will be called the Konoha Defense Force.
Its authority will include establishing village regulations and arresting shinobi with criminal tendencies.
For the initial staffing, Root will provide some personnel, as will Anbu, and then we'll recruit additional shinobi as needed.
The leader of the Konoha Defense Force will be Sora, with Uchiha Shisui as deputy leader, managing it jointly.
Lord Third, Assistant Hokage, do you have anything else to add?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded and said, "Let's proceed with this plan."
Danzo also agreed, "Yes, this matter must be implemented as soon as possible. I will immediately arrange for Root shinobi to join the Konoha Defense Force. Lord Fourth, please make your arrangements accordingly."
With that, Danzo stood up and left the Hokage's office.
After Danzo's departure, Namikaze Minato sighed, "The Assistant Hokage truly harbors deep hostility toward the Uchiha."
Sarutobi Hiruzen replied helplessly, "Indeed, it can be said that the person in Konoha most hostile to the Uchiha clan is Danzo. But Danzo also considers the Uchiha issue completely from Konoha's perspective.
After all, we've learned from the past. The Uchiha clan wielded too much power in Konoha before, forcing Danzo and me to take extreme measures against them.
Danzo is actually right—we do need to make some preparations to prevent the Uchiha clan from repeating past actions.
Minato, establishing the Konoha Defense Force will require your careful attention."
Namikaze Minato smiled and said, "It's fine. As long as it benefits Konoha, everything is worthwhile. However, it seems I'll need to visit the Uchiha clan compound soon."
After discussing the details of the Konoha Defense Force, Sarutobi Hiruzen took his leave.
Once alone, Namikaze Minato summoned Uchiha Shisui.
Uchiha Shisui knelt on one knee before Namikaze Minato. "Hokage-sama!"
Namikaze Minato gestured to him, "Shisui, please sit. I have something I wish to discuss with you."
Uchiha Shisui took a seat.
Namikaze Minato explained, "Shisui, after discussions between myself, Lord Third, and the Assistant Hokage, we've decided to establish a new department in Konoha.
This new department will be called the 'Konoha Defense Force,' and its authority will include establishing village regulations and arresting shinobi with criminal tendencies."
Uchiha Shisui looked surprised. "Doesn't this authority overlap with some of the responsibilities of the Konoha Military Police Force?"
Namikaze Minato nodded and said, "That's correct, which is why these two powers will be removed from the Konoha Military Police Force."
Uchiha Shisui appeared confused.
He didn't understand why Namikaze Minato had established this new department, nor why the Hokage was telling him about it personally.
Shouldn't such matters be discussed with Uchiha Fugaku?
Namikaze Minato sighed, "Shisui, the Konoha Military Police Force has accumulated too much power. The former leaders of the Uchiha clan abused these powers, generating hostility toward the clan among Konoha's citizens."
Uchiha Shisui pursed his lips. Indeed, as Namikaze Minato said, the previous Uchiha leadership had abused their authority excessively.
Many people were imprisoned for days simply for speaking negatively about the Uchiha clan in private conversations.
Uchiha Shisui replied, "I understand your concerns, Hokage-sama."
Namikaze Minato smiled and continued, "I'm glad you understand. The leader of the Konoha Defense Force will be Sora."
Uchiha Shisui suddenly looked at Namikaze Minato with an expression of disbelief.
Appointing Sora to lead the newly established Konoha Defense Force, with authority to create village regulations and arrest shinobi with criminal tendencies?
No matter how you looked at it, this appeared to be targeting the Uchiha!
If Danzo was the greatest enemy of the Uchiha clan, then Sora was certainly the second.
Namikaze Minato smiled ruefully, "Do you think I'm targeting the Uchiha clan?"
Uchiha Shisui quickly composed himself and replied, "I didn't think that, Hokage-sama."
Namikaze responded with resignation, "It would be natural for you to think so. Truthfully, this new department was indeed established partly to place checks on the Uchiha. The clan's past actions necessitated such measures.
However, this new department isn't solely aimed at the Uchiha clan.
As long as your clan members abide by the law, nothing will happen.
Moreover, besides Root shinobi, I'll also assign Anbu members to the new department.
I won't allow Root to interfere improperly with Sora's leadership.
But most importantly... Shisui, I've recommended you to become the deputy leader of the new department."
Uchiha Shisui suddenly raised his head and stared at Namikaze Minato in shock.
----------------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion