Sora explained to Danzo that if they provoked conflict between the villagers and the Uchiha clan, those proud Uchiha could be arrested on grounds of showing criminal tendencies if they reacted.
Danzo motioned eagerly for Sora to continue.
"According to their duties, the Konoha Guard Force must patrol the village daily," Sora continued. "We can arrange for villagers who dislike the Uchiha to speak badly about them where Uchiha members will overhear. If any Uchiha makes even a small move in response, we'll arrest them immediately."
He leaned forward slightly. "After this happens once or twice, the villagers will realize our Konoha Defense Force supports them. They'll no longer fear the Uchiha clan as they did before and will speak freely. Then, when the Uchiha can't tolerate the insults—whether they talk back or take action—we'll arrest them and lock them up for a few days. If they want early release, they'll have to pay bail."
Danzo looked puzzled. "Bail?"
Sora nodded and explained. "Yes. These aren't truly crimes—we're just stretching the definition of 'criminal tendencies' as grounds for arrest. They can only be detained for two days at most under such charges. So we might as well maximize the benefit. The Uchiha have plenty of money, and if they want early release, they must pay bail."
His eyes glinted as he continued. "For the first offense, they can leave after paying 100,000 ryo. The second time requires 200,000 ryo, the third time 300,000 ryo, and so on. If they actually take physical action, the bail jumps to 500,000 ryo before they can be released, with similar increases for repeat offenses."
Sora spread his hands. "Since the Konoha Defense Force can establish village regulations, this bail system will become the first new regulation of our department."
This was Sora's plan to acquire funds. The Uchiha clan was the wealthiest family in Konoha. By collecting the Uchiha's money, he could support his own organization. Knowing how proud the Uchiha were, Sora had no doubt they would pay the bail rather than stay imprisoned.
Hearing Sora's explanation, Danzo's face twisted into a sinister smile. "This is an excellent idea. If successful, the Uchiha clan's reputation in Konoha will crumble, and no one will fear them anymore. That would make suppressing them even easier." His eyes narrowed. "The cells where those Uchiha are imprisoned should be placed within Root headquarters, so they can experience the atmosphere there firsthand."
Sora felt even more pleased when he heard that Danzo would imprison the Uchiha at Root. This guaranteed the arrested clan members would pay bail quickly to escape.
Danzo looked at Sora with newfound admiration. The young man had devised such a damaging plan—it perfectly suited Danzo's tastes.
The old fox and young fox shared a moment of tacit understanding as they both smiled.
...
Meanwhile, Namikaze Minato and Uchiha Shisui had arrived at the Uchiha compound to meet with Uchiha Fugaku.
The three of them sat on tatami mats as Fugaku poured tea for the Fourth Hokage. "Yondaime, what brings you to my home today?" Fugaku asked with a polite smile.
Minato took a sip of tea before answering. "Clan Leader Fugaku, I've come to inform you about adjustments to the powers of the Konoha Guard Force."
Fugaku paused with his teacup halfway to his lips.
Minato was using the word "inform"—meaning this was already decided, not up for discussion.
"Adjustments to the Konoha Guard Force?" Fugaku asked, maintaining his composure. "What powers does the Yondaime wish to adjust?"
Minato replied evenly, "The responsibilities for formulating village regulations and arresting shinobi with criminal tendencies will be transferred to a new department we're establishing."
Fugaku's expression finally changed, his brow furrowing slightly. These were the two most important duties of the Konoha Guard Force.
"Yondaime," Fugaku asked with controlled frustration, "what have we done wrong? Why must a new department be created and the Guard Force's powers adjusted? And why wasn't I, as captain, informed of this before now?"
Minato sighed. "Clan Leader Fugaku, this decision was reached after joint discussions between Assistant Hokage Danzo, the Sandaime, and myself."
Fugaku's pupils dilated slightly.
Assistant Hokage... Danzo? And Sarutobi Hiruzen agreed?
So Konoha's leadership still wanted to target the Uchiha clan.
Fugaku felt deeply aggrieved. He had humbled himself so completely, yet these people still wouldn't leave his clan in peace.
"Clan Leader Fugaku," Minato said, "I understand your concerns. But please don't worry—I believe in you and I'm willing to trust the Uchiha clan. And Shisui will serve as deputy leader of the new department."
Some of Fugaku's frustration eased. If Uchiha Shisui became deputy leader of the new department, that changed matters somewhat.
But still...
"Yondaime," Fugaku asked, "who will be the leader of this new department?"
Minato couldn't meet Fugaku's eyes. Glancing away slightly, he replied, "It's Sora."
Fugaku drew in a sharp breath.
Was this some kind of joke? Everyone knew Sora wanted all Uchiha dead. Even with Shisui as deputy leader, could he truly check Sora's murderous intentions?
This was clearly targeting the Uchiha clan.
"Yondaime," Fugaku said solemnly, "I know our Uchiha clan has caused problems for Konoha in the past, but that was then. I've done everything possible to change my clansmen's attitudes, and I'm restraining them to the best of my ability. If you or the other leaders have concerns, please share them freely—I'll address them however I can."
His voice grew firmer. "But the Konoha Guard Force was established by the Nidaime Hokage himself. Though our clan may have overstepped in the past, we've always fulfilled our responsibilities to the Guard Force. So please, Yondaime, reconsider this decision!"
"Clan Leader—" Shisui began.
Fugaku cut him off with a sharp look. "Shisui, the Yondaime and I are discussing matters now. If you have something to say, we can talk later!"
This issue affected the entire Uchiha clan. Fugaku needed to make his position clear and do everything possible to change Minato's mind. Otherwise, his clansmen would suffer.
Shisui closed his mouth, unable to continue.
"Clan Leader Fugaku," Minato said helplessly, "I understand your worries. I'm concerned too, which is why I appointed Shisui as deputy leader."
Fugaku replied seriously, "Shisui is indeed talented, Yondaime, but he's still too young to stand against Sora."
In Fugaku's view, Uchiha Shisui could never hope to counter Sora—not unless the long-dead Uchiha Madara somehow returned to life.
For the sake of the Uchiha clan, he had to fight this decision with everything he had.
----------------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion