With their responsibilities at the police department suspended, the Uchiha clan found themselves on an unexpected and rare break. Officially, it was a "period of self-reflection," but everyone knew the truth—the police department was still under Uchiha's control. It had only been a few days since their withdrawal, and no one was actually fired—just benched.
Naturally, during this downtime, you wouldn't find many Uchiha members hanging around the commercial streets. The reasons were twofold: first, their presence had always attracted scrutiny from the village; second, the Uchiha clan was economically self-sufficient. Their family owned enough industries and shops to sustain themselves. So most of them spent time either training or helping with clan businesses.
Andrew's growing reputation among the clan had become more evident than ever. While Uchiha members were typically reserved and slow to show praise, the change in mood was unmistakable. The villagers, who once criticized them constantly, had started asking when the Uchiha would return to work in the police department.
This shift in public sentiment didn't erase all grievances, but it certainly lightened the emotional burden that had long weighed on the clan.
"How do you feel?"
Andrew turned to Itachi and Shisui as they walked down the Uchiha district's main commercial street. Though not as lively as Konoha's primary market roads, the Uchiha neighborhood was still bustling and self-contained, complete with its own businesses, cafes, and training areas.
Andrew had brought the two along for a reason.
Both Itachi and Shisui had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, giving Uchiha four known pairs including Fugaku's. On paper, the clan was more than capable of holding its own against Konoha.
But there was a problem.
Both Itachi and Shisui had been heavily influenced by the Third Hokage's 'Will of Fire.' Shisui had once attempted to cast a genjutsu on the entire clan to prevent a coup. Itachi had considered annihilating the clan himself to maintain peace. Andrew knew: if he couldn't shift their mindset, moving forward would be risky.
"The clansmen seem a lot happier," Shisui admitted with a wry smile.
He had once believed there was no way to resolve the clan's conflict with the village. That belief had led him to offer the use of Kotoamatsukami—a powerful genjutsu—to the Third Hokage in hopes of pacifying the clan. But then Danzo had stolen his eye, and things spiraled.
And yet, against all odds, there was no bloodshed.
Andrew had led the Uchiha in a peaceful yet powerful display of defiance, and Konoha had—surprisingly—backed down. Shisui had even gotten his eye back. And now, the calls for a coup had mysteriously disappeared.
"It might be that, since leaving the police department, the villagers stopped targeting them," Itachi added. "Or maybe... it's because those same villagers now beg them to return. Either way, they've started to feel something new."
Andrew raised an eyebrow. "So you do understand then? That the root of all this conflict wasn't our clan—but the village's prejudice against us?"
He scoffed.
"Why did you side with the village and not your own family? Did you think the clan was easier to manipulate? That sacrificing us would protect some greater peace?"
Both Shisui and Itachi looked down in shame.
In recent days, they'd begun to realize the truth: Uchiha hadn't been driven to rebellion out of lust for power, but because of years of suppression, mistrust, and alienation.
They were one of Konoha's founding clans—yet they were excluded from Hokage succession, denied advisory roles, and constantly under surveillance.
Everyone has a breaking point. Uchiha was no different.
And now, with clearer eyes, both Shisui and Itachi could see that their past actions—however well-intentioned—had nearly doomed their own people.
Andrew didn't press further. He'd said what needed to be said.
He knew that if these two geniuses were left to reflect on their own, they'd come to understand.
After touring their own district, the three made their way into the main parts of Konoha. Andrew still technically held the title of captain of the police department, even if the clan had stepped away.
Earlier that day, the Third Hokage had summoned a mix of clan and civilian shinobi to report for duty. The police department was being restructured, with new members—many from the Hyuga clan—filling in the gaps.
Danzo had likely anticipated Uchiha's withdrawal. Now that the department had reopened, law and order appeared to improve—on the surface.
As captain, Andrew figured it was time for a little on-site inspection.
Perhaps under pressure from both the Hokage and their clan leaders, these new officers were going above and beyond, enforcing the rules with a diplomatic touch. Some villagers even praised their approach.
"What do you think of the new police?" Andrew asked.
Shisui hesitated. "They're doing okay... I suppose. If they can avoid using force, maybe the tension with villagers will stay low."
It was, after all, Shisui's ideal: peaceful coexistence. But even as he said it, his voice lacked conviction.
Andrew smiled knowingly. "You think the job's that simple? Watch this."
He led them to a quieter side street, where a Hyuga patrol from the branch house was handling a disturbance.
"Sir, you offended this woman first. You need to apologize," said the Hyuga ninja calmly.
The man, clearly drunk, bristled with arrogance. "Apologize? To a commoner? I'm from the Shimura clan! Who are you? A Hyuga branch house dog? You think you can order me around?!"
The insult hit like a slap.
The Hyuga's eyes narrowed. Without hesitation, one of them activated the Byakugan and sealed the man's chakra points in a flash.
The drunk collapsed to the ground, unable to move.
"You attacked me! That's violent enforcement! I'll report you!"
The Hyuga team stood frozen, unsure how to respond as villagers began whispering. Even the woman they'd helped looked conflicted.
In the end, they silently dragged the man away—humiliated and frustrated.
From a distance, Itachi and Shisui watched in stunned silence.
It was like looking into a mirror—this was exactly how the Uchiha had been treated.
When they turned to Andrew, there was a new glint in their eyes: respect.
Back at the police department, Andrew found a stack of complaint forms waiting on his desk. Several shinobi stood nearby—contacts from the various clans who had sent members into the restructured department.
Despite their presence, it was clear they didn't want Uchiha handling their business.
Andrew picked up a few forms, smirking. "What's this? You brought your complaints to me?"
One of the representatives stepped forward awkwardly. "Captain, uh... these are grievances from this morning. We thought—"
"Oh? You're already racking up complaints on Day One? You're really not doing any better than us Uchiha."
He waved the papers in mock astonishment. "And why bring them to me? I don't process complaints. That's not my job."
He tossed the forms back onto the desk, expression calm but sharp.
"I'm just here as a mascot now. The actual clean-up? That's on you. You brought your own people—now deal with the mess yourselves."
Andrew wasn't going to lift a finger. These new officers had eagerly taken over the police department. Let them see firsthand how thankless the job was—how no matter how hard they tried, someone would always complain.
It was never about how well Uchiha did their jobs. It was about who they were.
And now, others were finally beginning to understand just how deep that bias ran.
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