The most pressing concern now was how to improve the situation for the doves within the Uchiha clan.
After Yan's public confrontation, the condition of the doves—those advocating for peace and compromise—had worsened dramatically.
What left Shisui feeling helpless was the fact that Yan hadn't targeted the doves out of spite, but for what he perceived to be the good of the entire clan.
Even though he was constantly subjected to slander and marginalization, and his position was growing more awkward by the day, Shisui found himself unable to refute the results.
"Shisui, you've always had a decent relationship with Yan—if not close, at least cordial. So, what exactly does this kid want?" asked one of the elders in frustration.
There had once been mutual respect, but since their last heated exchange, the atmosphere between them had become increasingly frigid.
Shisui sighed internally, carefully choosing his words before replying.
"Elder, Yan's intention is simple. He's not deliberately targeting us. His proposals are for the clan as a whole. It's just that we, the doves, happen to be caught in the crossfire."
The Sixth Elder, aged and weary, cursed under his breath, "Damn brat...!"
It was a situation no one could escape from anymore. Once the arrow was nocked, it had to be released.
Now caught in the flames of public expectation, Fugaku had no choice but to announce increased welfare and treatment for the police force's personnel.
The announcement was met with raucous cheers.
Everyone knew the truth: the salary for Uchiha Police was meager. Unlike freelance shinobi who could take missions for pay, police officers couldn't accept outside commissions.
Without family wealth or status to fall back on, many officers led difficult lives.
The boost in welfare touched the hearts of all Uchiha clansmen.
Yan's name surged in popularity throughout the clan.
Within a single afternoon, numerous clansmen visited his office, some even requesting transfers to the Third Division under his command.
Unfortunately, the personnel department was overwhelmed. Their previously easygoing routine had ended.
Fugaku, grim-faced, cursed the sudden wave of enthusiasm while the personnel department scrambled under pressure.
Now, with everyone suddenly motivated to work and fearful of being seen as lazy, discipline had tightened considerably.
Overall, Yan's standing in the clan had risen sharply. He won over many allies but, predictably, earned some enemies as well.
These individuals, however, posed no real threat. They dared not act openly against him.
The police department announced it would no longer handle trivial issues—such matters would be redirected to the mission department.
This new policy triggered a significant response. Within the clan, it was met with widespread applause.
Previously, the police department had been overburdened with petty disputes and insignificant complaints.
Now, people would either issue a mission or handle things themselves. The police were no longer the village's babysitters.
The Uchiha were pleased—but others, not so much.
Certain groups, particularly those who'd grown accustomed to free assistance from the police, were outraged.
Without police help, they would now have to spend money on missions. While ordinary villagers adapted, certain freeloaders didn't.
"What's all the racket downstairs?"
Even from his office, Yan could hear the rising clamor. The first floor was clearly in chaos.
Zhiyan, leaning casually in the corridor, chuckled.
"Captain, a bunch of farmers from the outskirts came together to demand the announcement be withdrawn."
"Who's handling it?"
Yan headed toward the stairs, intrigued.
These farmers were no strangers—they were infamous among the police force.
Their livestock frequently got lost, and they always came crying to the Uchiha for help.
The department usually helped them out, but the new policy meant they now had to pay to issue a mission.
That didn't sit well with them.
And so, they'd stormed the station, demanding the policy be rescinded.
"Guess who they're pestering? Your dear hero, Shisui," Zhiyan said with a mocking grin.
Shisui had once been the clan's pride—a symbol of strength and honor. But now, those same praises had become bitter sarcasm.
"Still trying to defend a policy that everyone else supports?" Zhiyan scoffed.
Yan felt exasperated. So this was the result of the Will of Fire's doctrine?
Downstairs, the duty officers looked exhausted. They'd explained everything multiple times.
But the farmers were belligerent.
Worse still, Shisui had come out personally to receive them—offering apologies, explanations, and logic.
The result? The farmers became even more aggressive.
"What kind of nonsense is this?!"
"If I lose something, who else but the police should help me find it?"
"If you're not even doing this, what's the point of having a police department?"
"Am I right, everyone?"
Faced with their rants, Shisui wiped the sweat from his brow and tried to mediate.
"Please understand. The department is understaffed. We must focus on maintaining peace throughout Konoha..."
"Excuses! You didn't have these 'problems' before!"
"You Uchihas are becoming more and more insufferable!"
Insults flew. Spit landed on uniforms. The lobby officers clenched their fists, rage boiling—but they held back.
Back in the day, such offenders would've been locked up without hesitation. But since the Nine-Tails incident, the clan had become a scapegoat, and the doves' constant preaching made everyone hesitant to act.
Kijiro, the most vocal of the group, was smug. Once upon a time, no one dared insult the Uchiha.
Now, they not only dared—but did so with glee, knowing the clan wouldn't retaliate.
Today, he would make sure the Uchihas regretted their new policy.
He didn't care if the police refused to help anymore. He wouldn't pay a single ryo to the mission department. Why should he?
"Uchiha eat for free, is that it?! If you won't help us, who will?!"
The tension reached its peak.
Yan, who had seen enough, descended the stairs.
Trouble was brewing.
Shisui turned, eyes narrowing—he knew things would escalate now.
Yan was never one for compromise.
BANG!!
In a blink, Kijiro—who had been shouting just seconds earlier—was sent flying, crashing hard against the wall.
The hall fell into dead silence.
"Who gave you the courage to storm a police station and incite a riot?"
Yan's tone was frigid as he addressed the officers.
"What are you standing there for? Are you here to be entertained?
They just spat in your face—literally—and you just let them? Should we save them a seat for New Year's too?"
His words hit like kunai.
The officers, who had held back due to orders, finally surged forward.
They pounced as one, subduing the group with swift and practiced strikes.
Ignoring their screams, they dragged the rabble toward the monitoring room.
Inside, they'd experience consequences.
"Yan, stop!" Shisui cried, watching helplessly as his fellow officers roughed up the civilians.
Yan, standing in his way, said bitterly:
"I'm disappointed in you, Shisui."
"I thought your kindness stemmed from compassion—but now I see you only extend that kindness to outsiders, not your own people."
"I told you he wasn't worth trusting," Zhiyan snarled.
"These guys insulted us, scorned us, and he protected them. He stopped our people from defending themselves—even when they were spit on!"
Shisui could only stand in silence as the clan's indignation burned around him.
Yan's words cut deeper than any jutsu.