The next day, after work, Seiryu summoned the captains of the Police Force to his office and gave orders to look after Naruto a bit.
The captains, including the newly joined Inuzuka Kaze and Aburame Shikai, passed the word down the chain.
So, for the next few days, when Police Force members encountered Naruto on patrol, they would look after him, intentionally or not. A few unlucky villagers who hurled abuse at Naruto were promptly arrested for minor offenses by patrolling officers.
Naruto soon felt that the malice around him had lessened, and being naturally cheerful, he became even more outgoing.
However, during this time, some discordant voices began to circulate in the village.
"Did you hear? That fox brat has a backer now."
"Really? No wonder he's gotten so cocky lately. Turns out he's got a ninja to back him up."
"Do you know who it is?"
"He's called Hatake Kakashi, I think. Used to be in the ANBU."
"Hmph. Anyone who hangs around that fox brat can't be a good person."
"Yeah, I heard he got kicked out of the ANBU by the Hokage."
"I also heard he's a bloodthirsty killer. During the Third Ninja War, he even killed his own teammates."
"Is that true? Why doesn't the Hokage do anything? Why doesn't he drive both of them out of the village?"
"I heard he's got connections with the Police Force."
"That's scary. We'd better not provoke that damned fox brat anymore."
"What's there to be afraid of? He can't touch us in the village. The Hokage's got our backs. If he tries anything, we'll all go petition the Hokage!"
"Yeah, that's right! If we all petition, the Hokage will definitely kick them out!"
Their conversation soon caught the attention of a green jumpsuit-wearing, bowl-cut man doing a handstand nearby. After listening for a while, he stood up angrily. "How can you say that? Kakashi is a hero of the village!"
Seeing a ninja approach, the group of villagers quickly scattered.
"Hey! Don't run! Explain yourselves!" Might Guy shouted.
"Let it go, Guy." At that moment, Kakashi appeared behind Guy, patting his old friend on the shoulder.
"Kakashi?" Guy turned and saw Kakashi's unmasked face, surprised. "You…"
Kakashi knew what Guy meant and nodded. "Let's just say I'm saying goodbye to the past."
Guy's eyes filled with tears. "I don't know what you mean, but this must be the feeling of youth! Kakashi, let's have a youthful showdown!"
"Sorry, I'm really busy these days," Kakashi refused.
Guy was stunned, then remembered the earlier scene. "Is it because of what those people said? Let's go confront them! How can they talk about you like that?"
"Forget it," Kakashi shook his head. "Even if we catch them, what can we do? Ninja can't lay hands on civilians."
…
Similar conversations happened all over the village in the following days. Before long, the name Kakashi became the subject of much gossip and scorn.
Seiryu, in the Police Force, of course, heard about these rumors.
An investigation revealed that the source of these rumors came from businesses owned by the Utatane and Mitokado clans.
"After all these years, I thought they'd come up with something new, but it's the same old tricks," Seiryu sneered, tossing aside the investigation report.
At that moment, his office door was knocked.
"Come in," Seiryu called.
Uchiha Shisui entered.
"Deputy, is there something you need?" Shisui asked.
"Shisui, it's just us—no need to be so formal. Have a seat," Seiryu said.
"You're still the Deputy. Rules are rules," Shisui replied as he sat.
"Forget it. Here, take a look at this." Seiryu handed him the investigation report.
Shisui read it carefully, then looked up in disbelief. "Is this a misunderstanding?"
"What misunderstanding? The mastermind is clearly targeting Kakashi—just like the rumors once aimed at our clan." Seiryu smiled. "By the way, can you ask the Third what he thinks about this?"
Shisui hesitated, then said, "I trust the Third will step in to stop this."
"The Third is busy—he doesn't have time for this," Seiryu retorted. "But we can't ignore it. Kakashi is a hero of Kannabi Bridge. If we let these rumors spread, who will trust the Will of Fire? We must stop these rumors at once!"
Seeing Seiryu so passionate, Shisui got nervous. "Seiryu, what do you plan to do?"
He truly feared Seiryu might act rashly and make things worse.
"Don't worry, Shisui. I don't plan to use Police Force violence," Seiryu assured him. "I plan to have the Police Force enact a law to restrict such behavior. I want you to handle it."
"That's for the best," Shisui sighed in relief. "But does the Police Force have the authority to pass laws?"
"Of course. I checked the founding documents—the Second Hokage granted the Police Force legislative power within the village." Seiryu grinned. "So, Shisui, let's draft a proper set of laws. We can't let the Second's intentions go to waste."