When Danzo proposed that Orochimaru and Chinya should fully join Root, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Minato Namikaze both immediately refused.
Chinya and Orochimaru are among the most respected ninja in Konoha. Having them join Root would mean a loss for Minato.
Minato thought for a moment, then said, "Chinya can serve as head of this new department, but I believe there should also be a deputy leader to manage it jointly."
Danzo asked curiously, "Then who do you intend to appoint as this deputy?"
Minato decisively replied, "Shisui Uchiha!"
At hearing that name, not only did Danzo frown, but even Hiruzen Sarutobi (The Third) furrowed his brow.
This new department was specifically created to check the Uchiha Clan's influence—how could they possibly allow an Uchiha member to join?
Minato explained, "Third Hokage, Advisor, hear me out first. If Chinya is placed in this department, based on how authority will be divided, the Uchiha Clan will clearly perceive this unit as being established specifically to counter and constrain them.
We've only just begun establishing lines of trust with the Uchiha Clan. Suddenly creating another department directly targeting them would instantly destroy all that fragile trust we've built.
The Uchiha Clan may not be fully trustworthy now, but that doesn't mean they can't be in the future. If the Uchiha truly seek change, then this new department could completely erase any chance of reform.
Since Chinya will be our department head, we need someone who can reassure the Uchiha Clan and provide them a sense of security.
Shisui—being a Uchiha, serving as one of the Hokage's personal guards, and having transcended narrow clan interests—is the most suitable choice."
Hiruzen contemplated briefly, then nodded. "Indeed, there is wisdom in your words. Since we have chosen Chinya as the leader, we must give the Uchiha Clan sufficient assurance. Appointing Shisui as deputy leader is indeed appropriate."
Danzo considered the matter carefully. It seemed that if Chinya were to lead this new department, then having Shisui as deputy had become necessary.
In Danzo's view, Chinya would easily dominate Shisui.
Thus, he agreed, "Fine, I consent."
Minato nodded decisively. "Then we shall name this new unit the Konoha Defense Unit. Its role will be drafting village policies and apprehending ninja suspected of misconduct or criminal behavior. The initial members will include some from Root, some from ANBU, and additional recruits.
The commander will be Chinya, with Shisui Uchiha serving as deputy commander. They will jointly oversee all operations.
Third Hokage, Advisor, is there anything else you'd like to add?"
Hiruzen nodded again. "Then let it be decided."
Danzo also agreed. "Very well. This must be executed swiftly and implemented without delay. I will immediately begin arranging for Root ninja to join the Konoha Defense Unit. Fourth Hokage, please handle your part quickly as well."
With that, Danzo rose and immediately left the Hokage office.
After Danzo left, Minato Namikaze sighed. "This Advisor to the Hokage truly despises the Uchiha."
Hiruzen Sarutobi replied helplessly, "Yes, you could say Danzo is the one who hates the Uchiha Clan the most in Konoha. But when it comes to matters concerning the Uchiha, Danzo always puts himself in Konoha's perspective.
After all, we already had previous incidents as warnings. The Uchiha seriously overstepped their bounds in Konoha before, forcing me and Danzo to take extremely harsh stances against them.
Danzo does have a point—we do need to take precautions in case something happens with the Uchiha.
Minato, handling affairs regarding the Konoha Defense Unit will be your responsibility going forward."
Minato smiled slightly. "That's fine. As long as it benefits Konoha, everything will be worth it. Though, I guess I should head over to the Uchiha compound sometime soon."
After discussing specific details about the Konoha Defense Unit with Hiruzen Sarutobi, Minato bid him farewell.
Once Hiruzen had also departed, Minato summoned Shisui Uchiha.
Shisui knelt on one knee before Minato. "Lord Hokage!"
Minato addressed him, "Shisui, sit down. I have something I'd like to discuss with you."
Shisui then took a seat.
Minato explained, "Shisui, after discussions between myself, the Third, and the Hokage's Advisor, we've decided to establish a new department in Konoha called the Konoha Defense Unit. This unit will be responsible for setting village regulations and arresting ninja suspected of potential criminal activity."
Shisui asked in surprise, "Doesn't this authority overlap with part of what the Konoha Security Force already has?"
Minato nodded. "Exactly. So those particular authorities of the Konoha Security Force will no longer exist."
Shisui looked confused.
He didn't get why Minato created this new department—or why he was the one being told about it.
Shouldn't this matter be discussed with Fugaku Uchiha instead?
Sighing, Minato explained, "Shisui, the Konoha Security Force held too much power in the past. The Uchiha once abused that power, causing people throughout Konoha to resent your clan."
Shisui bit his lip slightly—he understood exactly what Minato meant. In the past, the Uchiha indeed misused their authority over the Konoha Security Force.
Many were arrested and detained simply for muttering one negative comment about the Uchiha behind their backs, branded as potential criminals without much evidence.
"I do understand you, Lord Hokage," Shisui responded.
Minato smiled gently. "I'm glad you can understand. And the leadership of the new Konoha Defense Unit will go to Chinya."
Stunned, Shisui stared at Minato in disbelief.
Appointing Chinya to lead a newly formed military body responsible for establishing rules and arresting suspected criminals—
Didn't this look exactly like a move targeting the Uchiha?
If Danzo was the top enemy of the Uchiha, then Chinya was definitely next.
Minato Namikaze smiled bitterly. "Do you feel like I'm targeting the Uchiha Clan?"
Shisui Uchiha regained his composure and lowered his head. "I never thought that, Hokage-sama."
Minato sighed helplessly. "Actually, it's normal for you to think that way. The original purpose of creating the New Department was indeed to keep the Uchiha Clan in check. After all, our troubled history with them is well known — that's why the department was formed.
However, this New Department isn't specifically targeting the Uchiha Clan. As long as your clansmen behave themselves, nothing untoward will happen. After all, besides Root Division ninja joining the New Department, I will also assign Anbu ninja there. I won't let Root or Chinya run wild.
Most importantly… Shisui, I've already recommended you to become the deputy leader of this new department."
Shisui Uchiha shot his head up and stared at Minato Namikaze in disbelief.
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