Chinya explained to Danzo that if they could incite conflict between the villagers and the Uchiha Clan, they could arrest the arrogant Uchiha under the pretext of them having criminal tendencies, simply for showing any sign of aggression.
Danzo immediately showed interest and signaled Chinya to continue.
Chinya continued, "According to their duty, the Konoha Defense Unit patrols the village daily. We can arrange for some villagers who already harbor deep grievances against the Uchiha to openly criticize them within earshot of the Uchiha. As soon as the Uchiha show any reaction, we'll arrest them immediately.
After this happens a couple times, the villagers will realize the Konoha Defense Unit is backing them and won't need to fear the Uchiha Clan like before. Then they'll speak freely.
At that point, whenever the Uchiha cannot bear the insults and either curse back or strike someone, we'll arrest them again and keep them locked up for a few days. If they want early release, they must pay bail money."
Danzo asked curiously, "Bail money?"
Chinya nodded and elaborated, "Right. These aren't real crimes at all—they're only being arrested on the flimsy grounds of potential criminal behavior, so they can't be detained longer than two days at most.
Since that's the case, we may as well maximize profit. The Uchiha are never short on money, so anyone wanting early release must pay bail.
For first-time offenders, paying 100,000 ryo gets them out immediately. The second time costs 200,000, the third 300,000, and so forth, increasing incrementally.
If they actually strike someone, the bail jumps directly to 500,000 ryo for release. And so on.
Since the Konoha Defense Unit has authority to establish village regulations, let's make this bail policy the very first new rule of our New Department."
This was Chinya's clever plan to line his own pockets with wealth.
After all, the wealthiest family in Konoha was undoubtedly the Uchiha Clan.
He'd drain the Uchiha Clan's riches to fund his growing organization.
Knowing how much the Uchiha valued their honor and standing, Chinya had no doubt they'd pay up without hesitation.
After listening, Danzo also revealed a sinister smile. "Clever idea. If everything goes smoothly, the Uchiha Clan's influence in Konoha will vanish completely. No one will fear them anymore, and it will become even easier for us to suppress them.
As for imprisoning those Uchiha, just place them in Root Division. Let them taste the true terror of the Root Division's brutal environment firsthand."
When Chinya heard Danzo planned to lock up troublemaking Uchiha in Root, he became even more delighted—this meant the captured Uchiha would be even more willing to pay bail.
Danzo looked at Chinya with admiration.
Such a ruthless trick—truly suited his taste.
The old fox and the young fox shared a knowing glance before breaking into cruel laughter together.
...
Meanwhile, Minato Namikaze and Shisui Uchiha had already arrived at the Uchiha Family Estate and met Fugaku.
The three sat on the tatami mats as Fugaku Uchiha poured a cup of tea for Minato Namikaze. Smiling, he asked, "Fourth Hokage, what brings you here today?"
Minato took a sip of tea before replying, "Clan Leader Fugaku, I came today to inform you about an adjustment regarding the authority of Konoha's Security Force."
Fugaku paused mid-motion while lifting his teacup.
This was a notification from Minato—it meant the decision had already been made.
Fugaku kept his face neutral as he asked, "An adjustment to the authority of Konoha's Security Force? May I ask specifically which authorities the Fourth Hokage intends to adjust?"
Minato answered, "Concerning the establishment of village regulations and the arrest of ninja suspected of criminal activity—these two responsibilities will now be transferred to a newly established department in Konoha."
Fugaku's expression finally shifted slightly as he furrowed his eyebrows. These were, after all, the two most crucial authorities held by Konoha's Security Force.
Fugaku inquired, "Fourth Hokage, did we do something wrong? And why establish a new department to adjust the authority of the Security Force without even informing its captain?"
Minato sighed. "Clan Leader Fugaku, this decision was reached through discussions between Advisor to the Hokage, the Third, and I."
Fugaku's pupils widened slightly.
Advisor to the Hokage... Danzo?
And even Hiruzen Sarutobi went along with this?
In other words, the village's higher-ups still wanted to target the Uchiha Clan.
A deep sense of bitterness rose within Fugaku. He had already gone out of his way to be accommodating—was it too much to ask that they finally leave his clan in peace?
Minato spoke, "Clan Leader Fugaku, I understand your concerns, but rest assured—I trust you, and I'm willing to trust the Uchiha Clan. Moreover, Shisui will serve as deputy head of the new department."
Hearing that, part of Fugaku's frustration instantly eased.
If Shisui took the role, that would be a completely different story.
However...
Fugaku asked further, "Fourth Hokage, then who will be the leader of this new department?"
Minato looked away slightly before answering, "It's Chinya."
Fugaku sucked in a sharp breath.
Are you kidding me?
Who doesn't know that Chinya has always longed to exterminate every last Uchiha?
Even if Shisui became deputy head, could he really keep Chinya in check under those circumstances?
This was an open slap in the face to the Uchiha Clan.
Fugaku spoke solemnly, "Fourth Hokage, I acknowledge that our Uchiha Clan once caused great troubles for Konoha, but that was in the past. I've been striving to change my clansmen, doing my best to discipline them. If you or other high-ranking officials have any concerns, please feel free to voice them—I'll certainly try my hardest to accommodate."
Remember, the Konoha Security Force was founded by the Second Hokage. We admit the Uchiha Clan went too far in the past, but ever since we've been doing everything to live up to our role in the Konoha Security Force.
So please, Fourth, reconsider your decision and take back that order!"
"Fugaku..."
Shisui Uchiha wanted to say something in defense of Minato Namikaze, but Fugaku Uchiha shot him a sharp glare and said, "Shisui, I'm discussing matters with the Fourth right now. If you have anything to say, wait until later!"
This matter concerned the entire Uchiha Clan, so Fugaku needed to make his stance clear and do everything he could to persuade Minato Namikaze to retract his decision.
Otherwise, these fellow clansmen of his were definitely not ones to easily let things go.
After opening and closing his mouth a few times, Shisui finally decided to stay silent.
Minato sighed helplessly, "Clan Leader Fugaku, I understand your concerns—I have my own worries as well—which is why I appointed Shisui as Deputy Leader."
Fugaku Uchiha replied seriously, "Fourth, I know Shisui's good—but when it comes to handling Chinya, he's just not ready yet."
In Fugaku's opinion, unless the long-dead Madara Uchiha returned from the grave, there was absolutely no way Shisui could keep Chinya under control.
For the sake of the Uchiha Clan's interests, he had to fight tooth and nail.
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