In the top-floor conference room of the Star City's central administration tower, sunlight streamed through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the spacious, bright space and making the polished floors gleam.
Menma, dressed in his black priestly robe with red trim, sat at the head of the table. His youthful face appeared both steady and imposing in the interplay of light and shadow. Behind him stretched the blue sky and the burgeoning, prosperous city below, symbolizing the vibrant vitality of this nascent nation.
Seated along both sides of the long table were the core members of the Land of Stars: Military Minister Uchiha Hikari, Anbu Commander Hoshigaki Kisame, Finance Minister Oyashiro En, Administrative Minister Uzumaki Kanon, Justice Minister Yosei, and others. Also present were two important figures who had recently formally joined the Land of Stars: Uchiha Shisui and Hyuga Hizashi.
The atmosphere in the meeting was solemn and serious, focusing on the specific placement and integration of the large number of Uchiha and Hyuga Clan's members, ensuring their power was efficiently incorporated into the Land of Stars' system.
"To summarize, after preliminary reorganization, most Ninjas from both clans have been assigned to various units of the Star Ninja Army based on their abilities and wishes, strengthening our military power," Uchiha reported in her characteristically cool voice, her gaze sweeping over Shisui and Hizashi. "Next is the matter of constructing the internal security system."
Menma nodded slightly and took over, his voice soft but clear to everyone. "The stability of the Land of Stars relies not only on a strong military to resist external enemies but also on a comprehensive internal security system to ensure the daily safety and order of its citizens."
He looked at Shisui and Hizashi. "Shisui, you will serve as the Chief of the Police Department. Hizashi, you will be the Deputy Chief."
Upon hearing this, both Shisui and Hizashi showed slight emotion. Though they were newcomers, their clan backgrounds and personal strength had earned them respect.
However, being directly entrusted with the leadership of such an important, powerful department as the Police Department, as both the chief and deputy, was an unexpected level of trust.
Menma continued explaining: "The Police Department will be an internal security force based on strictly trained civilian police officers, with Genin and Chunin as its core backbone."
"Its responsibilities are primarily divided into two parts: First, routine public security maintenance, including town patrols, dispute mediation, preliminary investigation of criminal cases, disaster relief, etc. Second, a Special Mobile Police Force, serving as a quasi-military force responsible for dealing with troublesome bandit groups within the territory, border patrols, and assisting the military in executing some special tasks."
He emphasized one point: "It is important to note that the Police Department only has law enforcement power, meaning it is responsible for maintaining order, investigating cases, and apprehending suspects. However, the final determination of a suspect's guilt and the specific sentencing will be independently adjudicated by the judicial department."
"Without a formal arrest warrant issued by the judicial department, the Police Department's coercive measures against anyone are limited to designating them as a suspect and requesting their cooperation in the investigation, for a duration not exceeding twenty-four hours. We must ensure checks and balances of power to prevent miscarriages of justice and the abuse of rights."
Shisui listened attentively, a flash of understanding in his eyes. He nodded deeply, thinking of the Konoha's Military Police Force, which was formerly solely managed by the Uchiha Clan.
It not only handled law enforcement but also possessed some judicial powers. While this centralized power, it also accumulated many conflicts due to the lack of effective supervision, even exacerbating the estrangement between the villagers and the Uchiha Clan.
The model of separating law enforcement and judiciary proposed by Shura, though seemingly decentralizing power, was more rigorous and fair, capable of reducing many unnecessary troubles at an institutional level.
He said solemnly, "Understood, Shura-sama. Separating law enforcement power from judicial power can indeed better guarantee justice."
Hizashi also spoke: "The Hyuga Clan's Byakugan holds advantages in reconnaissance and tracking, making it very suitable for security tasks. We will spare no effort to maintain domestic stability." He too felt moved, as he hadn't expected Shura to directly entrust such an important force, combining both security and potential military reserve functions, to their two clans. This trust was weighty.
At this point, Hikari added: "Shisui, Hizashi, do not underestimate the Police Department. It is not only an internal security force but also our important military reserve. With the addition of the Uchiha and Hyuga, the Police Department's strength will be greatly enhanced. Besides being responsible for the daily security of the various provinces and counties, you must also strengthen the training of those civilian police officers."
"Most of them have undergone strict physical and discipline training, and can even refine a small amount of Chakra, but are limited by talent from reaching the level of formal Genin. However, in the future, once mass-produced Chakra Armor is widely equipped, their average combat power will be elevated to the Genin-level."
Shisui immediately grasped the deeper meaning: "So, this police force, spread throughout the nation, familiar with local conditions, and trained, is actually also the Land of Stars' military reserve force stationed everywhere. Once war breaks out, it can quickly transform into local garrison or even auxiliary combat forces."
Hizashi also had a sudden realization, deeply admiring Shura's strategic layout in his heart. This was not only trust in the two clans but also entrusting them with one of the cornerstones of national security.
Menma nodded, affirming their understanding. "Correct. The Uchiha Clan's upright character suits law enforcement, while the Hyuga Clan's decisiveness and keen perception, with the Byakugan aiding surveillance, suits internal security. I hope you can make this system operate efficiently."
His gaze swept over those present. "Both the military system and the Police Department have clear promotion processes based on ability and merit. Regardless of whether one's origin is as a Ninja or a civilian, as long as they have the ability and make contributions, they can obtain higher-level Ninjutsu and more important positions. I also hope the Uchiha and Hyuga Clans, with your foundation and experience, can discover and nurture more outstanding talents for the Land of Stars."
The meeting continued, discussing specific details of organization, equipment, and garrison allocation.
Just as the topics were nearing their end, Menma's brow twitched almost imperceptibly.
Through the [Engraved Chakra Network], he received an urgent message from Gato, who was far away in the Land of Iron.
Akatsuki's members had appeared and engaged in combat with Kakuzu.
'The Akatsuki is starting to actively contact external personnel? It seems their recruitment plan has entered a new stage.' Numerous thoughts flashed through Menma's mind instantly.
Menma quickly scanned the message content, understanding dawning on him.
He raised his hand, interrupting Yosei who was speaking, and addressed everyone: "Subsequent specific handover work regarding the Police Department will be handled by Hikari and Yosei, coordinating with Shisui and Hizashi."
Without waiting for responses, his figure blurred slightly, then vanished from the spot without a sound, leaving only faint spatial fluctuations in the air.
Land of Iron, Tsuruga Port.
Gato was hiding nervously behind a stack of cargo crates. Sensing the slight distortion in the air beside him, he quickly bowed respectfully. "Sir!"
Menma's figure materialized out of thin air. He nodded. "Status report?"
Gato promptly reported the process of the battle between Kakuzu and the two Akatsuki's members, especially detailing the situation with the Sharingan User youth.
Menma's gaze turned towards the devastated battlefield in the distance.
At that moment, the battle seemed to have just experienced a climax.
On the open ground of the port, Kakuzu looked somewhat disheveled. His black casual clothes were mostly torn, revealing pale skin beneath covered with countless fine black stitch marks.
Most horrifying was a massive, terrifying slash wound on his left flank, almost cleaving him diagonally, deep enough to see bone. An ordinary person would have died instantly.
However, the wound wasn't bleeding much. Instead, countless black, tentacle-like threads were frantically wriggling and intertwining, visibly stitching his split body back together at a remarkable rate!
Facing Kakuzu, Zabuza leaned on his sword, breathing slightly heavily, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief.
Itachi stood a bit further away, his expression grave, his Three-Tomoe Sharingan fixed intently on Kakuzu's healing wound.
It turned out that just before Menma arrived, the battle had taken a sudden turn.
Itachi, seeing Kakuzu's formidable strength and the prolonged fight, had found an excellent opportunity to use his Sharingan to cast a Genjutsu.
Kakuzu, though strong-willed, had a momentary lapse in concentration during the intense exchange with Zabuza and was pulled into the illusion.
Seizing this chance, Zabuza erupted with full power. His massive steel sword, carrying a momentum to tear everything apart, struck Kakuzu squarely in the abdomen!
That slash almost cut Kakuzu in half!
However, just as the two thought they had succeeded, a powerful Chakra Fluctuation burst forth from one of the 'hearts' within Kakuzu's body, forcibly breaking through Itachi's Genjutsu restraints!
Kakuzu roared angrily, ignoring the horrific wound on his body, and formed hand seals:
"Wind Release: Pressure Damage!"
"Fire Release: Intelligent Hard Work!"
Combination Ninjutsu!
A violent wind pressure, carrying high-temperature flames, formed a destructive area, instantly forcing back the approaching Zabuza and Itachi, who had been trying to deliver a finishing blow!
"How is this possible?! With such an injury, he can still...?" Zabuza gasped in shock, watching Kakuzu's wound rapidly healing through the wriggling black threads. This completely surpassed his understanding of 'life'.
Itachi's Sharingan spun wildly, analyzing Kakuzu's bizarre ability. 'Severe intelligence failure... This isn't conventional Medical Ninjutsu or a Substitution Technique. It's some kind of... Forbidden Jutsu that alters the essence of life. Approaching immortality...?'
He made a quick decision and shouted to Zabuza in a low voice, "Mission parameters changed! Retreat!"
Facing such an incomprehensible, bizarre opponent, continuing to engage posed extreme risks.
Zabuza, though unwilling, knew Itachi's judgment was correct. The two quickly withdrew, disappearing into the port's buildings after a few leaps.
Kakuzu watched the direction they fled, his wound already mostly healed, leaving only a ferocious pink scar of new flesh on his skin.
He was about to give chase when he sensed someone appearing beside him.
Menma materialized beside him like a ghost, his gaze calm as he watched the direction where the Akatsuki's members had vanished.
Kakuzu immediately knelt on one knee respectfully. "Sir! Should we intercept them?"
Menma shook his head and gestured for Kakuzu to rise.
"Unnecessary. Your abilities have drawn their attention, that's enough." He looked thoughtfully at the rapidly disappearing scars on Kakuzu's body.
'I didn't expect that after I recruited Kakuzu and Kisame, Momochi Zabuza would be recruited by the Akatsuki. This likely means the original Land of Waves plot is completely gone.'
He instructed Kakuzu: "Return and assist Gato with the follow-up matters. If the Akatsuki's members make contact again, don't hold back. Give them a memorable lesson, but do not proactively initiate a full-scale conflict with them for now."
"Yes! Understood, sir!" Kakuzu responded in a deep voice.
'Just as well, I was planning to visit Amegakure to investigate the traces of Jigen and Amado.' Menma took one last look in the direction where Zabuza and Itachi had disappeared and used the Flying Thunder God Technique to depart once more.