Uchiha Ryun stood up amidst the applause of the crowd and began his speech.
"Thanks to the trust of the clan leader and our clansmen, I, Uchiha Ryun, will do my best as the head of the Security Force. However, I must make one thing clear first. From now on, the members of the Security Force will not be limited to only our Uchiha clan."
The first half of his statement made everyone nod with smiles, but the second half caused some clansmen to frown. Due to Uchiha Ryun's authority and strength, no one dared to openly oppose him.
Uchiha Hirotomo simply closed his eyes. This was no longer his responsibility. Now, he only managed clan affairs and not the village, making his workload much lighter.
As for Ryun's plans, it would depend on his own abilities.
Uchiha Ryun swept his gaze across the room, taking in everyone's reactions. He smirked coldly and said, "Do you know why the villagers used to dislike us so much?"
The crowd replied, "We don't know."
Uchiha Ryun chuckled. "If you were villagers or street vendors, would you be happy if the Security Force drove you away? The villagers just want to earn some money, but they get punished for 'disturbing public order.' Do you expect them to reflect on themselves?"
"Also, when dealing with troublemakers, how do we arrest them? With a cold face, issuing warnings, and if they don't comply, resorting to force? Yes, we're following regulations, but do those people care about that?"
After Uchiha Ryun finished speaking, the clansmen were no longer as stubborn as before. Instead, they began to think carefully.
"All of you are law-abiding citizens, and we know that. But enforcing the law will inevitably make some people unhappy or rebellious. At that point, we must consider whether the law is more important or human sentiment."
"Here, I must emphasize—the law is more important! But procedures, enforcement methods, and attitudes are equally important!"
Uchiha Ryun used many new terms that the Uchiha didn't fully understand, but they found them impressive nonetheless.
"Enforcing the law will always offend those who break it. In the past, we just arrested people and took them away without a word. With so many villagers watching, how would they know what you're doing? After arresting someone, you say nothing, holding your heads high as if you're proud. What are you trying to prove?"
At this point, Uchiha Ryun slammed the table loudly.
Clan leader Uchiha Hirotomo swallowed nervously and glanced at Uchiha Ryun cautiously, thinking to himself, Brother, take it easy.
The Uchiha clansmen lowered their heads in silence because Uchiha Ryun's words perfectly described their past behavior.
"I don't care how you enforced the law before. From now on, listen carefully. When arresting someone, first identify yourselves. Later, I'll issue each of you an officer's badge. Show it before making an arrest!"
"Then loudly announce the suspect's crime so everyone knows that we, the Uchiha, are handling a case, arresting criminals, and standing on the side of the people. Understood?"
"Furthermore, no violent enforcement! Every operation must involve at least two people—one to supervise and one to enforce. If I catch anyone using violence, they're fired!"
Uchiha Ryun's tone was rough, unlike Uchiha Hirotomo's.
But this rough attitude effectively instilled fear and respect.
At this moment, an Uchiha jonin stepped forward. "Sixth Elder! Your earlier points are about internal reforms, and we agree. But what did you mean when you said the Security Force won't be limited to the Uchiha?"
Uchiha Ryun nodded and smiled. "I know. Everyone thinks the Security Force was created by the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, specifically for the Uchiha."
"But have you ever considered—that old man who always called the Uchiha 'inherently evil,' was he really that generous?"
"Enforcing the law means making enemies. The power is immense. If only one clan monopolizes it, not only will the villagers resent us, but other clans won't accept it either. You take all the meat and leave nothing for others?"
"Do you think you're Uchiha Madara?" Uchiha Ryun openly mentioned Madara's name, causing the crowd to gasp in shock, their eyes flashing with guilt.
In the Land of Water
Uchiha Madara sneezed and frowned. "The weather's getting cold. Black Zetsu! Go chop firewood!"
"Yes, Lord Madara!" Black Zetsu then sank into the ground and disappeared.
Back at the Clan Meeting
Uchiha Ryun scanned the crowd. "Since the power of law enforcement is great but also creates many enemies, let other clans join in to share the burden. We'll retain the top leadership and ensure over half of the members are our own."
"Some might worry about clansmen losing their jobs. The solution is simple. I'll apply to the Hokage for expanded temporary positions. These will have the same benefits as official ones but serve as auxiliary officers. Later, the clan will encourage entrepreneurship. When the time is right, we'll either promote these temporary officers or transition them into business."
Before implementing reforms, Uchiha Ryun had already considered many aspects. The Security Force was indeed a privilege granted to the Uchiha by the Second Hokage, but monopolizing it without sharing any benefits was detrimental to unity.
Thus, he explained everything at the clan meeting first. Any objections had to be raised openly, not whispered behind his back later.
The Uchiha shinobi exchanged glances. The Sixth Elder's plan was thorough, and they couldn't find any flaws. The reasoning was clear.
Power would still remain with the Uchiha, but some official positions would be given to other clans. Existing Security Force members would lose their official status but retain their benefits.
After some thought, they realized this was all for the clan's sake. One by one, they raised their hands in agreement. Once the proposal was reported to Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi the next day, Uchiha Ryun would officially take office as the head of the Uchiha Security Force—no, the Konoha Security Force!
The meeting lasted until midnight. After rewards were given and promotions announced, everyone finally left the hall.
Uchiha Hirotomo smiled and said, "Ryun, is it really impossible for the Security Force to remain entirely under our control?"
"Clan Leader Hirotomo, I understand your feelings. But the truth is, monopolizing power never ends well. Surely, as clan leader, you understand this better than I do?" Uchiha Ryun's gaze carried a hint of suspicion.
How did you even become clan leader if you don't grasp such a basic principle?
Uchiha Hirotomo did understand—better than anyone. But power was intoxicating. Having complete control over legislation, enforcement, and judgment within the Uchiha clan was an unmatched privilege.
He was just pretending to be ignorant. Sighing, he patted Uchiha Ryun's shoulder.
"Ryun, I'll leave the future of the Uchiha to you. As for those who bullied you before, I've already had them arrested. You decide how to deal with them."
Uchiha Ryun glanced at him, surprised. Truthfully, the recent war and negotiations had made him forget about the original host's bullying.
He hadn't expected Uchiha Hirotomo to remember and even offer him the chance to handle it.
"Clan Leader Hirotomo, you've planned this well. Then, have those shinobi exiled to the borders to guard Konoha's frontiers," Uchiha Ryun said with a smile.
"That's it?" Uchiha Hirotomo had thought Ryun would personally punish or even kill them. But this was the result?
"What else? Kill them? That's unnecessary. Let them train hard at the borders. Maybe one day, they'll bring glory to the Uchiha!" Uchiha Ryun laughed.
Indeed, the higher one's position, the broader their perspective. Uchiha Hirotomo felt both pleased and conflicted. In some ways, Ryun seemed more suited to be clan leader than he was.