The headquarters of the Uchiha Police Force stood tall at the heart of the Uchiha Clan's territory—a grand structure exuding authority.
Uchiha Haru took a deep breath and stepped through the main entrance.
Inside the spacious hall, several Uchiha clansmen in uniform bustled about.
As Haru entered, a young officer on reception duty looked up, a flash of surprise in his eyes.
"What's your business, kid?"
"My name is Uchiha Haru. I'm here to submit my application to join the Police Force," Haru said, retrieving a prepared application form from inside his clothes.
"Uchiha Haru?" The officer blinked in recognition, glancing at Haru a few more times.
Lately, the clan had been buzzing with rumors about that name.
He took the form and skimmed it. "According to the rules, you're supposed to be at least an Elite Chunin to apply."
"I know the rules."
"I'm confident in my strength and hope to be given a chance to prove it."
Haru's eyes radiated unwavering confidence.
The officer was taken aback by his aura. After a brief hesitation, he replied, "To take the test early, you need a recommendation from someone at squad leader level or above… or you'll need to demonstrate exceptional potential during the strength assessment."
"I'll take the test," Haru responded without the slightest hesitation.
He had already done his homework before coming.
The so-called preliminary test was simple—just a measurement of Chakra quantity and basic ninjutsu proficiency.
With his current Elite Chunin capabilities, passing would be a breeze.
"Alright, follow me," the officer said, nodding and leading Haru toward a small testing field beside the main hall.
Inside, a stern-looking middle-aged man leaned casually against the wall, eyes closed.
He wore the uniform of a Police Force Squad Leader.
"Squad Leader Tetsuka, this kid's name is Uchiha Haru. He wants to apply for early admission," the officer reported respectfully.
Uchiha Tetsuka slowly opened his eyes. His sharp gaze locked onto Haru like a hawk scanning its prey.
"Uchiha Haru?" he repeated, his tone low, as if recalling something.
"The one stirring up all the buzz in the clan lately?"
"Yes, Squad Leader."
Haru remained calm, meeting his gaze without flinching.
[Uchiha Tetsuka, Strength: Jonin (Advanced), Loyalty: 70% (to the Clan), 5% (to the Host).]
Haru understood immediately—his "reputation" had clearly reached the ears of the upper ranks.
"Kid, the assessment isn't a game."
"If you're just riding on luck or some cheap tricks, you'd better go home. The Police Force isn't a place for just anyone."
"Whether it's luck or not, we'll see in the test," Haru replied with a confident smile.
"Hah! You've got guts, kid." Uchiha Tetsuka chuckled and nodded. "Then let's see if you're worth that confidence."
He pointed to a Chakra testing crystal in the center of the field. "Place your Chakra into that."
Haru stepped forward as instructed, placing his right hand on the crystal and slowly channeling his Chakra.
Bzzzzzt—!
The crystal ball instantly lit up with a dazzling blue glow. The brightness and range far surpassed a typical Genin, even exceeding that of many seasoned Chunin!
"Hmm?" Tetsuka narrowed his eyes, a hint of surprise appearing on his face.
That Chakra level—definitely Elite Chunin.
A twelve-year-old Elite Chunin—even in the Uchiha Clan, that was a prodigy.
"Not bad," Tetsuka nodded, his condescending tone fading. "Now show me your best Fire Style technique."
Haru inhaled deeply and rapidly formed hand seals.
"Fire Style: Dragon Fire Technique!"
A fierce dragon of flame roared from his mouth, spiraling through the air before hitting the target dead-on.
Boom!
The target was obliterated.
Everything about the technique—the power, the form, the accuracy—was flawless.
Tetsuka's pupils contracted slightly.
As a Fire Style expert himself, he could tell just how refined that Dragon Fire Technique was.
This was beyond what an average Chunin could pull off.
The receptionist was dumbfounded.
He had assumed Haru was just some cocky brat. He hadn't expected him to be this capable!
Haru's power even exceeded his own. While his combat experience might still fall short, the sheer power of his ninjutsu was on another level.
"Excellent."
"Your strength qualifies you for the test. Application approved. The assessment will be held in three days. Someone will inform you of the details."
"Thank you, Squad Leader Tetsuka," Haru bowed slightly.
"No need to thank me. The Police Force only recognizes strength," Tetsuka waved him off. "I look forward to seeing what surprises you bring in the real test."
There was a rare hint of genuine appreciation and anticipation in Tetsuka's gaze.
Haru nodded silently and turned to leave the field.
The first hurdle had been cleared.
What came next was the real deal—the formal assessment to join the Police Force!
He needed to show strength that no one could deny.
"I can reveal the Sharingan, but I mustn't overuse genjutsu—especially anything involving mental interference."
"With Fire Style, I can show control above a standard Elite Chunin, but I can't expose my 'mastery of it.'"
"In taijutsu, I should stay within Elite Chunin level but still display sharp combat instincts and reaction speed."
As he walked, Haru calmly reviewed his strategy.
The upper echelons of Konoha, especially Danzo, had always been wary of the Uchiha Clan.
Any clan member who showed too much "talent" was immediately flagged for surveillance—or worse.
In fact, every year, many promising Uchiha with awakened Sharingans mysteriously died during missions.
These were all high-potential individuals.
Haru had no intention of joining them.
Power had to be wielded with precision.
Until he had absolute control, low profile was the way to go. Time to develop in the shadows for a bit.
Once his strength was undeniable—even wiping out Danzo wouldn't provoke retaliation. Not even the Third Hokage would dare.