Below the Konoha Military Police Force headquarters, all shinobi not on patrol were assembled in formation on the open plaza.
Nine squads of officers stood lined up, joined by two additional squads, one composed of the Police Force's civilian staff, the other of the guards from the Force's prison.
Together, eleven squads stood in neat rows.
At the head of each stood its captain. Where captains were absent, their deputies filled in.
The Chief's assistant led the civilian staff; the warden oversaw the prison guards.
Flanked by two deputies, Uchiha Gen walked through the Police Force's main gate and ascended the wide steps.
He refused to wear Konoha's green flak vest, he had always disliked it.
Instead, he wore a fitted black sweater, dark trousers, and a long sword at his hip. Over it all, he draped a black windbreaker embroidered with silver patterns, its high collar framing his sharp features.
Combined with his natural poise, the look radiated effortless authority.
The two deputies beside him were also dressed casually; after all, the great villages were never strict about jonin attire.
"Greetings, Chief!"
The shout rang out in unison as every shinobi bowed deeply.
For a moment, Gen's chest tightened.
He remembered when he had first arrived in this world, just another lowly officer standing in the crowd below. And now? Now he was not only Chief of the Police Force but head of the Uchiha Clan itself.
In Konoha's hierarchy, he was still a step beneath the Hokage and the village's highest elders, but his actual power rivaled Danzo and the rest of the so-called 'F4.'
"Everyone, rise," Gen said firmly.
The shinobi straightened their backs, eyes turning toward their impossibly young Minister, expectation burning in their gazes.
Gen delivered a rousing speech, rich with lofty ideals and righteous words.
People in this world loved to hear such things, and he tailored every line to stir their blood.
The effect was immediate; cheers, determination, and newfound drive rippled across the plaza.
Afterward, he retired to the office accompanied by his deputies and assistant.
The Chief's office was the largest room, with the best light and the richest furnishings. It had always belonged to the Force's head, but now the desk and chair of Uchiha Fugaku were his.
When the others departed, Gen sank into the chair, testing it. Then he frowned.
"I don't like this one. Too stiff. Get me a softer chair, one that can swivel and recline."
"Yes, Chief," the assistant said instantly.
He had no idea what such a chair was, but he would find a way. As Fugaku's former assistant, he knew he had to win Gen's approval quickly if he wanted to keep his post. This, surely, was a test.
"Chief, what would you like to drink?" he asked cautiously.
"Prepare tea, juice, coffee, and alcohol. I like to change flavors from time to time."
"Understood. And for now?"
"Coffee," Gen decided.
The assistant hurried out. Moments later, Gen was sipping a fragrant cup while leafing through Police Force records.
His first priority was information. Issuing orders without understanding was the mark of a fool. He spent the entire afternoon reviewing documents, learning the structure, finances, and day-to-day functions of his new organization.
Still, before leaving, he gave his first official order,
'All salaries below captain would be increased by twenty percent. Those of captains and above by ten percent.'
Who didn't love a raise? Cheers broke out immediately.
But it wasn't impulsive generosity. Gen had run the numbers and reviewed the budget. The Force could handle it, and the morale boost was priceless. If finances ever tightened, he had a simple solution; cut expenses in the prison.
Why should criminals eat like kings? So long as they didn't starve, that was enough.
When the day's work ended, Gen walked home through the clan compound. The winter evening was already dark, but lamps glowed warmly. He returned smiles and greetings as he passed.
At his mansion's gate, three figures waited under the lantern light.
Uchiha Mikoto stood in front, Sasuke in her arms, Itachi at her side.
"Welcome home," Mikoto said softly, her face alight with warmth.
Gen blinked, then smiled. "Mikoto-nee, there's no need to do this every day, especially in the cold."
"Understood." She looked to her sons. "Go on, greet him."
"Welcome home, Papa," the boys chorused. [T/N: Eww imagine itachi calling you papa and knowing what he did to his 'papa' loll]
Sasuke's voice, however, was reluctant. He still didn't understand why he had to call another man 'Papa' when his real father was only… away.
Gen stiffened. That was exactly what he didn't want. Becoming stepfather to Fugaku's children wasn't part of his plan.
"Mikoto-nee," he said quickly, "don't do this. Itachi and Sasuke know their real father. Just let them call me Gen nii. 'Papa' doesn't sit right with me, and I'm far too young for it."
He spoke with rare seriousness. "We're already family here. No need for forced politeness. Being natural is better."
Mikoto blinked, then her expression softened with relief. She had felt the awkwardness herself.
"Alright. You're right. Boys, try again."
"Gen-nii," they said together. This time, Sasuke didn't hesitate; it was what he had always called him before.
Gen's smile returned. "Good. Now, let's head inside."
Mikoto nodded. "Dinner is ready. Shall we eat straight away, or would you like to change first?"
"Let's eat. These two must be starving."
Her eyes warmed at his thoughtfulness. "Okay."
The four entered and went to the dining hall.
The layout matched Gen's preferences; not traditional low tables, but proper chairs around a dining table. Mikoto appeared with a basin of warm water and a towel.
"I hope these dishes suit your taste," she said gently.
Gen washed his hands and grinned. "Mikoto-nee, your cooking is excellent. I love these dishes. If you want to expand, I'll have a Shadow Clone teach you some more recipes later."
Mikoto's eyes brightened. "That would be wonderful. I know you're more skilled in the kitchen than I am."
Itachi and Sasuke washed as well, then sat properly, waiting. Their etiquette, as expected of children from a proud family, was impeccable.
Gen waited too. Only once Mikoto sat did he say, "Don't be shy. Eat whatever you like." He picked up his chopsticks first, and the others followed.
Dinner passed pleasantly.
Servants cleared the table afterward while Mikoto played with Sasuke. Itachi stayed with Gen, asking about training, even demonstrating some techniques.
Time slipped by. Soon it was bedtime.
Itachi went to bathe and rest on his own. Sasuke, still young, needed his mother's care.
After the boys were asleep, Gen bathed as well.
When he emerged, Mikoto followed.