Inside the Police Force, everyone was silent as cicadas in winter.
Everyone couldn't help but shiver as they watched Uchiha Hatchodai speak so directly.
Many Genin who had prepared to come and air their grievances subconsciously changed their minds; no one dared to provoke the angry old man.
However, the problem was...
It was originally an easy matter to resolve, but after Uchiha Jin issued the new regulations, they truly couldn't handle such complicated affairs!
But, there was no choice!
Compared to being chewed out by Uchiha Hatchodai, it was better to be nagged at by those 'troublemakers' for a while.
Only the Genin standing at the door, though his face was filled with terror, still plucked up the courage to speak: "Elder Hatchodai, the Anbu delivered a notice, hoping that the head of the police force would go to the Hokage Office."
In response to this,
Uchiha Hatchodai, upon hearing these words, instantly calmed his expression of anger.
The Hokage summoned him?
He had actually anticipated this in his heart, as although the Police Force procedures had become standardized, few problems were actually resolved, and those troublemakers would surely go complain at the Hokage Building.
However.
Although he was assigned to manage the Police Force, he was not actually the head of the police force, so after a brief contemplation, he said, "I understand. You may leave."
The Genin heard this and felt like he had received a great pardon.
Meanwhile, on the other side.
Uchiha Hatchodai pondered for a long time, but still decided to consult with Uchiha Jin.
A moment later.
He returned once again to the Uchiha Clan Compound and found Uchiha Jin, who was currently training.
Uchiha Jin heard this and immediately said, "Since the Hokage is looking for the head of the police force, let Fugaku go."
Uchiha Hatchodai looked utterly confused by this.
"Fugaku?"
"Will that—will that work?"
Facing the astonished Hachidai, Uchiha Jin remained completely calm: "Fugaku is still the Clan Head, and the Village hasn't revoked his position as head of the police force."
"You are just a Clan Elder, and I am just an ordinary Chunin. Hokage-sama is looking for the head of the police force. If you don't let Fugaku handle it, who will?"
Uchiha Jin shrugged.
However.
Looking at Uchiha Hatchodai, who still couldn't grasp the situation, he couldn't help but sigh internally. The Uchiha truly weren't good at handling these kinds of issues.
After rubbing his brow, he began to explain.
"Elder Hatchodai, you must remember one thing!"
"Our goal is not to solve problems, but to cause as much trouble for the Village as possible. The busier the Village is, the less attention they'll pay to us."
"So, does it matter if Fugaku has authority? Since Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't explicitly ask for me, then let Fugaku, the head of the police force, go."
"As for whether Fugaku can solve the problem, what the hell does that have to do with us!"
"As long as we ensure the procedures are correct and nothing goes wrong, and Konoha Leadership has no evidence to hold against us, then everything else is none of our business!"
After hearing this explanation, Uchiha Hatchodai had a sudden realization.
So—this is how you play the game?
He nodded and chose to take his leave immediately.
However.
When he found Fugaku, who was idle at home, Fugaku was dumbfounded by the news: "I'm damn well retired at home! What does this have to do with me?"
"Just listen to Jin, treat it as a favor." Uchiha Hatchodai said, his face full of helplessness: "Even if you're idle at home, you still have to live within the clan, right?"
"It's not wrong to maintain a good relationship with Jin. You know Itachi's thoughts very well; he will cause major trouble sooner or later."
"Since you can't solve Itachi's problem, if you establish a good relationship with Jin now, it will be easier for you to plead for him later."
"What do you say?"
Fugaku fell silent, unable to retort.
Itachi's situation was indeed a headache for him, especially recently, being idle at home. Only after truly focusing his attention on Itachi did he realize how significant his son's problems were!
Especially after joining the Anbu, he had practically become a fanatic loyalist of Hiruzen Sarutobi!
Yes.
Although Hiruzen Sarutobi made Itachi and Shisui spies, the problem was that Uchiha clansmen simply weren't capable of it. Their minds lacked sophistication and they didn't understand acting. Previously, Fugaku was busy worrying about clan and Village messes and didn't have time to care about Itachi's growth.
Now, being idle at home, he instantly noticed the issue!
But, unfortunately.
Itachi's ideology was already set; even if he intervened, it was already too late.
"Alright, I understand!"
Fugaku took a deep breath and immediately headed toward the Hokage Building.
It's just a matter of fooling them; Fugaku is experienced in this!
He used to fool people within the clan all the time. Now, even dealing with Konoha Leadership, he felt completely capable.
Meanwhile, on the other side.
Watching Fugaku leave in the distance, Uchiha Hatchodai's eyes were complicated.
He had felt a bit of sympathy for Fugaku before, but now, looking at him idle at home—his face ruddy and glowing, his brow free of worry—he looked several years younger than before.
What about himself?
The Police Force's messes were endless, and he had developed dark circles from staying up.
But—he had to endure!
He hoped Uchiha Jin truly had the ability to change the Uchiha's situation... Twenty minutes later.
Fugaku arrived at the Hokage Office, but Hiruzen Sarutobi's face was dark!
Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was smoking while wearing the Hokage Hat, nearly cursed out loud the moment he saw Fugaku.
What the hell, are they sick?
Shisui and Itachi were his spies. Did they really think he didn't know that Fugaku had no power and had long been kicked out to stay idle at home?
What was the point of him talking to Fugaku?
However.
Considering the message he sent to the Anbu, he did seem to have asked for the head of the police force. And although Fugaku had been stripped of power, apparently the two positions—head of the police force and Clan Head—had not yet been revoked by Uchiha Jin... Fine!
Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed, then tapped the desk directly.
"Anbu!"
"Hokage-sama!"
The Anbu hiding in the corner appeared and immediately knelt on one knee.
Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep breath: "Go find Uchiha Jin for me. Make absolutely sure you don't get the name wrong!"
The Anbu bowed and immediately departed.
Fugaku felt extremely awkward about this, but his composure was decent, and he maintained his poker face.
In short... the main point was: as long as he wasn't embarrassed, the one who was embarrassed must be the other person!
In response to this,
Hiruzen Sarutobi lowered his head to handle paperwork, completely ignoring Fugaku in front of him.
He outright ignored him, pretending he didn't exist!
Twenty minutes later.
Uchiha Jin arrived at the Hokage Office. After greeting Fugaku first, he spoke in a very respectful tone: "Hokage-sama, what do you need me for?"
Only then did Hiruzen Sarutobi look up.
His gaze toward Uchiha Jin was very profound, and then he spoke in an extremely serious tone: "What exactly is going on with the Police Force? Why aren't you handling the villagers' problems?"
"I'm not the head of the police force, what the hell does that have to do with me!"
Uchiha Jin rolled his eyes and immediately retorted without thinking.