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The moment Danzō suggested fully integrating Orochimaru and Qianyu into Root, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Minato Namikaze both said, "No."
Qianyu and Orochimaru were now among the most prestigious ninja in Konoha. Having them join Root would be a direct loss for Minato.
Minato considered for a moment. "Qianyu can lead the new department. But I want to establish a deputy leader position. Both will manage it jointly."
"Who do you intend for the deputy?" Danzō asked.
Minato didn't hesitate. "Uchiha Shisui."
That name made not only Danzō frown, but Hiruzen as well.
This new department was meant to check the Uchiha clan. Why appoint an Uchiha to it?
"Lord Third, Advisor," Minato explained. "Hear me out. If Qianyu joins this new department, given its stated authority, the Uchiha will see it for what it is—a measure created specifically to constrain them. We've only just built a fragile bridge of trust. Establishing a department targeting them now would shatter it instantly."
He leaned forward. "We cannot fully trust the Uchiha now. That doesn't mean we can't trust them in the future. If the clan is genuinely seeking change, this department would destroy that chance before it even begins. Since Qianyu will be the leader, we need someone to reassure the clan. To give them a sense of security."
He looked at both men. "That candidate must be an Uchiha, a member of the Hokage's Guard, and someone who has risen above clan-centric thinking. Shisui is perfect."
Hiruzen pondered, then nodded slowly. "Hm. There is logic to that. If Qianyu leads the new department, we must provide the Uchiha with security. Having Shisui as the deputy… it is suitable."
Danzō thought it over. It seemed, for now, if Qianyu was to lead, Shisui had to be the deputy. In Danzō's view, Qianyu could control Shisui easily enough. Absolutely no problem.
If that was the case…
"Very well," Danzō said with a curt nod. "I agree."
Minato acknowledged. "Then the new department will be called the Leaf Village Defense Force. Its authority: to establish village regulations and arrest ninja with criminal tendencies. The first members will be drawn partly from Root, partly from the ANBU, with additional recruitment. The leader is Qianyu. The deputy leader is Uchiha Shisui. They will manage it jointly."
He looked at the other two. "Lord Third, Advisor. Do you have anything to add?"
Hiruzen gave a final nod. "Let it be done."
"It is acceptable," Danzō stated. "This matter must be handled quickly. Implemented immediately. I will now arrange for Root members to join the Defense Force. Fourth Hokage, please expedite your arrangements."
Without another word, Danzō stood and left the office.
Once he was gone, Minato sighed. "The Hokage's Advisor truly holds a grudge against the Uchiha."
"He does," Hiruzen said, his tone weary. "You could say Danzō is the most hostile toward the clan in all of Konoha. But on the Uchiha issue, he also acts from what he believes is the village's perspective. We have precedent, after all. The Uchiha's past actions in Konoha were… excessive. It forced me and Danzō to adopt extreme countermeasures."
He met Minato's gaze. "Danzō isn't entirely wrong. We do need preparations. Contingencies. Just in case. Minato, the matter of the Defense Force… I leave it in your hands."
Minato offered a tired smile. "It's fine. If it benefits Konoha, it's worth it. Though it seems I'll need to pay a visit to the Uchiha compound."
The two Hokages discussed a few more details about the new department before Hiruzen took his leave.
Once alone, Minato summoned Uchiha Shisui.
Shisui knelt on one knee before the Hokage's desk. "Lord Hokage!"
"Shisui. Sit. There's something I need to discuss with you."
Shisui sat, posture attentive.
"Shisui," Minato began. "After discussions between myself, Lord Third, and the Hokage's Advisor, we've decided to establish a new department in Konoha. It will be called the Leaf Village Defense Force. Its authority is to establish village regulations and arrest ninja with criminal tendencies."
Shisui's eyes widened slightly. "That authority… it overlaps with part of the Konoha Military Police Force's duties."
"Correct," Minato confirmed. "Therefore, those two specific authorities will be removed from the Police Force."
Shisui was confused. He didn't understand why the Hokage was creating this department. More importantly, why was the Hokage telling him? Shouldn't this be discussed with Uchiha Fugaku?
Minato sighed. "Shisui, the authority held by the Konoha Military Police was too great. In the past, the Uchiha clan… abused that authority. It turned the villagers' sentiment against them."
Shisui pressed his lips together. It was true. The old Uchiha clan had wielded their power recklessly. A single muttered criticism could land someone in a cell for "criminal tendencies."
"I understand, Lord Hokage," Shisui said quietly.
"I'm glad you do." Minato's expression softened. "The leader of the Leaf Village Defense Force will be Qianyu."
Shisui stared at Minato, his face a mask of stunned disbelief.
Qianyu. Leading a new department with the power to make rules and make arrests. It looked like a direct, blatant move against the Uchiha. If Danzō was the clan's number one anti-fan, Qianyu was a solid second.
Minato gave a wry, almost pained smile. "You think I'm targeting the Uchiha clan, don't you?"
Shisui snapped back to himself and lowered his head. "I would never think that, Lord Hokage."
"You should think that," Minato said, his voice earnest. "It's the normal reaction. The original intent behind this department is to act as a check on the Uchiha. Their history is what it is. That's why the department was proposed."
He held Shisui's gaze. "But this department is not only for the Uchiha. As long as your clansmen abide by the rules, nothing will happen. The department won't be composed solely of Root members. I will place ANBU within it as well, to ensure neither Root nor Qianyu act arbitrarily."
He paused, letting the words sink in. "And most importantly, Shisui… I have recommended you for the position of Deputy Leader of the new department."
Shisui's head jerked up. He stared at Minato, utterly speechless.
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