Just like Uchiha Kō did moments ago, one strike to the mouth instantly stripped Sarutobi Ōkawa of his ability to curse or beg for mercy.
The second strike hit the legs, cutting off his retreat and eliminating any possibility of escape.
The third strike hit the head, crushing his will to resist and making the subsequent arrest and interrogation a natural progression.
The entire sequence of movements was executed in one smooth motion without the slightest hesitation, perfectly meeting Uchiha Natsume's requirements and flawlessly embodying the true essence of 'Iron-Blooded Law Enforcement.'
And this was exactly the effect Xia Yin wanted—to use the most direct and brutal methods to make everyone in Konoha understand that the law is not a decoration and law enforcement is not a game.
Anyone who dares to provoke the rules will pay an unbearable price.
Two Guard Members immediately stepped forward, pinning Sarutobi Ōkawa to the ground like a helpless chick, rendering him unable to move.
Uchiha Kō walked slowly to him, looking down from above. He opened the law manual again, his tone still cold but carrying a heart-palpitating killing intent: "Sarutobi Ōkawa, did you think this was the end?"
"According to Article 37 of the new konoha penal code: Resisting law enforcement and violent assault on police will result in a compounded sentence;"
"Article 45 states: Insulting law enforcement personnel and desecrating the dignity of the law will be punished severely;"
"Article 74 states: Publicly provoking Konoha's laws with heinous circumstances will result in a heavy sentence. For multiple crimes combined, do you plead guilty?"
Sarutobi Ōkawa lay prone on the ground, his whole body trembling, eyes full of pleading. However, due to his mouth injury, he couldn't even make a sound to beg for mercy.
"According to Article 125 of the law," Uchiha Kō's voice remained flat, "you are sentenced to finger amputation and one day of hanging—hanging you in the center of Konoha Plaza for everyone to see the consequences of provoking the law!"
He paused, his crimson Sharingan flashing with a sharp light: "Furthermore, you publicly resisted with violence and had a vile attitude. I have sufficient reason to suspect you of intending to defect from the village or being a spy who infiltrated Konoha from another village."
"Someone, take him back to the Military Police Force for strict interrogation! After the interrogation is over, execute the punishment according to the law!"
"Yes!"
The two Guard Members obeyed in unison, ruthlessly drawing their batons and smashing them down hard against Sarutobi Ōkawa's other two limbs.
Crack! Crack! Two crisp sounds rang out. All of Sarutobi Ōkawa's limbs were broken, completely losing any possibility of resistance.
The Guard Members dragged him by his arms like a corpse, hauling him up and walking toward the exit of the tavern.
Sarutobi Ōkawa's eyes were filled with endless fear and despair. He made muffled whimpering sounds, no longer possessing even a hint of his former arrogance.
Outside the tavern, the onlookers were already frozen with fear, their faces pale.
That bloody scene, the clear sound of bones snapping, and the merciless beating were branded into everyone's hearts.
They watched the backs of the three Military Police Force members leaving, looking at those handsome yet majestic uniforms, their eyes filled with deep fear and an indescribable sense of awe.
Uchiha Kō stopped, turned around, and swept his gaze across the crowd. He held the law manual high: "Look closely! Everything I have done is strictly according to Konoha's laws. There is evidence to check and a legal basis to follow!"
His voice suddenly rose, carrying a powerful deterrent: "From this day forward, anyone who dares to provoke Konoha's laws, or dares to insult or resist law enforcement personnel, will end up just like him!"
"If anyone dares to spread rumors or maliciously smear the Military Police Force, they will be handled as a spy!"
"Some of you might think our enforcement is too harsh." Uchiha Kō's gaze landed on those in the crowd showing dissatisfaction, his tone icy. "But let me ask you—if your Clan members were the ones harassed and harmed by a drunkard today, if your wife was raped by a drunk, or if your shop was smashed, and the law enforcement officers ignored it because of the other party's Clan influence, what would you think?"
These words hit everyone's hearts like a heavy hammer.
The villagers looked at each other. The fear on their faces gradually faded, replaced by a sense of agreement.
That's right! Those who used their Clan influence to commit crimes in the past should have been dealt with long ago!
Seeing the silence of the crowd, Uchiha Kō nodded in satisfaction. He closed the law manual, put it back in his pocket, and turned to leave with his team.
The sunlight remained bright. On the ground outside the tavern, only a pool of blood, shattered teeth, and overturned tables and chairs remained.
The onlookers slowly dispersed, their faces carrying complex expressions—fear, awe, and a hint of expectation for the future.
They knew that the order of Konoha had truly changed.
And the initiator of this change, the man named Uchiha Natsume, was using his Military Police Force to deeply brand the majesty of the law into every corner of Konoha.
At the same time, the atmospheres of the Hokage Building and the Uchiha Clan Compound were like opposite poles of fire and ice.
Inside the Hokage's Office, Hiruzen Sarutobi clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles turning white. His face was so dark it looked like it could drip water.
The news of Sarutobi Ōkawa being taken away by the Military Police Force was like a needle stabbed deep into his heart.
That was not just a member of the Sarutobi Clan; it was direct proof that his power was being challenged—Uchiha Natsume was using a member of the Sarutobi Clan to establish the authority of his new law!
Yet, he was completely helpless.
The scene of the new law being posted kept replaying in his mind. On those black-and-white papers, his signature for "Approved and Effective" was clearly printed. Now that the law had spread throughout Konoha, everyone knew these were rules recognized by the Hokage.
If he rashly went to the Uchiha clan to demand the person now, it would be no different from slapping his own face and admitting he went back on his word. Furthermore, it would confirm the charge of "violating the Second Hokage's legacy," causing his already precarious authority to collapse completely.
"Bastard! Uchiha Natsume!" Hiruzen cursed in a low voice, his chest heaving violently. A surge of anger was suppressed in his heart, burning his internal organs until they ached.
He hated Xia Yin's ruthlessness, he hated his own compromise, and he hated this unsolvable situation even more.
After thinking it over, Hiruzen finally thought of the only breakthrough.
He suddenly looked up at the Anbu standing in the corner like a statue, his voice carrying suppressed rage: "Go invite the Clan Head of the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Fugaku, to the Hokage Building."
The Anbu wore a cold animal mask, showing no emotion. He merely bowed slightly and responded respectfully: "Yes, Hokage-sama!"
As the words fell, the figure disappeared from the office like a ghost, leaving only a faint sound of wind.
Hiruzen slumped into his chair, rubbing his brow tiredly.
He knew this was the only way left.
Although Fugaku had been sidelined by Xia Yin, he was still the titular Uchiha clan Chief...
Advance chapter available on pãtrêon Got1808