NOVEL NEXT Chapter 23: Executing The Plan
-----
"Ah, I see!"
The Fourth Elder and the others finally understood after hearing the explanation.
So, there was a solution.
If that's the case, they had no objections!
Immediately, they all expressed their full support for Uchiha Jiri's reforms.
Before long, the Uchiha clan began executing Uchiha Jiri's plans.
---
[Clan Academy]: Uchiha Jiri temporarily assigned the preparations to the Second and Fourth Elders.
[Police Force]: The Third Elder was tasked with restructuring it.
First, they would form an elite unit and reorganize the department's structure:
-Third Division: Focused on mediating minor disputes and other public services, this would also be the division open to outsiders.
-Second Division: In charge of the detention facilities.
-First Division: To handle and adjudicate more significant cases.
Two days later, the reorganization of the Uchiha Police Force headquarters was completed.
Outside the building, a massive public notice board was erected. On it, were details about the reforms and recruitment information.
The benefits were clearly outlined—and they were quite attractive.
There was no need to risk life and limb on dangerous missions. Instead, patrol the village, mediate disputes, and address minor violations—all for a decent salary. It was a far better deal than risking your life on missions outside the village!
To spread the word, Uchiha Jiri even had the Third Elder post the reforms and recruitment notices on the bulletin board in front of the Hokage's Office.
Naturally, this quickly caught the attention of civilian shinobi and members of smaller clans, and the news spread like wildfire.
---
The Village's Reaction
Soon, many civilian and small-clan shinobi were buzzing with discussion:
"Reforming the Police Force and opening up positions to outsiders? Really?"
"Isn't the Police Force traditionally Uchiha-only? Why are they suddenly recruiting outsiders?"
"Who knows? Maybe they're short-staffed. My neighbor said Uchiha patrols have been scarce lately, and lots of disputes are going unresolved!"
"Is that true?"
"Absolutely! I heard it too, though I don't know the details."
"Well, it makes sense. The village has expanded so much in recent years, and the population has grown significantly. It's no wonder the Police Force is understaffed."
"Heh, while you're all chatting, I'm heading over to apply! This is a golden opportunity—better hurry before the positions are filled!"
"Wait for me! I'm coming too!"
"Me too!"
"Hold on, are you serious? This is the Uchiha Police Force we're talking about! They're not exactly known for being friendly!"
"You clearly don't know what you're talking about. Sure, the Uchiha act aloof, but anyone who's worked with them on missions knows they're reliable and strong. Wait up—I'm coming too!"
Before long, a growing crowd of civilian and small-clan shinobi made their way to the Police Force headquarters.
Even members of medium and large clans' branch families began to act.
---
Hokage's Office
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's Office, Sarutobi Hiruzen sat with Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado.
"Good grief! The Uchiha really stirred up a storm this time!"
Hiruzen wasn't sure whether to feel relieved or frustrated.
On one hand, the Uchiha's willingness to open the Police Force to outsiders was a positive sign. It meant they were beginning to integrate with the village.
On the other hand, it also presented an opportunity for the village to infiltrate the Police Force and keep tabs on the Uchiha's activities.
But this move also undermined the strategies devised by the Second Hokage. It was clear that someone within the Uchiha had seen through those plans and was now maneuvering to discard the traps while reaping the benefits.
"Uchiha Jiri... The legendary figure who quelled the clan's civil war single-handedly. Impressive indeed."
Hiruzen sighed as he took a puff of his pipe.
Koharu Utatane couldn't contain her irritation. "Hiruzen, stop sitting there smoking! The situation is critical—you must stop the Uchiha from ruining the plans the Second Hokage laid out!"
Homura Mitokado nodded in agreement. "If they succeed, the Uchiha's reputation will improve. They might even grow bolder in their ambitions for the Hokage's position. We can't let that happen."
Hiruzen shook his head helplessly. "The Police Force is under Uchiha control. Even as Hokage, I can't stop their reforms."
"And besides, don't you see? This is an open strategy. Many civilian and small-clan shinobi are already flocking to the Police Force to apply."
"Given the attractive positions and benefits, opposing them now would only alienate us from the public."
Just then, the door burst open, and Shimura Danzo entered with a stern expression.
"Hiruzen is right! We can't stop this, nor do we need to. In fact, we should participate and take a share of the pie!"
Koharu and Homura turned to Danzo in shock. "You agree with this?"
Danzo smirked. "This is an opportunity. The Uchiha have opened a door they previously kept locked tight. We should take advantage and begin infiltrating the Police Force, gradually eroding their power.
"For now, let them believe they're in control. Once the opening is made, the final result will no longer be up to the Uchiha."
The three people exchanged uncertain glances, but they couldn't deny that Danzo's reasoning was sound.
The stage was set, but the game had just begun.
.
.
.