Konoha: Uchiha's Two-Way Travel in One Piece

-----

Shimura Danzo declared confidently, "Hiruzen already said this is an open scheme. Direct opposition won't work, so we can only go with the flow and seize control when the opportunity arises."

"I've already sent some Root operatives and members of the Shimura clan to register for the positions."

"I'm confident we'll secure some slots."

"You should also send ninjas from your clans to apply."

"We'll aim to dominate this entire division's roster."

"Once that happens, the division will answer to us."

"We can use this team to gradually erode the Police Force's authority while tarnishing the Uchiha name further. Let their reputation become even worse."

Don't they want to escape their infamy?

Danzo sneered inwardly. He would ensure they didn't succeed.

"Taking all the slots is out of the question!"

At this point, the Third Hokage shook his head, rejecting Danzo's idea. "This matter has been widely publicized. Many civilian ninjas and those from smaller clans are aware of it!"

"Many of them have already registered!"

"Leaving aside whether the Uchiha would even agree to select only our people—"

"Even if they did, we can't allow it."

"Otherwise, everyone will know it's our doing."

"The civilian ninjas and small clans excluded from the positions would redirect their anger and resentment toward us!"

The Third Hokage had no intention of inviting trouble.

Danzo's heavy-handed methods were as reckless as ever.

Danzo scoffed. "They're just civilians and members of minor clans. Why should we care about them?"

"At worst, we can shift the blame onto the Uchiha, saying they deliberately tried to curry favor with us!"

The Third and his advisors stared at Danzo in disbelief.

"Do you even hear yourself?" Homura Mitokado retorted. "Everyone knows our relationship with the Uchiha is terrible. Who would believe they're trying to please us?"

"Also, as Hiruzen just said, the Uchiha hold the authority to choose candidates, not us! Forget it, Danzo!"

"Exactly!"

Koharu Utatane nodded in agreement, exasperated.

Danzo's schemes were always damaging to others but rarely beneficial to himself. They were used to his ways by now.

Danzo frowned and turned to the Third Hokage. "Hiruzen, can't you summon Uchiha Jiri and make her compromise?"

He was unwilling to let the matter go.

This was a rare opportunity to undermine the Uchiha's authority while expanding his Root's influence. Missing out would be a waste.

After all, Danzo's ambitions weren't limited to suppressing the Uchiha—he wanted to replace the Third Hokage.

In his eyes, if he had been quicker to speak up back then, the Hokage's position would have been his.

The Third Hokage sighed, growing more exasperated. "That's Uchiha Jiri you're talking about—restored to her prime condition, no less."

"Don't tell me you haven't heard the news."

"Do you honestly think she'll compromise or listen to us?"

"Have you not noticed that all our recent attempts to undermine the Uchiha have been effortlessly dismantled by her?"

"Be realistic!"

"Send people if you must, and secure whatever positions we can."

"We have time. We'll take it step by step."

"Jiri's age and health are against her. Even if she's recovered now, I don't believe she can outlive us with her hidden injuries."

"When she's gone, everything will become easier."

"By then, we can groom and support a more agreeable Uchiha to become the clan head."

They didn't need a strong, assertive leader like Jiri.

A weaker, more pliable clan head was their ideal.

"That's all we can do for now!"

Danzo grumbled reluctantly, his brows furrowed.

"Let's move forward with that plan. I'll take my leave now."

With that, Danzo left in a rush, leaving the Third Hokage and his advisors exchanging silent glances.

"We should act quickly too," the Hokage said to Homura and Koharu. "Have some of our clan members submit their applications. Hopefully, a few will be selected."

"Understood!"

The three of them began their preparations.

---

The Next Day

At the Police Force headquarters,

A Uchiha elder handed a list of applicants to Jiri. "Lady Jiri, here's the finalized list!"

"Over a thousand people have registered, including members of Sarutobi, Shimura, Root, and even ANBU operatives."

"What should we do about these people? Should we disqualify them outright?"

"There's no need."

Jiri shook her head. "Prioritize civilian ninjas and those from smaller clans."

"Divide them into teams based on their residential districts, assigning them patrol areas near their own neighborhoods."

"Having locals mediate disputes will reduce unnecessary conflict and make things smoother."

"Carefully plan each team's patrol zones and responsibilities."

"As for squad leaders and captains, assign those roles to members of the Shimura, Sarutobi, Mitokado, and Utatane clans."

"Let them absorb the brunt of public grievances and backlash."

"This is an open scheme. Even if Hiruzen realizes it, he'll have no choice but to accept."

"After all, this is their chance to infiltrate the Police Force's authority. They won't pass it up."

This was precisely what Jiri wanted.

"But…"

The elder hesitated. "What if they act under the Police Force's name to tarnish our reputation?"

"That won't be so easy."

Jiri smirked. "Without Sharingan or the Uchiha crest, who would believe they represent us?"

"Everyone knows how poor our relations are with those four clans."

"Besides, we'll establish an oversight department within the second division to monitor the third division's actions secretly."

"We can continuously expose their true identities and redirect public outrage back at them."

"We'll even post their misconduct records on public boards for everyone to see, explicitly noting their affiliations."

Countering schemes required strategy.

"Lady Jiri, brilliant as always! I'll get right on it!"

The elder grinned, giving her a thumbs-up.

"Good. Let's proceed."

Jiri personally selected some candidates, ensuring to include a promising genin named Might Duy, as suggested by Kaito.

After finalizing her selections, she handed the list to the elder. "I've chosen some. You handle the rest."

"Make sure civilians and smaller clans dominate the roster."

"This is also an opportunity to connect with and foster goodwill among them."

"Don't mess it up!"

Preparation was key to success.

"Yes, Lady Jiri!"

The elder took the list and left, while Jiri departed to attend to other matters.

The next morning, the finalized third division roster was announced.

Alongside it, patrol zones and detailed Police Force regulations were published.

Those selected were overjoyed, while those left out were disappointed.

.

.

.