8. It's Time For The Police To Take The Blame

In such a large police department, having only two people on duty seems a bit odd.

"Hey, Uchiha! We've been here for so long. Aren't you going to entertain us?"

We've been talking for ages, and yet no one's paying attention. It's boring to perform a one-man show, don't you think?

"Apologies, but our duty is to ensure the security of the police department. Entertaining you is not within our responsibilities."

An Uchiha member inside responded calmly. Those Uchiha who hadn't been reprimanded were generally easier to get along with, but that didn't mean they were without temper.

In the past, there was no other option, but now, orders from above stated they didn't have to handle matters outside their purview. Why would they bother with villagers merely looking to cause trouble?

"What kind of attitude is that? Is this how you, Uchiha, treat the villagers? Believe it or not, I'll file a complaint against you!"

Seeing the other party's indifferent attitude, Shoda (villager) couldn't help but grow annoyed and raised his voice in protest.

He knew that in the police department, all he had to do was mention a "complaint" to make even the proud Uchiha back down.

"Fine. I could use a break, too."

Leaving this final remark, the Uchiha ignored the villagers at the door.

If they don't engage with you and don't attend to your grievances, there's no point in making a fuss. After all, these villagers aren't shinobi, and in the end, they have no choice but to leave.

As the saying goes, no matter how many moves you make, if I don't respond, your efforts are futile.

······

Meanwhile, in the Hokage building, Fugaku and Yagami stood before the Third Hokage. As soon as they met, Fugaku spoke up:

"Lord Hokage, please forgive us for what happened last night. We had no choice but to take such drastic action."

Outwardly, the Third Hokage waved his hand, signalling he didn't mind, though his heart was full of questions. Could it really be Uchiha's intent to displease him? Or was there another scheme at play?

"Fugaku, there's no need to be so formal. Any ninja would find it difficult to remain calm in such a situation. Let's not dwell on it. Why have you come today?"

The Third Hokage looked at Yagami's youthful face, not forgetting that this young man had pressured him into conceding last night.

"Lord Hokage, this is Uchiha Yagami. He will be taking over my responsibilities in the police department. I've brought him here today to introduce him formally."

Yagami stepped forward and greeted the Third Hokage.

The Third Hokage was momentarily stunned. Entrusting the position of captain of the police department to such a young person—Uchiha must be mad!

"Fugaku, are you..."

"Lord Hokage, as the clan head, I also need to manage the family, so I may be unable to handle the police department's duties fully. I will hand over the captain's position to Yagami with the clan's approval."

Yagami spoke up. After last night, Fugaku had come to admire him. Following the clan meeting, Yagami had sought him out directly.

Seeing Yagami's pair of Mangekyō Sharingan, Fugaku had readily agreed to his proposal. Initially, the plan had been to abandon the police department, but Yagami, as the proposer, could handle the matter directly without any issues.

The Third Hokage's brows furrowed. Ninety-nine per cent of the police department consisted of Uchiha clan members. Officially, it was a village administrative agency, but in practice, control was entirely in Uchiha's hands. Even if he objected, it would make little difference if the Uchiha clan had already made a decision.

"Additionally, I'm aware that the police department has faced significant conflicts with villagers. If this continues, it could endanger the village's security. Therefore, prior to coming here, we suspended and recalled all officers whom villagers had complained about for violent law enforcement."

Yagami continued, "The police department is now understaffed, with many areas left unpatrolled. We request Lord Hokage to mobilize other departments to maintain its regular operations."

Third Hokage listened and nodded at first, but when he heard that the officers involved in complaints had been suspended, his pipe nearly fell from his hand.

All officers accused of violent law enforcement had been suspended! Considering the frequency of complaints against the Uchiha police, was anyone even left? The entire police department might be empty!

What was Uchiha thinking? The police department was their only remaining influence in the village, yet they had not only suspended their own people but also sought replacements from other departments. Allowing outside personnel into the police department would drastically reduce Uchiha's control.

Could this be Uchiha's way of deflecting responsibility following last night's events?

"This... let me think about it," the Third Hokage replied hesitantly.

"Lord Hokage, please assign personnel to join the police department as soon as possible. Currently, 80% of the village has no one to maintain law and order. If conflicts arise, it could impact the village's stability."

Yagami was aware that Third Hokage was stalling, but the police department needed to resolve this situation quickly. Most of the clan members had already been removed from the department, and if a replacement wasn't arranged soon, those removed might be pulled back into duty.

As for who would fill the vacancies, that was not Yagami's concern, the Uchiha had faced enough scrutiny; now, it was someone else's turn.

Eighty per cent of the village left without patrols could lead to serious problems.

Third, Hokage understood Yagami's message. Uchiha wasn't here to negotiate; they were merely informing him. However, just because Uchiha could manage the entire police department didn't mean other clans had the same capacity. With so many positions suddenly vacant, filling them would be no easy task.

Meanwhile, in Konoha's Commercial Street, the economic heart of the village, izakayas, restaurants, casinos, and hot springs attracted a lively crowd, making it prone to disputes. Normally, at least three police teams patrolled here, but today, there was no one.

Of course, few people minded. The police department and Uchiha were seldom viewed favourably.

"Coming here to eat without paying and ordering so many dishes—you really think this is a free meal? Get out, or you'll have broken legs!"

Outside a restaurant, two employees tossed a drunken man out while the owner yelled angrily.

"It's just one meal! I forgot my money; it's not like I'm refusing to pay. Is that necessary?"

The drunken man slurred, swaying unsteadily.

"Refusing to pay, are you? Fine, we'll teach you a lesson. Get him!"

With that, the owner signalled his staff to rough him up, and they beat the man until his nose was bruised and his face swollen.

Ordinarily, police would have arrived to break up the fight, but today no one intervened, allowing the bystanders an entertaining spectacle.

The drunk man stumbled away, cursing as he pushed through the crowd. Once the show was over, the crowd dispersed.

But unexpectedly, a few minutes later, the drunk man returned holding a pot. His eyes were blank, his movements slow but no longer unsteady despite his earlier intoxication.