Chapter 16. The needed Uchiha

On Konoha's Eighth Street, a thoroughfare predominantly occupied by small shops run by Uchiha civilians without ninja talents, there was a noticeable surge in security measures.

In the past week, the number of Uchiha patrolling Eighth Street had tripled. Uchiha team members vigilantly spanned the street, promptly responding to any security issues that arose.

Business owners on Eighth Street noticed a significant improvement in their trade compared to usual, especially on this particular day when an influx of people overwhelmed their businesses.

Upon inquiry, the merchants discovered that the security team members from Streets 1 to 4 had undergone a complete transformation. The new members were characterized by their cold-blooded and ruthless demeanor.

In any conflict, they would promptly make arrests, employing brutal methods and inflicting severe injuries, often breaking hands and feet.

Faced with this situation, people from the first to fourth streets remained silent, while civilians sought their needed supplies on the fifth to eighth streets, where the Hyuga clan was in charge of the fifth to seventh streets, and the Uchiha clan handled the eighth street.

...

Today, Uchiha Shimizu received an unexpected order from the deputy chief, instructing all previously suspended Uchiha to resume patrolling the streets they were originally responsible for.

Although the directive seemed perplexing, the Uchiha who had been suspended before felt a desire to break free from the confines of the clan area and welcomed the chance to relax, so they complied and hit the streets.

To their surprise, the shop owners who used to regard them with disdain now looked at them with eagerness, almost as if they were long-lost relatives. The same individuals who would previously make a point to avoid them were now initiating conversations.

As he walked near Izakaya, the owner warmly greeted him: "Captain Shimizu, is it your turn to patrol today!?"

Shimizu, feeling a bit confused, patiently explained, "I've been suspended. I'm no longer a member of the police force. Right now, I'm just hanging out."

The izakaya owner, shaking his hand, exclaimed, "Hey, you can't be suspended. Uchihas are the best in the police force."

He was taken aback. He had dealt with this izakaya owner extensively in the past, and the owner used to be consistently arrogant and complained incessantly.

He would criticize the Uchiha guard team, asserting that they were just a bunch of people eating and drinking together. How had the situation changed so dramatically?

"Hey, let it go... I've genuinely been suspended. I've received too many complaints, and the deputy chief no longer allows me to work in the security team," he explained.

"I'm going to withdraw the complaint, I'm going to withdraw the complaint! Can you Uchiha come back to duty!?"

Faced with the izakaya owner's emotional plea, he found himself cornered. He reluctantly formed a seal, utilizing a substitution technique to escape the izakaya owner's hold, making a somewhat embarrassed exit.

Despite the awkward encounter, he felt a significant weight lift from his shoulders, and all the previous grievances seemed to dissipate.

Similar scenes unfolded in various streets patrolled by the Uchiha before. Former Uchiha Guardsmen were warmly welcomed by their bosses, who expressed disappointment upon learning that they were not returning to patrol duty.

These shop owners offered heartfelt pleas, articulating their desire for the Uchiha to resume their roles.

It became apparent that without the exceptional skills of these Uchiha, many businesses would be at a standstill, unable to thrive.

These Uchiha, known for their resilience and toughness, had once rubbed people the wrong way. Now, each of them was being implored by store owners to return.

A glimmer of hope penetrated their despondent hearts, dispelling the lingering resentment and haze that had persisted for so long.

Amidst the realization that there were still people in need of the Uchiha, a question lingered in their minds: 'Will they realize how valuable we are once we're gone?'

Some among them even contemplated going back and pleading with the clan leader to allow them to resume their duties. The fact that Uchiha Fugaku served as the captain of the police force held considerable weight, and securing his approval was no trivial matter.

Motivated by this thought, several suspended Uchiha decided to approach the clan leader.

Upon hearing their pleas, Fugaku found himself in a state of bewilderment. Without explicitly agreeing or objecting, he permitted these individuals to extend their respite.

Summoning Natsuki, Shisui, and Itachi, Fugaku intended to discuss the matter further.

In recent days, Natsuki had been rigorously training on the ground, dedicating himself to daily practice, while Itachi engaged in sparring sessions with him. Shisui, having recovered from an injury, was focused on regaining his strength through recovery training. 

"Take a seat, Shisui. How's your recovery?" Fugaku greeted Natsuki and Itachi with a nod before turning his attention to Shisui.

"Thank you for your concern, Clan Leader. I've mostly recovered and am currently undergoing rehabilitation training," Shisui replied, maintaining a posture of utmost respect.

Fugaku acknowledged Shisui's diligence and turned to Natsuki, inquiring, "Natsumu, did you send those individuals out?"

A grin played on his face as he responded, "Trouble? They won't be causing any now."

Fugaku agreed, "Your strategy is effective. Previously, they were met with indifference wherever they went. Now, they're being actively sought after to return."

Natsuki then directed his attention to Shisui and Itachi, inquiring about their observations in the past few days.

Both Shisui and Itachi, originally concerned about the potential troubles caused by the returning Uchiha, were surprised by the subsequent developments.

Itachi shared, "Senpai, it emphasizes the irreplaceability of our Uchiha clan."

Shisui echoed this sentiment, stating, "Senior, I believe that we Uchiha are indeed needed."

Natsuki's wisdom resonated with the younger Uchiha members. Despite their extraordinary combat skills, their understanding of the complexities of the world was still developing. Natsuki continued to share his insights:

"People have a tendency to overlook what's already present around them. No matter how much we Uchiha contribute, we often go unnoticed. This negligence becomes more apparent when there's a loss or a point of comparison."

"We've been serving in the police force for a considerable time. No one is better suited for the job, and no one can perform it better than us. However, there are individuals in the village who harbor suspicions, fearing that we Uchiha might seize control."

"To overcome this prejudice, we've strategically withdrawn to create a vacuum and eliminate the perceived threat. Once the villagers realize that their suspicions were unfounded, they will recognize our value."

The group absorbed these words, understanding that their combat skills were not enough. In a world where children often enter war before reaching their teens, the depth of education and maturity is limited.

Danzo, the mastermind behind the conspiracies against the Uchiha, was easily misled by Natsuki's strategic maneuvers.

Fugaku inquired, "Natsuki, considering the desire of Uchiha to return to the police force, what is your opinion?"

He rolled his eyes and responded with frustration, "Not very favorable."

Shisui hesitated before saying, "But many villagers seem eager for us Uchiha to resume our duties."

Itachi remained silent, knowing that Natsuki would provide the clarification they needed.

Natsuki playfully smacked Shisui on the head and ruffled his hair, creating a makeshift chicken coop, saying, "Shisui, it seems you've healed your wounds and forgotten the pain. Have you forgotten how your eyes were gouged out?"

"People have a tendency to forget. Bringing Uchiha back to duty is merely a repetition of past mistakes. While merchants and civilians may rejoice initially, over time, they will revert to their original sentiments."

"Until we address the root of the issue, any efforts to return to duty are futile."

Observing Natsuki's articulate explanation, Fugaku sometimes felt that his straightforward approach might be too simplistic for the intricate dynamics of clan management. Thankfully, Natsuki's strategic insights played a crucial role.

Itachi, with hesitation in his voice, asked, "What do you mean by the 'root of the issue,' senpai?"