### Chapter 17: "The Police Force Can Control Everything in the Hidden Leaf"

The office fell completely silent as everyone's eyes turned to Fugaku Uchiha. In an instant, Fugaku felt the pressure mounting. He wanted to be as assertive as Reijin, but he simply couldn't. He bore the future of the Uchiha clan on his shoulders.

The Uchiha clan was on the verge of potentially having Itachi compete for the position of Hokage. Should he take a hard stance against the Leaf to protect Reijin? Or should he bow his head, admit fault, and sacrifice Reijin?

If he chose to protect Reijin, it would severely damage the Uchiha's relationship with the Leaf. All the investments they had made in the village's leadership would be for nothing, and any chance of securing the Fifth Hokage position would be gone.

On the other hand, if he betrayed Reijin and forced him to admit wrongdoing, it could fracture the Uchiha clan for years to come. Reijin commanded a large portion of the Uchiha's ninja force. If Fugaku handed him over to the higher-ups in the village, who knew how his followers might react? The resulting turmoil would be too great for him to bear.

Fugaku's breathing grew heavier, the weight of the Uchiha clan's future pressing down on him harder than ever. Since becoming clan leader, he had never faced such a difficult decision.

"This matter was caused by Reijin. Let him decide for himself," Fugaku finally said in a low voice after a brief pause. "Although I am the head of the Uchiha clan, I cannot control their actions."

Coward!

Both Danzo and Hiruzen Sarutobi cursed him silently. Since he walked in, they had been thinking that Fugaku seemed more like Reijin's subordinate than the clan leader. Standing behind Reijin, he had lost all the dignity of his position. And now, he couldn't even command a single Jōnin from his clan. They concluded that Fugaku was indeed the coward they had suspected.

Yet, Danzo was also relieved. It was fortunate that this generation of the Uchiha was being led by such a weak leader and not by someone like Reijin. If Reijin wanted to take over as clan leader, he would have to wait for Fugaku to make a critical mistake.

But… Fugaku seemed to make mistakes daily. It was only a matter of time before he was forced out.

Hiruzen took a puff of his pipe, exhaling thick smoke that enveloped him, obscuring any expression on his face.

"Jōnin Reijin, do you have anything to say?" Hiruzen asked sternly. "This matter has caused extremely serious problems and cannot be resolved lightly."

The clan heads in the office narrowed their eyes, understanding that the village leadership intended to pin this on Reijin. It also dawned on them that the rumors spreading through the village might have been orchestrated by these very leaders. After all, they had heard these rumors later than the ordinary villagers. The Uchiha were known for their internal solidarity, and many of them didn't have access to this information. Yet, somehow, the villagers knew first. The implications were clear.

"Serious? What's so serious about it?" Reijin replied dismissively. "I think they've just had too much to eat!"

"Let's not forget that the Uchiha and Senju clans founded the Hidden Leaf. We created a peaceful ninja world where ordinary people no longer need to live in constant fear! They've been able to live good lives under the protection of the Leaf, but how long have they enjoyed this peace?"

Here is the translation of the provided text into English:

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"These people dare to rank us, the two founding clans of Konoha, behind others."

"They even dare to say behind our backs that the Uchiha want to rebel!"

"The two founding clans of Konoha could never betray the village; we would fight for Konoha until the last person stands."

"These guys deserved their fate. If my ancestor were still around, he would probably have wiped out their entire nine clans!"

Reijin narrowed his eyes and looked coldly at Sarutobi Hiruzen as he spoke.

Extermination of nine clans!

Whether it was Sarutobi Hiruzen or the other clan leaders, all of them flinched.

They hadn't expected Reijin to be so ruthless!

Anyone associated with them would be killed without hesitation.

If this were done, Konoha would be thrown into chaos.

This young man is vicious and merciless, striking decisively.

Definitely not someone they dare to provoke.

"Every family has its rules, and every country has its laws! Reijin, even if you say that, you can't completely sever the connection."

Koharu Utatane said sternly.

Today, no matter what Reijin said, they were determined to take him down.

"Then let's deal with it according to Konoha's rules."

Reijin nodded indifferently.

Fugaku, beside him, suddenly looked up, staring at Reijin in surprise.

Could this guy really be planning to give up now?

But no matter how he looked at it, it didn't seem that way.

"Reijin!"

Kakashi frowned. If they dealt with things according to Konoha's rules, then everything Reijin had done would likely result in his execution.

He could also be imprisoned in Konoha's dungeon for life.

Just as Kakashi was about to speak, Danzo shot him a cold, sharp glance.

Sigh.

Kakashi sighed slightly, knowing his position and status.

He couldn't protect Reijin!

But Reijin was a friend he had known since the Third Great Ninja War.

During that war, Reijin had even saved his life.

"The Police Force, established by the Second Hokage, is responsible for maintaining the village's security and also for dealing with spies."

"Since the Second Hokage established the Police Force, the village's security and spy problems have been under our control."

"And these people have slandered Konoha's Jonin, trying to drive a wedge between the Uchiha and Konoha. This is also the responsibility of our Uchiha Police Force."

"Moreover, the duties of the Police Force are not limited to these; they also include dealing with internal issues within Konoha."

"In other words, Danzo, your Root is a private military force within Konoha, set up for your own benefit."

"You'd better bring Hokage's orders with you tomorrow, or else I'll tear down your Root."

As Reijin continued, he used Danzo as an example.

Danzo was a typical case.

"You dare!"

Danzo suddenly slammed the table, stood up, and shouted angrily at Reijin.

He hadn't expected this kid to target him today, even using his Root as an example.

"I remember the Police Force received many complaints that some Konoha children went missing before Orochimaru defected."

"All the clues pointed to your Root, and you even threatened the families in the village, forcing them to hand over children for your brainwashing."

"Setting up such a terrifying armed force right under the Hokage's nose, Danzo, your actions are far more serious than mine."

"Are you planning to take over the Hokage's position and control everything in Konoha?"

"I'll make sure today's events are thoroughly investigated. Let's see if your shadow is behind all this."

Reijin stared coldly at Danzo. Some of Danzo's actions weren't exactly secrets among Konoha's high-ranking officials.

But now that Reijin had brought them to light, things were going to get complicated.

Most of the people sitting here were already dissatisfied with Danzo.

Now that it's brought up, they must be feeling uneasy.

As things continue, it will only become more complicated.

"Enough! The Root was established under my orders! As for the other matters, I will have Danzo give you an explanation."

"As for Reijin, you're not a member of the Konoha Police Force, are you? You don't have the authority to pass judgment on these people."

Sarutobi Hiruzen stopped Reijin from continuing. If he allowed him to go on, who knows how many of Konoha's dirty secrets Reijin would reveal?

And Danzo wasn't exactly clean either!

Who knows how many heads would roll for what Danzo has done over the years?

"So I didn't do anything! I haven't lifted a finger from the start!"

"The ones who acted were the members of the Police Force. They were simply doing their job according to the law."

"They didn't break any of Konoha's rules. Today's matter also falls under their jurisdiction."

Reijin smiled confidently as he spoke.

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(End of Chapter)