Chapter 10. Recognition

Danzo's Root organization is actively causing disturbances in the streets, creating conflicts and chaos. However, there is a noticeable absence of Uchiha from the security team to address these issues.

Merchants who suffered losses due to the disturbances have been filing complaints at the police building. Surprisingly, the Uchiha clan appears indifferent to the situation.

Their response, conveyed in a unified manner, is that these individuals were suspended after complaints, and there is no surplus manpower to handle such matters.

Even the Uchiha clan's own shops seem exempt from causing trouble, as several Uchiha police teams conspicuously ignore conflicts occurring on streets facing the main thoroughfare.

Many affected merchants have taken their complaints directly to Sandai, who examines a thick sheet of complaints with a furrowed brow.

Sandaime: "So, Uchiha suspended 80% of their team in one day?"

The ANBU responds, "Yes, this morning, Uchiha addressed personnel who had received complaints before, and all of them were suspended for self-reflection. Now, with a shortage of police personnel, various security incidents are occurring frequently in the streets outside, and there is no one to manage them."

He expresses his frustration: 'What is Natsuki doing, or rather, what is Fugaku doing?'

The third generation found it puzzling as to what the Uchiha clan was currently up to. The ongoing small-scale security matters did not appear to align with any revenge plot against Konoha, especially considering that ANBU would intervene if things escalated.

Additionally, Natsuki had already coordinated with the Hyuga, ensuring a smooth transition. Sandaime, taking a puff from his pipe, inquired about the conversation between the Hyuga and Natsuki.

ANBU: "Uchiha Natsuki handed over all the security routes and daily patrol routes to the Hyuga without hiding any secrets. The Hyuga clan needs some time to fully deploy their manpower and familiarize themselves with the routes, which will take about a week."

The Uchiha clan traditionally managed the deployment and patrol routes of the police force, making the transition to Hyuga control a process that required careful coordination and time.

The third generation contemplated, smoking his pipe: "Then ANBU will keep an eye on things this week. If a situation escalates, take direct action. Once the Hyuga family assumes control, you can withdraw."

"Yes!"

...

Uchiha clan land, training ground.

With most members of the police force suspended by the Fourth Elder, the Uchiha members found themselves constrained within their own clan territory. Many of them gathered at the training ground, seeking solace in practicing their skills during this period of inactivity.

During a break from practicing shuriken, Shimuzu was approached by his team members, Oura and Rikuto.

Oura smiled and spoke, "Hey, Shimuzu! Did you hear the news? Izakaya on Third Street got burned down today."

He raised an eyebrow, intrigued, "The one on Third Street?"

Rikuto chimed in, "Yes, the owner got into trouble with a drunkard again. This time, the drunkard refused to accept a beating and came back to burn down the front door. The izakaya is unable to open for business these days." There was a hint of satisfaction in Rikuto's tone.

Curious, he inquired, "Why didn't anyone stop him?"

Oura shook his head, "Where would anyone be? From the 1st street to the 7th street next to us, all our Uchiha people have been suspended."

"Then they won't complain?"

Rikuto laughed and said, "Of course, they'll complain. But it's useless now. We don't have anyone in the police force to address their complaints."

"Usually, those shop owners are never satisfied. They either accuse us of lax law enforcement or complain about our aggressive measures. Today, our Uchiha folks stopped serving them, and they're already missing us. We're quite a bargain."

"I heard the fourth elder was in a good mood today. He was even humming songs while walking around."

He joined in the laughter, saying, "We Uchiha usually endure so much frustration; they deserve a taste of it."

Oura questioned, "The fourth elder suspended us without giving any specific tasks. Do you know what the deputy chief wants us to do?"

He shook his head, "I don't have all the details, but the deputy chief mentioned that considering our hard work in the police force, he's giving us a week off. There will be a mission for us after that week."

...

Night fell.

Uchiha Natsuki continued his practice at the clan's training ground. Having recently awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, he experienced a significant leap in his abilities. Progress was evident in insight, illusion, and physical skills.

However, despite the considerable advancements, his Mangekyō had yet to unlock any pupil skills, puzzling him. Nevertheless, he wasn't overly concerned, as such abilities weren't immediately necessary.

He keenly sensed the superior strength of his ocular powers compared to others in the clan.

In between training sessions, he delved into the clan's records to identify individuals with business acumen. Unfortunately, the majority of Uchiha members excelled primarily in combat, with only a handful demonstrating skills in business and management.

Among them, he discovered a promising young Uchiha named Keimei. Despite unlocking his Sharingan at the age of seventeen, he exhibited a diverse skill set encompassing business, scientific research, and logistics.

Interestingly, Keimei was also a former teammate of Natsuki. Recognizing his versatility, he decided that this talented individual required further cultivation.

The power template extended beyond Uchiha ninjas to encompass ordinary villagers within the Uchiha clan. Engaged in various small businesses in Konoha Village, some of these villagers demonstrated notable talents.

He continued to observe the activities around him as various Uchihas practiced in groups of twos and threes. He paid attention to every detail, completing the final pieces of the puzzle for his plan.

In the vicinity, he could hear the ongoing reports between Fugaku and the third and fourth elders.

"Clan leader, today I provided the Hyuga clan with the deployment configuration and patrol routes of our security team. It is anticipated that they will need about a week to fully deploy their personnel and assume their duties," reported the third elder.

Fugaku nodded in acknowledgment.

"Did those people cause trouble when they came back?" Fugaku inquired.

The third elder shook his head, responding, "No, those Uchihas practiced in the training ground or chatted in groups after returning today. There was no trouble."

The fourth elder chimed in, wearing a satisfied smile, "Of course, they won't cause trouble. Today, they were busy enjoying the show from the merchants on the street. When Uchiha was in charge, these merchants used to complain every day—either about lax law enforcement or it being too slow. The most common complaints were about violent law enforcement."

"Today, they all came asking when the security team would be back, with expectant eyes. They were eager to know when we could send people over," he added, smacking his tongue in pride.

Reflecting on the situation, the fourth elder began to understand Natsuki's strategy, feeling a sense of accomplishment.

The third elder, sensing the same, looked at Fugaku for confirmation.

Fugaku nodded, elaborating, "I can see that Natsuki is using this approach to give the tribe a way to vent. He mentioned that this is just the beginning, and there will be more places that need Uchiha in the future."

Fugaku emphasized that Uchiha members are highly suitable as guards due to their versatile abilities. They excel in illusions, quick response, and physical skills, making them ideal for handling various situations.

Despite these capabilities, historical issues have led to selective ignorance from the villagers. The Uchiha clan does not need anyone's approval, as strong individuals don't seek recognition.