Konoha: The Soul King from the Uchiha Clan

Chapter 254 Stirring Up Trouble Again (4200 words)

Inside the mansion's tea room, a long table was set up, with teacups neatly arranged on it, along with some notebooks.

Uchiha Gen sat at the head of the table, with Mikoto beside him, and the two sides arranged according to their clan status and police department positions.

Uchiha Gen did not strip Mikoto of her right to participate in council meetings just because she became the clan leader.

Romantic love is a good medicine for maintaining youth, and so is power.

It was precisely because Uchiha Gen did things so well that Mikoto was willing to obey him completely.

After taking a sip of tea, Uchiha Gen said in a deep voice, "I have called you all here today because I have something to announce."

"I plan to have the police department recruit from outside, no longer limiting themselves to our Uchiha clan."

Everyone was taken aback by this and couldn't help but start discussing it.

"Quiet down! What kind of behavior is this, making such a racket?"

"Just say what you have to say," Uchiha Setsuna snapped.

Second Elder Uchiha Naruzawa said in a deep voice, "Clan leader, isn't this inappropriate?"

"The police department has always belonged to our Uchiha clan. If we recruit people from outside, the clan members will definitely have objections."

"So what?"

Uchiha Gen glanced indifferently at the Second Elder: "If you have any objections, you can keep them to yourself."

"The raise, the increased benefits, and the ninjutsu points exchange system I received weren't given away for nothing; they've already done enough for the sake of my clan."

"We're not laying them off, just adding more people. Anyone who dares to cause trouble will be severely punished!"

"Most importantly, if the Uchiha clan wants to achieve greater development, it cannot remain confined to a corner of the police department."

"As the saying goes, you have to give up something to gain something. Our Uchiha clan is clinging to the police department to the bitter end, so how can we have any reason to interfere in other departments?"

"Can the Hokage position be obtained solely through the support of the police department?"

"Even if we manage to get it by chance, how can our policies be implemented smoothly without the support of other departments and other families?"

"The Uchiha clan doesn't have that many people who are proficient in the affairs of their respective departments."

"They're nothing but puppets."

"Recruiting ninjas from outside the police force is the first step; finding opportunities to infiltrate other departments is the second."

We can't just kill all those who disobey orders or pretend to comply, can we?

Slaughtering them all would be a reign of terror. It might feel satisfying, but it would be unpopular and would inevitably backfire.

Even if the backlash can be suppressed by force, who will handle the various affairs that Konoha Village is running?

Should we leave everything to him?

Look at the workload of Tsunade, Kakashi, and Naruto after they became Hokage...

That was because the subordinates deliberately sent it over, so that some matters could be handled. If no one had handled it and it was all sent over, who could handle it?

If you're buried in paperwork all day and can't find any enjoyment in being the Hokage, what's the point of being the Hokage?

"I agree with the chieftain's idea."

"If the Uchiha clan wants to create new glories, it must not cling to the past and must go out and integrate into all aspects of Konoha in a more proactive manner," Uchiha Setsuna raised his hand in support.

Subsequently, Shisui, Mikoto, Yashiro, Inahisa, Tetsuka, and Shin all voiced their support.

"Alright, it was my oversight and narrow-mindedness that led me to agree," the Second Elder said.

"Second Elder, there is no need to belittle yourself. It is not wrong to consider the interests of the clansmen."

Uchiha Naruzawa's expression softened considerably upon hearing this.

"It's all for the sake of the family's future. Even if the interests of the clan members are not greatly affected, we must make way for the family's future."

"Even those of you here, including myself, must sometimes sacrifice your own interests to make way for the future of your families."

"Our family's fortunes rise and fall together; we suffer together!"

"Furthermore, in the long run, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks."

Faced with Uchiha Gen's reprimand, everyone nodded in agreement, regardless of their true thoughts.

In reality, Uchiha Gen didn't care what they thought; if they dared to speak out, he would punish them.

"Although I will issue this policy regardless of what the clansmen think, you must do a good job of persuading those clansmen who do not understand it for the sake of clan unity."

"If it doesn't work, warn them; in short, carry out the order even if you can't understand it."

"If anything goes wrong, the people involved will be severely punished, and their superiors, namely all of you here, will also be severely punished."

"In addition, if a new member of the police department comes in, and a ninja in the clan gives someone a hard time, the corresponding superior will apologize on their behalf."

"Those who deliberately target, suppress, or discriminate against will have half of their points and half a month's salary confiscated for the first offense."

"The second penalty resulted in the forfeiture of half of the remaining points, equivalent to one month's salary."

"This is the third time. Those who repeatedly fail to learn their lesson will be expelled from the police department and the clan. We Uchiha can't afford to support such a spoiled brat."

"You must tell your people that arrogance and disdain for others are not the mark of a noble clan. True heroism lies in inner strength, humility, and tolerance!"

"Did you understand?"

As he finished speaking, Uchiha Gen suddenly raised his voice, the Mangekyou Sharingan appeared in his eyes, and a powerful aura was released.

This powerful aura caused everyone else, including Mikoto, Setsuna, and Shisui, to rise from their seats and bow in respect.

"I understand!"

Hearing the unified and loud voice, Uchiha Gen nodded in satisfaction.

"Alright, meeting adjourned. Go and get ready."

Some people couldn't withstand Uchiha Gen's powerful aura and left as if they had been granted a pardon.

……

Two days later, the police department officially issued a statement.

The announcement reads as follows: In view of the increasing prosperity of Konoha, which has made law enforcement more challenging, the police department has decided to recruit ninjas of Chunin rank and above from all of Konoha based on practical considerations.

Regardless of department, family, or background, we welcome any ninja who is willing to contribute to the stability of Konoha.

Those who join the police department will enjoy the same treatment as Uchiha clan ninjas, including the ninjutsu points exchange system. A total of 51 people will be recruited, so the number of places is limited and the opportunity is rare!

Fifty-one people, or three squads, are more than enough to integrate the ninjas of the three squads into eleven locations, including the police department's internal affairs and the police department's prison.

This number of people ensured the Uchiha clan's dominance over the police department, and also allowed the Uchiha clan to take its first step outward.

Previously, the Uchiha clan was too detached from the core power of Konoha, and too aloof from ordinary Konoha ninjas, so their popular support was really weak.

This announcement didn't cause much of a stir among the Uchiha clan and the police department; the two days weren't wasted.

Under the intense pressure exerted by Uchiha Gen, the ideological work of each squad leader was quite effective.

A small number of disgruntled individuals dared not do anything outrageous due to Uchiha Gen's prestige and the severity of his punishments.

At most, they might complain to their family members in private, but they wouldn't dare express their dissatisfaction to their colleagues or relatives, for fear of being reported to the authorities...

But in Konoha, it was a different story. This announcement attracted strong attention from everyone from ordinary ninjas to the major clans of Konoha and the highest-ranking officials.

However, everyone had different focuses. Many Chunin and higher-ranking mission ninjas in Konoha were overjoyed and very happy.

Because they saw a big, round, and shiny rice bowl!

As we all know, ninjas need to do missions to earn money and support their families.

However, ordinary ninjas have a much tougher time than the Six Divisions ninjas.

Firstly, their social status was inferior; the Six Divisions Ninjas had better prospects and more power.

Secondly, the income is not as good.

It's not that all mission ninjas earn less than the Six Divisions ninjas, but rather that ninjas below the level of Special Jonin earn less than the Six Divisions ninjas.

This group of ninjas happens to make up the majority of the ninjas in a ninja village.

If one becomes a leader in one of the Six Departments, their income will increase accordingly, eventually reaching a level that even Jonin ninjas cannot match.

The expenses incurred by a ninja on a mission, including the cost of purchasing ninja tools, repairing and maintaining them, and treating injuries, can add up to a considerable sum.

For example, Uchiha Gen, as the head of the police department, earns a monthly salary that Jonin ninjas would have to work incredibly hard to even have a chance of earning.

Finally, the environments are different.

Mission ninjas brave wind and rain, eat sand, and get drenched in snow. They often live outdoors in poor conditions, and face various dangers, with accidental death being a common occurrence.

Most of the Six Divisions Ninjas work in offices; a small number might have a tougher job, but it's still much better than being a regular ninja.

If we were to rank the departments in Konoha based on a combination of comfort and income, the order would be as follows.

The administrative department ranks first, the education department second, the medical department third, the interrogation department fourth, the police department fifth, and the secret service sixth.

If ranked by career prospects, the Anbu should be number one, because they are closest to the Hokage, the highest leader, and have the greatest chance of promotion.

As for the future of other departments, opinions vary.

Given their respective circumstances, the positions offered by the police department are undoubtedly highly sought after, and due to the chaotic environment of the ninja world, they are even more popular than taking the civil service exam.

Furthermore, the fact that they enjoy the same treatment as Uchiha clan ninjas, including the ability to exchange ninjutsu points, drives the ninjas even crazier.

Especially for commoner ninjas, who lack ninjutsu, the ninjutsu they acquire can be passed down as family heirlooms so that their descendants can have a brighter future!

Therefore, upon hearing the news, Chunin and higher-ranking ninjas rushed to the police department to sign up, hoping that this might be a chance to change their fate.

There were so many ninjas that the line stretched from the registration office to the street near the police department, making it an unprecedented spectacle!

The major clans of Konoha were primarily focused on Gen Uchiha.

Amazed by Uchiha Gen's boldness and courage, I eagerly anticipate his battle against the Konoha leadership...

The reason is simple: Uchiha Gen broke the tacit understanding between Konoha and the police department that had existed since its establishment!

This move signifies that the Uchiha clan, or rather, Uchiha Gen, the clan head, is no longer satisfied with the current power structure and wants to seek more.

Ironically, the police department's actions did not violate any of Konoha's regulations.

One is that the police department has the power to recruit or reduce the number of police department ninjas based on the security situation.

Secondly, when the police department was established, there was no strict rule that it could only have ninjas from the Uchiha clan.

However, the Uchiha clan, driven by greed, followed Tobirama Senju's wishes and turned the police department into their own backyard, privatizing public resources.

Tobirama Senju could not possibly issue such an order; otherwise, what would he take the other ninja clans for?

This is something you'll have to take the blame for!

The Uchiha clan privatized public property, which led to discontent among the other ninja clans and common ninjas, who naturally did not blame Tobirama Senju.

However, after so many cases of public affairs being converted into private property, the various ninja clans and civilian ninjas of Konoha have become accustomed to it and have tacitly accepted that the police department is the Uchiha clan's private domain.

The Uchiha clan opened up its police department to the public, taking the first step in turning private property into public property.

Therefore, the Konoha leadership could not stop such actions with orders.

People with high awareness are willing to turn their private interests into public ones and return to their roots. Why would someone issue an order to stop them? What are they up to?

Konoha's F4 were completely overwhelmed by Uchiha Gen's move and quickly gathered in the small conference room of the Hokage Building to discuss countermeasures.

……

In the small conference room, Danzo couldn't care less about making money anymore, because Uchiha Gen's actions had deeply aroused his sensitive nerves!

Danzo was agitated, spittle flying from his mouth, as he recounted Uchiha Gen's wolfish ambitions and Hiruzen Sarutobi's past leniency and mercy.

The latter's every word was an accusation that Hiruzen Sarutobi hadn't listened to him, that he was right, and even asked Hiruzen if he regretted it...

Bang! Hiruzen Sarutobi's face grew darker and darker as he listened, finally unable to bear it any longer, he slammed his hand on the table. His face, as cold and hard as iron, he roared, "Enough!"

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado tried to persuade him, but Danzo promptly shut up, though his expression couldn't hide his smugness.

"Danzo, what are you so smug about?"

"Although Uchiha Gen's actions were indeed somewhat unexpected, from another perspective, it also allowed the Uchiha clan to integrate more deeply into Konoha."

Whether he acted out of personal ambition or for the sake of Konoha's harmony, the outcome wasn't entirely bad.

Danzo snorted coldly and said, "So, what exactly did you want by killing you that day?"

"I remember your policy was to suppress powerful clans and support small and medium-sized families, right?"

"If the Uchiha clan continues to expand like this, its influence will only grow stronger!"

"The situation in Konoha has now stabilized, and even on the front lines, Kumogakure has expressed its intention to negotiate peace."

"Are you really going to let things go unchecked for the sake of Konoha's stability?"

Compared to clans like the Uchiha and Hyuga, clans like the Sarutobi, Nara, Akimichi, Yamanaka, Aburame, and Inuzuka can only be considered medium-sized clans.

Compared to the smaller clans of Konoha, such as the Kurama clan, they could be considered a large clan.

"When did I ever let things go unchecked? Didn't I take action last time?"

"It just didn't work out yet, but we still need to take action this time."

"But as you all know, this is a difficult matter. A direct rejection is impossible, and applying pressure probably won't work either."

"Do you have any good ideas?"

The three fell silent upon hearing this, as this matter was indeed very troublesome.

After a while, Danzo gritted his teeth and said, "How about I send Root ninjas to warn those selected ninjas?"

The three of them looked at Danzo in surprise and took the blame. Was the sun rising in the west?

"Of course, I have one small condition: Hiruzen, please allocate me another sum of money."

If there are conditions, then it's fine; the sun still rises in the east.

"Your method is very ineffective. If you lose the first batch, you can just recruit a second batch."

"Do you dare to warn every single ninja who signed up?"

Danzo paused upon hearing this; he really wouldn't dare to do that.

If there are too many people, their reputation will be completely ruined; if there are too few, they can excuse themselves by saying that they are slandering out of resentment.

"At least the most elite group of ninjas did not enter the police department."

"Hiruzen, that's true, this method does have some effect," said Mitokado Homura.

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded slightly: "Alright, but be careful not to go too far."

Danzo nodded quickly, his heart filled with joy.

With Hiruzen's money-making ability, he wouldn't have to worry about money for a while.

The Konoha F4 then continued to rack their brains for a solution...

The previous chapter was reviewed; I accidentally crossed the line and had to make some changes.

(End of this chapter)