Kazuya Uchiha's concerns were not without reason.
Uchiha Kai's sudden rise had deeply shaken those who had once pledged loyalty to Uchiha Yu. Kai's appointment wasn't a coincidence—it came with the direct backing of the Uchiha Clan Head himself, Uchiha Fugaku, and Kai had been given authority within the Konoha Military Police Force, traditionally led by the Uchiha.
Though Kai had not immediately reported to the headquarters, which brought some brief relief to the old guard, it also left them uneasy. They could only hope this so-called war hero wouldn't show up at all.
Unfortunately, Uchiha Kai had arrived—and was now summoning all available units for an immediate meeting. It was a signal they couldn't ignore, even if they found it difficult to accept.
They couldn't stop this from happening. But they could resist—subtly. Like now: Kai had issued a gathering order, and while they would obey, they made sure not to arrive too quickly. A quiet show of disobedience—enough to frustrate, but not enough to be punished outright.
Kai, however, had anticipated this kind of pushback. He wasn't rushing. Instead, he used the time to speak privately with Fujiu Hangtai.
Fujiu, a civilian-born Chūnin with no clan background, had already arrived at the Police HQ. He was greeted by a few neutral officers—like Uchiha Gawa—and allowed entry without opposition. Now, he stood across from Uchiha Kai, his expression twisted in a mix of surprise and confusion.
"You want me… to join the Police Force?" Fujiu asked, incredulous. "Why? I'm not even part of your clan."
"Correction," Kai interrupted calmly. "It's Konoha's Military Police Force—not the Uchiha's. Anyone can serve. It's only that the Uchiha have controlled it for so long that people forget that."
This was true. The Konoha Military Police Force was originally established by the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju. His rationale was clear—entrust the Uchiha with authority to police the village, while also isolating them from the Hokage's administrative core. The headquarters were built on the outskirts of the village. A political gift... and a calculated leash.
Initially, the Force included non-Uchiha members. But as years passed and the Third Hokage rose to power, he leaned more on Uchiha support—especially as the village recovered from war. Slowly, non-clan members were phased out. By the time of the Third Shinobi War, it was almost entirely a Uchiha operation.
Fujiu scratched his head, still wary. "Then why me? You must have better options. People from your own clan, right?"
"I do," Kai nodded. "But I need your identity. You're a civilian ninja. You know what the Uchiha look like to people like you. That matters."
Fujiu stared at him, unsure how to respond.
"I want to change that," Kai continued. "I want to change the way the Police Force behaves. I want to change how the village sees us. And I think you're the kind of person who can help."
Fujiu Hangtai was stunned. The idea felt too big. The Uchiha Clan had carried a dark reputation for generations—arrogance, brutality, isolation. Changing that? It sounded impossible.
But the more Kai spoke, the more Fujiu found himself swayed. Everyone dreams of being part of something greater. And Kei's vision… it was powerful.
"I… I think I can—"
Before Fujiu could answer, a knock interrupted them. Uchiha Kazuya stepped in.
"Captain," he said respectfully, "they're all here—but they're waiting outside. They want to see you."
"I see," Kai replied, giving him a faint nod. "Thanks, Kazuya. If there's anything you need, you can always come to me."
Kazuya seemed pleased by the recognition, even if it was likely a calculated promise. Kai didn't know exactly where Kazuya's allegiances lay, but he understood the value of planting seeds.
"Captain," Kazuya added hesitantly, glancing at Fujiu and the others, "some of them… they aren't exactly happy you're here."
"I figured as much," Kai said with a calm smile. "But thanks for the reminder."
He stood and walked to the door. Uchiha Asahi, a loyal supporter, opened it for him.
The courtyard outside had filled with Uchiha officers. Most of the first inspection teams had returned, and even the other two detachment captains had shown up. The message was clear: a show of strength. A test.
They didn't trust him. He hadn't earned their respect. He was too young. Too new. And worst of all—he wasn't Yu's pick.
Kai met their cold stares without flinching. He understood their doubts. But that didn't mean he would tolerate disrespect.
As he stepped forward, a muscular officer stepped out to block him.
"Captain," the man said bluntly, "we had missions. We didn't know when you'd show up. We can't just abandon our work for a surprise meeting. Are you willing to explain that to the Hokage if something goes wrong?"
"Oh?" Kai's voice was flat. "Then you'll be happy to do missions every day—from now on. Within the clan compound. Permanently."
The courtyard fell dead silent.
"You can't be serious!" someone hissed.
But Kai was already moving forward, his face like stone.
"If you can't follow orders, you're dismissed. Effective immediately. You're no longer members of the Police Force."
"You—! You can't make that call!" the burly officer shouted. "You're just the deputy! We're going to the patriarch—Fugaku-sama won't let you do this!"
"You should," Kai replied coldly. "Run to the patriarch. Shout in his halls about how you defied a direct order and embarrassed the Uchiha name. See what happens."
The protests grew louder—raw, disbelieving. Kai stood silently through it all.
Then he took a deep breath, and opened his eyes.
The tomoe of his Sharingan spun in crimson.