With the support of the elders, the Office of Clan Affairs swiftly recruited personnel and conducted a rapid population census.
Even the mission rewards and commissions for the Uchiha shinobi were now being managed through the Office of Affairs.
The scattered factions within the Uchiha were gradually unifying under this new centralized body.
Uchiha Clan Compound
Naraku's Residence
"Son, you're right. The changes within the Uchiha Clan over the past month are clear to everyone. The reason we've been oppressed by the Hokage is closely tied to the excessive internal division among our people," said Uchiha Sanzō, seated at the head of the room.
Naraku knelt respectfully below, attentively listening to his father's teachings.
"Yes, Father. The construction of the Clan Affairs Hall needs the participation of all clan members."
"The Hall oversees the shinobi who support the clan through the Ninjutsu Department, and the civilian Uchiha cared for by the Sanitation and Artisan Departments."
"It also handles the orphanage, the status and rights of orphans and the elderly, and the elders who assist with their care."
"Clan affairs encompass all aspects of our lives. Only a unified leadership can gather the clan into one force, instead of each elder controlling their own faction."
Naraku spoke confidently, explaining the purpose behind forming the Clan Affairs Council.
"Indeed. There's a reason your older brother supports you," Sanzō said, nodding in approval. "But while governance is important, strength must never be neglected."
"The Uchiha, Konoha, and even the entire shinobi world are founded on strength. Without it, no matter your title, if you die, it's all meaningless."
"Death is fair. It doesn't care about age, status, or title—whether you're a clan head or a Konoha villager."
Sanzō paused, his tone deepening.
"Starting tomorrow, you'll serve as a consultant to the Military Police Force. As you said before, we've grown too used to killing and completing missions. We've stopped questioning our role."
"The Hokage calls on the Police Force to fight in wars, under the banner of national defense. But should we go? Should we stay? What are the consequences of either?"
"I've thought about this question for many days. Your insights reminded me of something I'd overlooked."
Sanzō's expression turned solemn, his tone calm and serious—just like his late uncle Daizō. Perhaps it was in his blood.
"But Chief," Naraku said hesitantly, "I've only been in office a month. Clan building has just begun, and now I'm expected to join the Police Force too?"
"As a consultant, you won't handle specific duties. Besides—aren't you happy to receive an extra salary?" Sanzō raised an eyebrow at him, half-amused.
"Also, as my son, you must understand the structure of the Uchiha Police. This is your first step. As clan head, you must grasp it thoroughly."
He leaned forward, his voice heavy with purpose.
"The Konoha Military Police Force is headed by the Captain. Under the captain are multiple squads."
From Naraku's understanding, the current structure lacked clear division of labor. When something happened, everyone just responded at once.
Some acted like detectives, others like soldiers. It was messy—and dangerous.
Clearly, civilian petty theft and high-level espionage could not be handled the same way. And certainly not by the same team.
Affairs involving rogue shinobi should be handled by other shinobi—warriors with battlefield experience and powerful kekkei genkai. These missions required precision and force.
There was a reason the villagers resented the Police Force. They could be heavy-handed—even brutal. Some villagers would flee at the sight of the police, even if they were just running a small food stall.
Naraku snapped back to focus.
"The Police Force... Yes, it definitely needs reform and reorganization," he nodded thoughtfully.
"You brat—you're already talking about reforming the Police Force?" Sanzō gave him a sharp look. "Just because you've made a name for yourself as the Copy Ninja, don't think you're invincible in Uchiha."
"I understand, Father. Don't worry."
Originally, Sanzō and Daizō had agreed that Naraku would lead the clan and Fugaku would take command of the Police Force.
But due to Naraku's outstanding performance, the clan had begun rallying around him, especially through the influence of the Clan Affairs Office.
Sanzō was impressed. The Police Force was Uchiha's key avenue into Konoha's leadership.
The Land of Fire provided Konoha with 3 billion ryō annually to support its ninja population. An A-rank mission could cost up to 1 million ryō, with S-rank missions costing even more.
A four-man team could earn millions through such missions.
During wartime, countless A- and S-rank missions occurred—assassinations, troop suppression, sabotage—each requiring significant resources.
Post-war compensation and shinobi salaries added up quickly. Despite the 3 billion budget, money was always tight.
Konoha allocated 150 million ryō to the Police Force each year. With over 200 personnel maintaining law and order across the village, funds were stretched.
Even at 50,000 ryō per month for a C-rank shinobi, the yearly salary per person was 600,000. That alone totaled 120 million ryō. The remaining 30 million wasn't much for equipment, supplies, or logistics.
The funds were always difficult to manage. Misuse would violate the shinobi code—but Sanzō was not the kind to waste money.
Perhaps Naraku would be better suited for managing this side of the clan.
Sanzō gave Naraku a firm look. "The consultants of the Police Force will be you, Fugaku, and Uchiha Yashiro. This is also a test."
"I've led the Police Force long enough. It's time for new leadership."
Naraku smirked slightly. Fugaku was a real contender. Yashiro? He was mostly there to check boxes.
Without someone like Yashiro in a supporting role, the rest of the clan would feel excluded. Senior posts needed a spread of representation.
"You're a candidate, too. If you're not selected, you can't blame anyone."
Naraku rubbed his chin. "If Brother Fugaku becomes captain, I could have him and Yashiro serve as my assistants."
Sanzō laughed heartily. "You're already thinking of having Fugaku and Yashiro assist you? Confident, are we?"
"Of course. Don't you know whose son I am?" Naraku grinned, slipping in a well-timed compliment.