"I want to be the clan leader, and I will never give up the position of Guard Captain! I'm not seeking power for its own sake. From the current trajectory of the Uchiha, I can already see our future collapse! This isn't for me, or for you, or even for Uncle or Fugaku—it's for the entire Uchiha clan!"
Uchiha Naraku's usually calm demeanour exploded into a rare outburst.
Sanzō could feel Naraku's unwavering determination. The former strongest shinobi of the Uchiha had just retired—and now, the current strongest stood before him.
Uchiha Sanzō closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"…Alright. I understand your decision."
---
The next day, in the Konoha Military Police Force conference room, Uchiha Sanzō sat at the head of the hall.
Before he knelt, the squad leaders, vice-captains, and Jōnin from each division of the Police Force—called together for an important meeting.
"You are all the elite of the Konoha Military Police. It's an honour for me to lead this force. Today, I have an important announcement: from this day forward, the First Division will be led by our clan head, Uchiha Naraku.
Uchiha Jirō, the former captain of the First Division, will now serve as my assistant in managing the entire force."
The moment Sanzō finished, murmurs and shock rippled through the hall.
By appointing Uchiha Naraku as captain of the First Division, Sanzō had effectively begun the transition of power within the Police Force.
The First Division consisted entirely of Uchiha shinobi. While the Second and Third Divisions included civilian and lesser-clan ninjas, the First was the heart of Uchiha power—the division through which they earned Konoha's salary and cultivated their elites.
Controlling the First Division was tantamount to controlling the entire Police Force. Opinions from the other divisions mattered little in the political equation.
Uchiha Jirō frowned as he mulled over the implications of the transfer.
"Jirō," Sanzō asked, "do you have any objections?"
"I follow your command," Jirō responded swiftly.
Sanzō had led the Police Force for nearly two decades. His authority was deeply rooted in every shinobi present.
Naraku glanced subtly at Uchiha Fugaku and saw his brows tightly furrowed, eyes narrowed with concern.
When Konoha was founded, the Uchiha had stood united, fighting for influence in the village. Their eventual control of the Police Force had been granted by the Second Hokage—split between two major family factions.
Uchiha Daizō and Sanzō, both masters of ninjutsu, had long held sway over the clan. An agreement had been struck: one would lead the clan, the other the Police Force.
The Great Elder had already passed down his authority within the clan, yet now, Sanzō appeared to be going back on that promise.
Although some squad leaders remained sceptical of Naraku's appointment, none challenged it. As the acting clan head, Naraku was already handling a mountain of clan affairs and held broad influence among the Uchiha.
His control over both the clan and the First Division elevated his status to unprecedented heights.
"Captain," Fugaku said, his voice low but firm, "This goes against tradition. The roles of clan head and Police Force captain have never been held by the same person."
Fugaku recognized the danger of consolidating such immense power under one individual—it was certain to arouse suspicion in the rest of Konoha.
But Naraku was ready.
"He's only in charge of the First Division. This isn't about tradition or rebellion. Hasn't the Uchiha been without a properly elected clan leader ever since the last one left Konoha decades ago?
Tradition isn't absolute. Was there tradition when Shinobi fought in the First or Second Great Shinobi War? Those who cling blindly to tradition are bound to be swept away by history.
Just look at the Senju."
Naraku spoke coldly, expression neutral.
Though he still felt some guilt about overriding Daizō and Sanzō's arrangement, Naraku—having lived two lives—wore a masterful mask of composure.
Fugaku pondered Naraku's words. There was truth in them, yes—but also contradiction. The decline of the Senju clan came because they abandoned tradition, whereas the Uchiha and Hyūga had survived by upholding it.
Still, Fugaku chose not to rebut publicly. Challenging the leader's decision in front of others would be improper. He decided to raise his concerns privately later.
Fugaku, for all his virtues—peacefulness, loyalty, and empathy—was also restrained by them. In the original timeline, it was precisely these traits that led to his eventual downfall as he compromised again and again with Konoha's leadership, dragging the Uchiha into ruin.
"The other divisions will continue operations as normal," Sanzō announced. "If there are any reports, deliver them now."
The meeting moved on to operational updates.
Naraku sat quietly, listening as team leaders reported incidents ranging from rogue shinobi testing forbidden jutsu, to intelligence reports on enemy agents.
Mixed in were trivial matters—lost pets, missing merchant goods, and arguments between vendors.
It was a stark contrast: the same men risking their lives arresting dangerous criminals were also resolving petty civil disputes. While their work kept the village safe, the Uchiha's cold demeanour and pride often left villagers uneasy.
To the average citizen, the Police Force wasn't seen as a noble shield—but a harsh enforcer. It was always Uchiha officers who arrested their neighbours. The badge said "Konoha," but the public saw "Uchiha."
Naraku shook his head but didn't leave. He stayed and listened, trying to understand the daily burdens of the force.
Then, a thought solidified in his mind:
"We must no longer call it the Uchiha Police Force—it must be the Konoha Military Police."
Too long had the Uchiha flaunted their authority over a village institution. It was time for a change. As long as the name remained "Uchiha," any resentment from the public would be directed at the clan—not at Konoha itself.
That, Naraku vowed, would change.
---