The deployment of the Konoha Military Police Force was not as simple as Uchiha Naraku had imagined. Konohagakure had a limited budget and could only employ so many personnel.
It was impossible for the Uchiha Clan to fund the expansion of the force from their own pockets just to benefit the village. Such a notion was obviously inappropriate.
Naraku stroked his chin, silently calculating.
The Land of Fire had allocated 3 billion ryō to Konoha, of which only 150 million ryō was distributed to the Military Police Force.
With an annual salary of 600,000 ryō per officer, the entire fund was nearly exhausted on the wages of the 200+ police members alone.
There would be virtually no surplus unless salary deductions were implemented—a mere managerial measure at best—and even that wouldn't free up much. Excessive deductions would only stir unrest among the staff.
Six hundred thousand ryō per year equated to roughly four minimum-pay A-rank missions—one per quarter. Not exactly generous.
How should this money be spent more efficiently?
If the salaries were reduced, it would spark backlash, and even as the clan head, Naraku would lose support. The Military Police Force had long been hard to control, especially by a single leader.
Naraku pondered: how could he restructure the responsibilities within the Uchiha Police Force without hurting morale? Increasing recruitment was out of the question unless the village increased funding.
He briefly thought about requesting more from the Third Hokage and the advisory council—but quickly dismissed the idea.
Especially with Shimura Danzō currently away on a mission. If Danzō were in the village, just bringing up the topic would result in humiliation. There was no hope of budget increases under his watchful eye.
Down below, the gathered Uchiha officers noticed that Naraku, seated at the head of the room, seemed lost in thought. None dared disturb him.
"Ahem," coughed Uchiha Itsuki, one of the older members.
Naraku snapped back to the present.
"As elite jōnin of both Konoha and the Uchiha, don't you think it's beneath you to patrol the streets like common beat cops?" Naraku said calmly. "I'm implementing a structural change to team responsibilities."
"You are the pride of the Uchiha clan and Konoha's elite shinobi. From this point forward, you will no longer patrol the streets."
"Instead, your new duties will focus solely on high-risk missions: identifying and apprehending rogue shinobi, and rooting out foreign spies infiltrating the village."
"The patrol sectors previously assigned to you will now be covered by increased shifts from the Third and Fourth Divisions."
The Uchiha jōnin were clearly relieved—none of them particularly enjoyed street patrols.
"Lord Naraku," said Uchiha Saburō, eyes gleaming with curiosity, "these new missions—dealing with criminal ninja and spies—would be at least B-rank or A-rank, correct? What about the corresponding rewards?"
Missions involving combat or espionage were indeed of B-rank level or higher and involved considerable risk. Equal pay for higher danger seemed unjust.
"For now, salaries will remain unchanged," Naraku replied. "The First Division will undergo a gradual restructuring. Konoha needs strong shinobi to safeguard the village's deeper security interests."
"You're all elite Uchiha, top-tier jōnin. These missions suit your level of strength. Routine patrols and lower-risk duties will remain with the Second, Third, and Fourth Divisions. The burden of crucial operations will rest on your shoulders."
Even on his first day as commander, Uchiha Naraku was already set on reforming the long-standing practices of the Military Police.
The assembled shinobi exchanged glances. For proud, battle-hardened Uchiha, fighting was a true measure of value—but only when properly compensated.
Naraku observed the murmuring crowd but let them talk. Then, channeling chakra into his voice, he calmly asked, "What do you think of my proposal? These are dangerous missions. Anyone unwilling can apply for a transfer to another division. It's entirely your choice."
His voice rang clearly through the room, quieting the whispers.
"Lord Naraku, I'd like to request a transfer," one elder jōnin said.
"Same here, my lord."
"I'd like to apply as well."
Several veteran shinobi stepped forward. Naraku noted they were all in their late forties or early fifties—no longer in peak fighting condition and understandably cautious about high-risk operations.
"Anyone else?" he asked with a blank expression.
The younger shinobi remained silent, showing neither fear nor objection. Their pride was unmistakable—this was the Uchiha.
"Very well. You five have served the Police Force faithfully and made significant contributions. Your transfer applications are received. Once inter-divisional arrangements are finalized, you'll be informed of the outcome."
"Yes, sir," they replied in unison.
Of course, transfers were not immediate. They would depend on whether other members were willing to switch into the First Division.
---
Elsewhere…
At the Second Division's office, Uchiha Fugaku frowned as he reviewed the details on a mission scroll.
A spy previously believed to be from Iwagakure had raised new suspicions. Surveillance indicated frequent contact with individuals dressed as Anbu.
If the case was linked to Anbu—or if Anbu took over—then the Police Force would be sidelined. Worse, the target might be an Anbu informant or part of the Intelligence Division. A simple espionage case had suddenly become far more complex.
Fugaku, acting as assistant to the captain of the Second Division, sat in the captain's old seat, deep in thought.
The previous captain, showing deep respect for Fugaku, had voluntarily stepped down and offered to serve beneath him. It was a clear sign of the clan's respect for Fugaku's abilities and character.
Suddenly, several masked Anbu operatives descended silently outside the window and knocked.
Fugaku's expression darkened. The Uchiha clan had a long-standing hostility toward Anbu.
It wasn't rare for Uchiha shinobi to find Anbu watching their compound. No matter how many were driven off, others returned. When questioned, the standard response was always the same, "We're on assignment," or silence.
"Uchiha Fugaku. Hokage-sama has summoned you. Please come with us."
"…Understood."
Fugaku considered briefly, then followed them to the Hokage Tower.
---
At the Hokage Tower
Behind his desk, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, smoked quietly as he processed stacks of village affairs.
As the leader of Konohagakure, the Hokage carried an immense workload. While the advisory council offered assistance, they remained advisors—ultimate decisions still fell to Hiruzen.
The sheer volume of duties often left the Hokage overworked and occasionally distant from day-to-day developments.