Konoha Guard Building
Captain's Office
Uchiha Naraku sat at his desk, holding a file and examining it carefully.
He had been in charge of the Konoha Military Police Force for half a year now. Apart from some initial personnel reshuffling and salary adjustments—which had caused minor turbulence—the force quickly stabilized under Naraku's firm control.
Each department now handled its own responsibilities independently, and interference between them was forbidden. The authority of the Military Police Captain had been slightly strengthened, and the previous captains of the three traditional squads had all been replaced.
The Military Police Force now consists of over ten departments. Each one functioned under the direct leadership of the Captain, preventing any department from forming its own power base.
Naraku had not only unified the various factions within the Uchiha clan but had also established the Clan Affairs Office, effectively concentrating power in the hands of the clan head. This marked one of the most centralized eras in Uchiha history.
He had reorganized the long-established Guard Force—originally divided into three autonomous squads—into specialized departments. These departments now operated in a streamlined hierarchy under Naraku's leadership, allowing his orders to be executed without obstruction.
The reform of the Police Force and the founding of the Clan Affairs Office elevated Uchiha Naraku's authority significantly.
If led by Naraku, the Uchiha clan would never fall. His only current shortcoming was his personal strength—not yet truly unshakable.
Knock knock
"Come in," Naraku said in a low voice.
Uchiha Yakumi strode into the office.
"Captain Naraku, the surveillance line on Yamato Izakaya has been established."
Yakumi, formerly the captain of the second squad, now served as Naraku's assistant and head of the Supervision Department—a significant figure in the force. Though initially resistant to the reorganization, over time he had become one of Naraku's most loyal supporters.
"Good. Make sure to compile all spy-related intel for the month," Naraku said. "Then have the Propaganda Division post our recent accomplishments across the village bulletin boards."
"Yes, sir!" Yakumi answered respectfully.
Naraku glanced at him and added, "Always remember—after every operation, it must be publicized. That's why we created the Propaganda Division. The people of Konoha must know that we, the Uchiha, are the ones preserving the village's peace."
"Yes!" Yakumi responded again and exited the office.
Naraku sighed internally. His subordinates still clung to outdated ideas—always emphasizing prestige and pride while neglecting public opinion. Without repeated instructions, they often ignored directives. It was exhausting.
Still, after half a year of effort, public perception had improved slightly. The Village Patrol and Public Safety Departments now wore standard Konoha uniforms, with no Uchiha insignia—green flak jackets and black gear, similar to regular shinobi. Forehead protectors were worn prominently.
In contrast, divisions like Special Tactics, Criminal Investigation, Supervision, and Judicial Enforcement wore black vests, navy blue shirts, blue caps, shuriken holsters, Uchiha clan fans, and police badges to denote their more confrontational roles.
Most of the propaganda focused on crime-fighting, capturing spies, and preventing misuse of ninjutsu within the village—often exaggerating the danger and heroism involved.
Naraku was determined to rehabilitate the Uchiha name. He expanded the original police headquarters and squad buildings, adding new substations to improve patrol coverage and village access. Each of these substations featured multiple propaganda boards that were updated every few days.
Despite their increased presence, public security efforts remained civil and efficient. Still, it was impossible not to offend some villagers in such roles. Though criticism had lessened, praise was not universal.
The Criminal Investigation, Special Tactics, and Supervision Divisions were the most respected among villagers. They dealt directly with criminals, responded to emergencies, and upheld law and order.
With their high-profile efforts, and through coordinated publicity, the Uchiha clan's reputation had slowly improved.
Knock knock
Naraku, still deep in thought and reviewing reports, looked up at the unexpected knock.
"Come in."
The door opened, and Uchiha Fugaku stepped inside.
"Captain."
Though Fugaku was Naraku's cousin, he addressed him formally. Naraku was both the Uchiha Clan Head and the Chief of the Military Police Force—a position of immense power.
"Fugaku, have a seat."
Naraku called most by their first name now, occasionally adding "-kun" to a few.
Fugaku nodded and sat down. Though he was respectful, he didn't act overly formal with his cousin. He currently serves as assistant secretary in the Clan Affairs Office and handles external relations for the Police Force. He was highly trusted among the Uchiha.
"About the Yamato Izakaya surveillance," Fugaku began. "The suspect, Sasuke Kimura, has ties to the Anbu. If we arrest him, it could upset them—and possibly the Hokage."
Fugaku was cautious, thoughtful, and well-liked by the clan. He acted as Naraku's buffer with external parties and could take the blame if needed. Naraku himself had no regard for the Hokage's opinion.
"It's fine. He's small-time," Naraku said calmly. "We'll detain him anyway."
Konoha had its own intelligence agencies. There was no need for a simple izakaya owner to play the role of informant inside the village. If he were a real agent, he'd be stationed abroad.
Clearly, this Sasuke Kimura was connected to Root, Danzō Shimura's secret organization. Only Danzō would embed spies inside the village itself.
Naraku had already begun his quiet confrontation with Danzō. No open conflict had occurred yet, but the shadow war had started.
Danzō left no evidence, so Naraku didn't bother explaining to Fugaku. He simply responded coldly.
Fugaku frowned. He was growing uneasy with his cousin's increasingly cold and calculating approach.