"Very good! Then the reform will be carried out!"
"Next, let's discuss and finalize the details of the reform!"
Uchiha Nobuhiko was very satisfied with the elders' agreement and immediately began dividing responsibilities. The planning and construction of the Merit Hall and the welfare system were handed to the First and Second Elders. Clan studies reform went to the Third and Sixth Elders. The Mission Hall reforms went to the Fourth and Fifth Elders. Nobuhiko himself led the Security Department restructuring with support from the Seventh and Eighth Elders.
The Security Department was split into four battalions: Elite Security Team, Public Security Team, Trial Team, and Prison Team. Each served a distinct purpose—elite ninjas handled serious threats, trial members ensured justice, public security managed village disputes, and the prison team oversaw detentions.
However, this reshuffling left the Public Security Team understaffed. Conflict resolution in the village fell apart. Reports of chaos and escalating disputes soon reached the ears of the Anbu and the Third Hokage.
In the Hokage's office:
"The Uchiha Police are faltering? The streets are in disorder? What is Uchiha Nobuhiko doing?"
The Third Hokage furrowed his brows after hearing the Anbu report detailing the reforms.
"He's restructured the Security Department, Hokage-sama. Most of their elite have been moved elsewhere. The Public Security Team is practically empty," the Anbu minister explained.
Annoyed and intrigued, the Third Hokage summoned Uchiha Nobuhiko for an explanation. Nobuhiko, already expecting the call, prepared a plan with Ren Takashi.
Upon arrival:
"Sit," said the Hokage, masking his irritation. "I'm sure you know why you're here."
"Yes," Nobuhiko replied calmly. "In fact, I had planned to meet you regarding the same issue."
Surprised but curious, the Hokage invited him to elaborate.
Nobuhiko presented a detailed report. "Konoha has expanded rapidly. Population and territory have grown, yet the number of Uchiha remains largely the same. We've reached our operational limit. The reforms were necessary."
"That doesn't explain the elite unit," the Hokage snapped. "Why siphon off your best people from public service?"
"The Elite Team's role is to identify internal threats, engage powerful rogue shinobi, and patrol the village perimeter. With growing threats and espionage, this is crucial."
"So how will you fix the public disorder?" Hiruzen pressed.
"By opening the Public Security Team to all of Konoha," Nobuhiko said. "One Uchiha captain, three deputy captains from Uchiha, clans, and civilians, and rank-and-file members from all groups."
"The team will no longer be Uchiha-exclusive. Merit will decide rank."
The bait was laid. Nobuhiko knew the Hokage would view this as a chance to weaken Uchiha control and insert loyalists.
Sure enough, Hiruzen hesitated, then agreed. "This... is very wise, Nobuhiko. I support this reform. Just make sure the Public Security Team is fully staffed quickly."
"Of course," Nobuhiko smiled. "We'll post recruitment notices across the village. I'd appreciate your help in spreading the word."
"Naturally. Anything else?"
"Yes," Nobuhiko continued. "With the expansion, the budget must increase to accommodate more personnel."
The Hokage pondered. "Only for the Public Security Team's salaries. The rest stays the same."
He had already decided to insert his own people into this team. Paying their wages from the village budget was a win.
Nobuhiko smiled. The bait was taken.
Now, the real game would begin.