Chapter 71: Nara Luming's Reminder, The Public Security Brigade Is on a Hot Recruitment Scene
Soon after the Third Generation left, Uchiha Nobuhiko posted the Security Brigade recruitment announcement on the bulletin board in front of the Hokage building and the new notice board at the Uchiha Security Department's entrance.
At the same time, the village was filled with messengers spreading the word.
With the Third Generation's support, the news traveled quickly. Within half a day, nearly every ninja in Konoha had heard.
Mixed Reactions
"Uchiha's actually reforming the Security Department and opening up recruitment? That's a first."
"Yeah, it's always been their private domain. Feels weird."
"You applying?"
"No way. Uchiha folks are hard to get along with. And the security team? They've got a bad rep."
"Not me. I'm going. Bad rep or not, they've got decent pay—100,000 taels per Genin. That's more than I get doing missions!"
While some ninjas hesitated, others—especially civilian ones—rushed to apply.
Veteran Chūnin and retired Jōnin also showed interest, seeking a safer, more stable post.
Nara Household
Nara Luming hosted Ren Takashi at home for dinner, alongside Shikaku. It was both a thank-you and an attempt to deepen ties.
"Thanks to you, we secured three shares in the pharmaceutical company," Luming said sincerely. "I know others offered higher bids."
Ren Takashi smiled modestly.
"Of course," Luming added, "it helped that you and Shikaku are close."
They chatted for a while, and the topic shifted.
"I heard about the reform of the Security Department," Luming noted. "And that it's now recruiting outsiders?"
"Yes," Ren Takashi confirmed. "Policing the village has always been thankless. It tarnished our clan's reputation."
"Opening it up helps shed that burden, and the population growth made staffing a challenge anyway."
Luming nodded. "Smart move. But be cautious—Third and Danzo won't like it. They'll try to infiltrate."
Ren Takashi smirked. "We're ready. Let them come."
Later, after Ren Takashi left, Luming turned to Shikaku. "Stay close to him. That boy isn't just strong—he's a visionary."
Shikaku nodded. "I know. Konoha can't contain someone like him."
Two Days Later: Recruitment Day
Thousands gathered at the Security Department. Genin, Chūnin, even Jōnin—many seeking stability over danger.
Older or disabled veterans were among them, looking for a steady job.
By nightfall, recruitment had concluded.
At Home That Night
Uchiha Nobuhiko updated Ren Takashi over dinner.
"Three hundred ninjas recruited. Mostly Genin. The Third got 64 in. We made sure the rest split evenly between clans and civilians."
"That's good," Ren Takashi replied. "But don't underestimate how many others secretly work for them."
"And our newspaper project?"
"It's ready. First paper goes out in three days. Magazine in a month."
"We even signed writers. Guess who? Jiraiya."
Ren Takashi raised an eyebrow. "Does he know it's ours?"
Nobuhiko chuckled. "Doubt it. No Uchiha names on the staff. We're staying low until the brand grows."
Ren Takashi grinned. "Wait till he and the Third find out. Their faces will be priceless."
Nobuhiko laughed. "That's exactly the reaction I'm waiting for."