Seventh Squad Office of the Police Department.
With practiced expertise, he reviewed the documents and stamped them with his seal as the captain of the police department's seventh squad. In less than thirty minutes, he finished the workload that might normally take a ninja half a day or even a full day to complete.
Observing this scene, Uchiha Shisui nodded with a smile and remarked, "Yoru-niisan, there are two more files here that need your approval and signature."
Looking at the documents handed to him by Shisui, Uchiha Yoru smiled and shook his head, saying, "Shisui, you should learn to handle these administrative matters in the future. After all, you will eventually become an elite of the police department."
Acknowledging his older brother's praise, Uchiha Shisui smiled awkwardly. Though he recognized his elite status in the police department, he found administrative work quite a headache. Spending an entire day on these matters often led to unsatisfactory results, requiring frequent revisions. In contrast, his older brother seemed like a natural leader who could effortlessly complete intricate administrative tasks in less than half an hour, nearly flawlessly.
Uchiha Yoru jested with a smile, his gaze shifting to the two documents in his hand. As he read, his eyebrows furrowed, and he shook his head, commenting, "They want to increase the budget for the prison? The prison of our seventh squad needs expansion?"
Seeing his older brother's perplexed expression, Uchiha Shisui began explaining carefully, "Yoru-niisan, as the situation at the borders stabilizes, many ninjas are being recalled from the frontlines. Some of them find it difficult to readapt to village life due to their strained mental state."
Although he didn't elaborate further, it was evident that returning ninjas from the frontlines were causing disturbances due to their highly tense spirits and war-induced trauma.
On the border battlefield, they brushed shoulders with death every day, living in a constant state of tension. Upon returning to the village, they struggled to adjust to the normalcy of life, requiring a transitional period. This transition often led to incidents.
Listening to Shisui's explanation, Uchiha Yoru sighed and stated, "They are all heroes of Konoha; they shouldn't be treated like this. I don't care what others do, but anyone who comes back from the frontlines is our concern."
"Classify their offenses as disturbances and attempt to have their family members resolve issues peacefully. If they lack family, allow the police department to step in for negotiations. We'll always find a suitable solution. And if matters escalate to violence, we need to inform them that they'll be imprisoned, but the length of their stay will be up to them. They should compensate the affected parties and strive to shorten their sentences."
"Furthermore, since these individuals have been apprehended, bring them to our prison, but we mustn't treat them as mere criminals. Nobody desires this outcome. They are village heroes; even if they've made mistakes, they should have the opportunity to make amends."
Uchiha Yoru spoke gravely about this matter. Shisui listened and earnestly nodded, internalizing these resolutions.
Despite Uchiha Yoru's soft-spoken voice, the office door was open, and with numerous ninjas around, who wouldn't overhear? Thus, these words were meant for all to hear.
However, this decision didn't result in discontent; it brought expressions of relief to everyone's faces.
These returning individuals were all heroes, and while they caused problems, this solution was optimal. Lenient punishment and having them make amends would satisfy both sides, rather than resorting to strict discipline.
The ninja world was also a realm of human emotions, especially for these ninjas who had been honed as tools since childhood. Their tough exteriors often masked fragile hearts, and they cherished their bonds deeply. They had vulnerable sides that the decisions of the police department's seventh squad touched upon.
"Yoru-niisan, the second set of documents pertains to expanding the patrol scope of the Police Department. We need to revise the patrol schedule and address the frequency."
Shisui respectfully explained the contents of the second set of documents. Uchiha Yoru examined the documents with a serious expression, then shook his head and responded, "We're adding three additional squads to the patrol teams, increasing the number of patrols by five times, particularly during the nighttime. Additionally, inform the Seventh Division of the Police Department and request their dedication during this period. Adjust their compensation accordingly."
"Given that many comrades are returning from the frontlines at this time, incidents are likely to escalate. However, we can't prevent them entirely. The optimal strategy is to have the patrol teams focus on inspecting establishments such as bars, casinos, and brothels after 10 PM, with an emphasis on issuing warnings to deter trouble."
"The simplest solution is to reduce the occurrence of such incidents. Consider the Police Department's patrol teams conducting inspections every night after 10 PM. This consistent presence will encourage the ninja to exercise caution, naturally leading to a decrease in the frequency of accidents."
"Shisui, please approach the minister later to discuss opening up the Police Department's major training grounds. Ninjas who have recently returned from the battlefield need a transitional period, and the training grounds offer a suitable outlet, especially since our Police Department occupies around seventy percent of the village's peripheral training areas. Currently, these spaces mostly go unused."
Uchiha Yoru provided solutions with apparent ease. While they might not be perfect, they sounded like divine advice to Shisui, leaving him with an excited smile. He saw the emergence of a new Hokage after Orochimaru in Uchiha Yoru's actions.
While Uchiha Yoru maintained a composed demeanor, he sneered inwardly. The stability of the Konoha's borders was factual, but chaos was likely on the horizon. The village's actions were self-destructive, and the Third Hokage believed his methods were the most secure, not foreseeing the potential turmoil resulting from designating defectors.
After all, Orochimaru's defection's impact was second only to a Hokage's defection. This individual was a Hokage candidate, and branding them a defector would undoubtedly rattle Konoha.
The original story featured skirmishes at the Konoha's border with the Mist Village that persisted until Uchiha Shisui's return and the Uchiha clan massacre. While these weren't large-scale battles, they generated constant tension for the village.
Then there was the Land of Lightning!
Contemplating this, Uchiha Yoru couldn't help but chuckle. His actions this time not only bolstered the police department's reputation but also held political implications for Orochimaru, though not particularly significant.
However, when war erupted once more, this group of returning individuals was nearly certain to be involved. By then, they would be a clandestine force.
The village's higher-ups believed the war had ended, thanks to the scars of the Third Great Ninja War. They assumed they had about a decade before another extensive conflict. Thus, they prioritized securing their interests openly, neglecting the returning ninjas' importance.
A decade! It could alter everything. How many returning ninjas could there be? At most, a few hundred—no cause for concern. The village leaders focused on a smooth political transition.
Nonetheless, no one foresaw what lay ahead.
After smoothly resolving two administrative issues that Uchiha Shisui had struggled with, his admiration for Uchiha Yoru only grew stronger.
"Yoru-niisan, don't worry. I'll immediately set these two plans in motion," Shisui said.
Shisui displayed complete dedication to resolving the village's issues promptly. Uchiha Yoru's expression relaxed, revealing a faint smile.
While the appearance of normalcy suited Yugao Uzuki well, she was adept at disguises. While outsiders remained oblivious, those familiar with her could sense occasional lapses in focus and emotional lows.
"Yugao, what's going on with you today?" Another female ninja working in the police department inquired curiously. Yugao Uzuki managed logistics and naturally attracted additional attention. She was also an assistant to the squad leader.
Spotting this female ninja, Yugao Uzuki offered a forced smile and shook her head. "Sis Yoshiko, I'm fine."
Nakata Yoshiko's husband was a Chuunin who had sacrificed himself on the battlefield. He belonged to the Orochimaru faction. As a survivor, Yoshiko was naturally assigned to a less demanding position.
Nakata Yoshiko smiled as she looked at Yugao and said, "Yugao, your distracted demeanor can't escape my notice. Tell me, what kind of difficulty are you facing?"
At that moment, Yugao let out an inward sigh. 'I'm sorry, Sister Yoshiko. I didn't mean to use you. It's just that you've attracted the attention of the ANBU.'
Yugao's facade seemed to slip away, revealing a lost and helpless expression. The two women took advantage of a lull in their work to start chatting.
"What! Your father left you with so much debt!" Yoshiko's shocked expression was genuine. She hadn't expected Yugao to suddenly be burdened with such a significant amount of debt.
Seeing Yoshiko's astonishment, Yugao shook her head helplessly. "Sister Yoshiko, I'm just an ordinary Chuunin. Even if I join a ninja squad and take on B-rank missions, it would still take several years for each mission."
However, as someone experienced, Yoshiko sighed and explained, "It's not as simple as you think. B-rank missions are already quite challenging. Apart from the danger level, the bounty for B-rank missions ranges from 80,000 to 200,000 ryo. But executing B-rank missions usually requires a ninja squad, or even more than one squad."
"Each B-rank mission varies in time consumption. A regular ninja might manage seven or eight B-rank missions in a year. Do you think this is a battlefield? If you're only considering debt repayment, how many years will it take?"
Yoshiko shook her head and sighed, "Yugao, you're young. Do you know the annual expenses for a ninja? Weapons, medicinal herbs, and various consumables amount to a significant cost. You'll also need a well-coordinated team to accompany you on missions regularly."
Yugao's face grew paler as she listened, but she forced a smile. "It's okay, I'm still young. I'll aim to clear the debt by around age twenty-five."
"Twenty-five? By twenty, you're already a grown woman. Your talents would go to waste."
Speaking as if recounting a tale of sorrow, Yugao privately nursed a sense of sadness. Being a ninja was always a high-risk profession, demanding both rigorous training and mission execution, which in turn required significant funds. Now, saddled with such an immense debt, she found herself almost unable to move forward.
"Sister Yoshiko, you're experienced and have good relations with the Uchiha clan. There must be a way. If I can overcome this obstacle, I'll follow your guidance."
Yugao's pleading expression wasn't lost on Yoshiko, who sighed in response.
For a girl in her prime, this was an overwhelming blow. With a commoner background and decent talent, she could have had a brighter future. But now...
"Yugao!"
Yoshiko hesitated, trying to say something, but her expression showed she was struggling with her words. Yugao clung to Yoshiko's every word as if it were a lifeline.
"Sister Yoshiko, do you have a solution?"
Seeing Yugao's desperate expression, Yoshiko sighed softly, "Yugao, you know quite a bit, haven't you spread some gossip about me in private?"
Unlike feigning ignorance, Yoshiko wasn't surprised about her connection to a certain Uchiha member. In fact, she seemed to have planned it.
"No, I've only heard things from others." Yugao blurted out instinctively, but immediately regretted it.
The two walked to a corner outside the police building, and Yoshiko looked around to ensure no one was there before sighing again. "Yugao, you must have heard about my situation."
Yugao's face visibly tensed, while Yoshiko managed a strained smile. "Though there are plenty of rumors, he's treated me well. He's also been kind to my child. You know my husband died in the Third Great Ninja War, and the village has suffered from conflict. While the compensation is decent, it only perpetuates our hardship."
"The key for a strong ninja is foundation. We lack bloodlines and secret techniques, not to mention that we even lack chakra natures!" Yoshiko's smile carried a hint of sadness.
Chakra natures! During the founding of Konoha, the Senju and Uchiha clans invited major families to form the shinobi village. Later, with the introduction of the shinobi academy, civilians had the chance to become ninja. Yet, the origins of ninjutsu stemmed from the major clans.
So there was an unspoken rule in the shinobi world: civilians needed to report their learned techniques. If you learned a B-rank jutsu, you had to report it to the village. Teaching your descendants required reporting as well.
For civilians, their jutsu came from the major clans, and no payment was involved, just a reporting procedure. This reflected the existing class divide in the shinobi world, regardless of the realm.
"Even though Midou was honored as a special Jounin after his sacrifice, he was Wind natured. Our child didn't inherit that, leaving us with no chance."
Yoshiko continued, "Yugao, you're still young. I don't want you to regret it. Do you know the greatest advantage women ninja possess?"
Yugao hesitated, then responded softly, "Beauty and the fact that offspring of a female ninja will likely be a ninja."
Listening, Yoshiko sighed and said, "The ninja world is brutal, and competition is fierce. You're beautiful and talented, and your advantage at this age is substantial. If you have a child, they'll undoubtedly be gifted. The major clans tend to marry women with chakra natures, and our team leader, from a major clan, is young and handsome. Even if you don't end up together, he won't mistreat you. Perhaps this is your only chance to change your fate."
Yoshiko's relationship with a certain Uchiha ninja was known, and the ANBU's information showed that he was likely to help, given his personality. While all this was orchestrated by the ANBU, Yugao's baffled expression showed she was truly at a loss upon hearing it.
~~~
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