---
After some formalities, Hiruzen spoke in a serious tone, his gaze steady as he looked directly into Setsuna's eyes.
"I am here to discuss the Konoha Police Force. The police force needs some adjustments and restructuring, both to meet the village's current needs and for future growth."
"What kind of adjustments are you referring to, Hokage-sama?" Setsuna asked, his tone growing serious.
Kagami had already informed him that the discussion would be about the police force.
"In my opinion," Hiruzen began, "the police force is the village's line of defense when the main forces are engaged in battle. Therefore, I want to restructure it entirely and add more members."
Hiruzen paused briefly before continuing. "I won't beat around the bush. I'm considering integrating the Hyuga and Yamanaka clans into the police force and forming a department under them." His voice was firm, and he watched Setsuna's reaction closely.
Setsuna's expression shifted slightly. He understood that the Hokage was trying to gain more control over the police force.
His tone thoughtful, he responded, "But the Uchiha already have more members, Hokage-sama. We can deploy them to the Konoha Police when necessary."
"I understand your point," Hiruzen replied. "However, there is an intelligence and criminal interrogation aspect that can be handled more efficiently by the Yamanaka and Hyuga clans. Their unique skills would enhance the overall efficiency."
"We can also use our genjutsu to interrogate criminals," Setsuna countered, trying to defend the Uchiha's capabilities.
Hiruzen straightened his posture, his voice becoming more serious.
"What I am trying to do is protect your clan from the negative perceptions that might arise from monopolizing the police force. By giving your clan a seat on the council, we are ensuring that the Uchiha don't hold too much power, which could cause other clans to object."
He continued, "This proposal will shield your clan from potential resentment. Moreover, the police headquarters will be moved closer to the village center, near the Hokage Tower. This ensures that the police force remains integrated with the village's core functions."
As Setsuna, Kagami, and the other elders processed Hiruzen's words, they began to consider the broader implications of the Uchiha holding so much power.
There was truth in Hiruzen's warning—other clans might indeed object if the Uchiha were seen as monopolizing the police force and the village council both, this will gradually lead to negative perception of the clan in village.
After a brief moment of reflection, Setsuna collected his thoughts and spoke. "I sincerely thank you for your suggestion, Hokage-sama. After considering it, I realize the potential backlash our clan might face in the future. We accept your proposal." His tone was polite yet serious.
"You've made the right choice, Setsuna-san. This decision will benefit your clan in the long run," Hiruzen said with a smile.
"The meeting about the police force will be held tomorrow at the Hokage office, with the Hyuga and Yamanaka clan heads in attendance," Hiruzen continued, his tone lightening. "The Uchiha clan is one of the major clans in the village, and I have high expectations for your future."
Setsuna smiled, his posture relaxing slightly. "We will strive to meet your expectations, Hokage-sama."
After some additional conversation, Hiruzen stood up to take his leave, offering a final polite farewell before disappearing from the compound.
Later, standing atop the Hokage Rock, Hiruzen gazed out over the village, his hands clasped behind his back.
He let out a long sigh. "It's exhausting to handle these types of matters. Maybe I should send clones to handle these tasks in the future," he muttered to himself with a chuckle.
His thoughts then shifted. "Once the police force is restructured, I'll turn my attention to taking on disciples."
---
The next day arrived swiftly, and Hiruzen sat in his office, his face calm but focused as he looked across the table at the heads of the Uchiha, Hyuga, and Yamanaka clans.
The room was quiet, the atmosphere tense with anticipation.
"Today, we'll finalize the structure and division of the Konoha Police Force," Hiruzen began, his tone measured but firm.
"The police force, as it currently stands, is limited in its scope. It needs to expand to meet the growing security needs of our village, and that requires the unique talents of multiple clans working together."
He paused, ensuring he had their full attention. The seriousness of the meeting was palpable, with Setsuna Uchiha, Hisashi Hyuga, and Inochi Yamanaka seated in front of him, all with attentive expressions.
"I have decided to divide the police force into three core departments, each suited to the specific strengths of your respective clans. This will not only increase efficiency but also create a balanced force that benefits from the abilities of each clan."
Setsuna's eyes narrowed slightly, still cautious about the redistribution of authority over the police force.
Hisashi sat with his arms folded, listening carefully, while Inochi had an expression of thoughtful contemplation.
"The first department," Hiruzen continued, "will be the **Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Unit**, led by the Yamanaka clan. Your clan's expertise in mind techniques will allow us to interrogate and gather intelligence in a way that no other can.
Your ability to read thoughts and control minds is invaluable in finding the truth behind criminal activities. You will handle everything from basic questioning to the deep extraction of memories when required."
Inochi nodded with a confident smile. "We can certainly apply our techniques to uncover hidden information and ensure that no criminal hides their intent from the village."
"I have full confidence in your abilities," Hiruzen said with a nod. "This unit will not just be reactive but proactive—seeking out threats before they materialize. Intelligence gathering is key in times of peace, but even more crucial in times of war.
Your department will be responsible for ensuring the village's internal security by monitoring suspicious individuals and preventing crimes before they occur."
Turning toward Hisashi, Hiruzen's expression remained serious. "The second department will be the **Detention and Prison Management Unit**, overseen by the Hyuga clan. Your Byakugan gives your clan unmatched observational abilities.
You will be responsible for ensuring that our prisoners are kept secure, monitored, and interrogated efficiently. With the Hyuga overseeing the prison, any attempts to escape or hide contraband will be futile."
Hisashi's face remained calm, though there was a gleam of pride in his eyes. "We will see to it that the prison operates flawlessly, Hokage-sama. No one will be able to deceive or escape our watch."
"Good," Hiruzen said, his eyes moving to the scroll in front of him. "The detention center will be located near the village center, just adjacent to the police headquarters.
This positioning will allow for easy communication between all departments and provide additional security. During wartime, we will also rely on the Hyuga clan to ensure that enemy prisoners are handled appropriately."
Hiruzen then turned to Setsuna, his tone measured but slightly softer. "Finally, the **Patrol and Public Order Department** will remain under the Uchiha clan's jurisdiction.
You will be the face of the police force, patrolling the streets, keeping the peace, and responding to incidents across the village.
Your sharingan, as well as the powerful combat skills of your clan, make you ideal for quick responses and maintaining order."
Setsuna nodded, though his expression remained serious. "We have long held this responsibility, and we will continue to ensure the safety of the village. However, with more clans involved, how will you ensure our role is not diminished?"
Hiruzen anticipated the concern and smiled slightly. "Your role will not be diminished, Setsuna-san. Rather, it will be reinforced. By dividing responsibilities, you'll be able to focus on your strengths without being overburdened by administrative or non-combat tasks.
This will make the Uchiha even more effective in maintaining public order. Moreover, during times of heightened security threats, your clan's combat expertise will be even more essential."
Hiruzen leaned forward slightly, his tone becoming more authoritative. "I am aware that the Uchiha have a proud history of overseeing the police force.
But by involving the Hyuga and Yamanaka clans, we ensure that the police force operates with the full strength of the village's talents. This isn't about diminishing power—it's about creating a more efficient and integrated force."
Setsuna's expression softened slightly as he realized the tactical value in Hiruzen's proposal. "Very well, Hokage-sama. I see the logic in your words. We accept this division."
Hiruzen nodded, pleased with the outcome of the discussion thus far. "Now, let me outline the broader framework. The total number of members in the Konoha Police Force will be expanded to **1,000 shinobi**.
These will include members from the Uchiha, Hyuga, and Yamanaka clans, but also from other clans, as well as civilian recruits trained for basic duties."
He continued, "The Hyuga will take charge of the village prison, which will be located near the police headquarters for quick support.
Patrolling will be done in shifts, with squads consisting of chunin, jonin, and genin from each clan. This rotation will allow for a constant presence, day and night, while avoiding burnout."
Hiruzen tapped his fingers thoughtfully on the desk. "In times of war, the number of ninjas will double, and we'll recruit from additional clans as necessary.
The goal is to create a fluid structure that can expand and contract based on the needs of the village. This also provides opportunities for collaboration with other clans like the Aburame and Inuzuka, whose tracking skills can be crucial during investigations."
At the mention of other clans, Inochi leaned forward. "Hokage-sama, how will the leadership structure operate? Will there be a single head overseeing all departments, or will each clan leader manage their own sector independently?"
"A good question," Hiruzen said, considering for a moment. "Each clan head will have autonomy over their respective departments, but for overall coordination, there will be regular council meetings.
These will include the heads of the police departments, alongside key village leaders. I will act as the final arbiter on any conflicts or decisions that require village-wide attention.
This council will ensure that no single clan exerts too much control over the others while maintaining the cohesion necessary for a well-functioning force."
Hisashi, Setsuna, and Inochi nodded, seeming satisfied with this balanced approach.
"The foundation of this restructuring is cooperation," Hiruzen continued. "In the past, the Uchiha bore the burden of the police force alone, but moving forward, the strength of Konoha will come from its unity.
Each clan brings something essential to the table, and by working together, we create a force that will not only protect our village but also showcase our combined strength."
After going through the detailed instructions, all three clan heads grew even more serious, realizing the magnitude of the changes.
This restructuring was more than just a reorganization—it was the start of a new era for the police force, one that could strengthen Konoha's defenses while fostering cooperation between the major clans.
After a moment of reflection, Setsuna, Hisashi, and Inochi spoke in unison, "We accept your arrangement, Hokage-sama."
"Very well," Hiruzen said, smiling as he handed each of them a scroll. "Begin implementing these changes immediately. The land for the new police headquarters will be allocated shortly, and I will oversee the transition personally to ensure smooth operations."
The clan heads stood, bowed respectfully, and left the office, leaving Hiruzen alone to ponder the future.
---
"The final piece of the puzzle is in place," Hiruzen said to himself, leaning back in his chair. "Now I can focus on the academy students who will graduate next year. There's much potential among them—future powerhouses to be trained."
He sighed contentedly. "There's also been progress in my study of natural energy and nature transformation. Next year, I'll work on creating a kekkei genkai based on fire nature transformation."
---
Later, Hiruzen stood once again at the Hokage Rock, but this time with a smile. His clones had just returned after spending two days learning the Monkey Mountain's techniques.
As their memories and experiences merged with his own, Hiruzen felt a deep sense of satisfaction.
"My understanding of natural energy has reached a new height," he thought, reflecting on the knowledge he had gained from the Monkey Mountain's teachings and the various notes he had studied. "Now, I can fully master Sage Mode."
With a determined expression, Hiruzen clenched his fist. "It's time to create my own Sage Mode, based on my unique understanding of nature energy."
---