After finishing breakfast, Haruto Uchiha and Kurenai walked hand in hand toward the entrance of the Uchiha compound.
Passersby couldn't help but notice the unexpected couple. Murmurs and whispers broke out among the villagers, their surprise evident.
"Wait, isn't Yuhi Kurenai dating Asuma Sarutobi, the Hokage's son?"
"I never thought even a beauty like her would fall for Uchiha Haruto. His charm knows no bounds."
"Sigh… When will us single folks ever stand a chance?"
"What can you do? Just get stronger! I swear, when I saw Haruto's Susanoo yesterday, I almost wished I was a woman…"
"Brother, let's not go there…"
The gossip varied from amused admiration to judgmental disdain, but Haruto paid no mind. He was used to the chatter; such reactions had followed him since he began his mission to revive the Uchiha.
Kurenai, however, wasn't as accustomed to such attention. She felt a mixture of embarrassment and curiosity, stealing glances at Haruto's calm expression.
The way he seemed utterly unbothered by the gossip left her in awe.
He's so composed. Despite his strength, he's remained patient and endured so much for the sake of his clan. Ordinary people could never compare to his resilience.
Her admiration for Haruto deepened with each step they took.
---
Soon, they arrived at the edge of the Uchiha district. Passing by a familiar building, Haruto paused.
It was the Konoha Police Department.
The department, once a symbol of the Uchiha clan's authority, stood as a reminder of their tragic fall. To make commuting easier for clan members, the building was originally constructed near their compound. But after the Uchiha massacre, the department had been taken over by Morino Ibiki, head of Konoha's Torture and Interrogation Unit.
Haruto stared at the building's entrance, lost in thought.
"Haruto?" Kurenai asked softly. "Is something wrong?"
Haruto shook his head slightly, then turned to her with a determined look. "Come with me. I want to check on Danzo's interrogation."
Kurenai hesitated but nodded. "Alright."
---
The duo walked into Morino Ibiki's office. The sound of Haruto's firm knocks startled the usually composed interrogation captain.
"Come in," Ibiki called.
The sight of Haruto and Kurenai entering together left him momentarily speechless.
"Haruto… and Kurenai? What brings you both here?"
Ibiki's confusion was genuine. He had never imagined the two of them as a pair. After all, Kurenai was widely known to be romantically linked to Asuma Sarutobi. Little did he know that things had changed overnight.
Regaining his composure, Ibiki greeted Haruto with newfound respect. The latter's recent display of power had earned him recognition even from those who once doubted him.
"Captain Ibiki," Haruto began, getting straight to the point. "What's the progress on Danzo's interrogation?"
Ibiki's expression turned uneasy. "Uh… well… to be honest, there hasn't been any progress."
"No progress?" Haruto's brow furrowed. "Why?"
Ibiki hesitated before answering. "Because… Danzo appears to have gone insane. The interrogation has been put on hold."
"Insane?" Haruto's voice was laced with skepticism. "You expect me to believe that man has lost his mind? Don't insult my intelligence."
Ibiki looked away, clearly uncomfortable. "I know it sounds absurd, but… the higher-ups have ordered us to cease the interrogation entirely."
The truth dawned on Haruto almost instantly. He smirked bitterly.
"This is Hiruzen Sarutobi's doing, isn't it? He's protecting his old ally."
Ibiki remained silent, which was answer enough.
Haruto let out a dry laugh. "The Hokage promised justice for the Uchiha. Yet here we are, with Danzo conveniently deemed 'unfit' for questioning. How predictable."
Kurenai placed a comforting hand on Haruto's arm, sensing his frustration. But to her surprise, he wasn't angry.
"I should have seen this coming," Haruto said quietly. "Sarutobi and Danzo are two sides of the same coin. The only way to expose Danzo's crimes is to bring them both down simultaneously."
---
Haruto's mind raced with strategies. He had already dealt with Danzo, ensuring the man paid for his sins. But taking on Hiruzen Sarutobi was an entirely different challenge.
To defeat the Hokage, Haruto needed more than strength. He required influence, allies, and the support of the people.
"Power," he murmured. "It's time to reclaim what rightfully belongs to the Uchiha."
His gaze shifted to the police department building.
"This place was once ours," he said. "The Uchiha established and led the police force for generations. It's time to take it back."
"The police department?" Kurenai asked.
Haruto nodded. "Becoming the head of the police force would give me a foothold in Konoha's power structure. The department interacts directly with the villagers. If I do my job well, it'll earn me the trust and support of the people. And with that, I can begin rebuilding the Uchiha's reputation."
Kurenai could see the fire in his eyes. Haruto's ambition wasn't just about personal power—it was about restoring his clan's legacy.
---
"Come with me to the Hokage's office," Haruto said suddenly.
Kurenai hesitated. "Me? But…" She trailed off, thinking about her past relationship with Asuma and how awkward it might be to face his father, the Hokage.
Haruto noticed her discomfort and offered her a reassuring smile. He gently took her hand and placed a soft kiss on her cheek.
"If you're uncomfortable, you can wait for me outside the building. I won't force you," he said warmly.
Kurenai's heart fluttered at his gesture. She realized that Haruto wasn't just fighting for his clan—he was fighting for her, too.
"No," she said firmly. "I'll go with you. If I'm yours now, the Hokage will find out sooner or later. I have nothing to hide."
Haruto's smile widened. "That's my Kurenai. Let's go."
---
The two left Ibiki's office, leaving the interrogation captain in a state of shock.
"What just happened?" Ibiki muttered to himself. "Since when did those two become… Never mind. It's none of my business."
---
Hokage's Office
Haruto and Kurenai walked confidently into the Hokage's building. The staff and guards cast curious glances their way, but neither of them paid any attention.
When they reached Hiruzen Sarutobi's office, the Hokage looked up from his paperwork, his expression unreadable.
"Haruto," Hiruzen greeted, his tone measured. "What brings you here today?"
Haruto didn't waste time on pleasantries. "I'm here to discuss the Konoha Police Department. I want it returned to the Uchiha."
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. "That's a bold request."
"It's not a request," Haruto corrected. "The police force was founded by my clan. It belongs to us."
Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, his gaze shifting briefly to Kurenai. He seemed surprised to see her standing beside Haruto but chose not to comment.
"Reinstating the Uchiha as the heads of the police force would require careful consideration," Hiruzen said diplomatically.
"Consider it quickly," Haruto replied. "Because I'm not leaving without an answer."
The Hokage sighed. "Very well. I'll review your proposal. But understand, Haruto, that regaining the people's trust is a delicate process. Any misstep could set the Uchiha back even further."
Haruto smirked. "Leave that to me. I'll prove the Uchiha are worthy of Konoha's trust—and its respect."
---
As Haruto and Kurenai left the office, she couldn't help but admire his determination.
"You really believe we can change things, don't you?" she asked.
Haruto squeezed her hand. "I don't just believe it. I know it. The Uchiha will rise again, Kurenai. And with you by my side, nothing can stop us."
---