It is often said that women can influence a man's focus, even in the most crucial of pursuits.
By the time the morning had passed, Haruto finally stepped out of the room, leaving Ketasu still sound asleep in the bed, her face serene in repose.
---
Haruto headed toward the Konoha Police Department alone. As he entered the building, Morino Ibiki spotted him immediately and let out a visible sigh of relief.
"Haruto, you're finally here! The Hokage has approved your takeover of the police department," Ibiki said in a hurried tone, as if trying to unload a burden he no longer wanted. "Here's the summary of recent cases. I've placed them on the desk. The drawer contains the records of all the offices, and the keys are here as well. The handover is officially complete!"
Ibiki handed over the keys without hesitation. He looked genuinely eager to leave.
"Wait, you're leaving already?" Haruto asked, surprised by Ibiki's haste.
Ibiki chuckled dryly. "Haruto, this place is no longer my responsibility. Honestly, I'd rather be back in the Torture and Interrogation Department. Dealing with petty thieves and resolving neighborhood disputes? It's unbearable. Good luck—you'll need it!"
And with that, Ibiki was gone, leaving Haruto alone in the spacious office.
---
Haruto sat down in the swivel chair, absentmindedly spinning in circles as he flipped through the case files.
As he skimmed the reports, he couldn't help but notice how mundane the majority of the cases were. Konoha's security, it seemed, was exceptionally good. Most incidents were minor—squabbles between neighbors, disputes over property boundaries, and the occasional petty theft. There wasn't a single serious case in the pile.
"Is this what Ibiki meant by 'no challenge'?" Haruto mused.
After some thought, an idea struck him.
"I should delegate these tasks to my wives. They're more than capable of handling day-to-day disputes. Women have a natural sense of empathy and are better suited for resolving these kinds of issues. As for serious matters, Ketasu or Retsu can step in."
With a satisfied nod, Haruto decided on his plan. Closing the file, he pocketed the keys and prepared to return to the Uchiha compound to assign roles.
Just as he stood to leave, the door to the office opened, and a familiar figure entered.
---
Standing in the doorway was Inuzuka Akimi, a long-time ally of Haruto's. She was dressed in her usual work uniform—a white coat draped over a tight-fitting blue skirt that hugged her hips. Around her neck, she wore a black collar with a small copper bell that jingled softly as she moved.
"Haruto, I finally found you!" she exclaimed, walking in with a bright smile.
Haruto raised an eyebrow. "Akimi? Shouldn't you be at the confinement center recovering?"
He stepped forward, intending to support her, but Akimi waved him off with a grin.
"Don't underestimate me," she said playfully. "The Inuzuka clan isn't like ordinary people. We're built tougher—stronger. I was back at work the day after giving birth! See? Still in my uniform. Doesn't it suit me?"
Haruto sighed, torn between concern and admiration. "You look great, but that's not the point. You should still be resting. Come on, I'll take you back to the confinement center."
Before Haruto could act, Akimi pressed him back into the swivel chair and perched herself comfortably on his lap.
"You worry too much," she said, her voice teasing. "The vitality of our clan is unmatched. Think of us like orcs, Haruto—we're not as delicate as you think. Stop treating me like glass."
Haruto frowned, guilt flashing in his eyes. "It's my fault. I've been so busy lately that I haven't had time to take care of you. That's on me."
Akimi laughed lightly. "You're forgiven. Besides, I didn't come here just to scold you. Here."
She handed him a small glass container. Inside, floating in a clear liquid, was a single scarlet Sharingan.
---
The sight of the Sharingan took Haruto back to the day he retrieved it.
After the confrontation with Danzo, Haruto had entrusted Akimi with preserving Uchiha Shisui's Sharingan and Danzo's infamous right arm. As the head of Konoha's Advanced Technology Research Institute, Akimi had the expertise needed to safeguard such valuable items.
"The arm was too large to carry around," Akimi explained with a smirk. "It's stored securely in the lab. But the eye—well, I thought you'd want it back."
Haruto's lips curved into a soft smile. "Thank you, Akimi. You've been a tremendous help."
Akimi grinned mischievously. "Is a 'thank you' all I get? Don't I deserve a proper reward?"
Haruto raised an eyebrow. "What kind of reward are we talking about?"
Akimi's eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned closer. "Oh, I think you know…"
Before Haruto could respond, Akimi's attention was drawn to the chair beneath them.
"Wait, does this chair spin?"
"It's a swivel chair," Haruto said, bemused. "Of course, it spins."
Akimi giggled. "This chair is amazing! I think I like it."
Her playful antics momentarily lightened the mood, but Haruto could sense the underlying affection in her gaze.
---
For a moment, the room was filled with the soft sound of the copper bell around Akimi's neck jingling as she adjusted her position. Haruto couldn't help but chuckle at her boundless energy.
"You're really something, Akimi," he said fondly.
"And don't you forget it," she replied with a wink.
---
Once their playful exchange subsided, Haruto placed the glass container carefully on his desk and turned his attention back to the police department.
"This is just the beginning," he murmured. "Reclaiming the police force is the first step toward restoring the Uchiha's legacy. But there's still so much work to be done."
Akimi rested her head on his shoulder, her voice soft but firm. "You're not alone in this, Haruto. We're all here to support you. Whatever challenges come your way, we'll face them together."
Her words bolstered Haruto's resolve.
"Thank you, Akimi. That means more to me than you know," he said.
As the two sat together, the vision of a restored and respected Uchiha clan seemed closer than ever.
---