Closing the book, Nanada's eyes were filled with shock.
"This kind of book... has never existed in Konoha."
Yun gave a light nod. "Power alone can only lead to destruction. What's needed to rule is the knowledge outlined here."
"But I think it's enough for the Uchiha. If they destroy every opponent, all they'll get is a graveyard named Konoha where only Uchiha live."
Yun tapped his temple. "To become Hokage, you need to use your brain."
Nanada gently closed the book again. "You are right. Reading more isn't a weakness—it's a weapon."
Itachi turned to Yun. "How did you do it? How can you see so far ahead?"
Yun paused before replying, "It's not good to be trapped in life-and-death thoughts all the time. When a problem arises, observe it from the perspective of the clan, the village, and the world."
"If your view is broad, the things you're caught up in start to look small. Humans are animals of desire—power, wealth, strength, fame, love—it's all the same."
He looked straight at Itachi. "You're a genius, but only in the ninja sense. When it comes to understanding people... you fall short."
After Yun spoke, the room fell into silence. Everyone except Yun sank into contemplation.
People?
Desire?
After a while, Nanada broke the silence. "What should we do with that Root clan member from earlier?"
Yun considered. "After Danzo's death, the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal should've disappeared. But if it hasn't, that means someone high-up in Konoha has taken control of the remaining Root operatives."
Nanada narrowed his eyes. "Should we kill him? Any Uchiha who joined Root and watched our people suffer without resisting... they're no longer Uchiha in spirit."
Shisui frowned at the suggestion, but Yun calmly waved his hand. "Have it arranged. Let him disappear naturally. Anyone who could stand by and watch their own kin suffer doesn't deserve to bear the clan name."
"With our current strength, the Third Hokage and his advisors won't dare make any unnecessary moves."
Nanada nodded slowly, and Shisui understood what Yun meant.
"Haaa…"
"Let's follow Yun's words." Shisui concluded. "One step at a time. We also need to address the Police Force situation."
With that, the short meeting came to a close. Shisui knew full well—he was no longer an Anbu under the Fourth Hokage.
He was now the head of the Uchiha Clan. And that meant his days of peace were over.
…
After the meeting, Nanada left with the unconscious Uchiha in hand. Yun and Itachi also prepared to leave.
Behind them, Shisui's voice called out, "Are we really giving up on the Police Force?"
Yun turned back. "With complete autonomy, the Uchiha can indeed arm themselves as they please. But do we want another coup?"
He continued, "Stick to the plan. Starting tomorrow, test the attitudes of the other clans. Try recruiting for positions like squad leader, even deputy-captain."
"Even the captain role, if necessary. Let's see how many are willing to wade into these murky waters."
…
Three Months Later – Konoha Commercial Street.
*Bang!*
A man rolled out from the gambling parlor, crashing through the curtain with the word "Gamble" printed on it. He scrambled to stand, only to be kicked down again by a man storming out after him.
"Trash! You've got three days to pay your debt, or you die!"
The man on the ground—clearly dressed like a merchant, with bruises on his face—raised his head and growled, "You scammed me! Then lent me your damn loan shark money! Why should I pay it back?"
"If I don't, what are you gonna do? Sue me? I should sue you for theft!"
The thug from the casino sneered, "Suing us? For what? Cheating? Anyone here see us cheat? Go ahead, point someone out! Let's go to the Police Force together."
Just then, three shinobi in flak jackets appeared.
The battered merchant leapt up and hugged one of their legs. "Help me, please! They cheated me out of my money and beat me up!"
The casino staff collectively cursed in their minds. 'Damn, why'd he show up at the perfect time?'
One of them walked up with a forced smile. "Sir, I'm the manager of this establishment—"
He extended his hand for a handshake, but before he could react, the shinobi grabbed it. Something sharp shifted in his grip.
And so began the farce: the "poor merchant" was taken away under suspicion of being a spy from another village.
…
"How's it going?" Yun asked later.
Shisui sighed. "After Danzo's death, the Fourth and his advisors did increase the budget for the Security Force. But…"
Yun smiled. "But after all this time, the civilian ninjas they brought in have perfectly learned the old Uchiha ways?"
Shisui gave a bitter chuckle. "Exactly. The Hyuga, Inuzuka, and Aburame took the Search Squad rights. The Ino-Shika-Cho, Sarutobi, and Shimura clans all refused Police Force invitations."
"These civilians, who barely qualified as chūnin, didn't want to risk missions outside the village. So they gladly joined."
"But... the results have been disappointing."
Yun shrugged. "Easy job, high pay, close to home. That's all it offers. Real shinobi wouldn't waste time there."
"But for people like them, it's paradise. You get to show off, live safely, take bribes. The power you used to envy is now yours."
Shisui added, "Even when offered the vice-captain role, none of the major clans accepted. It's truly a poisonous chalice."
Yun looked at him. "Do you think the Hyuga or Ino-Shika-Cho want to rebel?"
Shisui blinked. "Of course not. They don't have that kind of power."
Yun nodded. "Then why would they need such autonomy? What will they do with it—win the war with kunai and good intentions? Not everyone has Susanoo."
"If they really don't want in, leave them out. Then Hokage can officially dissolve the clan-only structure and form a joint unit with volunteers."
Shisui nodded. He wasn't too concerned about the scammed merchant.
The number of Uchiha in the force had dropped, but those who remained were reliable. And thanks to Yun's teachings, some even started using their brains.
Still, the merchant wasn't getting his money back.
And his debt? That'd be handled... one way or another.
…
*Swish!*
A figure landed behind them.
"Shisui-senpai, Uchiha Yun. The Hokage wishes to see you."
Yun turned slightly, his Mangekyō Sharingan flaring open. "Don't ever appear behind me again. Next time, I might not be able to hold back."
Shisui lightly patted the Anbu's shoulder. "Relax. It's just a habit. Tell the others to be more careful."
Yun exhaled and closed his eyes, deactivating the Sharingan. His instinct had been too sharp just now.
The Anbu, already drenched in sweat beneath the mask, nodded and vanished.
That pressure… was suffocating.
'So this was the Mangekyō's power? And this kid... How old was he?'
Even Kakashi never made his heart race like this...
…
Hokage Building.
Minato raised his head from his paperwork with a smile. "Captain Shisui... and Yun, you're here already? Give me a minute, I'm halfway through this file."
Shisui chuckled. "Please call me Shisui, Hokage-sama. 'Captain' feels strange."
The Fourth gave a nod and resumed writing. Yun, meanwhile, offered a casual smile.
Three months had passed. The fighting faction in the Uchiha clan had shifted its mindset, uniting the clan.
Was Minato... afraid of that?
A file only halfway done?
Captain Shisui?
Was this a test of loyalty?
Soon, Minato finished the file, set it down, and looked at Yun.
"The Uchiha reform has gone smoothly. It's your credit."
Shisui scratched his head. "Mostly because the other clans refused to join the Police Force, so—"
Minato interrupted, "We'll resolve that soon. The Uchiha shouldn't be managing all of Konoha's public security."
Only if their power is redefined... can they escape the trap.
Yun smiled. "Ninja school's on break. Shisui, Itachi, and I were going to have a barbecue. Want to join us, Hokage-sama?"
Minato chuckled, catching the meaning behind his words. He glanced at his desk.
"Shikaku's on leave. I've got too much work."
He paused, then said, "Actually, I had you brought here for something else."
He turned to Yun. "Since Shisui became clan head, he left the Anbu. I'm short on talent. And Yun... at your age, Kakashi had been a chūnin for three years. Is it really okay for you to still be in the Academy?"
Yun froze. 'Damn. They are onto me.'
Three years of slacking. He wanted three more.
"What do you mean, Hokage-sama?"
Minato smiled. "Since Kakashi left, my Anbu has been run by Kabuto and Shisui. Now Shisui's gone, so I want you to graduate early and be promoted to chūnin."
Yun raised a brow. "A new chūnin can join Anbu?"
Minato nodded. "You'll be emergency-promoted. You already have the Mangekyō Sharingan. You can be fast-tracked to special-jōnin."
'No escape.'
Even Shisui chimed in, "Yun already understands things better than most jōnin. He doesn't need more school."
Yun sighed. The game was over.
With that kind of power, the Fourth couldn't afford to let him waste away in a classroom.
…
Barbecue Shop.
"You're graduating early?"
Itachi was shocked. "I thought you'd stay six years before graduating."
Shisui laughed. "Six years? Then what? Be a genin for life? It does sounds like Yun's dream!"
Yun glared at them. 'Why suffer doing missions? My clone makes money. Free food, cool persona—what else do I need?'
"Don't gloat over my misfortune. I've been enjoying life for at least two years. Think about this idiot Itachi, he's been digging out manure pits in the village for two years."
Itachi at the side widened his eyes and hesitated for a long time before replying, "There were only two missions to clean out the manure pit. Most of the time, they were to find a noble lady's cat and drive away wild boars."
Yun curled his lips: "You sound as if they were quite honorable jobs."
Itachi shook his head, "Our team started carrying out C-rank missions out of the village over a year ago. It's not as good as the Anbu, but I think it's pretty good."
He glanced at Itachi. "Wait… are you in love?"
"Eh?!"
Itachi's face turned crimson.
Yun grabbed his collar. "Tell me! Not with that Ninja Cat again, right?!"
"Cough—cough! No—it's not—"
Shisui intervened. "You got it wrong. It's his teammate."
Yun released him. "Good. As long as it's not Izumi."
Itachi gasped for breath. "I always treated her like a sister…"
Yun narrowed his eyes. "At nine years old, and already dating?"
Shisui chuckled. "It's not dating. Just puppy love. Don't overthink it."
*****
If you enjoy what I do, consider supporting me on Ko-fi!
Every little bit means the world!
https://ko fi.com/rroy28 (put a "-" between "ko" and "fi")
Support me on my patreon and gain early access to my creations.
https://www.pat reon.com/RroY28 (remove the space)
You can access up to 30 advanced chapters.