Police Department, Minister's Office.
Uchiha Kai sat at ease, brewing himself a cup of tea, looking completely relaxed.
"Minister, this isn't right." Uchiha Tiehuo spoke with a headache.
"The villagers may be satisfied, but the real culprit slipped away."
"And also, about Kaiichi-kun!"
"He was wronged!"
"I can vouch for him—he's always diligent in his duties. He would never make such a rookie mistake."
"Punishing him like this—it's just not fair."
Tiehuo's words were earnest, but his eyes held anger as he looked at Kai.
Yes.
Kai had already given him a heads-up last night.
But now, faced with the reality of it, Tiehuo still couldn't accept it.
Why should an Uchiha have to suffer just to appease the villagers?
If Kaiichi had actually made a mistake, fine.
But he hadn't!
That was why Tiehuo couldn't agree.
"Yes, Minister." Uchiha Shinichi also spoke up directly.
"I didn't make a mistake in this matter!"
"I'm certain that Kanzaki Manyo is the thief."
"I may not have the proof yet, but I guarantee I'll find it."
Clearly—
He was also very dissatisfied with Kai's ruling.
Kai, however, remained calm.
He waited until Tiehuo had finished, then spoke evenly.
"Yes, I know."
"Kanzaki Manyo is indeed the culprit. But so what?"
"Innocent until proven guilty. Understand?"
"From now on, as long as I lead the Police Department, without conclusive evidence, everyone is to be treated as innocent."
"As for you, Kaiichi—"
"I know you feel wronged. But for the honor of the Uchiha, you must endure it."
"You know our clan's reputation. Clan Leader Fugaku appointed me as Minister precisely to change that reputation."
"So listen carefully."
"I'm not here to solve cases. I don't care who the culprit is."
"But since you're one of us, I won't let you suffer for nothing."
"Tonight, I'll speak with the clan leader. You'll be granted a B-rank ninjutsu scroll, and an additional reward of 100,000 ryō."
"Go home and train. Even if you don't show up to work, your salary will continue as normal."
"Rest assured—I, Uchiha Kai, won't let our own clan members suffer in vain."
"If you're taking the blame for the clan, you'll be compensated."
Hiss—
Tiehuo and Kaiichi were both stunned.
They had never expected this answer.
So that was it.
The Minister knew Kaiichi was innocent.
But for the sake of Uchiha honor, he had him take the fall.
And the kicker?
It wasn't without reward—he'd be compensated handsomely.
If that was the case…
Wasn't this actually a good thing?
Both of them were dumbfounded.
They didn't know what to say.
"Well, Kaiichi?" Kai smiled.
"Are you satisfied with my arrangement?"
"Uh—satisfied!" Kaiichi nodded quickly.
Was that even a question?
How could he not be satisfied?
After all—
He was just an ordinary Uchiha.
Only through tireless effort had he managed to join the Police Department after graduating.
He was short on money.
He was even shorter on high-level ninjutsu.
And now, just for taking the blame, he'd be given all this?
Heh.
He figured he could take the blame a few more times, if it meant rewards like this.
"Good. Then it's settled."
"Kaiichi, go home and train well. As for the rest of the clan, there's no need to hide it."
"Just tell them the truth."
Kai nodded with satisfaction.
Since Kaiichi was happy with it, the matter was settled.
Kaiichi bowed deeply, then left with joy written all over his face.
The moment he stepped out, a group of Uchihas surrounded him, bombarding him with questions about the outcome.
They had all been worried.
It was Kaiichi this time.
But what if it was them next time?
Kaiichi didn't hesitate.
He explained everything exactly as it had happened.
The clan members froze.
Good heavens!
So for the sake of clan honor, someone had to take the blame.
But it wasn't for nothing—
On the surface, you got punished, but behind the scenes, you were showered with rewards.
Damn.
Hearing this, every Uchiha present was floored.
Worry for Kaiichi? Gone.
In its place—jealousy.
Yes.
They wanted to take the blame too!
Meanwhile—
Back in the Minister's office.
After Kaiichi left, Tiehuo finally couldn't hold back.
"Minister, can we really handle things this way?"
"Why not?" Kai replied coolly.
"Do you remember what I said last night?"
"Since I'm in charge of the Police Department, things will be done my way."
Tiehuo sighed helplessly.
He still didn't fully agree.
But since Fugaku had approved it, and the clan council had voted it in—
Unless another council was convened to remove Kai,
there was no choice but to follow his lead within the Police Department.
"Ahh…"
Tiehuo let out a weary sigh before speaking again.
"Fine, Kaiichi's case is settled."
"But what about the thief? In cases like this, evidence is hard to find."
"Even if we know Kanzaki Manyo is the culprit, under your system, we can't bring him in!"
Kai's lips twitched.
He was beginning to see it clearly—
Uchiha brains were straight as an arrow, and hopelessly rigid.
Utterly incomprehensible.
Shaking his head helplessly, he said,
"Arrest him? My ass. Just leave it alone."
"Leave it alone?" Tiehuo was dumbfounded.
"We're the Police Department! How can we just ignore a thief?"
"That doesn't make sense!"
His worldview was collapsing.
As a member of the Police Force, wasn't it their duty to arrest criminals?
Otherwise, weren't they just holding positions and doing nothing?
It went against everything he'd been taught.
Meanwhile, Kai just felt a headache coming on.
The simplicity of the Uchiha mind was terrifying.
At first, he hadn't intended to explain at all.
He would simply order Tiehuo to do as told.
After all, he had made his stance clear at the clan meeting last night.
But—
Considering Tiehuo had been his first supporter among the radicals, Kai decided to humor him.
After a moment of silence, he spoke plainly:
"Originally, I had no need to explain this to you."
"I already made myself clear at the clan meeting. I don't owe anyone explanations."
"But fine."
"I'll explain this time. But it's the last time."
"If you still can't accept it, then I'll have no choice but to transfer you out of the Police Department."
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