Naka Shrine.Deep beneath the Uchiha compound, inside a dim stone chamber sealed from the outside world.
Uchiha Yoru knelt in silence.
Before him sat Uchiha Fugaku, Clan Head of the Uchiha, and Uchiha Setsuna, a senior advisor whose influence within the clan rivaled Fugaku's own.
The silence stretched.
At last, Fugaku spoke, his voice calm but deliberate, though his gaze rested on Setsuna rather than Yoru.
"Advisor Setsuna," Fugaku said evenly, "Yoru's contributions to the clan are obvious."
Yoru's heartbeat quickened.
Here it comes.
He had moved pieces, dirtied his hands, and burned bridges. If the clan only demanded loyalty without reward, no one with ambition would follow. Even power required incentives.
Setsuna glanced down at Yoru, his eyes sharp but unreadable, then gave a faint nod.
"He's performed well," the old man said. "Especially in securing Orochimaru's trust."
A hoarse chuckle escaped him.
"My health isn't what it used to be," Setsuna continued casually. "The clan will need people ready to take responsibility."
Fugaku inclined his head once.
"Yoru's efforts warrant recognition," he said. "The Seventh Division of the Military Police is currently without a captain."
The Military Police Force.
Real authority.
Each division controlled a section of Konoha. Fugaku was the commander in name, but division captains were the ones who actually enforced law and order.
Yoru lowered his head further, maintaining proper restraint, though his pulse raced.
Until now, he had only been connected to power through Orochimaru. This was different. This was a foothold inside the Uchiha's political core.
Strength alone meant little without authority. Even elite jōnin bowed to institutions. Without a formal position, power always came with limits.
A division captain crossed that threshold.
Silence followed Fugaku's words.
Setsuna narrowed his eyes, thinking.
Yoru cursed inwardly. Old foxes.
Outwardly, he allowed a hint of nervous resolve to surface.
"Orochimaru-sensei has advised restraint," Yoru said carefully. "He believes the Uchiha must gradually rebuild ties with the other clans. Isolation didn't form overnight, and it won't end quickly."
Both Fugaku and Setsuna reacted instantly.
Interest flickered in their eyes.
"Orochimaru…" Setsuna repeated, then laughed. "Well said. Very well said."
Fugaku smiled faintly.
They understood immediately.
Orochimaru might be sidelined, but he wasn't defeated. This was the quiet phase. The phase where alliances were rebuilt, favors exchanged, and future resistance softened.
And the Uchiha were perfectly positioned to act as intermediaries.
They wanted that opportunity just as badly.
"Isolation has cost us enough," Fugaku said. "If this creates new channels, it's worth pursuing."
Setsuna nodded in satisfaction.
"Shisui would make a good deputy," he added casually. "He already serves in the Police Force. Let him assist Yoru. And the Seventh Division… perhaps it's time to restructure it."
Fugaku considered it, then nodded.
"Agreed."
He turned his gaze fully to Yoru.
"From today onward," Fugaku said, "Uchiha Yoru is appointed Captain of the Seventh Division of the Military Police Force. You will oversee security in the western district of the village."
He paused.
"The division will operate independently, reporting directly through Orochimaru."
It was a bold move.
Not only a promotion, but a public declaration of alignment.
A police division tied to Orochimaru's influence, in name if not openly. Enough to signal loyalty without crossing the point of no return.
Yoru bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Clan Head. Thank you, Advisor," he said firmly. "For the Uchiha."
The Military Police consisted of nine divisions, each responsible for a sector of Konoha and portions of the surrounding perimeter.
Western District was no small prize.
It meant influence. Visibility. And access.
For the first time, Yoru had stepped fully into the circle where decisions were made.
Setsuna studied him with approval.
They had chosen well.
Still, an old fox never missed an opportunity to test.
"The Seventh Division lost personnel to the border," Setsuna said lightly. "Its manpower may be insufficient."
Fugaku glanced at him, then at Yoru.
Yoru understood immediately and suppressed a sigh.
Bureaucracy. Everywhere.
"You don't need to worry," Yoru replied smoothly. "Several elite shinobi returned with Orochimaru-sensei. The division will be brought back to full strength immediately."
Both elders smiled.
They had gotten exactly what they wanted.
The Seventh Division wouldn't just be an Uchiha unit anymore. It would quietly become a bridge. A gesture of goodwill. A practical gift to Orochimaru's camp.
Politics was never free.
Before the meeting ended, Setsuna gave a final nod of approval.
"You've done well, Yoru," he said. "Very well."