Chapter 173: Uchiha and Hyuga

As long as the Police Department continues to exercise its function, the conflict between the Police Department and the villagers will keep accumulating.

Even if Shisui has already become the Hokage, the friction between the Police Department and the villagers still exists; it is unavoidable.

Sima Yi knows this, Yan Shifan knows it, and Shisui, influenced by the two, gradually understands the real reason.

The Police Department is a double‑edged sword: it grants the Uchiha independent and vast authority, yet it is also a chain that binds the Uchiha firmly within this circle, preventing them from leaving.

"The Police Department is the Uchiha, the Uchiha is the Police Department; if this notion does not change, no matter what we do, the conflict between the Uchiha and the villagers will be hard to resolve."

That night, in Shisui's study, everyone gathered.

Uchiha Daohuo, Uchiha Tie Huo, Uchiha Badai, Uchiha Ming, Uchiha Zhu, and Uchiha Gongping—those responsible for family and Police Department affairs—were summoned by Shisui to discuss reforms of the Police Department.

Yan Shifan began to explain the necessity of the reforms.

"The conflict cannot be resolved; even if the clan produces a Hokage it will not help. Given the Uchiha's magnitude, once Shisui steps down, future Hokages will inevitably distrust the Uchiha, and the Police Department will become the greatest constraint on the clan's development."

Yan Shifan's words were half‑true, half‑false, but everyone grasped the general meaning.

"The teacher is right. Now my prestige within the clan is high and I sit in the Hokage's seat; this is a once‑in‑a‑millennium chance. If we miss it, we don't know when another will arise."

The group looked at each other; although the clan offers history lessons, they have hardly attended any, and when faced with more complex reasoning they still need some time to process.

"Since this is the clan head's will, it cannot be wrong. Let's do it that way!"

Uchiha Gongping spoke up without hesitation.

Uchiha Ming and Uchiha Zhu, seeing this, also spoke; the other three, though not yet clear, were certainly supporting Shisui, and after hearing it they too spoke up.

Shisui smiled lightly at the sight and said softly, "Everyone should still have their own ideas; pooling thoughts will let the clan go farther."

They understood the sentence; Gongping's face flushed, and he remained silent.

"Since everyone agrees, I shall now outline the general contents of this reform."

Yan Shifan was not surprised by the group's compliance; he spoke at length so they could later explain it to the other Jonin.

"The ultimate goal of this reform is to eliminate the notion 'the Uchiha are the Police Department, the Police Department is the Uchiha.' After consulting the clan head, I have decided to split the Police Department's authority into three parts, drastically reduce the family members within the Police Department, and reassign them elsewhere."

Even though the Police Department has already undergone one expansion, there are still too many Uchiha within it, and when they go on patrol they always bear the clan emblem, which undoubtedly deepens the villagers' impression.

"From now on, patrol and capture duties will be handed to others; legislation and judgment matters, especially legislation, must be firmly held in hand."

The friction between the Police Department and the villagers accumulates from trivial street incidents; this part cannot be avoided, so it must be shifted to others.

As for legislation, that matter is naturally top priority; Yan Shifan will never delegate it to anyone else.

"Furthermore, starting tomorrow, everyone in the Police Department must wear uniform attire, and any clan emblem is prohibited, especially the one on the gate; after the change is announced, promptly erase that gate marking as well."

The Police Department headquarters bears the inscription 'Konoha Police Department,' and above that inscription sits the Uchiha emblem.

It can be called a thoroughly family‑run enterprise.

"This"

Uchiha Badai hesitated, paused briefly, and asked, "Clan head, elder, isn't removing the clan emblem tomorrow too extreme?"

That emblem is the Uchiha's pride; Badai worries that excessive force will provoke the clan's displeasure.

Yan Shifan, hearing this, looked at Shisui; Shisui gave a slight nod and, on Yan Shifan's behalf, said, "Rectifying a wrong must be done properly, and I have few affairs at the moment, so I have time; we can get everything done in one go, and any exposed problems can be solved together."

Badai suddenly understood; Shisui is already the Hokage, with many duties, and he handles clan matters whenever he can find time.

"Since no one has objections, we will proceed according to this plan."

After Shisui finished, Yan Shifan added further requirements—arrangements for the dismissed clan members, personnel reinforcements, and future salary distribution. Knowing that these people seldom study, Yan Shifan explained as clearly as possible so they could grasp the meaning; when he finished, it was already deep night.

The group departed; after Shisui and Yan Shifan discussed some details, they each returned to their rooms to rest.

Early the next morning, Yan Shifan led a party to the Police Department; the six had already conveyed the Police Department's changes to the clan's Jonin.

Although some still refused to relinquish the pride of the Police Department, the majority chose to trust Shisui.

Thus the people saw the Uchiha emblem that had hung over the Police Department for decades fade away bit by bit.

"Ah—"

Someone looked up and sighed, but said nothing in the end.

After all, it is only a symbol; the Uchiha still control the Police Department, and that has not changed at all.

Then came the pre‑prepared new uniforms, not overly ornate; the garments simply bore the four characters 'Police Department' and the Konoha emblem.

One case after another, one item after another, proceeded smoothly under Yan Shifan's supervision.

Several days later, aside from the personnel cuts and reinforcements, the other matters were essentially implemented; after all, the Police Department is not that large.

"It's time, Kakashi. Go fetch the Hyuga clan head for me."

Inside the Hokage's tower, after putting down the ANBU training progress report, Shisui's expression softened as he said to the Kakashi before him,

Kakashi, half‑kneeling on the ground, heard the words, did not lift his head, gave a brief acknowledgment, and instantly vanished.

In a short while, Hyuga Rizoku arrived at the Hokage's tower.

Upon entering, Hyuga Rizoku looked at the office, which only held the two of them, and felt puzzled; the money from Hyuga had already been given, so why does the Fifth Hokage want to meet him alone?

"Hokage."

Hyuga Rizoku stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

Shisui, seeing this, as always displayed a gentle smile and said, "This time the Village was able to raise sufficient funds largely thanks to the Hyuga clan's generosity; I here express, on behalf of all villagers, gratitude to Jonin Rizoku."

"Hokage, you speak too highly; the Hyuga are also part of Konoha, naturally they should contribute, and this achievement is all thanks to you, Hokage; the Hyuga should not receive such thanks."

"The Hyuga also have a millennial legacy; in Konoha's fifty years they have contributed greatly. Not to mention distant battles, but even the recent battle in the Land of Soup, without the Hyuga's effort Konoha might not have won, let alone achieved such results."

Mentioning the northern campaign tightened Hyuga Rizoku's heart, causing slight unease.

With others he could recount these war merits, but when speaking with the Uchiha, he said, "It is all thanks to Mr. Yi's scheming and the Hokage's command; only the front‑line ninjas' fierce battles yielded this victory." Hyuga Rizoku always remained humble.

Shisui nodded, ceased further praise, and turned to the main issue.

"I already know about Jonin Rizoku's matter; logically, given the Hyuga clan's merits, I would not ignore Jonin Rizoku's affairs, but Kumo's request is truly …" Shisui frowned, then took a letter and placed it on the desk.

Hyuga Rizoku's heart gave a sudden thump; he hurried forward and picked up the letter.

Inside the letter were Kumo's demands for a hostage exchange, specifically mentioning Hyuga Jonin Rizoku; they hope to use him to trade for the Two‑Tails.

Neither Sima Yi nor Jiraiya nor even Rixiang Dongyin took this request seriously.

It's just an exorbitant price; even the Raikage probably never imagined it could be achieved.

But Shisui placed this condition on the Hokage's desk, and Rixiang Rizhu, being young, was instantly flustered.

"Lord Hokage."

Rixiang Richa is only a blood‑traced Jonin and not famous; even on the black market he's worth little. To ransom him would cost at most a few million, and that price for a tailed beast— even the First would not agree, right?

"Lord Hokage, I shouldn't speak out, but Richa is my younger brother; I cannot watch him stay in Kumo's hands.

However, I also understand the tailed beast's importance to the Village; I only hope the Lord Hokage can give me a chance. I am willing to bring troops north to pressure Kumo to concede. Please, Lord Hokage."

Rixiang Rizhu lowered his head, his expression a bit nervous.

Shisui frowned without replying, seeming to hesitate.

Seeing Shisui remain silent, Rixiang Rizhu clenched his fists and added, "If the matter cannot be done, I will deal with him myself and will never let him burden the Village!"

Shisui's gaze shifted; he looked deeply at Rixiang Rizhu, then sighed, saying somewhat helplessly, "For Konoha I shouldn't agree, but on the other hand, Richa Jonin is also a part of Konoha. Abandoning him would betray my promise."

"Very well, it's just a tailed beast. I will send people to Hot Springs Country and have them do their best; in any case they will bring the Village's people back."

"This"

Rixiang Rizhu looked up, his face shocked at Shisui. He could understand exchanging Konoha's assets for Richa, but the Two‑Tails already counts as the Uchiha clan's own property.

"Thank you, Lord Hokage!"

Rixiang Rizhu's mood was complicated as he said slowly.

"Come to think of it, I've been at the Hokage's building for a while, yet I haven't seen any members of the Hyuga clan in any department. Given the Hyuga clan's contributions, it shouldn't be like this— are they unwilling?"

Shisui pretended not to know and suddenly asked.

Rixiang Rizhu wore a shocked expression; the situations of the Uchiha and Hyuga in Konoha are roughly equal, and because of the Police Department and the Nine‑Tails, the Uchiha have it much harder than the Hyuga. How could Shisui not know this?

After a moment of silence, Rixiang Rizhu finally understood and tentatively replied, "Although the clan has always wanted to help Konoha, internal matters are complicated, making it hard to earn the trust of the three or four advisors."

Shisui sighed at the words, "I cannot meddle in branch or main family affairs, but since you are willing to help, I cannot ignore your devotion to the Village. So, both ANBU and the Police Department need people; the head of the Hyuga clan can return and select suitable candidates."

"This"

Rixiang Rizhu hesitated a bit; it's not that he refuses to join the higher ranks, but their Byakugan sees things that shouldn't be seen too easily.

Shisui naturally knew his concern and proactively suggested, "Within ANBU there are indeed matters that shouldn't be disclosed to others, so some restrictions are needed."

Shisui offered two plans: either all the recruits are from the main family, though that is unlikely.

The second method is to place a seal on all branch family members who join ANBU or the Police Department, such as the Tong Huo Gen Jue seal; it need not be overly harsh, just preventing them from leaking ANBU secrets in any form.

Only then will these branch members not be forced by main family members to reveal secrets.

As for the possibility that they might defy the Hokage's orders after entering ANBU because of main family members, Shisui is not worried.

He didn't give Rixiang many ANBU slots—just a few people; distributing them among squads won't affect the overall situation.

Moreover, to be bold, with the Uchiha's current strength, Shisui doesn't even consider the Hyuga.

Besides, given the Hyuga's conservative nature, they probably wouldn't act out of line.

"Thank you, Lord Hokage, please allow me to return and consider the candidates."

Although there are many restrictions, Rixiang Rizhu agreed; this is a sign of the Hyuga clan entering Konoha's high command, and he truly could not refuse.

The Uchiha still have a Police Department; they have only one clan territory and a prestigious name, and they are eager to advance the family.

"No problem. Speaking of it, the Uchiha and Hyuga are both eye‑jutsu families and have lived together in Konoha for fifty years; they should have a proper interaction now."

Rixiang Rizhu felt moved; he understood this was Shisui—no, it should be the Uchiha extending an olive branch.

"They're actually trying to ease relations?"

Rixiang Rizhu immediately recalled the era of the Third, when the Hyuga practiced isolation and rarely contacted other clans to avoid alerting the higher‑ups.

But now the Third's lineage is unusually weak; before him stands the also‑isolated Uchiha. If they unite, even if future Hokages change, the situations of both clans will no longer be so difficult.

Realizing this, Rixiang Rizhu's breathing became somewhat rapid.

"Lord Hokage, speak; the Hyuga have no objection."

"How modest indeed~"

Shisui smiled and teased, "Then it's settled."

After leaving the Hokage's building, Rixiang Rizhu's mood lingered unsettled, and several branch family guards followed silently behind.

Rixiang Rizhu turned back, looked at a few people and suddenly asked, "Do you want to join ANBU?"

"?"

The four were stunned, not grasping the clan leader's meaning—what does ANBU have to do with the Hyuga? "I have discussed with the Fifth and decided to select some from the clan for ANBU and the Police Department; if you wish to go, you can tell me first."

After they caught on, they were instantly excited; whether entering ANBU or the Police Department meant they would no longer be merely Hyuga members.

It means that from now on, the main family behind them must weigh their other identities before acting.

It means they are no longer wholly under the main family, gaining even a sliver of freedom.

The four half‑kneeling, said in unison, "We are willing!"

(End of Chapter)