Chapter 36

In the Police Department, all fell silent as if frozen in winter.

Everyone stared at Uchiha Hachidai, and all couldn’t help but shiver.

Many genin who had come to complain now instinctively changed their minds—no one dared provoke this enraged elder.

But the problem was.

What had once been easy to handle had become utterly unmanageable since Uchiha Jin introduced the new regulations!

Yet, there was no choice!

Better to endure a few minutes of nagging from those “troublesome civilians” than be screamed at by Uchiha Hachidai.

Only the genin standing by the door, though pale with fear, still summoned the courage to speak: “Elder Hachidai, the Anbu have delivered a message—requesting the Police Department head report to the Hokage’s office.”

And as for this.

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Hachidai’s furious expression instantly turned calm.

The Hokage summoned me?

He had already anticipated this—though the Police Department’s procedures had become formal, few actual issues had been resolved, and those “troublesome civilians” would surely file complaints at the Hokage Tower.

Still.

Though assigned to oversee the Police Department, he was not its official head, so after a brief pause, he said: “I understand. Itachi may leave.”

The genin, hearing this, felt as if released from a death sentence.

Meanwhile, on the other side.

After long contemplation, Uchiha Hachidai decided to consult Uchiha Jin.

Moments later.

He returned to the Uchiha compound and found Uchiha Jin training.

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Jin immediately said: “If the Hokage wants the Police Department head, then let Fugaku go.”

Uchiha Hachidai stared, utterly bewildered.

“Fugaku?”

“Is that—allowed?”

Facing Hachidai’s stunned expression, Uchiha Jin remained calm: “Fugaku is still the clan head, and the village has not removed his position as Police Department head.”

“Itachi’re just a clan elder; I’m just an ordinary Chunin. The Hokage summoned the Police Department head—who else should go if not Fugaku?”

Uchiha Jin shrugged.

Still.

Seeing Hachidai’s continued confusion, he couldn’t help but sigh inwardly—the Uchiha truly weren’t suited for such matters.

After rubbing his temples, he explained:

“Elder Hachidai, remember one thing!”

“Our goal isn’t to solve problems—it’s to make the village as troubled as possible. The more chaotic they are, the less time they’ll have to bother us.”

“So does it matter whether Fugaku has authority? Since Hashirama Sarutobi didn’t summon me, let Fugaku, the Police Department head, go.”

“Whether Fugaku can solve the problems? That’s none of our damn business!”

As long as the procedures are correct and the village leadership has no evidence against us, the rest is none of our concern!

Hearing this, Uchiha Hachidai suddenly understood.

So—it could be played this way?

He nodded and immediately took his leave.

Still.

When he found Fugaku, who was idle at home, Fugaku was stunned: “I’ve been idle at home—what does this have to do with me?”

“Listen to Jin. Just do him a favor,” Uchiha Hachidai said, exasperated. “Itachi may be idle, but Itachi still live within the clan.”

“Maintaining good relations with Jin is wise. Itachi know Asura’s mindset—he’ll inevitably cause major trouble soon.”

“Since Itachi can’t handle Asura’s issues, now is the time to get on Jin’s good side—so when Itachi need to plead later, Itachi’ll have leverage.”

What do Itachi think?”

Fugaku fell silent, at a loss for words.

Asura’s issues truly troubled him—especially now that he was idle at home and finally paid attention to his son, he realized how severe the problem was!

Especially since joining the Anbu, he’d become a loyal follower of Hashirama Sarutobi!

Yes.

Though Hashirama Sarutobi assigned Shisui and Asura as spies, the Uchiha simply weren’t cut out for it—they lacked subtlety and couldn’t act. Previously, Fugaku was preoccupied with clan and village affairs, leaving no time to monitor Asura’s growth.

Now that he was idle, the problem instantly became clear.

But unfortunately.

Asura’s mindset was already fixed; even if he intervened, it was far too late.

“Fine, I understand.”

Fugaku took a deep breath and headed toward the Hokage Tower.

Just bluffing? He was an expert at that!

He had spent years bluffing within the clan—now, even facing Konoha’s leadership, he could handle it effortlessly.

Meanwhile, on the other side.

Watching Fugaku depart far into the distance, Uchiha Hachidai’s gaze was complex.

He’d once pitied Fugaku, but now seeing him idle at home—his face flushed and radiant, his brow free of worry—he looked years younger than before.

What about himself?

The Police Department’s messes never ended—he’d developed dark circles from exhaustion.

But—endure it!

Let’s hope Uchiha Jin truly has the ability to change the Uchiha’s fate.

…

Twenty minutes later.

Fugaku arrived at the Hokage’s office—Hashirama Sarutobi’s face darkened.

Hashirama Sarutobi, smoking beneath his Hokage hat, nearly cursed aloud the moment he saw Fugaku.

What the hell is wrong with Itachi?

Shisui and Asura are my spies—do Itachi really think I don’t know Fugaku has no power and was kicked out long ago?

What’s the point of talking to Itachi?

Still.

He recalled his message to the Anbu—he’d indeed said to summon the Police Department head. And though Fugaku had been stripped of power, his titles as clan head and Police Department head had not yet been revoked by Uchiha Jin…

Fine.

Hashirama Sarutobi sighed and tapped his desk.

“Anbu!”

“Hokage-sama!”

The hidden Anbu appeared, kneeling on one knee.

Hashirama Sarutobi took a deep breath: “Go find Uchiha Jin—and don’t get it wrong!”

The Anbu bowed and departed.

Fugaku felt awkward, but his composure held—he kept his usual blank expression.

In short…

As long as I’m not embarrassed, the embarrassment belongs to someone else!

And as for this.

Hashirama Sarutobi lowered his head to handle paperwork, completely ignoring Fugaku.

Directly ignore him—pretend he’s not there!

Twenty minutes later.

Uchiha Jin arrived at the Hokage’s office, greeted Fugaku, then spoke with deep respect: “Hokage-sama, why did Itachi summon me?”

Only then did Hashirama Sarutobi look up.

His gaze at Uchiha Jin was profound, and his voice heavy: “What’s going on with the Police Department? Why aren’t Itachi resolving the villagers’ complaints?”

“I’m not the Police Department head—what’s it to me?”

Uchiha Jin rolled his eyes and shot back without hesitation.