Thus, when the Fourth Elder shot a meaningful glance, the Uchiha below let their imaginations run wild.
They suspected the Vice-Clan Head was about to make a major move, so they quietly dispersed one by one.
Once all the members of the "Hawk Faction" had left, the police headquarters lobby became eerily empty.
Those who remained were either members of their own "Dove Faction" or the few who remained neutral.
Yohei gave the orders. "Everyone present, your patrol routes for today are to be redirected to the Uchiha clan's commercial districts."
"As for other areas, no matter what happens, you are not to get involved."
"Protecting the Uchiha's assets is our top priority. Is that clear?"
Although those below were all Doves, the more rational members of the Uchiha, they were still frequently troubled by the villagers' complaints.
Hearing that they no longer had to manage other areas and could focus solely on Uchiha territory, they all agreed with delight.
Full of newfound motivation, they quickly assigned their new patrol routes and headed out.
As the Third Hokage had anticipated, Fugaku Uchiha proposed a high-level meeting that morning.
In attendance were the Third Hokage, Hiashi Hyuga, Fugaku Uchiha, and Kawasaki Uchiha.
Danzo, having suffered a major setback, was hiding in his Root headquarters and did not show his face.
Seeing Fugaku bring Kawasaki along again, the others couldn't help but wonder if Fugaku was truly grooming this man as his successor.
Today, Fugaku had reverted to his usual respectful demeanor. He addressed the Third Hokage, "Lord Hokage, please forgive my desperation last night. It drove me to take such a drastic measure."
The Third Hokage appeared cordial on the surface, but his mind was racing. Fugaku isn't here to hold me accountable?
"You are too kind, Fugaku. Any clan would find it impossible to remain calm in such a situation."
Fugaku nodded and stepped aside, allowing Kawasaki to speak.
Kawasaki's tone was steady. "The Clan Head is well aware of the numerous conflicts between our Police Force and the villagers. If this continues, it will be detrimental to Konoha's public order."
"The Clan Head has already begun reforming the Police Force. Personnel who have been cited for excessive force have had their duties suspended."
"Hmm..." the Third Hokage hummed in acknowledgment. What game was the Uchiha playing?
How many Uchiha had been accused of excessive force? Was there any Uchiha who hadn't been complained about?
It was probably eighty percent of them. Had they all been suspended?
Kawasaki continued, "With many Uchiha members suspended, there are now vacancies within the Police Force."
"We invited Lord Hiashi here today to request that the Hyuga clan provide personnel to join the Police Force and help maintain its normal operations."
"Wh-what?!"
The Third Hokage and Hiashi couldn't maintain their composure, their faces frozen in shock.
The Konoha Military Police Force had always been the Uchiha's private domain.
Ninety-nine percent of its members were Uchiha; outsiders had no way of getting in.
This was the primary source of the Uchiha's concentrated influence.
For Fugaku to invite outsiders into the Police Force would undoubtedly weaken his control over it.
A reduction in his influence over the village meant moving further away from the seat of Hokage.
Could it be?!
Was Fugaku trying to demonstrate his lack of interest in power to curry favor with the village leadership?
Or were the Uchiha and Hyuga clans joining forces?
The Third Hokage pondered this but couldn't reach a conclusion.
He resorted to official platitudes. "Vice-Clan Head Kawasaki, your consideration for the relationship between the Uchiha and the village is most gratifying."
"I have no objection. You may discuss the details with Hiashi."
Hiashi wasn't completely dazzled by this unexpected boon. His first thought was to question Fugaku's motives.
But when an opportunity presented itself, the Hyuga clan was willing to test the waters, even if it was a trap.
After all, the Hyuga's influence had been waning, their standing in Konoha's power structure declining.
If they could gradually gain control of the Police Force... Hiashi offered Fugaku and Kawasaki a friendly smile.
Kawasaki smiled back.
We Uchiha have weathered the storm long enough. Now it's the Hyuga clan's turn to see just how deep these waters run.
Konoha's Third Street was a bustling commercial district.
Taverns, restaurants, hot springs, and gambling dens lined the avenue.
Where there were crowds, there was friction, especially in a commercial hub.
Normally, a squad from the Uchiha Police Force patrolled this area.
Today, however, they were nowhere to be seen.
Just then, a drunkard reeking of alcohol was thrown out of a tavern.
The tavern owner stepped out. "You cause a scene after just a few drinks and then try to skip out on the bill?"
The drunk slurred, "What's the big deal? I just owe you a little for the drinks."
"You dare act so cocky with no money? Teach him a lesson!"
The owner called over two of his staff, who proceeded to beat the drunkard with a flurry of punches and kicks.
They didn't stop until the man's face was bruised and swollen.
The drunk lay on the ground, battered and injured, as a crowd of onlookers gathered.
Usually, the Police Force would arrive quickly to break up a fight. With their rare absence, everyone got to enjoy the spectacle.
It took the drunk a while to get back on his feet. Seeing so many villagers pointing and staring at him, he grew enraged.
He spat a few vicious curses and pushed his way out of the crowd.
With the show over, the onlookers began to disperse.
Unexpectedly, less than ten minutes later, the drunk returned.
He was carrying a flask, undoubtedly filled with more alcohol.
But his expression was dull, his movements robotic.
Instead of drinking, the man stuffed a rag into the mouth of the flask, lit it, and hurled it at the tavern's entrance.
With a bang, the alcohol ignited the door curtains. The fire was small at first.
But from a nearby alley, a masked figure in a white cloak, a Root operative, secretly formed a hand sign.
Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!
Controlling the amount of chakra, he blew out a gust of air.
The wind fanned the flames.
The wooden structure, fueled by the wind, was quickly engulfed in fire, and the surrounding area descended into chaos.
After a short while, a passing chunin used a Water Style jutsu to extinguish the blaze.
In that brief time, the tavern's entrance had been blackened by soot and its sign completely destroyed.
Though no one was injured, the tavern would certainly be closed for several days.
The drunkard, after throwing the flask, suddenly snapped out of his daze, confused about what he had just done.
But the deed was done. He had no choice but to slip away in the chaos.
The tavern owner cursed furiously.
"Damn the Police Force! They're all over the place when there's no trouble, but when something actually happens, they're nowhere to be found! I'm going to file a complaint!"
With his tavern door burned and business halted, the owner rushed to the Konoha Military Police Force headquarters.
A line had already formed outside the complaints office, but people were coming out quickly, each with a strange expression.
Soon, it was the tavern owner's turn. He pushed the door open.
Inside, he found the Fourth Uchiha Elder, Yohei, sitting leisurely.
"Elder Yohei! I want to file a complaint!"
Yohei Uchiha produced a complaint form and set it on the desk. "What would you like to complain about?"
The tavern owner said, "I want to complain that when my place was attacked, no one from the Police Force was there to do anything about it."
"Oh? And where is your establishment, exactly? What's its name?"
"It's on Konoha's Third Street. The Shimizu Tavern."
"Let me see." Yohei picked up a stack of complaint forms and began flipping through them.
"Found it."