Uchiha Chun was not just a well-spoken woman from the clan—she was sharp, capable, and trusted. Kai Uchiha had first met her upon returning from a mission after awakening his Sharingan. She had welcomed him back with little fanfare, but her presence was not missed during one of the key clan strategy meetings hosted by Uchiha Fugaku.
It was clear from the way Fugaku listened to her that she held his confidence. And now, when her name came up as a suggested officer in the new Security Department structure, Kai Uchiha knew he hadn't misjudged her. Chun was not a mere ornamental figure—she had political acuity and discipline. She was more than suited for field command.
Kai initially wanted to refuse the proposal. After all, he had his own plans for the department. But Fugaku was the clan head, and Kai understood the importance of giving him some sense of security amidst the ongoing political tensions in Konoha. Letting Chun take command of a difficult unit would be both a test and a gesture. If she succeeded, Kai would consider her a true asset. If not, she would be removed. Kai had no intention of protecting incompetence, not even for Fugaku's sake.
With the meeting concluded, Kai stepped out into the chilled Konoha air and made his way home. The real work would begin tomorrow.
The Next Morning
"Ryoko," Kai said quietly to his cousin as she prepared to leave. "Stay home today. Don't go near the Security Department."
Ryoko Uchiha blinked. She wasn't part of the clan's inner circle, and though she had some skill, she was far removed from the high-stakes games of the elders. Still, she recognized Kai's tone: calm, but firm. Something was coming.
When Kai arrived at the Konoha Police Headquarters, the atmosphere was heavy.
In front of the gates stood two units. On the left, Uchiha Tsubasa and Uchiha Chiya—former captains—stood with their arms crossed, clad in standard-issue black flak vests. They had their eyes closed, as if in silent protest or preparation. Behind them were a dozen loyal subordinates.
On the right, Kai's own former squad—Uchiha Kawara, Imai Kenta, and others—stood calmly in formation. Kai noted with approval that half the team consisted of civilian-born shinobi, not just Uchiha.
He knew what this was. Tsubasa and Chiya had not resisted his appointment at the clan meeting, but only because they knew open protest would have failed. Now, they were here to draw a line—not for negotiation, but defiance.
He stopped before them, the crisp air silent as every pair of eyes turned to him.
Kai's voice was even. "As of today, I am the newly appointed Head of the Konoha Police Force. Shall I produce a scroll of confirmation?"
Uchiha Kawara immediately dropped to one knee, followed by every member of Kai's unit, Uchiha and civilian alike.
"I acknowledge the new Minister," Kawara declared.
Imai Kenta, never one to make a fuss, stepped forward and bowed. "Minister."
The civilian shinobi quickly followed suit. They weren't part of the Uchiha power plays, but they respected Kai—he was a war hero, a reformer, and a commander who had fought with them in the trenches. That was enough.
Kai gave a curt nod, pleased. Then he turned to the silent side.
Tsubasa and Chiya hadn't moved.
"Nothing to say?" Kai asked.
Tsubasa opened his eyes. The crimson glow of his fully awakened Sharingan stared back.
"Why did you kill Elder Naori?" he asked. "She was a war veteran and a leader of the old guard. You murdered one of our own!"
Kai didn't flinch. "She resisted reform, misused her authority, and plotted treason. You may see her as a martyr—I see her as a threat. Her death was clean. She died knowing she was no longer stronger than the generation she tried to suppress."
Chiya stepped forward, also revealing his three-tomoe Sharingan.
"You talk about reform, but all you've done is sow fear. Killing a veteran elder will stain your hands forever. You won't be a reformer in the clan's memory—you'll be a villain."
Kai's expression darkened. "You two really don't get it. This isn't about bloodlines or nostalgia. This is about discipline, loyalty, and survival."
He turned away slightly and raised his hand.
"As of now, Tsubasa and Chiya are relieved of duty. Their subordinates are no longer part of the Police Force. Disband your units and leave."
The reaction was swift and visceral.
"Captain!" a few subordinates objected, clearly shocked.
"I said disband!" both Tsubasa and Chiya barked.
The silence that followed was heavy. Kai tilted his head slightly.
Interesting. They accepted the order to stand down. They knew what was coming, and yet they chose a clean break. That was almost admirable.
Still, Kai had no delusions. These two had strong loyalties, and if left unchecked, they could easily become the spark that ignited internal rebellion.
"Looks like you've made your choice," Kai said. "Last time I let you both live. This time, if you move against me, there won't be any leniency."
"We're no longer captains. Just clan shinobi," Tsubasa said. "Whatever happens next… it's between you and us. No one else."
"If your people don't act, I won't punish them," Kai replied. "But if they resist…"
His Sharingan snapped open, gleaming crimson in the morning light.
Kawara and the Uchiha loyalists immediately drew their weapons and readied their stances.
Imai Kenta nodded and signaled his own team. Though not Uchiha, the civilian officers took their positions without hesitation.
"If anyone lifts a hand, I'll cut them down myself. Their families will be exiled from the force. That is my only warning."