Fugaku Uchiha had expected this outcome even before stepping into the Hokage's office. The Third Hokage's polite deflections were practically a tradition by now. Still, things could have gone far worse.
If it had been Danzo sitting across from him instead of Hiruzen, Fugaku would have been berated for being "ungrateful," drowned in insults about how the Uchiha didn't appreciate the village's "generosity."
Yet despite his frustration, Fugaku couldn't afford to walk away empty-handed.
"Lord Hokage," he began, keeping his tone measured, "I understand the village's difficulties. But our clan has already made efforts to improve law enforcement standards. The number of complaints has dropped significantly compared to before."
He paused briefly before adding, "All we need are a few administrative workers to help process the remaining cases. I hope you can also understand the difficulties faced by the Uchiha."
He continued, carefully weaving humility and flattery into his words. "Under your leadership, Lord Hokage, the village has become more prosperous than ever. As the village expands, the areas the Uchiha Police Force must patrol have grown as well. We've already added several new patrol units, but our manpower can only stretch so far."
It was a subtle mix of praise and plea a diplomatic dance that Fugaku had learned through years of uneasy coexistence with the village council.
To his credit, he wasn't exaggerating. Not every Uchiha chose to join the Police Force. Many served in regular shinobi squads or took on missions abroad, leaving the department often understaffed despite the clan's size.
And Hiruzen Sarutobi, like all politicians, enjoyed being flattered.
Even though he saw right through Fugaku's words, he couldn't help but feel slightly gratified. After all, it was under his governance that Konoha had indeed grown prosperous.
"You make a fair point," the Hokage said finally. "The Uchiha do seem short-handed these days."
Fugaku stiffened, alarm bells ringing in his mind. Whenever the Hokage started agreeing too easily, it usually meant he was about to make a move.
Was he planning to "expand" the Police Department again by inserting shinobi from other clans or worse, civilian recruits into it?
Before Hiruzen could continue, Fugaku quickly interjected.
"Yes, the Police Department's manpower is limited," he said firmly, "but we can still manage all necessary operations. Please trust the Uchiha to handle our duties efficiently, Lord Hokage."
If Lance Shen had been there, he would have smacked his forehead in disbelief.
Foolish, he would have thought. Utterly foolish!
What was the point of clinging to the Police Department so tightly? If the Hokage wanted to send others in, let him! In fact, that was the perfect opportunity to negotiate favorable terms.
If outsiders joined, they'd still be working under Uchiha leadership. The department's core structure wouldn't change.
Let them do the grunt work the long patrols, the petty disputes, the endless paperwork. Wasn't that ideal?
But Fugaku, ever cautious, couldn't see it that way. He still treated the department as sacred Uchiha ground.
The Hokage sighed softly. "Very well," he said. "In that case, I'll assign a few people to handle the complaint cases. But you must understand the village's budget is strained."
His voice softened, but the meaning was clear.
"Their salaries," he said, "will be paid by the Police Department."
If you won't let me place people directly under my command, then you'll pay for them yourself.
Fugaku exhaled quietly, masking his irritation. "Understood. The Police Department will cover the cost," he agreed.
Money was a small price to pay to keep the department under Uchiha control.
As long as the complaints were no longer their direct problem, the rest could be handled internally.
At least, that was what he told himself as he left the Hokage's office.
Once outside, Fugaku took a deep breath, relief washing over him. The negotiations had been draining, but at least they were done. From now on, the Uchiha would focus solely on police work, while another team would handle all the messy civilian complaints.
It wasn't perfect, but it was progress.
Meanwhile, Hiruzen Sarutobi leaned back in his chair, puffing gently on his pipe. The faint scent of tobacco filled the air. His eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
"Lance Shen," he murmured to himself.
That young man had been drawing far too much attention lately. His regular appearances near the ninja academy gates, his growing reputation among the clan, his calm defiance it was all becoming too visible.
Even if he hadn't formally joined the hardliners, that didn't mean he wouldn't in the future.
"Better to tighten surveillance," Hiruzen decided.
Within the hour, a new order was sent to the ANBU Lance Shen was to be monitored more closely.
Back in the Uchiha compound, Fugaku convened a small emergency meeting.
Only the elders, several squad captains from the Police Department, and a few senior officers attended. Among them, naturally, was Lance.
When he received the summons, Lance immediately set aside his patrol schedule and made his way to the clan leader's residence.
As always, the elders arrived last, their faces full of self-importance.
When everyone had gathered, all eyes turned toward Fugaku. Even Lance couldn't help feeling curious about the results of his negotiation with the Hokage.
Would Hiruzen have rejected the proposal outright or would he have found another way to cut into the clan's authority with that infamous "soft knife" of his?
Fugaku didn't waste time on formalities.
"Everyone," he began, "I went to the Hokage's office today to present our proposal regarding the Police Department."
"After some discussion, we reached an agreement." He paused, scanning the room before continuing. "From now on, the handling of civilian complaints will no longer fall under the Police Department's jurisdiction. Instead, a new administrative division will manage them."
"However," he added dryly, "since the village's budget is… limited, the salaries for those workers will be paid by the Police Department itself."
For a moment, the room fell silent. Then, as realization sank in, several elders and captains broke into smiles.
"That's wonderful news!"
"Finally, we can focus on real law enforcement instead of chasing after cats and dogs!"
Even Shisui, standing quietly near the back, allowed himself a small, relieved smile.
It was indeed good news for now.
But Lance, listening silently, could only roll his eyes.
Victory? he thought. This wasn't a victory. It was a trade one that cost them resources for the illusion of progress.
Still, he didn't say it aloud.
Fugaku noticed his subtle expression but ignored it. He understood exactly what Lance was thinking, but he also knew the elders needed to feel triumphant.
Then, turning toward him, Fugaku spoke clearly. "Lance," he said, "since it was your idea to bring up the complaint issue, I'd like to hear your thoughts on the future direction of the Police Department."
Dozens of eyes turned to Lance, some curious, others wary.
Lance knew perfectly well what Fugaku was doing putting him in the spotlight, deliberately drawing attention to his words.
But instead of deflecting, he smiled faintly, as if welcoming the challenge.
After a moment of thoughtful silence, he said, "I believe the Police Department's operations should be reorganized. Our primary responsibility is maintaining the security of the entire village capturing criminals, uncovering spies, and ensuring order."
He looked around the room, his gaze steady.
"As for trivial matters lost pets, petty quarrels, and neighborhood disputes we should have the right to decline them. Those should be handled through the Mission Assignment Office as regular D-rank tasks."
The room went quiet again.
Fugaku's eyes narrowed slightly. The elders exchanged uncertain looks, but some of the younger captains nodded, intrigued.
Lance Shen had just drawn a line between law enforcement and service work something no one had dared to say aloud before.
And though Fugaku didn't show it, deep down, he knew the young man was right.
Lance Shen was no longer just another Uchiha officer.
He was becoming a voice the clan could no longer ignore.