Disclaimer: Naruto and all of its character belong to Masashi Kishimoto. I own nothing but the original characters I make.
Chapter 25: Clause
---Helping Uchiha Clan---
The Uchiha Clan had one major problem they were being marginalized and disliked by the people of Konoha. The reason? They got exclusive right as a police ninja in the Konoha Military Police Force.
"Grandfather-in-law, I've discovered a problem within your clan," said Raiken.
"Huh?" Uchiha Hikaku was surprised. "What do you mean, a problem?"
"Isn't your clan often disliked or avoided by others, both clans and civilians?" Raiken asked.
Hikaku eyes widened, but he still answered, "Yes."
"I know why that problem exists, why your clan is being disliked," said Raiken.
His words made Hikaku freeze. A moment later, he shook his head, trying to gather his thoughts and when his ready he looked again to Raiken.
"You know the reason?" asked Hikaku.
"Yes. It's because of the Konoha Military Police Force," Raiken replied.
Hikaku fell silent. Was his grandson-in-law about to suggest disbanding the police force?
He understood why people avoided the Uchiha, but disbanding the Police Force would strip the clan of its only remaining power. They had fallen into a trap the moment the Second Hokage gave them exclusive control of the Police Force. They had authority, but no political voice. Kagami was gone, and there was no one left who could bridge the gap between the Uchiha and the village.
"Do you have a solution?" asked Hikaku, choosing to hear Raiken out before rejecting the idea.
"The Konoha Military Police Force causes the villagers to fear and resent the Uchiha. So, I propose that Uchiha members who have married into the Uzumaki clan work in our Uzumaki shops instead," said Raiken.
Hikaku was stunned. He expected Raiken to suggest disbanding the force—not offering them an opportunity.
Raiken continued, "In exchange, I want the Uchiha to give up some positions in the Police Force."
"Which positions?" asked Hikaku.
"For example, patrol duty. I've noticed that Uchiha officers often activate their Sharingan during patrols, intimidating civilians. That fear turns into resentment," said Raiken. "This will lead to future problems. So I suggest giving up those low-level positions and letting others take over."
Hikaku stroked his chin. He was tempted by Raiken offer.
"Do you intend to fill those positions with Uzumaki members?" Hikaku asked cautiously.
"No," Raiken smirked. "I don't want my people to become targets of the villagers' hatred either."
Hikaku was taken aback.
"I want those positions filled by civilian shinobi."
Hikaku almost objected, but Raiken's reasoning stopped him. If Raiken was protecting his own people from hate, his reason is fair and that means what he talk about the hate is the truth and Uzumaki clan didn't want to swallow this position.
"I observed the patrols, they're usually five-man squads. So, Grandfather-in-law, I suggest allowing three civilians and two Uchiha in each team," Raiken proposed.
Hikaku took a sip of tea, then set the cup down.
"Why civilians?" he asked.
"The Konoha Military Police Force is the only area where the Uchiha hold real authority," Raiken explained. "The Uchiha are excluded from other influential positions, especially political ones. They're even denied the opportunity to serve as jōnin-sensei to new genin teams. Unless the Hokage specifically asks, the Uchiha are locked out of key roles, like in the ANBU."
Hikaku was stunned. He wanted to respond, but stayed silent and listened.
Raiken continued, "The Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, gave your clan a double-edged sword. He handed you the Police Force, and when you accepted it, the trap was sealed. It isolated you and your clan and earned the public's distrust."
"How do we break that hatred?" asked Hikaku.
"It's simple. Replace patrol and service desk positions with civilian shinobi. The Uchiha won't lose anything."
"Explain what you mean by 'won't lose,'" Hikaku requested.
"Let's say each patrol has one Uchiha. That Uchiha can be the team leader, while the civilian shinobi follow their lead. For the service desk, which often receives complaints from villagers—replace Uchiha members there too with civillian. That way, your clan avoids being mocked or blamed."
Raiken stopped speaking and waited. Hikaku cleared his throat and took another sip of tea, but he found his cup was empty, so he refilled the tea before drinking it again.
"Raiken, thank you. I never realized the solution could be this simple. Please help our clan, grandson-in-law," said Hikaku sincerely.
"Of course," Raiken smiled. "Grandpa, can you show me the agreement between the Second Hokage and the Uchiha Clan?"
"Why do you need the agreement?" asked Hikaku.
"I want to check whether the Uchiha Clan is prohibited from hiring other clans."
"Alright. Wait here—I'll get it," said Hikaku. He stood and went to his private room. After about five minutes, he returned with a dusty but intact scroll.
He handed it to Raiken, who carefully unrolled and read it:
KONOHA MILITARY POLICE FORCE AGREEMENT
1. The Uchiha Clan has exclusive rights to all positions within the Konoha Military Police Force and Hokage cannot change it.
2. During times of war, the Uchiha must guard the village and are not required to join the front lines, unless ordered directly by the Hokage.
3. Every Uchiha who becomes a genin will automatically enter the Police Force. Their salaries will be paid by Konoha, and they may resign voluntarily. Salaries are based on Sharingan development:
-No Sharingan: Genin salary
-1–2 Tomoe: Chūnin salary
-3 Tomoe: Jōnin salary
4. The Uchiha Clan may structure the organization without interference from the village leadership.
Raiken read the scroll several times, ensuring he didn't miss any detail. Finally, he smiled—he found what he needed.
The contract was generous. It seemed the Second Hokage was willing to offer a lot to keep the Uchiha locked into the Police Force. The good news: nowhere in the agreement did it prohibit the Uchiha from pursuing other careers.
But he found sneaky side, it seems this contract is to trap Uchiha Clan. By just being a police force majority of them might awaken 1 tomoe sharingan or no sharingan, that means Konoha just need to pay genin salary and genin average salary is too low.
However, if other clans or civilians were added to the Police Force, the village could choose not to pay them—since the contract only guaranteed payment for Uchiha officers.
Author Notes: If you loves to read more, there is advanced chapter on my patreon.
-patreon.com/zorojurown