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Disclaimer: Naruto and all of its character belong to Masashi Kishimoto. I own nothing but the original characters I make.
Chapter 74: The Chain Of Corruption
"The most dangerous people are those who wear uniforms."
Raiken had heard those words many times in the past, and he could only admit they were true in every place or world
Those in power often accepted bribes and let corruption run rampant. They only acted when their morals were truly high, their positions were threatened, or when their superiors began checking their work.
He had seen it himself. Immigrants were captured by police on the road and released only after paying money. Even his friend, a legal tourist with a valid passport had been stopped and forced to hand over cash. They beat him and took his passport until they realized he truly had no money left.
The people who witnessed the scene only looked down in shame, too afraid to intervene, fearing they might be next.
Though some races had viking blood and can't stop themselves to voice out justice, but that still won't stop corruption.
Now, even in this Naruto world, the same truth applied. Corruption wasn't limited to Hiruzen alone. The Uchiha Police also had their share of corrupt shinobi. Fortunately, the elders and clan leader were still clean, they held firm moral ground and genuinely wanted the best for their clan.
This month marked the beginning of another step in Raiken reform plan for the Uchiha and also the relationship between two clan. Yeah this month should be a month where the clan would begin hiring civilians to help with law enforcement, aiming to reduce hatred from the public and promote fairer judgment. This reform had been postponed due to a several reason.
Though many of Raiken previous plans had already succeeded, this was the hardest one to implement.
Many agreed, but a few factions within the clan refused to accept it. They had remained silent before, believing the idea was ridiculous and that it would never happen. But after hearing that Danzo had been dismissed from his position, they suddenly found the courage to voice their objections.
That day, Raiken was once again invited to an Uchiha clan meeting.
"So," said Raiken, his tone direct, "I believe there are three people who reject this plan and call it foolish."
The opposing elders were Uchiha Kagari, Uchiha Koen, and Uchiha Maku.
"Yes," Kagari replied firmly. "Although many of your plans have succeeded and brought something good to clan, but this one is ridiculous."
Hikaku and the other elders who supported Raiken remained silent, simply observing. They too wanted what was best for their clan, so they decided to listen before speaking.
"I don't have a vote in this matter," Raiken continued, "but let me ask just one question. Aside from threats from the Hokage or that now-retired Danzo, don't you think this system itself could breed corruption?"
Koen frowned. "What do you mean?"
Raiken raised a report filled with documented cases of corruption within the Uchiha Police, especially those kids who are still study in the Ninja Academy. Some students, emboldened by their clan authority, had begun to mistreat civilians without fear of consequence. Only Hyuga clan stood firm when they are pushed by Uchiha kids.
He also included records of Uchiha Police who are abusing power while wearing the police uniform. As the elders and Hikaku read through the pages, their faces darkened. A few muttered in disbelief.
"As you can see," Raiken said calmly, "the report is quite shocking. But do you want to know why this happens?"
Hikaku nodded. "Tell us, Raiken."
"It's because of power," Raiken explained. "Those who have it and grow up with it, often lack proper checks and balances. It's even worse when they inherit that power from birth. Unlike you elders, who once fought the Senju and built Konoha with your own hands, the new generation has never known true struggle."
Maku narrowed his eyes. "Are you saying that those born into power are grown to become corrupt?"
Raiken shook his head slightly. "Yes and no. It depends entirely on their circle and environment."
He then pulled out another report, this one detailing corruption cases among the nobles. Protected by law and wealth, they exploited loopholes, stole from the poor, and punished anyone who dared to speak against them.
When the Uchihas read the report, their expressions hardened. Rage replaced disbelief.
"The audacity," Yashiro muttered through clenched teeth. "How could we allow them to do this?"
Raiken met his eyes. "Because we've all turned away at some point. Because we've believed our clan was above such matters. If Uzushiogakure wasn't being attacked by other ninja, I won't even know this corruption happen across the land and not just in Fire Land but also in other part of the land."
Silence filled the room. Even those who opposed him could not deny the truth in his words.
Now those who had opposed it earlier, didn't have courage to reject it anymore. What Raiken had told them is simply disgusting truth that they need to clean up otherwise it become virus in society.
"Thank you, Raiken, for opening our eyes," said Kagari.
"You're welcome," Raiken replied with a calm smile.
"So, we now understand that reform is needed for the Uchiha Police. But what about the nobles? What can we do about them? How should we stop their corruption?" Kagari asked.
The other elders leaned forward, clearly interested to hear his answer.
"To be honest," Raiken said, "we have to deal with them slowly. We can't confront them directly because the law protects them. To them, shinobi are just tools, meant to be used and discarded. But right now, the effect of our quiet actions is starting to show."
Yashiro's eyes widened. "Do you mean that new shop you opened, the one where people fall into a genjutsu?"
"Correct, Yashiro-sama," Raiken confirmed. "Those shops target people who waste their money on alcohol and gambling. Our research found that most of them, especially those with poor health, obesity, or heavy stress are simply seeking comfort and a better life. So, the Nerve Gear helmet helps them relieve pain and puts them into a genjutsu world where their bodies feel healthy, fit, and free from stress."
The other elders moved closer, curiosity lighting their eyes.
Raiken continued, "Since then, the shops that sell alcohol have been losing customers. People no longer waste their money drinking, and as a result, the alcohol business, which is mostly owned by nobles, has begun to collapse."
P/S: Sometimes I got inspiration from real life, I had seen a police so corrupt that they did bribery and heard some people talk about the treatment they received when travelling to other country.
Author Notes: To read 30 advanced chapter you can go to my patreon.
Chapter 102: Frontline
Chapter 103: Raikage Vs Hokage
Chapter 104: 3 Vs 1
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