Konoha Hokage Office — Proposal for the Konoha Defense Force
When Danzo proposed that Orochimaru and Chi Yu be fully integrated into Root, both Hiruzen Sarutobi and Minato Namikaze immediately responded in unison:
"No."
Their objection was not out of sentiment but of strategy. Both Orochimaru and Chi Yu were among Konoha's most powerful and respected shinobi. Losing them to Root would weaken the Hokage's direct influence and tip the balance of power toward Danzo—an outcome Minato could not accept.
After a brief pause, Minato said thoughtfully, "Chi Yu can take charge of the new department. But I propose establishing a dual leadership. There should be a co-leader, someone who can balance the department and stabilize its perception."
Danzo narrowed his eyes. "And who do you have in mind for this co-leader?"
Minato answered without hesitation: "Uchiha Shisui."
At that name, both Danzo and Hiruzen frowned.
The entire point of this new department was to serve as a counterbalance to the Uchiha Clan. Installing one of their own in a position of authority seemed contradictory.
Sensing their concerns, Minato calmly continued, "Third Hokage, Hokage Assistant, hear me out. If Chi Yu, who is known to be skeptical of the Uchiha, leads this department alone, it will undoubtedly appear to the Uchiha Clan as a hostile move. We've only just begun rebuilding trust with them after the war. We cannot risk shattering it with a decision that looks like targeted suppression.
We cannot fully trust the Uchiha Clan yet, but that doesn't mean they're beyond redemption. If they are indeed seeking reform, this department must be structured to encourage that change—not snuff it out.
By assigning Shisui—a loyal shinobi who has already distanced himself from clan-centric thinking and serves within the Hokage Guard—as co-leader, we can project neutrality. He is young, but wise beyond his years and commands both the respect of his clan and the trust of the village."
Hiruzen remained silent for a moment, then slowly nodded. "Yes… that does make sense. If Chi Yu is to lead, then someone must also represent the Uchiha within this structure. Shisui is a suitable candidate."
Danzo frowned again but knew resistance would be pointless. Minato had built an argument too solid to refute publicly.
He mulled it over, then nodded reluctantly. "Very well. I agree—provided Chi Yu remains the senior authority between the two. He can keep Shisui in check if needed."
Minato nodded. "Understood. The department will be called the Konoha Defense Force. Its responsibilities will include drafting internal village regulations and monitoring shinobi behavior—especially in cases of suspected insubordination or criminal tendencies.
Initially, we'll draw personnel from Root and the ANBU Black Ops. Eventually, we'll open recruitment to other vetted shinobi. Chi Yu will serve as the leader, and Uchiha Shisui as co-leader."
He looked at the two older men. "Do either of you have any further suggestions?"
Hiruzen simply said, "Let's proceed."
Danzo stood. "This must be implemented quickly. I will begin assigning Root members to the new force at once. Fourth Hokage, please make your arrangements." With that, he turned and exited without another word.
After Danzo had left, Minato let out a quiet sigh. "He's as hostile toward the Uchiha as ever."
Hiruzen nodded gravely. "Danzo is arguably the most vocal critic of the Uchiha Clan in Konoha. But to be fair, he's not wrong in his caution. The Uchiha have made serious missteps in the past. Their abuse of the Military Police Force created deep resentment within the village. That's what forced us to clamp down on them to begin with.
Danzo's methods may be excessive, but his perspective does stem from a desire to protect the village."
Minato crossed his arms. "Even so, our goal should be to guide the Uchiha toward reintegration—not push them into rebellion. I'll handle this. But it looks like I'll need to visit the Uchiha district personally."
After Hiruzen took his leave, Minato summoned Shisui Uchiha to the Hokage's office.
The young shinobi knelt on one knee. "Hokage-sama."
Minato smiled warmly. "At ease, Shisui. Sit. There's something I want to discuss with you."
Shisui rose and sat quietly across from the Fourth Hokage, unsure of what was to come.
Minato began, "After extensive discussion with the Third Hokage and the Hokage Assistant, we've decided to form a new department: the Konoha Defense Force. Its function will be to oversee internal order, draft village-wide regulations, and investigate shinobi with suspicious conduct."
Shisui blinked in surprise. "Wouldn't that overlap with the Military Police Force?"
Minato nodded. "Exactly. As part of this change, certain powers previously held by the Military Police—such as investigative detentions and regulatory enforcement—will be revoked and handed over to the new department."
Shisui's expression shifted. He understood the implication. It was a direct blow to the Uchiha Clan's traditional influence.
Minato continued, "I know what you're thinking. The past abuse of power by the Uchiha Police Force was real. Too many citizens were wrongly detained or silenced just for criticizing the clan. That's why the people lost faith in them.
Shisui, you've always acted with the village's interests at heart. You've distanced yourself from that old clan ideology, and that's exactly why I've chosen you."
Shisui looked up sharply. "Chosen me?"
Minato gave a light nod. "Chi Yu will lead the Konoha Defense Force. But I've nominated you as co-leader."
Shisui's eyes widened in disbelief. Chi Yu—the man infamous for his cold hostility toward the Uchiha? To make him head of a department with power to detain and regulate all shinobi?
Minato saw the worry in his eyes. "You think I'm targeting the Uchiha, don't you?"
Shisui shook his head. "I wouldn't presume to question you, Hokage-sama."
But Minato raised a hand. "You're right to question. The truth is, yes—the department was originally conceived as a check against the Uchiha. That's what Danzo wanted. But I want something better. This department must be a shield for the village—not a sword aimed at a single clan.
That's why I need you. With Root members and Chi Yu involved, I need a voice of reason to prevent overreach. Someone who understands both the clan and the village. That someone is you."
Shisui lowered his gaze for a moment. "I... I understand, Hokage-sama. I accept."
Minato smiled. "Thank you, Shisui. I trust you'll live up to the expectations. Now… I suggest you speak to your clan next. Calm any unrest before it starts."
Shisui nodded firmly. "I will."
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