Bail
Chi Yu explained to Danzō, "As long as we incite hostility between the villagers and the Uchiha Clan, if those arrogant Uchiha members show even the slightest inclination toward violence or rebellion, they can be arrested on the grounds of exhibiting criminal tendencies."
Danzō's interest was immediately piqued. He gave a subtle nod, signaling Chi Yu to continue.
"Based on the Konoha Military Police Force's duties, they're responsible for daily patrols throughout the village. During these patrols, we can plant villagers with past grievances against the Uchiha to deliberately speak ill of them within earshot. If any Uchiha lose their temper—verbally or physically—we can detain them on the grounds of aggressive behavior or suspected intent to disturb public order."
Chi Yu smirked. "After this happens once or twice, the villagers will see that the newly established Konoha Defense Force is willing to restrain even the Uchiha. Their fear will dissolve, and they'll speak more freely. Naturally, if the Uchiha retaliate, whether verbally or through force, we'll arrest and detain them for a few days. And if they want early release—they'll have to post bail."
Danzō raised an eyebrow. "Bail?"
Chi Yu nodded. "Yes. These incidents won't meet the threshold of serious crimes. At most, we can detain them for 48 hours under suspicion of disruptive intent. Since it's a gray legal area, we can turn it into a profit. The Uchiha Clan is wealthy. If they want out early, let them pay."
He outlined the strategy coldly: "First offense: 100,000 ryō. Second: 200,000. Third: 300,000. And if they use violence, bail starts at 500,000. The Konoha Defense Force can institute new village ordinances—so this will be our department's first regulation."
This was Chi Yu's plan—to strip the Uchiha of both dignity and wealth, and to fund his own organization with it.
He continued, "The Uchiha care deeply about their pride. They won't risk their reputations by sitting in a cell. They'll pay—again and again."
Hearing this, Danzō let out a low chuckle, his lips curling into a sinister grin. "A clever move. If it succeeds, the Uchiha's prestige in the village will be completely eroded. Without fear, the villagers will turn against them, and crushing the clan will be even easier."
"The holding cells for these detentions," Danzō added coldly, "will be located in Root. Let them experience our brand of hospitality."
Chi Yu's eyes glinted with satisfaction. Detaining Uchiha in Root's facilities would only increase their desperation to avoid repeat offenses—and therefore, increase the chances they'd pay bail again.
Danzō looked at Chi Yu with satisfaction. To come up with something so underhanded and effective, the young man had a mind after his own heart.
One old fox, one young fox—both smiled in wicked silence, understanding each other without the need for further words.
---
Meanwhile, at the Uchiha Clan Compound…
Minato Namikaze and Uchiha Shisui had already arrived and were seated before Uchiha Fugaku. The three sat on tatami mats. Fugaku poured Minato a cup of tea with a polite smile.
"What brings the Fourth Hokage to our clan today?"
Minato took a small sip and replied calmly, "Clan Head Fugaku, I'm here to inform you of an administrative decision—an adjustment in the authority of the Konoha Military Police Force."
Fugaku's hand, still holding the teacup, paused mid-air.
Minato's choice of words—inform—meant the decision was final.
Fugaku's expression remained unchanged as he asked, "What authority are you referring to, Lord Fourth?"
Minato replied, "The authority to set village regulations and to arrest individuals based on criminal tendencies—these responsibilities will be reassigned to a new department currently being established."
Fugaku's brows furrowed. These were the two pillars of the Uchiha's power within the village.
"And what reason," Fugaku asked coolly, "justifies this decision? The Uchiha Clan has not overstepped any recent boundaries. Why was this not discussed with me beforehand?"
Minato gave a quiet sigh. "This decision was finalized after discussion with the Hokage Advisor and the Third Hokage."
Fugaku's eyes sharpened. Hokage Advisor… Danzō? And the Third also agreed?
So Konoha's leadership still intended to suppress the Uchiha.
He felt a deep frustration welling in his chest. He had already bent over backward to ease tensions. Why was it never enough?
Minato continued, "I understand your concern, which is why I intend to place someone I trust as deputy leader of this new department: Shisui."
The storm in Fugaku's chest calmed slightly.
Shisui? If one of their own held a key position, then at least the clan wouldn't be completely isolated.
But then—
"Who will serve as the leader?" Fugaku asked directly.
Minato's gaze faltered slightly. "Chi Yu."
Fugaku inhaled sharply.
That name was like a blade. Everyone knew Chi Yu was a hardliner—hostile to the Uchiha, borderline fanatical. Putting him in charge was nothing short of a provocation.
Even with Shisui at his side, how could anyone restrain someone like Chi Yu?
Fugaku's voice turned steely. "Lord Fourth, I acknowledge the mistakes of our past, but the present Uchiha have changed. I've done everything I can to temper their behavior and attitude. If there are lingering concerns, bring them to me—I will address them personally."
"The Konoha Military Police Force was entrusted to us by the Second Hokage. We have fulfilled our duties faithfully. I ask you to reconsider. Please—withdraw this decision."
Shisui opened his mouth to speak, but Fugaku cut him off sharply. "Shisui. I am speaking with the Hokage. You will have your turn."
This matter involved the dignity and future of the entire clan. Fugaku had to draw a line.
Minato exhaled, sounding weary. "Fugaku, I understand your frustration. I don't like this any more than you do. But this is the only compromise I could achieve. Appointing Shisui is my way of showing trust."
Fugaku responded bluntly, "Shisui is indeed outstanding—but too idealistic. He cannot contain someone like Chi Yu."
In his heart, Fugaku knew: unless Uchiha Madara returned from the dead, there was no way anyone within the clan could match Chi Yu in ruthlessness—or in cunning.
But for the sake of his people, Fugaku would fight this, tooth and nail.
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