You Are Excellent
Uchiha Shisui stood frozen for a moment after hearing Minato Namikaze's words.
"You want me to be... the Deputy Leader?" he asked, stunned.
Minato nodded. "Yes. And I'll tell you why."
Shisui blinked, trying to process it. "Hokage-sama… why me?"
Minato offered a calm smile. "Because I trust you, Shisui. Of all the Uchiha, you're the one I trust most. You're not bound by the clan's internal dogma. You're intelligent, rational, analytical. You remain composed even under pressure and take action without hesitation. Most importantly, your loyalty to the village is unwavering. You're an outstanding shinobi, not just in ability but in judgment."
Shisui rubbed the back of his head, embarrassed. Was he really that exceptional?
Minato continued, "That's why I've chosen you as Deputy Leader of the newly formed Konoha Defense Force. While Clan Leader Fugaku is indeed steering the Uchiha in a better direction and has earned some of my trust, it's not enough on its own. I've discussed this new department with the Third Hokage and my assistant—Danzo Shimura. In fact, the proposal for its formation came from Danzo himself."
Minato's expression grew serious. "You know as well as I do—Danzo has long held hostility toward your clan. I'm willing to give the Uchiha a chance, but Danzo isn't. That's why this department exists, and why he nominated Chi Yu as its leader."
Shisui's eyes sharpened slightly.
"I understand the implications," Minato said, meeting his gaze. "If Chi Yu were to lead alone, your clan would view it as a provocation—perhaps even a threat. The trust I've been trying to build with Clan Leader Fugaku would collapse. That's why I insisted on appointing a Deputy Leader—and I recommended you."
Minato leaned forward slightly. "This decision is final. The Konoha Defense Force will go ahead as planned. But with you there, Shisui, it won't become a tool for oppression. You're respected within the clan. Your presence will reassure them and prevent panic. If Chi Yu or the Root operatives attempt anything questionable, I expect you to intervene—and you won't be alone. Anbu assigned to the Defense Force will follow your command when necessary."
Shisui took a deep breath, overwhelmed by the weight of the trust placed on him.
"I won't let you down, Hokage-sama."
Minato smiled gently. "I know. If any obstacle arises beyond your control, I'll be there to support you."
Shisui nodded firmly. "Understood, Hokage-sama."
Minato stood. "Once the department is formalized, you'll assume your post alongside Chi Yu. But first, we need to speak with Clan Leader Fugaku. The separation of powers between this new department and the Military Police Force must be clarified. Shisui—join me. You're now a key figure in this transition."
The two departed for the Uchiha District.
---
Meanwhile, at the Root Headquarters...
Danzo sat in the dimly lit command chamber, fingers steepled beneath his chin.
"Summon Chi Yu," he instructed a nearby agent.
A moment later, Chi Yu entered the room.
Danzo's expression was sour. "The new department has been approved. It will be called the Konoha Defense Force, and you've been appointed as its leader. However—Minato pulled a stunt. He created a Deputy Leader position..."
Before Danzo could continue, Chi Yu spoke, "Let me guess. Uchiha Shisui?"
Danzo's single visible eye narrowed in surprise.
"You knew?"
Chi Yu nodded. "If the Deputy Leader was added to appease the Uchiha, it would have to be one of their own. But it can't be someone with deep clan loyalty—Minato wouldn't allow that. It has to be someone he trusts. That narrows it down to Shisui."
Danzo smirked faintly. "You continue to impress. Your battlefield instincts translate well to politics. Yes, it's Shisui. I accepted the compromise because I believe you can keep him in check."
Chi Yu didn't respond to the praise, instead asking calmly, "Lord Danzo, to what extent do you plan to target the Uchiha Clan?"
Danzo frowned. "What do you mean?"
Chi Yu crossed his arms. "If your goal is simply to rein in the Uchiha's arrogance and curb their influence, then the establishment of the Defense Force already does that. The presence of this new department hangs over them like a blade. Every action they take will be watched. Even now, the separation of powers weakens the Military Police Force. In time, they'll hold nothing but an empty title."
He paused, letting that sink in.
"But if you want to completely break them—ensure they never rise again—then I must ask: is that your true goal?"
Danzo's voice dropped, cold and resolute. "Of course. They must be crushed—made irrelevant. The Uchiha Clan will never again threaten the peace of this village."
Chi Yu gave a faint, knowing smile. He had expected as much.
"Very well," he said. "Then I can begin the next phase of our strategy."
Danzo leaned in. "You said it would be easy to suppress them, even with Shisui and Minato watching. What's your plan?"
Chi Yu replied, "It doesn't matter if Anbu are integrated into the department or if Shisui holds the Deputy title. They're there to monitor us, not control us. As long as we act within the legal framework of the Defense Force's authority, they can't interfere."
Danzo raised an eyebrow. "But the Uchiha know you're in charge. They'll tread carefully. How do we exploit that?"
Chi Yu smirked. "That's the key. You understand the Uchiha, Lord Danzo. Their pride is their weakness. All we need to do is manipulate public opinion—stir up friction between the villagers and the clan. If any Uchiha lashes out, even verbally, we label it as a threat. We arrest them under 'preemptive risk management.' Claim they were exhibiting signs of violent intent."
Danzo's eye gleamed with interest. "Go on."
Chi Yu stepped forward. "The more they resist, the more justification we gain. We'll make it appear as if they're the ones jeopardizing Konoha's peace. And once the people turn against them, the Hokage's hands will be tied. Even Shisui won't be able to protect them."
Danzo's grim expression curled into a faint, satisfied smirk.
"Very good, Chi Yu."
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