"Of course!"
Danzo answered confidently.
"Hiruzen was right—it's an open, public play. We can't oppose it directly, so we go along with it, then seize control when the opportunity arises."
"I've already sent several Root members and ninja from the Shimura clan to sign up."
"We'll secure a few positions for sure."
"You two should also send your clansmen to apply. If we dominate this new squad, then we control it!"
Danzo's eyes glinted.
"We'll use their own team name to taint their reputation further. They want to fix their image? I won't let them."
Classic Danzo—always playing the long, dirty game.
But Hiruzen quickly shook his head.
"No. We can't dominate the recruitment like that."
"The reform was publicly announced. Civilian and minor-clan shinobi are already applying in droves."
"Even if Uchiha wanted to pick only our people, we can't allow that—doing so would make it blatantly obvious that we rigged it."
"It'll backfire. The resentment from those rejected would land on us, not Uchiha."
Danzo scoffed.
"Why should we care what those weaklings think? Civilians, small clans… they're nobodies."
"If it becomes an issue, just spin the narrative. Say the Uchiha were trying to cozy up to us for protection."
The others gave Danzo a long, blank stare.
"Do you even hear yourself?" muttered Homura.
"Everyone knows Uchiha despise us. No one's buying that excuse."
"Exactly," added Koharu. "Besides, Hiruzen just said—Uchiha picks the recruits, not us. This is fantasy."
Danzo scowled but pressed on:
"Hiruzen. Can't you summon Uchiha Chiri personally and order her to compromise?"
He wasn't ready to give up this opportunity to grow his influence and Root's power. To him, it was also another step toward replacing Hiruzen as Hokage.
"Danzo…"
Hiruzen sighed deeply.
"That's Uchiha Chiri we're talking about. Fully recovered. Back to her peak. You've heard the reports."
"Do you really think she'll bow to us?"
"You've seen how she's crushed all our recent schemes with ease."
"Use your head."
"We can still send in applicants. Get what positions we can."
"Time is on our side."
He tapped the table lightly, adding with a cold smirk:
"Chiri is older than us. Even if she's strong again… she won't outlive us."
"While she's busy rebuilding her clan, we'll groom a more... cooperative Uchiha heir."
"One that bends. Not breaks us."
Danzo frowned, then reluctantly nodded.
"Fine. We'll do it your way—for now."
He stormed off, cloak flapping behind him.
The three elders exchanged a look, then Hiruzen turned serious.
"You two, organize some applicants from your clans. Let's get a foothold while we can."
"Understood."
The Next Day – Uchiha Police HQ
Uchiha Third Elder handed over a thick scroll.
"Lady Chiri, here's the final applicant list."
"Over a thousand applied—including members of the Sarutobi, Shimura, Mitokado, and Koharu clans. Even some Root and ANBU personnel."
"Do we reject them outright?"
Chiri shook her head.
"No need. Focus on civilians and minor clans first."
"Sort by neighborhood—choose those who can patrol near their own homes."
"They'll handle disputes more naturally if they're mediating among familiar faces."
"As for team leads, squad captains, division heads—give those posts to the big four clans' people."
"Let them be the face of local disputes."
"Let them soak up public resentment."
She smirked.
"This is a trap, and they'll gladly step into it. They won't pass up a chance to 'infiltrate' the Police Force."
The Third Elder raised a concern.
"But... what if they act under the Uchiha name? What if they intentionally behave badly to sabotage our reputation?"
"Won't villagers still blame us?"
"Ha!"
Chiri sneered.
"Without our Sharingan or our crest, no one will believe they represent us."
"Everyone knows our clans hate each other."
"Besides... we'll establish a hidden inspection unit under the Second Division. Tasked with monitoring and recording Third Division behavior."
"Any misconduct? We'll document it—then publicly post their names, background, and violations."
"Let the people judge."
The Third Elder was stunned.
"Brilliant. I'll get it done immediately."
Chiri nodded, then flipped through the applications herself.
"Oh, and I've marked this one—Might Duy. Include him."
"My son mentioned his character and potential. I want him observed and supported."
"Eventually, he'll be a valuable ally."
"Make sure civilian and small-clan representation dominates this new squad. Let this be our bridge to new allies."
"Don't mess it up."
"Yes, ma'am!"
The Following Morning
Squad Three's final list was posted.
Alongside it: detailed patrol zone assignments, clear operational guidelines, and a new internal conduct code.
Those who got in were ecstatic.
Those who didn't? Bitterly disappointed.