Ever since Kagami Uchiha reported to the Anbu, many observant individuals noticed that members of the Uchiha clan began to frequently visit the Hokage Residence, always with a smug expression on their faces.
Furthermore, rumors regarding the Uchiha clan's involvement in the previous attack began to rapidly diminish. It was rumored that the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, intended to heavily rely on the Uchiha clan.
Sure enough, it didn't take long for everyone's guesses to be confirmed. The Hokage Residence soon issued a new decree, appointing the Uchiha clan to fully establish Konoha's security system and form the Police Force!
The Uchiha clan's actions were swift. On the very first day the decree was issued, they found a good location in Konohagakure and began constructing the Police Force's office building.
According to the relevant agreement, the Hokage Residence wouldn't provide a single ryo for these projects; the Uchiha clan would bear all costs themselves. Therefore, within this scope, the Uchiha clan was free to construct the building however they wished. As long as they had the money, even building a skyscraper was not an issue.
However, while the Uchiha clan was proud, they weren't so arrogant as to be unruly. They invested their own money and effort into this endeavor and ultimately chose a very meaningful way to express their 'glory': they replaced the Police Force's badge directly with the Uchiha clan's crest.
When Tobirama learned of this, he didn't say much, simply smiled and moved on. From then on, Konoha's security system was completely controlled by the Uchiha clan. Essentially, Uchiha clan shinobi would serve in the Police Force, and if they weren't on missions, they would handle various disturbances occurring within the village.
It's worth noting that ever since this security system was established, the entire Konohagakure became more stable.
Firstly, the Uchiha clan, who always liked to oppose the Hokage Residence, now had something to do, so they had less leisure to cause trouble for the Hokage Residence. Not only that, but since they had also entered the power hierarchy, they now rarely caused trouble; instead, they often supported the Hokage Residence's administrative orders.
Coupled with the fact that the Uchiha clan feared no one in the entire Konohagakure, this security system was exceptionally efficient.
From civilians to prominent families, anyone who committed acts violating security regulations would be taken in for investigation. Even two Senju clan members who had 'made a scene' after drinking were taken in by the Uchiha clan.
It was from that point on that the Uchiha clan's authority in this regard was firmly established. After all, if they dared to arrest even members of the Senju clan, who wouldn't they dare to arrest?
At the same time, this incident further elevated Konohagakure's level of harmony. This made Hibari highly suspect that the Uchiha clan's arrest of Senju clan members might have been a staged act between the cunning Tobirama and the Uchiha clan themselves.
As Tobirama's tenure as leader continued to grow, various village matters were gradually perfected. A large number of laws and regulations began to be implemented, and various departments with real power started to be established. The entire ninja village gradually began to get on the right track.
Spring turned to autumn, and time flew by.
In the blink of an eye, more than half a year had passed. The weather gradually grew colder, and the first snow seemed poised to fall at any moment, waiting to surprise people.
The Anbu unit established by Hibari and Hiruzen also gradually expanded, recruiting many elite shinobi. Four small teams had already been formed, each with six members, plus some logistics personnel, totaling around thirty people.
Among them, Hibari and Hiruzen each led a small team. Kagami was also a squad leader, and a genius shinobi from the Hyūga clan also served as a leader.
Of course, Hibari and Hiruzen also held absolute leadership over the other teams. Currently, the Anbu's personnel were indeed very small compared to other departments, but this elite unit truly prioritized quality over quantity. Each member was three to five times stronger than an average shinobi of the same rank, which was very impressive.
Over the past half-year, they had also helped Tobirama handle many matters.
At the same time, as the Anbu's name gradually spread throughout Konohagakure, Hibari's status also rose. In the past, when people saw him, they would more or less call him 'Young Master' out of respect for the Senju clan and Lord Hokage. Now, most shinobi would call him 'Hibari-dono'.
Clad in a very warm mink fur coat and wearing a fur hat, Hibari exhaled visible frosty breaths, rubbing his hands together as he walked into the main courtyard gate of the Hokage Residence. The two Akimichi clan guards standing at the gate would respectfully address this person, much younger than themselves, as 'Lord' upon seeing him.
Hibari did not become arrogant because of this. He nodded kindly and continued walking forward. After only a few steps, a figure suddenly appeared beside him. The figure wore the unique Anbu mask and a dark-colored chest armor uniform. Before Hibari could even ask, the figure spoke directly.
"Commander, the matter concerning Kumogakure has been investigated in cooperation with our colleagues from the Intelligence Division..." the Anbu member said softly, walking beside Hibari.
Hibari nodded upon hearing this, then asked, "What's the specific situation?"
"Just as we previously suspected, Kumogakure's various strange behaviors recently were all in preparation for the transfer of power within the village. The First Raikage has already announced his retirement and has handed over the name 'A' to the newly appointed Second Raikage..." the Anbu member reported.
"None of that is important. We already anticipated the First Raikage's retirement. After all, with Gengetsu and Tobirama-jiisan taking power, the First Tsuchikage of Iwagakure and the First Kazekage of Sunagakure both successively retired, handing over their seats to Mū and Shamon. This is the choice of the era; Kumogakure was bound to reach this point. The key is... recently, the intelligence department keeps finding a group of unidentified, strange individuals constantly inquiring about our Konohagakure's intelligence. I suspect these bastards are from Kumogakure. What I want you to figure out is this, understand?" Hibari shivered, tightening his collar, and spoke casually.
"The Third Squad is currently investigating this matter. We believe results will be available soon, Commander," the Anbu member quickly replied.
"Mm, I see." Hibari nodded lightly, then seemed to recall something and asked, "By the way, I heard recently that a new religion has emerged in some small countries?"
The Anbu shinobi nodded after hearing Hibari's inquiry, then said, "Indeed, there is such a matter, but it's not a major hidden danger. However, it can be said that they should absolutely be defined as a 'cult.' It seems they don't even shy away from this point, calling themselves the 'Jashinists' and worshipping 'Jashin.' They're particularly fond of researching things like curses and slaughter."
"Although the Five Great Nations have maintained peace, these smaller countries are constantly at war due to their own interests and the struggles of the great powers behind them. Naturally, all sorts of monsters and demons are bound to emerge. I'm very interested in this 'Jashinist cult.' Keep an eye on them for me when you have some free time," Hibari said with a smile.
"I understand, Commander. I will pay special attention to them," the Anbu shinobi said in a deep voice.
"Good, then get to your own duties. Clarify and summarize what I need as soon as possible. Hokage-sama has something for me, so I won't say more to you," Hibari said with a light nod.
Afterward, the Anbu shinobi also nodded. Without needing to say anything further, he disappeared from Hibari's side with a Body Flicker Jutsu. Then, Hibari entered the Hokage Residence.
Pushing open the door to the Hokage's office, he saw Tobirama speaking with Sasuke Saruobi.
"Hibari, you're here?" Sasuke said with a chuckle, looking at Hibari.
Hibari also smiled and said, "Isn't it because Tobirama-jiisan needs me for something? Otherwise, in this cold weather, I'd rather stay home and read more; I don't want to go out."
The Hokage, Tobirama, looked at the heavily bundled Hibari, and said with a somewhat exasperated chuckle, "Look at you, kid, do you even look like a shinobi? Dressed like a steamed bun, I don't even know what to say about you!"
"Tobirama-jiisan, you just lack vision. Look at these clothes I'm wearing. Which one isn't precious? Let's not even talk about anything else, just this hat. It's specially made from a freshly hunted snow fox. This single hat alone is worth over a million ryo! If anyone wears what I'm wearing, they'll look like a true magnate when they go out. People will take one look at me from afar and know that my status is extraordinary, won't they?" Hibari adopted the mannerisms of a nouveau riche, speaking with immense smugness.
"What status of yours is extraordinary?" Tobirama glanced at Hibari's hat and said.
"Well, I'm a member of the Senju clan, after all. Our Senju clan needs to uphold its reputation, right? We're the number one noble family in the ninja world! Don't I need to project an aura when I go out? Besides, I'm considered a 'high-ranking official' in this village, aren't I? A vice-minister-level official at such a young age. Can't I show off a little?" Hibari raised an eyebrow, walked over to Tobirama's side, and said with a chuckle.
Tobirama snatched the hat from Hibari's head, squeezed it, and said, "It's indeed very nice, feels good too. My office has been feeling a bit drafty lately, and when the weather gets cold, the drafts make my head hurt. Consider this hat your filial offering to me..."
As he spoke, Tobirama very naturally put the hat on his own head, completely ignoring Hibari's surprised gaze.
"Hahahaha, I've heard that you, Hibari, have been making a fortune recently. A hat worth over a million ryo! I can't even imagine it..." Sasuke also chuckled at Hibari, his eyes seemingly hinting at something.
Seeing this, Hibari felt utterly helpless with these two mischievous elders. He could only say, "Don't worry, Sarutobi-jiisan, I'll have someone send you three for winter tomorrow."
After some lighthearted banter, Hibari asked, "By the way, Tobirama-jiisan, was there something you called me here for today?"
Tobirama heard Hibari's question, and his expression sobered. He took a letter from his drawer and tossed it to Hibari, saying, "Read it yourself."
Hibari looked down. The sender's name marked on it was none other than the Land of Fire Daimyō's court.
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