With Fugaku's tacit approval, Konoha Military Police Force's recruitment process went very smoothly.
Not only was the salary offered by the Uchiha decent, earning thirty percent more than working odd jobs, but more importantly, the Uchiha opened up channels for learning Ninjutsu internally.
Don't underestimate these seemingly insignificant Ninjutsu. Many children of commoners might only get to touch ninja tools when they attend school. Even common Great Fireball Jutsu might be something they never encounter in their lives.
With these prerequisites, many villagers bravely stepped forward. It didn't matter who they followed.
Having meat to eat, Ninjutsu to practice, and the ability to protect themselves from bandits—that was their greatest wish.
As for danger?
With the great Hokage-sama in charge, what danger could Konoha possibly face?
Could someone really wipe out the entire Konoha Military Police Force?
For various reasons, the Konoha Military Police Force's expansion went very smoothly.
Hiruzen naturally knew about this, but he couldn't interfere.
Konoha Military Police Force management regulations left by Tobirama clearly stated that the Uchiha had the right to recruit relevant personnel, with specific numbers depending on the situation.
And the current situation certainly called for more people.
Besides, those being recruited were just commoners, what kind of trouble could they stir up?
Hiruzen felt quite at ease about them. He would address it when they started contacting other ninja clans.
It wasn't until a week later that the recruitment, onboarding, and training were fully completed.
Konoha Military Police Force's arrangements were simple: civilian ninjas would handle non-dangerous missions.
The main force would be used to maintain Konoha's public order.
With the influx of new blood, the clan members who used to constantly complain relaxed considerably.
You can make me carry a sword to the battlefield and fight enemies. If I die, it's because I'm not skilled enough, I deserve it.
But if you make me pick up trash and clear sewers, I'll secretly curse your ancestors for eight generations.
A few days later, Satoshi was successfully promoted to Vice Captain of the Konoha Military Police Force, thanks to everyone's recommendation.
The Captain was Fugaku, any further promotion would be inappropriate.
After resolving these matters, Satoshi carved out some free time.
He sent Kuro to knock on Naruto's door, and soon enough, the little blond boy came trotting over.
Having not seen Satoshi for a long time, Naruto missed him a bit.
"Satoshi-sensei, you're finally back."
Without further ado, Naruto immediately pulled out a kunai and swiftly demonstrated his skills.
"How's that? While you were away from the village, I've been diligently practicing every day."
Satoshi gave a thumbs up. "Excellent. You'll definitely become an outstanding ninja like the Fourth Hokage in the future."
But before that, I'll help you manage the village for seventy or eighty years.
"Hehehe."
Naruto proudly shook his head. "I've also learned the Clone Jutsu."
Satoshi had taught Naruto Clone Jutsu before. He hadn't expected him to practice diligently every day.
With that, Naruto exhaled and formed hand signs.
Clone Jutsu!
Bang!
The smoke cleared, revealing a wobbly little figure.
Before Satoshi could comment, it vanished.
"Uh, that was a mistake this time. I'll try again."
Clone Jutsu!
"Again!"
Clone Jutsu!
As Naruto kept making 'bang' sounds, Jiraiya, who was peeking from the side, looked thoughtful.
"It seems Nine-Tails's Chakra has quite an impact on Naruto."
"Who's there?!"
Satoshi threw a kunai, which grazed Jiraiya's hair as it flew past, then embedded itself firmly in a tree.
"Brat, are you trying to kill me?!"
Jiraiya walked over, grumbling, "Come on, stick your head out. Let's see if I flatten you or not."
Satoshi said, "Oh, it's Jiraiya-sama. Sneaking around like that, I thought it was Orochimaru. What do you want with me?"
Jiraiya's teeth itched with irritation. "You little brat, what do you think I want with you? The old man rushes me every day, asking why I haven't started teaching you yet. He's driving me crazy."
Satoshi was startled, not expecting Hiruzen to be so invested in this matter.
No, was this him being asked to become a disciple?
This was clearly asking him to pick a side.
While the two were bickering, Naruto curiously observed Jiraiya.
"Is this strange uncle also part of Satoshi-sensei's family? He also has white hair."
Sometimes Satoshi admired Naruto's imagination. If having the same hair color meant being relatives, wouldn't he be Tobirama's grandson and Kakashi's younger brother?
Jiraiya couldn't help but laugh. This was the first time in years he had interacted with Minato's son.
"Little Naruto has grown so big. The last time I saw you, you were still in your mother's belly."
Naruto's interest was immediately piqued. "Uncle, do you know my parents?"
"Of course. Your parents were, uh, very remarkable ninja."
Upon hearing this, Naruto was so happy he almost jumped up. He finally learned a little more about his parents.
If he asked around a bit more, would he be able to get their photos?
Naruto had already decided that he would buy a photo frame and put it on his desk, as if they were right there with him. Just thinking about it made him happy.
"Uncle, do you have photos of my parents?"
Jiraiya instantly became serious, he thought for a long time.
"I'm sorry, I don't."
"Oh. Alright then."
Naruto seemed a bit dejected but still politely expressed his gratitude.
"Thank you, uncle, for telling me about my parents."
He rummaged in his pocket for a long time and pulled out a shiny shuriken. "This is the first shuriken I bought myself. I'll give it to you as a gift."
Jiraiya's voice trembled slightly. "Thank you. I, Jiraiya, have received it."
"You're the second person to say thank you to me. It seems I've gained another friend."
Jiraiya couldn't help but ask, "Who was the first?"
"That would be Satoshi-sensei, of course. He was also the first friend who was willing to play with me. That night I was very hungry, and Satoshi-sensei treated me to a bowl of ramen with lots of char siu..."
—
A few hours later, Naruto was sound asleep on a blanket.
He occasionally chuckled, seemingly having a good dream.
Jiraiya said, "Satoshi, thank you for taking care of Naruto."
"I just couldn't bear to see a hero's descendant become a demon fox that everyone reviled."
Jiraiya was silent for a moment. "I've been searching for the Child of Prophecy, so I overlooked..."
Satoshi waved his hand, cutting Jiraiya off, "Whether it's Jiraiya-sama or Kakashi-senpai, your reasons don't matter to me."
"Jiraiya-sama, do you truly believe that the elusive Child of Prophecy is more important than living well in the present?"