The decisiveness and precision Night Namikaze displayed that day when handling the caravan conflict were like a stone thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples throughout the Uchiha Police Force.
The effects were immediate.
The most direct change occurred the next day when he encountered patrol members of the Fourth Division.
The gazes that should have been mixed with scrutiny and rejection quietly shifted.
While not overly enthusiastic, there was definitely less hostility and a bit more imperceptible... recognition?
Or rather, it was the instinctive deference to a "strong individual."
Arrogance was etched into the bones of the Uchiha, but precisely because of this, they revered the power and ability of their superiors even more.
What Night displayed that day wasn't simply overwhelming force, but control over a complex situation, precisely breaking the deadlock and turning public opinion around.
This was exactly what many Uchiha clansmen—who possessed power but lacked eloquence—lacked most and suffered from when facing the finger-pointing of villagers.
Despite the incident, Night continued to do as he pleased, perfectly executing his original intention of "slacking off during patrol" and never participating in the fixed roster.
However, he soon discovered that his grand plan of lazing around seemed to have been shattered by his own hands.
From some point on, whenever he strolled randomly through the streets of Konoha, several young Uchiha in police uniforms would unknowingly start following him.
They didn't get too close, just maintained an appropriate distance, following silently.
Their eyes were fixed on Night as he walked idly and greeted street vendors, observing him with the attitude of cubs watching a giant tiger to learn.
This strange procession formed a fluid, non-fixed "patrol route."
What left him even more speechless was that these "followers" weren't fixed members.
Often, after finishing one street and glancing back inadvertently, he would find that the people behind him had changed to another set of faces.
It had seemingly formed some kind of tacit "rotational observation" mechanism.
The root of all this seemed to stem from that day, after which he had established a peculiar prestige in the hearts of some young Uchiha members.
---
Thus, scenes like this played out constantly on the streets of Konoha:
The new Fourth Division Captain, Night Namikaze, just wanted to find a place to bask in the sun and contemplate life.
But thanks to the tip-offs from his "followers," he was always "invited" by Uchiha members—who popped out of nowhere with stiff smiles—to handle emergencies.
"Captain!"
A young member flickered in front of him, a hint of urgency in his tone. "There's a dispute between villagers near the public training ground ahead involving regulation usage of ninja tools. Our people are mediating, but the other party is emotional, and Vice-Captain Weaver-Moon isn't nearby."
Looking at the "finally found you" look in the member's eyes and the expectant gazes of several other members behind him, Night could only swallow the phrase "none of my business."
He nodded expressionlessly. "Lead the way."
Upon arriving at the scene, usually with just a few words—relying on the Mind's Eye of the Kagura to capture subtle chakra fluctuations and emotional reactions, combined with regulations—he quickly clarified responsibilities and offered a solution that left both parties speechless.
His efficiency often made the present Uchiha members click their tongues in secret admiration.
After a few times, Night even summarized a pattern:
Usually, it was tricky situations that could easily lead to verbal disputes or involved other ninja clans requiring cautious handling where these "smart" young members would precisely "drag" him over.
Gradually, Night's reputation spread. Many knew that if there was a dispute, finding the Fourth Division of the Police Force was the right call.
But Night, bearing the title of Police Force Division Captain and drawing the salary, couldn't help but lament: "I really didn't intend to get a serious job!"
---
This afternoon, Night finally managed to shake off his "eyeliners" and wandered near the Konoha Hospital. He found a quiet spot in the shade, ready to enjoy a leisurely afternoon while waiting for Tsunade to get off work.
"Captain." A cold, emotionless voice sounded from his side.
Night paused. Without looking back, his Mind's Eye of the Kagura outlined the beautiful yet indifferent face of Weaver-Moon Uchiha.
"Vice-Captain Weaver-Moon."
Night closed the magazine he had bought on the way, his tone devoid of emotion. "It's my day off today."
"..."
Hearing this response, Weaver-Moon Uchiha was clearly choked up.
What do you mean "day off"? As the division captain, you haven't stepped foot in the Police Force building recently at all.
Weaver-Moon walked to his side and sat down next to him without minding. After a moment of silence, she spoke. "Not official business. Just... wanted to talk to you."
Night raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised.
This female Jonin, one of the few in the Uchiha clan known for her coldness, didn't seem like the type to actively seek a heart-to-heart.
Night nodded, indicating he was listening.
Weaver-Moon's tone remained flat, as if describing a story unrelated to her. "Some young people in the clan... have indeed become quite active recently. Some have caused you trouble."
Night immediately understood her subtext, naturally referring to those members who had become his "tails."
"It's fine. Young people are always curious," Night responded lightly.
"Not just curiosity."
Weaver-Moon shook her head, denying it crisply. "Your way of handling things is indeed effective.
At least, it shuts up those chattering villagers and saves the members from some needless accusations."
She paused, seeming to weigh her words. "The Uchiha do not fear battle, but we are indeed not good at such matters.
In the past, many small matters blew up. When Captain Yashiro was here, he mostly used forceful suppression. Although it solved the problem, it inevitably gave people something to talk about."
Although her tone was flat, Night seemed to hear a trace of imperceptible... recognition in her words?
"I just did my duty."
Night didn't quite understand her thoughts and responded indifferently, "The Police Force's duty is to maintain order, not create conflict. Clarifying the rules and leaving the other party speechless saves more effort than simple suppression by force."
"Indeed," Weaver-Moon responded in a low voice, almost to herself.
After a long while, the atmosphere became a bit stifling. Just as Night was about to continue flipping through his magazine, Weaver-Moon Uchiha suddenly asked a question out of nowhere.
"What do you think of the Uchiha?"
This topic was sensitive, and her words clearly carried a probing intent.
Hearing this, Night turned his head to look at her in surprise. After a brief thought, he spoke bluntly. "A group of ninjas with abundant martial virtue, but brains... hmm, perhaps a bit offensive, but rather straight-forward."