Chapter 56: Becoming the Chief of the Police Force
At noon, a new owner stood before the windows of the Hokage's office.
Uchiha Fugaku looked down at the bustling Konoha Village below.
People came and went on the streets. Ninjas hurried about, civilians haggled in the markets, and children chased each other playfully.
He said excitedly: "The transfer of power is complete. Is this what it feels like to be Hokage?"
Uchiha Sanpō replied seriously: "After the Sarutobi, Koharu, Mitokado, and Shimura clans left, too many positions have opened up. Have you decided how to allocate them?"
Hearing this, Uchiha Fugaku walked to the Hokage's desk and sat down.
At this moment, his mood was excellent: "Uchiha Yadai will serve as Chief of the Police Force, and Sanpō will be the Deputy Chief. Ryūka will go to the Anbu, and Namikaze Minato will become the principal of the Ninja Academy…"
Uchiha Sanpō frowned slightly and suddenly interrupted: "With all due respect, sending Namikaze Minato to the Ninja Academy to retire? That's too much of a waste."
Uchiha Fugaku raised an eyebrow: "Sanpō, do you have any ideas?"
Uchiha Sanpō's expression was solemn: "The village's ninja numbers have sharply decreased. We need sufficient deterrent power. The Hokage has countless duties and cannot handle everything personally. Orochimaru has already defected. If we also put a combat force like Namikaze Minato on the shelf… it would be a huge waste… Why not let Namikaze Minato serve as the head of the Anbu!"
Uchiha Ryūka raised his fist and shook it: "So you mean I should be the deputy to that blond kid?"
Uchiha Sanpō quickly waved his hands, but a sly smile appeared on his face: "Don't be angry, Brother Ryūka. I'm thinking about what's best for the village. In terms of strength, Namikaze Minato is indeed… stronger than you! Haha Haha Haha!"
Uchiha Ryūka impatiently cut him off and glared at him fiercely: "Fine fine fine. That kid's strength really is very strong. I don't mind working under him. However, Sanpō, later we'll go to the training ground and spar."
Uchiha Fugaku watched the interaction between the two, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes.
He turned to Uchiha Yadai and asked: "What do you think of this arrangement?"
Uchiha Yadai stroked his beard and nodded slowly: "It's fine. However, I suggest that the Logistics Department and Finance Department must be kept in our own hands. I will serve as Finance Minister, Sanpō will be promoted to Chief of the Police Force, and the Logistics Department will be handed over to the Akimichi clan head."
Uchiha Fugaku's gaze shifted back and forth between the two before he finally nodded: "Then it's settled. Sanpō, the Police Force is in your hands."
Uchiha Sanpō dramatically let his shoulders slump: "Ah? Then won't I have no time to slack off anymore?"
Uchiha Ryūka sneered: "Serves you right."
Laughter immediately rang out inside the meeting room.
Uchiha Fugaku looked at these clansmen who had followed him for many years, and a warm current surged in his heart.
"However, what about the Medical Department? Koharu Utatane's position is now vacant. Also, there is currently only Hyūga Hiashi as advisor elder. We need to add more."
Uchiha Sanpō immediately replied: "Princess Tsunade can replace Koharu Utatane as the head of the Medical Department and concurrently serve as advisor elder. Nara Shikaku can also become an advisor elder. His wisdom and network of connections will help us quickly stabilize the village's situation."
Uchiha Fugaku raised an eyebrow: "That works, but will Lady Tsunade be willing to return?"
At the mention of Tsunade, a special idea suddenly popped into Uchiha Sanpō's mind.
So he said confidently: "I am confident I can persuade (shui) her to return to Konoha."
Since Sanpō had guaranteed it, the others no longer dwelled on the issue.
...
In the afternoon, when the brand-new Hokage robe was finally completed.
Uchiha Fugaku stood in front of the mirror, looking at the red-and-white divine robe draped over his body. An indescribable emotion surged in his chest.
Perhaps feeling a little nervous at the last moment, he suddenly asked: "Sanpō, what should I say in the speech later?"
Uchiha Sanpō's eyes turned: "Talk about what the villagers care about most: the overdue ninja wages… post-war medical guarantees… children's education!"
The Uchiha clansmen had already lined up and were waiting outside. Pride shone in everyone's eyes.
A neat and resounding voice rang out: "Congratulations to Clan Head Fugaku on becoming the Fourth Hokage!"
Uchiha Fugaku took a deep breath and stepped toward the high platform in Konoha Square.
Konoha Square was packed with people. Villagers surged toward the central platform like a tide.
"Look! That's Lord Uchiha Fugaku!"
"I never thought… someone from the Uchiha would actually become Hokage!"
"Shh, keep your voice down. I heard he personally ended the corruption of Hiruzen Sarutobi and the other higher-ups."
...
Listening to the surrounding praise, Uchiha Fugaku, this tool-like figure, felt somewhat smug and dazed.
(Note: Sanpō has no interest in becoming Hokage. He wants to become the daimyō and enjoy beauties on both sides!)
I still want… more beautiful women!
Uchiha Fugaku was slightly stunned and took a step forward.
In an instant, the entire square fell silent. Thousands of eyes turned toward him in unison.
"Fellow citizens of Konoha."
"Today, I stand here not as the clan head of the Uchiha, but as your Hokage."
Uchiha Sanpō began to lead the applause. The crowd below immediately erupted in clapping.
"For the past thirty-plus years, our village has been eroded by greed. Ninjas who should have been fighting on the front lines were instead hiding in the rear profiting from the war. Funds that should have been used to compensate the families of fallen heroes flowed into certain people's private pockets instead."
"But from today onward, all of this will change! I announce three new policies that will take effect immediately:"
"First, all overdue ninja wages will be paid in full within three days!"
"Second, medical expenses will be permanently halved! All ninjas wounded in the war will receive lifelong free treatment!"
"Third, I plan to establish a cultural school so that children of appropriate age without ninja talent—regardless of whether they come from ninja families—can all attend for free!"
This time, the villagers clapped desperately. The cheers almost overturned the square.
On a rooftop in the distance, Namikaze Minato's gaze was somewhat complicated, but it eventually turned into a relieved smile.
Small support = big difference for more chapters & better quality.
If you can, join: patreon.com/arthursink