"Alright. Since that's settled, let's move on to the distribution of power."
Uchiha Ran sat with one leg crossed over the other, his hands resting calmly on his abdomen as he looked at the three men before him.
All three immediately straightened, their expressions turning serious. They knew very well that this was the real main event—and the core reason they had thrown their full support behind Ran's ascension to Hokage.
Seeing their tension, Ran suddenly laughed.
"Don't be so stiff. Relax."
He looked at them one by one. "Do you have any proposals? I'm willing to hear them."
No one dared to answer rashly.
At present, all authority was firmly in Ran's hands. Ask for too much, and they risked provoking his displeasure. Ask for too little, and they would fail their clans and shortchange their own interests.
The crux lay in balance.
Strike it well, and there would be room to advance later. Strike it poorly, and even if they gained something now, they might be discarded in the future.
After a long moment of thought, Nara Shikaku finally spoke.
"The Nara Clan is willing to assist Hokage-sama with document processing and strategic planning. As for direct authority… we do not require any."
Ran raised an eyebrow.
A classic tactic—advancing by retreating.
Shikaku was clearly speaking not only for the Nara Clan, but also for the Akimichi and Yamanaka clans.
"As for the Akimichi Clan," Shikaku continued with his head slightly lowered, "they excel at logistics, commerce, and capital management. I would like to recommend them for financial oversight. The Yamanaka Clan, meanwhile, specializes in mind-related techniques. Their talent for intelligence gathering and interrogation is unparalleled."
Ran laughed softly.
"Since this recommendation comes from Konoha's chief strategist, I have no objections."
He looked directly at Shikaku.
"After you return, inform the other two clan heads. The positions of Minister of Finance and Minister of Interrogation are currently vacant. I hope Akimichi Chōza and Yamanaka Inoichi will take charge and assist me in governing these departments properly."
Shikaku's eyes lit up. Without hesitation, he dropped to one knee.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama! On behalf of the Ino–Shika–Chō trio, I swear our eternal loyalty to you!"
Everyone understood the weight of this decision.
Finance controlled the village's lifeblood. Intelligence controlled its eyes and ears, both inside and beyond Konoha. One supported development; the other ensured early awareness of threats—perfectly complementing Shikaku's strategic analyses.
With these two pillars in their hands, and with Ran's trust secured, the three clans' future was all but guaranteed.
"Very well," Ran said with a smile. "Clan Leader Shikaku, go inform them and make preparations. Be ready to assume office tomorrow. I trust you won't disappoint me."
"Yes!"
Unconcealed loyalty gleamed in Shikaku's eyes.
In the past, these departments had been controlled by Homura Mitokado and Danzo Shimura. As one of the earliest supporters of the Third Hokage, the Ino–Shika–Chō had requested similar authority more than once—only to be repeatedly brushed aside with empty excuses.
Ran's actions stood in stark contrast. He neither practiced favoritism nor hoarded power. Instead, he rewarded merit openly.
Shikaku left deeply moved.
With him gone, Hyūga Hiashi and Uchiha Fugaku both grew solemn.
Finance and intelligence were already assigned. So what remained for them?
Hiashi spoke first, his voice low and steady.
"Hokage-sama. The Hyūga Clan requests authority over Konoha's defense, patrol, and reconnaissance."
Even as he spoke, Hiashi felt the weight of his request. What he was asking for amounted to control over the village's security.
Ran fell silent for a moment, then replied calmly.
"Defense authority is out of the question. However—patrol and reconnaissance can be discussed."
Hiashi's heart sank slightly, but he also felt the refusal was reasonable.
Then Ran continued.
"Tomorrow, I will appoint you as Deputy Commander of the Police Force. You will have authority over thirty percent of its personnel. From this day forward, the Police Force will be jointly managed by the Uchiha and the Hyūga."
Hiashi froze—then joy surged through him.
The Uchiha Police Force offended many, but no one could deny its power. Entering it meant entering the core of Konoha's authority structure.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama!"
Hiashi bowed deeply, his face alight with gratitude.
Just as he was about to withdraw, Ran spoke again, his tone casual—but dangerous.
"From now on, whenever the Police Force handles cases, teams must be formed in pairs. One Uchiha ninja, one Hyūga ninja."
"Mutual supervision. Mutual restraint. Mutual competition."
His eyes sharpened.
"Never forget what law enforcement exists for. In the end, it comes down to five words: serve the villagers."
"If one day you forget your original intent—if the Police Force becomes corrupt—I will personally purge it."
A perfect blend of carrot and stick.
Hiashi's heart skipped a beat. Looking at Ran now, he felt as though a veil of mist surrounded him—unfathomable, distant.
This was not just political acumen. This was foresight beyond the era.
"Hiashi understands," he said solemnly.
Ran waved him off.
After Hiashi left, the room fell quiet. Then Fugaku chuckled faintly.
"So… should I address you as Hokage-sama? Or as my son?"
Ran closed his eyes.
"At work, address me by my position. At home, we are father and son."
Fugaku nodded, understanding immediately.
"Hokage-sama," he said slowly, "what authority do you intend to grant the Uchiha Clan?"
Silence fell—heavy and oppressive.
"The Uchiha," Ran said at last, "will remain as they are."
Fugaku frowned. "Ran—"
Before he could finish, Ran opened his eyes and fixed him with an unwavering stare.
"If Clan Leader Fugaku believes this is inappropriate," Ran said coldly, "then explain your reasoning."
A pressure purer and more terrifying than anything Hiruzen Sarutobi had ever exerted crashed down on Fugaku.
Cold sweat soaked his back, but he still forced the words out.
"Then… how about transferring Root to the Uchiha?"
The instant the words left his mouth—
Bang!
Ran slammed his palm onto the desk.
"Root?" He laughed coldly. "You really dare to ask for that, Clan Leader Fugaku."
"When Root was created, it was nothing more than a compromise—Hiruzen indulging Danzo out of personal sentiment."
"But what did Root become?"
"In name, it stood alongside Anbu. In reality, it opposed Anbu at every turn. Two factions, tearing Konoha apart from the shadows."
Ran's gaze turned razor-sharp.
"What is it you want, Fugaku?"
"To fight me for power?"
"Or do you believe… that I am incapable of ruling as Hokage?"
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