The police headquarters was bustling with activity, even late into the night. Ever since the assassination of two elders the previous year, Fugaku’s father had stepped up security, increasing patrols to maintain order. As Fugaku entered, several Uchiha chunin who recognized him offered nods and respectful glances.
A familiar voice called out, “Fugaku! What brings you here?”
Turning around, he spotted Noki, a childhood friend and former sparring partner, now a few years older. “Noki, it’s been a while,” Fugaku greeted him with a smile. “I’ve got some time off, so I thought I’d spend a few days with the guard. Is Senior Sagi around?”
Noki chuckled. “I heard about your performance in the Land of Rain—it’s the talk of the clan. Never thought I’d see you here. Sagi’s on the second floor. Come on, I’ll show you the way.”
“Thanks,” Fugaku replied, feeling a wave of nostalgia. “We should catch up when you have some time.”
“I thought becoming a jonin would make you forget about us old friends,” Noki joked, giving Fugaku a playful pat on the shoulder as they headed upstairs. “Good to see you haven’t changed.”
Inwardly, Fugaku knew he had changed. The old Fugaku had been uncertain, unsure of his place. But the man he had become was different—a man with a new resolve, determined not to repeat the past.
The second floor of the guard station was quieter, with offices lined up according to patrol zones. When they reached the open door of the meeting room, Noki knocked. “Senior Sagi, Fugaku’s here.”
Sagi turned from the window, his sharp gaze softening just slightly when he saw Fugaku. His stern demeanor was still evident, but there was a quiet respect in his eyes. Sagi had been a part of the clan leadership during the last meeting months ago—an experienced and trusted member of the Uchiha elite.
Seeing Sagi now, Fugaku couldn’t help but wonder. How had the Uchiha clan fallen so easily? Even with Itachi’s Mangekyou Sharingan, it seemed impossible for such a skilled clan to be wiped out without external help. Fugaku suspected the involvement of Anbu or even the Hokage’s personal team, but he quickly pushed those thoughts aside as Sagi spoke.
“Fugaku,” Sagi greeted, his serious expression relaxing slightly into a rare smile. “So, you’re here to spend some time with the guard?”
Fugaku’s expression hardened, his thoughts drifting to the Uchiha’s current position. For a clan like theirs, the police force was more than just a power—it was a symbol of their stability. Without a Mangekyou user, their influence in the village had faded.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
“Yes, Senior,” Fugaku replied with determination. “I spoke to my father before coming. I’ll be doing night shifts for the next week to fully understand the structure of the police force.”
Sagi nodded in approval. “Good. Noki, since you two go way back, I’ll leave Fugaku in your hands for the next few nights. Show him the patrol routes and give him a full rundown.”
“Yes, Senior,” Noki grinned, turning to Fugaku. “I’ll make sure he gets the full experience. Let’s go, Fugaku. I’ll show you around.”
The Military Police’s main duty was to maintain internal security within Konoha. They handled everything from intruders to domestic disputes. In theory, they could intervene in nearly any issue related to village order. But without a Mangekyou user in years, the respect they once commanded had weakened.
Noki handed Fugaku a map. “This is a map of Konoha. The village is divided into four main areas, with the central street running through the middle. Each area is split into four smaller sections, making a total of sixteen sections. We assign patrols by these numbers.”
Fugaku examined the map, nodding thoughtfully. “Let’s start by covering the first four sections tonight. By the fourth day, I should have a good sense of the layout. For the last three days, I’ll focus on the internal affairs.”
The Military Police’s structure mirrored the Uchiha clan itself—divided into factions, some allies, some rivals. Fugaku knew he’d need to identify both his friends and potential threats if he hoped to navigate the clan effectively.
“Sounds good to me,” Noki said, nodding. “It’s late, so let’s start with the first section.”
As they stepped outside, Fugaku took in the quiet streets of Konoha. The usually bustling areas had fallen silent, with street lamps casting a dim glow along the main roads, while other blocks were shrouded in darkness. Only a few Uchiha were out on patrol, their Sharingan faintly glowing red as they watched over the village like silent guardians.
Fugaku knew these night patrols served more than one purpose. They didn’t just discourage spies; they kept Konoha’s factions in check. If the Uchiha happened upon any covert activities, they could uncover secrets that the higher-ups wanted kept hidden.
“Hey, Noki,” Fugaku said, pausing as he glanced toward a corner he had marked earlier. “Where’s the nearest restroom? I need a quick break.”
This would give him the perfect excuse to slip away for a moment. Activating his Sharingan, he scanned the area, making sure he wouldn’t be spotted by any other clan members. He couldn’t afford to be seen during this part of his plan.
Noki, unconcerned, gestured down the street. “There’s a restroom around the corner. Or if you’re in a rush, any quiet spot works. Lots of the guard just find a secluded area when they need to go.”
Fugaku sighed, keeping his expression serious. “We shouldn’t set a bad example by just going wherever we like. I’ll be right back.”
Using the Body Flicker technique, Fugaku vanished in an instant. A minute later, he returned, but his brief absence had allowed him to place a small, inconspicuous wild cat near the edge of the street. The cat was part of his subtle plan to stir rumors about Wood Release, blending into Konoha’s nighttime environment.
Fugaku rejoined Noki, who hadn’t noticed his brief disappearance, and they continued their patrol through the next blocks.
The wild cat crouched in the shadows by the corner of a wall, waiting patiently. Once Fugaku and Noki were out of sight, the cat darted across the street and slipped through a slightly open window of their target’s home. Inside, the quiet rhythm of breathing filled the rooms. The cat crept silently through the hallways, checking each doorway until it found the sleeping target.