Chapter 48: Danzo Is Dead, but the Process Remains
After escorting the troublemaking dango stall owner back to the Police Department, Uchiha Zaitou continued leading his team on patrol.
"Shuumei, you did well today. Instead of acting recklessly regarding that child, you reported to me first. I'll make sure to put in a good word for you with Captain Douhuan," Uchiha Zaitou praised, patting a young patrol member on the shoulder.
"It's all thanks to you, Captain, for telling us what to do," Sakurai Shuumei replied with a relieved sigh. "Honestly, when I saw that kid being harassed, I was shocked."
These civilian shinobi had been working in the Police Department for a while, and during their patrols, they often encountered Naruto. Initially, unaware of Naruto's true identity, they too were influenced by rumors, seeing him as the demon fox that brought disaster. Some of them—or their family members—had even participated in bullying Naruto.
However, the Uchiha captains in the Police Department, even if they didn't know Naruto was the Fourth Hokage's son, understood the significance of a Jinchuriki. They knew that provoking a Jinchuriki could result in fatal consequences if the Jinchuriki lost control—even if the Jinchuriki was punished afterward, the dead would still be dead.
Having built good relationships with their civilian colleagues, the Uchiha captains repeatedly reminded them to be cautious around Naruto. Eventually, the civilian shinobi working in the Police Department and their families understood that Naruto was not someone to provoke. While they didn't immediately change their attitudes toward him, they at least refrained from openly abusing him.
"From now on, if you see that kid while on patrol, you can show some care—but don't be too obvious. Got it?" Uchiha Zaitou reminded them.
Before Kakashi started spending time with Naruto, the Police Department maintained a policy of neither provoking nor associating with the boy. Both Naruto's and the Uchiha clan's positions were sensitive. But now that Kakashi seemed to be looking after Naruto—and given Kakashi's close relationship with their clan leader—Uchiha Zaitou felt it necessary to adjust their approach.
"Captain, why the change?" someone from the patrol team asked curiously.
"Don't ask too much. I'll tell you what you need to know when the time is right," Uchiha Zaitou replied.
"Got it—classified info, huh? Knowing more doesn't help us anyway," the team member replied with a laugh, scratching his head.
After working together for some time, the civilian shinobi on the patrol had come to realize that the Uchiha clan members—once demonized by village rumors—weren't so difficult to get along with. While they were a bit proud and constantly spoke of Uchiha honor, they were also generous and willing to help solve problems during work. Even when teaching ninja techniques, they might comment on the lack of Uchiha talent, but they still shared valuable insights that couldn't be learned at the academy.
"Alright, that's enough chatter," Zaitou said with a mock glare. "Finish the patrol, and after work, drinks are on me!"
"Long live the captain!" The cheer from the patrol members erupted immediately.
One reason the Uchiha were well-liked within the department was their generosity when it came to their own people.
---
Meanwhile
After the earlier incident, Kakashi and Naruto had lost their enthusiasm for shopping.
"Um... Kakashi-nii..." Naruto lowered his head, his voice small. "I'm sorry."
"Why are you apologizing? You didn't do anything wrong," Kakashi said.
"But... if it weren't for me, Kakashi-nii wouldn't have to go through that," Naruto replied, guilt evident in his tone.
Kakashi stopped walking, crouched down to look Naruto in the eyes, and spoke firmly. "Naruto, listen to me. Maybe others are to blame, but you are completely innocent. You don't need to apologize for anything."
Hearing Kakashi's words, Naruto's eyes reddened. Since he could remember, apart from the occasional visit from the Third Hokage, Kakashi was the first person who truly believed in him.
"If anything like this happens again, go to the Police Department. The officers there will stand up for you," Kakashi said.
"The Police Department? Those ninja uncles from earlier?" Naruto asked curiously.
"That's right," Kakashi nodded.
"Will they really help me?" Though Kakashi had said so, Naruto still seemed doubtful.
"Yes, they definitely will," Kakashi reassured him, his gaze softening. "Now, let's go get some ramen."
The mention of his favorite food instantly lifted Naruto's spirits. He broke into a wide grin and followed Kakashi, leaving the unpleasant memories behind.
---
Hokage Office
Sarutobi Hiruzen took a deep drag on his pipe, listening to an ANBU report about the incident on the commercial street. He let out a heavy sigh, frustration evident on his face.
Just then, the office doors burst open, and Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado stormed in, clearly furious.
Sarutobi gestured for the reporting ANBU to leave before facing his advisors.
"Have you lost your mind, Hiruzen?" Homura barked. "How can you let someone so easily approach the Jinchuriki?"
"You're overthinking it," Hiruzen replied calmly. "Kakashi is Minato's disciple. He has every right to look after his teacher's son."
"Hiruzen, you can't be so lenient. We're talking about a Jinchuriki here!" Koharu insisted.
"So what do you plan to do? Implement Danzo's old proposal? Lock Naruto away and brainwash him into a weapon of war?" Hiruzen's voice grew harsh. "Don't forget—Naruto is not just a Jinchuriki. He's Minato's son! The son of the Fourth Hokage! Minato already gave his life for this village!"
"That's not what we mean," Homura tried to clarify. "But don't forget that Kakashi possesses the Sharingan. Remember what happened six years ago!"
"Enough!" Hiruzen's fist hit the desk with a loud thud. "There's no need to discuss this any further!"
Koharu huffed in frustration. "Danzo was right—you're too soft-hearted. One day, you'll regret this."
"I am the Hokage!" Hiruzen shouted, his voice booming through the room.
Seeing his unwavering stance, both advisors left, slamming the door behind them.
As they walked out, Hiruzen lit his pipe again, taking a slow, deep breath as he looked out the window, his gaze heavy with contemplation.