Chapter 10: Identity
The Root organization stirred unrest in the streets once again today, fomenting contradictions and chaos. Yet, not a single Uchiha from the garrison was seen stepping in to maintain order.
Merchants who suffered damages stormed the garrison building to file complaints, only to find the Uchiha clan completely unmoved.
Their standard response?
"The officers in question were suspended after receiving complaints. We lack the manpower to respond further."
Meanwhile, in the districts where Uchiha-owned shops were located, there was no trouble whatsoever. Several Uchiha guards patrolled back and forth, paying no attention to the escalating conflicts on nearby commercial streets.
Frustrated, many merchants went straight to the Hokage.
The Third Hokage stared at the thick stack of complaints on his desk and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"So… the Uchiha suspended eighty percent of their garrison in a single day?"
The ANBU agent below him replied, "Yes. This morning, Uchiha dealt with all previously complained-about personnel—they were all suspended for reflection. As of now, the garrison is severely understaffed. Petty crimes and public disorder are rampant on the streets. No one is handling them."
The Hokage's expression darkened.
What the hell is Kaien doing? Or rather, what's Fugaku thinking?
This wasn't standard revenge. These incidents were still manageable. The ANBU could intervene if needed.
Kaien had even taken the initiative to inform the Hyuga clan, requesting they temporarily take over.
The Third Hokage took a long drag from his pipe.
"How are the negotiations going between the Hyuga clan and Kaien?"
"Uchiha Kaien handed over the entire garrison's deployment plans and patrol routes to the Hyuga clan without hesitation."
"However, the Hyuga need time to mobilize and familiarize themselves with the routes. They estimate about a week to be fully operational."
Indeed, the garrison's routes had always been the Uchiha's responsibility. Transferring them wasn't simple.
The Third Hokage tapped his pipe against the ashtray.
"Then for the next week, have the ANBU monitor hotspots. If anything major occurs, they're to intervene immediately. Once the Hyuga take over, the ANBU can withdraw."
"Understood!"
Uchiha District – Training Grounds
Since the Four Elders suspended most garrison members, they had been confined to the clan grounds. With little else to do, many spontaneously gathered in the training fields.
"Hey! Yoshiki!"
Uchiha Yoki stopped mid-shuriken throw. His teammates Oura and Rikuto approached, familiar comrades with whom he shared a strong bond.
"What's up?" he asked.
Oura grinned. "Didn't go out today, did you? Shimizu's izakaya got burned down!"
Yoki's brow furrowed. "That one on Third Street?"
"Exactly. Got into a fight with a drunk again. The drunk came back and set the place on fire. He won't be opening for a while," Rikuto said, clearly amused.
"No one stopped him?" Yoki asked, surprised.
"How could they?" Oura shrugged. "Everyone from First to Seventh Street is suspended. No Uchiha presence out there."
"And no one's complaining?"
"Oh, they're definitely complaining," Rikuto chuckled. "But it's pointless. There's no one left to respond."
He sneered. "Those shop owners used to love accusing us of excessive force or lax enforcement. Now that we've pulled out, they're begging for our return. What a joke."
"I even heard the Four Elders are in a good mood today," Oura added with a laugh. "Saw one of them humming while walking."
Yoki smirked. "We Uchiha always get the blame no matter what we do. Let them deal with the chaos for once."
Oura leaned in. "Still, I wonder—now that we're suspended, shouldn't we be getting orders soon? Any idea what the Deputy Patriarch is planning?"
Yoki shook his head. "Not exactly. But he did say we've worked hard in the garrison and deserve a week's break. After that, a task awaits us."
Nightfall
Kaien Uchiha continued training under the moonlight at the clan's training grounds. Since awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan, his abilities had surged dramatically—increased perception, stronger illusions, refined taijutsu.
Strangely though, his Mangekyō had yet to manifest a specific eye ability beyond summoning Susanoo. While that puzzled him, Kaien wasn't overly concerned. He could feel it—his ocular power far surpassed that of others.
While training, he frequently glanced at the clan's "power template"—a system listing every clan member's potential, skills, and talents.
As expected, most Uchiha were combat specialists. However, very few had an aptitude for business or strategic management.
One name stood out: Uchiha Qimei. Though only a Double Tomoe user at 17, Qimei had natural talent in business, logistics, and research—a rare find. Even more surprising, he was once Kaien's squadmate.
I never realized how promising this kid was…
Kaien marked Qimei for special training.
Besides the ninjas, the power template also included ordinary Uchiha villagers—many of whom operated small businesses in Konoha. A few displayed promising skills in commerce and networking. Kaien noted them one by one.
This was the final piece of his larger plan.
Around him, Uchiha clan members trained in pairs and small groups. He could overhear scattered conversations—rumors, reactions, opinions about the unfolding events.
Exhausted, Kaien sat down to drink water. A short distance away, Fugaku stood with the Third and Fourth Elders, reviewing reports.
"Patriarch," the Third Elder began, "we've successfully briefed the Hyuga on our patrol routes. Their full deployment will take about a week."
Fugaku nodded.
"Any trouble from the suspended officers?" he asked.
The Third Elder shook his head. "No. Most just trained all day or gathered to talk. No disturbances at all."
The Fourth Elder chuckled. "Of course they didn't. They've been too busy enjoying the show."
"What show?" the Third Elder raised an eyebrow.
The Fourth Elder grinned. "The streets. Remember those merchants who always complained about us? Today, they were desperate—asking when we'd be back. You should've seen the look in their eyes—like they were begging for salvation."
He smacked his lips, visibly proud. "They never knew how much they needed us… until we were gone."
Now, he understood what Kaien meant by this strategy.
The Third Elder exchanged glances with Fugaku, slowly catching on.
Fugaku nodded. "Kaien's giving the clan a channel to vent. He said this is just the beginning—there's more ahead for the Uchiha."
Truly, the Uchiha were born to serve as guardians.
With illusions that could immediately subdue criminals, the Sharingan to detect danger, and physical prowess that enabled rapid response, they were ideal for law enforcement.
But due to history and stigma, the people of Konoha had chosen to overlook all of this.
The Uchiha longed for recognition.
But in truth, they never needed approval.
Because the strong never do.
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Translated By – Ancient Lores
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