Power!

In the office, watching Shisui's hesitant expression, Uchiha Yoru naturally knew what was on his mind, but he didn't want to bring it up. Some things could only be kept buried in the heart to forever remember that time.

"One week from now, the Seventh Division of the Military Police Force needs to be running smoothly. I'll leave this to you, Shisui."

Hearing the gravity in Uchiha Yoru's tone, Shisui quickly reined in his wandering thoughts and nodded respectfully. "Brother Yoru, rest assured. In one week, the Seventh Division of the Military Police Force will have no issues."

Looking at Shisui's assurance, Uchiha Yoru gave him a deep glance, then slowly lowered his head, as if trying to conceal something.

"The Seventh Division of the Military Police Force doesn't just represent the Uchiha—it's also Teacher Orochimaru's point of contact with the various clans in the village. So the direction we take from now on needs to be different."

In essence, this Seventh Division was a condensed version of Orochimaru's faction. It was easy to foresee that it would soon become a focal point for every major family in Konoha.

"Brother Yoru, you mean...?" Shisui was still somewhat puzzled. In the past, the Military Police Force represented the Uchiha, and its duty was public security.

Any crime in the village fell under their jurisdiction. But now, Uchiha Yoru was giving instructions with such a grave tone—clearly, something had to be different.

Seeing Shisui's confusion, Uchiha Yoru lowered his gaze even further, as if sinking into darkness. His voice came out hoarse and low. "From now on, the Seventh Division will enforce a policy of ninja supremacy in public security. And among ninjas, the major clans come first."

Hearing this, Shisui's expression shifted dramatically. He looked up and saw Uchiha Yoru, having made this decision, close his eyes with a look of exhaustion, as if this was an incredibly difficult choice.

The meaning was clear. Under his management, this was also a political signal from one of the Sannin, Orochimaru—elevating the status of ninjas while clearly dividing ranks within the ninja population.

In plain terms, if a major clan member and an ordinary ninja both committed an offense, the clans would get a blind eye, while ordinary ninjas would face the full force of the law.

Similarly, in disputes between civilians and ninjas, the bias would lean toward the ninja.

Though not stated outright, it clearly delineated a hierarchy of status.

Hearing this, Uchiha Shisui's face darkened, and he couldn't help but say in a low voice, "Brother Yoru! This isn't wartime. Doing this will stir up huge controversy."

This kind of unspoken rule that essentially divided people by status was only implemented during wartime. After all, ninjas were on edge at the front lines, and when they returned, they were prone to causing trouble.

Now that the Third Shinobi War was over, the higher-ups had ordered the Military Police Force to clean up the village's public order. Especially at this critical moment—if they failed, wouldn't it make the village trust the Uchiha even less?

"Shisui!"

His tone sharpened as Uchiha Yoru opened his eyes, bloodshot and weary. "Some people have already made their move. Teacher Orochimaru has been shelved, and the village keeps delaying the selection of the Fifth Hokage. Right now, this is the only way to keep Teacher Orochimaru from losing the support of the major clans."

That was true. This blatant favoritism toward ninjas, especially the major clans, might be unfair to civilians, but it also elevated the status of ninjas.

The benefits were enormous. No one disliked being placed on a pedestal, especially ninjas who wielded immense power.

"Shisui, you need to understand. Even though Teacher Orochimaru has been shelved, the village absolutely cannot lose his voice. If it comes to that, the Fifth Hokage selection will be full of variables."

Right now, Uchiha Yoru alone couldn't represent Orochimaru. But if he gathered countless followers of Orochimaru under his command, then their collective voice would become Orochimaru's voice.

After a long silence, Shisui finally let out a faint sigh and nodded. "Brother Yoru, I understand. You've worked hard."

In Shisui's eyes, Uchiha Yoru was clearly someone pushed forward by the clan. This position was tempting, but also extremely dangerous. He could already see how exhausted his older brother was under the strain of political struggle—it even made him feel a sense of disgust toward politics.

"Go on. Some darkness needs people to walk through it. One day, Shisui, you'll be a genius standing in the sunlight."

At this moment, all the pressure seemed to rest on Uchiha Yoru's shoulders. He had taken the position of division leader in the Military Police Force, but it was also a hot potato.

Because in the clash of politics, Uchiha Yoru was the public face of Orochimaru. One misstep and he'd become a sacrifice in the game between both sides. Even someone who didn't understand politics could see how dangerous this position was.

"Brother Yoru, get some rest. I'll take my leave now."

Shisui's heart was filled with shame. He had all this strength, yet he couldn't help at all—instead, he let Brother Yoru bear the heaviest burden.

"Go on, Shisui. I'll rest a bit, then I have to report to Teacher."

Rubbing his temples wearily, he looked utterly drained. Shisui could only turn and leave with guilt, vowing to turn that guilt into strength to ease his brother's burden.

With a creak, the wooden office door closed. Bright sunlight spilled into the room. Uchiha Yoru, sitting in the office chair, opened his eyes.

The exhaustion and heaviness from before were gone. Instead, his eyes narrowed with a look of intoxication.

He picked up the teacup beside him and gazed out the window at the bustling figures, especially the tiny black dots flickering like fleas. There was a certain feeling of having ninjas beneath his feet.

A smile slowly curled at the corner of his mouth. Uchiha Yoru narrowed his eyes and murmured to himself in bliss, "So this is power. No matter which world, you can never escape it."

Though ninjas wielded immense strength, most of them were just weapons in the hands of those in power.

"And now, am I the one holding the weapon?"

With that rhetorical question, Uchiha Yoru smiled. No one disliked what power brought. Even though he was still a weapon in the hands of those with real authority, at least he was now a weapon leader.

Every step he took seemed like walking a tightrope to others, but in his eyes, it was a decision based on future intelligence. Otherwise, did they really think the clan would give him so much power just for his great achievement?

After all, every division leader of the Military Police Force was an experienced veteran Elite Jonin. What was he? All his combined strength barely reached the level of a Special Jonin.

Looking at the Jonin appointment letter sent by the Hokage on the table, he let out a mocking smile. "Maybe in your eyes, someone so easy to manipulate was never worth noticing."

Power required corresponding strength. Right now, his strength was completely insufficient. Yet everyone in Konoha had silently accepted it.

A hot potato—he took it. His confidence came not only from knowing the future changes but also from his belief that he could grow strong enough to match this position in the shortest time.

Thanks to brother 'Yuanyuan Tiandi Diyi' for the 600 Qidian coins tip. Thanks to all the brothers for your support. Please, brothers, support with follow-up reads on Monday and Tuesday—it all depends on follow-up reads to push for the recommendation promotion.