Legal Affairs Department

"Still don't understand? The Police Force has the authority to formulate laws and regulations."

"But what can that do?"

"What can it do? Heh! With that authority, even without the Hokage's approval, we can reform the Police Force by drafting new laws and regulations. And it won't just reform the Police Force—we can also use it to restrain the clan members' overly rough and arrogant methods of enforcement. That might give us a chance to turn around the clan's terrible reputation among the villagers."

Unable to communicate through mere mutual understanding, Sōken could only explain his intentions as plainly and directly as possible, breaking everything down bit by bit.

Of course, The Second Hokage had remained wary of the Uchiha until his death. He had granted the Police Force the authority to formulate laws and regulations, but he had also clearly restricted the scope of that authority. It could only be used for maintaining public order in the village, and it had no authority whatsoever to interfere in any matters involving the Anbu, greatly diminishing its usefulness. Even so, in Sōken's eyes, there was still plenty that could be done.

"Can it really work?"

Shisui was tempted.

If they could turn around the clan's utterly dreadful reputation in the village, it would undoubtedly be welcome news to him.

"I can't guarantee it, but there's no harm in trying. Whether we succeed or fail in the end, we have to learn to take steps forward. If we keep clinging to the old ways, nothing will change even after another hundred years," Sōken said.

But inwardly, he understood.

This definitely would not go smoothly.

Still, as he had said, no matter the outcome, the Uchiha Clan had to try to change.

The village's suppression was certainly the main reason the Uchiha's reputation had declined so drastically, but that did not mean they could ignore the fact that the Uchiha Clan really was unlikeable. Unless someone was a masochist, ordinary people did not enjoy dealing with those arrogant bastards who looked down on everyone else.

"Legal Affairs Department. That's the name I've given this new division—a department specifically for drafting, revising, and improving laws and regulations... Shisui, how about becoming the first director of the Legal Affairs Department?" Sōken invited Shisui.

"...I don't know the first thing about drafting laws and regulations!"

Instead, Shisui hesitated.

He was worried that he would mess up this task, one that might affect the clan's future. If the clan failed to integrate into the village because of his mistakes... he probably would not rest in peace even after death.

"It's fine. It's not like you'll be doing it all by yourself. If you don't understand something, find people who do and ask them for guidance. If there's no one in the village, look outside it. If you can't find anyone in the Land of Fire, search other countries... You'll find something eventually."

"This is long-term work. I'm not expecting any results in a short time, and I'll be there at the end to review everything. Shisui, just go ahead and do it without worrying."

"I understand, Clan Head. I'll do my utmost to establish the Legal Affairs Department."

Shisui gritted his teeth and nodded solemnly in agreement.

"That's more like it! That timid guy from just now isn't the Shisui I know." Sōken smiled and patted Shisui on the arm. "Also, just call me by my name when we're alone. Honestly, it feels strange being called Clan Head by someone I know well."

Shisui shook his head with a bitter smile.

How could he possibly remain calm over something this important as if nothing had happened?

Still, Sōken... somehow had a way of putting people at ease. He had not even settled the matter of leaving the Anbu yet, but before he knew it, he was already thinking about the Legal Affairs Department, which did not even exist yet.

Thinking of that, Shisui could not help adding, "Clan... Sōken, if my withdrawal from the Anbu doesn't work out, I can go speak to the Hokage. Considering the merits I've earned in the past, I don't think he would make things too difficult for me."

Sōken said nothing.

Shisui always harbored an unrealistic, naïve hope toward Third and those old men.

But by now, Sōken had more or less gotten used to it. As long as Shisui did not foolishly expose Kotoamatsukami as his trump card, that was enough. He did not expect Shisui to charge into battle when confronting Third either. It would already be good enough if he stayed in the rear and cheered for them.

"This is no longer just your own matter."

After a moment of silence, Sōken finally spoke.

"If nothing unexpected happens, this will turn into a conflict between the village and the clan... Don't get worked up. I'm not planning to wage all-out war against the village. It's just that I don't think Third and the others will sit by and ignore the changes in our clan and the Police Force. They'll definitely come looking for trouble with me next."

Sōken narrowed his eyes and turned toward the center of the village.

"Whether or not your situation exists won't change that outcome. The sharp conflict between the clan and the village will erupt sooner or later at some critical juncture. This time, it just happened to coincide with me succeeding as Clan Head. To put it bluntly, Shisui, your matter is only a minor issue. It can't affect the bigger picture at all."

That was right.

Although he had unexpectedly succeeded as Clan Head so smoothly and had barely gained control of the Police Force, that was only the beginning.

There was still a long, difficult journey ahead if he wanted to pull the Uchiha Clan out of the whirlpool of total annihilation. The suppression and hostility of Third and the others were merely the obvious difficulties. Obito Uchiha, that ghost lurking in the darkness, was the truly unpredictable and troublesome threat.

I need to awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan as soon as possible!!!

Sōken slowly closed his eyes, feeling the full, swelling ocular power within them. He vaguely sensed that all he needed was an opportunity. Then, the ocular power in his eyes would transform according to his wish. As for when that opportunity would arrive...

That was hard to say, but it did not feel too far off.

And even if that opportunity did not come, with Samehada's help, the transformation of his ocular power would only be delayed for a while.

"Shisui, if you really can't put your mind at ease, then just act together with me for the next few days. Anyway, to be honest, the Legal Affairs Department is still nothing more than an empty promise. Once I've thoroughly sorted out the Police Force, I should be able to help you establish the framework for the Legal Affairs Department."

Sōken opened his eyes and looked at the restless Shisui beside him, shaking his head. Whenever it involved conflicts between the village and the clan, Shisui became completely at a loss. "Go get some rest now! In the morning, come with me to meet the Hokage. We'll report the change in the Police Force's director, and we'll settle your withdrawal from the Anbu at the same time."

"This morning?"

For some reason, Shisui suddenly felt a toothache.

An inexplicable instinct told him that the morning a few hours from now would probably not be easy to get through.