The Inuzuka Clan's Decision

Only after he had finished reading the announcement did Inuzuka Gou hand it back to Inuzuka No.

"The Police Department hasn't posted this announcement yet, has it?"

"How did you know?" Inuzuka No asked, surprised.

"Heh. If they'd posted it, there'd be no need to show it to you."

"Even family members of Police Department staff can take the department's examinations. I never expected the Uchiha to come up with something like this."

"They can maintain the Uchiha's control over the Police Department while using this approach to win over the other Ninja Clans and let them share in some of the department's authority."

Not only Ninja Clans, either. Even some talented Commoner Ninja could qualify for a position in the Police Department by marrying into the Uchiha Clan or marrying an Uchiha.

And this was probably exactly the outcome that the Third wanted to see.

"The idea in this announcement definitely didn't come from Fugaku Uchiha or Fugaku, and it wasn't Lord Hokage, either. Looks like this was Uchiha Qingguang's idea."

From what Inuzuka Gou knew of those men, none of them had the ability to come up with a plan like this.

Unless Tobirama Senju, the Second Hokage, were still alive. But unfortunately, he was dead.

Of everyone involved, only Qingguang had the background and connections—and the motive—to do something like this.

As expected of Kagami's son: he had surpassed his father.

"Gou, what are you going to do about this? Should I still agree to Akiya and Yashiro's marriage?" Inuzuka No asked, perplexed.

Inuzuka Gou waved a hand.

"You don't agree?"

"Come on, at this point, why wouldn't you? Aren't you satisfied with that kid Yashiro?"

"He's a little older—three or four years older than Akiya—but that's still acceptable. He's also an elite Uchiha ninja with the Three Tomoe Sharingan. He treats Akiya well, and the Uchiha are devoted partners. You know that as well as I do."

"Have you ever seen an Uchiha with the Three Tomoe Sharingan marry someone else after finding their partner?"

Inuzuka Gou's attitude now was so different from how he'd acted a while ago that Inuzuka No was left completely bewildered.

"Weren't you the one who said the Uchiha were too clingy and would annoy a young woman?"

"And when did I ever complain that Yashiro was too old? Akiya's mother is four years younger than I am."

"You really are fickle. Tch!"

Inuzuka No laughed as he chided his good friend. They had different ranks in the clan, but in private, they were as close as brothers.

"Anyway, you can handle the rest yourself. I'm kind of jealous that you'll be a grandpa before I am."

"Make sure you invite me to the wedding." Inuzuka Gou waved him off, ready to see him out.

"Hmph. I think having a granddaughter would be nice, too." A tender smile appeared on Inuzuka No's face.

"Sure, sure, a granddaughter would be nice, too. Now get going."

"Don't keep that kid Qingguang—or your future son-in-law—waiting."

After Inuzuka No left, Inuzuka Gou immediately began preparing to convene a clan meeting.

Since the announcement hadn't yet been made public, the Inuzuka Clan was the first to receive the Uchiha's goodwill.

When Konoha was first founded, the Sarutobi Clan and the Ino-Shika-Cho Clans had achieved their current status because they were among the first to follow the Senju Clan.

Unlike them, the Inuzuka, Aburame, and Kurama Clans had joined later and had never really made much of an impact in the village.

The Kurama Clan was even in decline because of the unusual nature of its bloodline.

Now, ever since Qingguang had appeared, there had been changes to the Police Department, followed by this upcoming announcement.

It seemed the Uchiha had produced a prodigy capable of determining the fate of the clan.

If the Inuzuka Clan could seize this opportunity, it might soar to new heights. They didn't expect to produce a Hokage, but a high-ranking position in Konoha would be good enough.

As for the risks, the Uchiha announcement would be sent to the whole village. The Inuzuka Clan was merely learning about it a little early.

By the time it was public, the Inuzuka wouldn't be the only clan trying to arrange a marriage with the Uchiha.

Even setting politics aside, nearly all the Uchiha were good-looking and devoted partners, men and women alike. They might take a while to warm up, but once they fell in love, they were faithful to one person.

They really were the best choice for a partner.

It had to be said, Akiya was lucky to have met Yashiro.

Not long afterward, Inuzuka No returned to his training ground.

As soon as he arrived, he saw a group of adult and elderly Ninja Dogs sitting together.

Qingguang sat in the middle, telling a story with great enthusiasm. Even his two companions, Black Wind and White Mist, seemed distracted, their ears twitching from time to time as they listened in.

Yashiro sat beside Qingguang, listening to the story just as intently. Curious, Inuzuka No didn't approach. He decided to find out what the story was about first.

"Long, long ago, before humans existed, all sorts of ninja beasts roamed the Shinobi World. There were powerful, ferocious tigers and bloodthirsty, vicious wolves."

"These powerful ninja beasts never paid any attention to the weaker animals. They enslaved them or even treated them as food. But at some point, a Black Dog Sheriff appeared in the forest. He punished evil and protected the weak, becoming the keeper of order throughout the forest. Even the eagles soaring through the sky didn't dare fight the Black Dog Sheriff and his subordinates."

"That was because the Ninja Dogs had more than just the Black Dog Sheriff. They also had his partner, the White Dog Detective, and a whole group of Ninja Dog subordinates who fought alongside him."

As Inuzuka No listened, he too became engrossed. By the end, even the puppies he'd been training had gathered around. They were so caught up in the story that they'd forgotten to eat.

By afternoon, as the sun began to set, Qingguang's throat was parched.

"From then on, the Black Dog Sheriff continued to uphold justice and protect the weak."

"That's the end of the story."

The dogs burst into a chorus of barks.

"Woof, woof, woof!!!" (One-Ear was so awful!)

"Woof, woof~" (Poor Mantis Bride!)

"Woof, woof, woof, woof!!!" (I want to protect the weak just like the Black Dog Sheriff!)

The dogs' barking and their expressions made Inuzuka No realize that the pups hadn't just taken this as a story. They wanted to join the Police Department and carry on the Black Dog Sheriff's principles through their words and actions.

"Senior No, sorry to keep you waiting." Qingguang bowed slightly, an apologetic look on his face.

"Don't worry. That was a good story. Where did you find it? Could you get me a copy? I'd like to read it to these kids as a bedtime story."

"No problem. I'll have someone bring you a copy later."

The story was just a heavily altered version of Black Cat Sheriff that Qingguang had come up with. He'd only need to spend a little time writing it down.

"Hey, you. Next time you see Akiya, have her bring me a copy."

Yashiro had been looking down, but Inuzuka No's sudden call made him stiffen in alarm.

"But..."

"Hm?" Inuzuka No glared at him, displeasure plain on his face.

Only then did Yashiro understand what Inuzuka No meant. He immediately bowed at a ninety-degree angle. "Yes! I'll make sure it gets done!"