"Inabi, Tekka, you two have really had too much to drink today. Let me take you home to rest."
Under the moonlight, Qingguang walked between Uchiha Inabi and Uchiha Tekka as they came out of a restaurant.
By now, both men were so drunk they couldn't tell east from west.
"Qingguang, after all these years, you've finally come back to live in the clan compound. I'm only like this because I'm happy today. Normally, we never touch a drop."
"Big Brother's right. Qingguang, you have no idea how often Tekka talks about you."
"That's nonsense!"
"Look, look! Big Brother's embarrassed! Hahaha!"
Amid laughter and conversation, Qingguang saw the two men home before returning to his own wooden cabin.
Even before bed, he kept at it, training in Wood Release until late into the night.
[Wood Release: 119/10000] [Reset Points: 119]
As before, Qingguang added the points to his Sharingan.
[Sharingan: 2882+118/10000]
As usual, he left one point for Wood Release.
Half a month had passed since he first attended a clan meeting.
For the past month, Qingguang had spent his days making himself known around the Uchiha Clan Compound and his nights training in Wood Release. By exploiting Wood Release to farm points, he had finally raised his Sharingan score to 3000.
He could clearly feel the chakra in his eyes growing stronger. When he meditated, he could even see the blurry silhouette of a giant.
Though he couldn't make out its full form, Qingguang knew it was his very own Susanoo.
At his first clan meeting, Qingguang hadn't gone out of his way to stand out. He had simply shown his face, letting everyone know the Uchiha Clan had gained another genius.
After that, people from the clan's three major factions came to recruit him almost every day. Inabi and Tekka, who had invited him to dinner today, represented the Uchiha Hawk Faction led by Kakaku Elder.
Qingguang gave them all more or less the same response.
He expressed his understanding and support, without clearly agreeing to join. Even so, he managed to win their goodwill.
"It's about time to take the next step."
"I wonder how Mikoto's been doing lately..."
After the clan meeting, he had visited Uncle Shifang once more, but Mikoto hadn't been there that day.
Shifang told him that after awakening her Sharingan that night, Mikoto had started coming and going at all hours. Every day, she trained hard at the practice grounds around Naka Shrine.
Qingguang couldn't help wondering what Mikoto was thinking. Still, working to improve her strength was a good thing. He had gone to observe her secretly once not long ago, but hadn't shown himself...
Early the next morning, Qingguang arrived at the entrance to the Uchiha Police Force.
At half past seven, Fugaku spotted him at the entrance and immediately smiled.
"Qingguang, are you planning to join the Police Department?"
Fugaku had learned from his father that Qingguang had awakened the Three Tomoe Sharingan at fourteen.
He had assumed that a genius on the same level as himself would be as arrogant and conceited as other Uchiha.
He had even paid special attention to Qingguang at the last clan meeting. Qingguang's conduct had surprised him, and he was very pleased by it.
He was a rare Uchiha who could remain calm, think rationally, and show humility.
After that night, Fugaku had invited him to join the Police Department. Qingguang had declined for the time being, saying he wanted time to think it over.
"Minister Fugaku, that's right. I've thought it through, and I'm fully prepared."
"The Police Department's assessment covers combat ability, maintaining order, and solving cases. I've learned a lot from Inabi and Tekka."
"I'm sure I'll pass!"
Qingguang spoke with confidence, his gaze firm.
Fugaku seemed a little surprised by what he said, but smiled as he led him into the office.
He looked at Qingguang with clear approval. "Qingguang, those things you just mentioned are only the requirements written on paper."
"If we really used those standards to recruit Police Department members, we'd have to dismiss more than half the clan."
"Strictly speaking, there's only one requirement: combat ability. As long as you're at least a Chunin, you pass."
Hearing this from Fugaku, Qingguang looked surprised and confused.
"But if it's only about strength, wouldn't that prove what the villagers say—that we Uchiha enforce the law with violence?"
Fugaku's face clouded with resignation. He took out a stack of letters and pushed them toward Qingguang.
"See for yourself. These are complaints we've received about the Uchiha's conduct while enforcing the law. They're only from the past half month."
The stack contained nearly a hundred complaints. Qingguang grew agitated as he looked at them.
"Minister Fugaku, this..."
"Are you going to say these are the result of enforcing the law with violence?" Fugaku guessed what Qingguang was about to say.
Qingguang nodded helplessly.
"Qingguang, I joined the Police Department at fourteen. It's been four years now. At first, I thought the same way you do."
"But back then, we received at least twice as many complaints as we do now."
"Only later did I understand: there's no point trying to reason with that mob. Only overwhelming force can make them fear us and accept our authority."
"Otherwise, the Police Department might as well do nothing but respond to complaints all day."
Fugaku's explanation hit Qingguang hard. He lowered his head without meaning to, his expression bitter.
But there was a stubborn glint in his eyes.
"Minister Fugaku, I still want to give it a try."
Looking at Qingguang's earnest expression, Fugaku knew he wasn't joking. He truly believed in what he was saying.
He had once shared Qingguang's convictions. But complaints from his subordinates, the villagers' lack of understanding, and a rising tide of complaints had eventually made him give up.
Qingguang, you're still too young. You need more experience~
In the end, Fugaku nodded.
"All right, Qingguang. Since you still want to try, I'll respect your decision."
"For the next half month, I'll assign you, Yashiro, and Inabi to the same team to handle the Police Department's routine patrols."
"During that time, I'll have the two of them assist you and let you take the lead."
"If you really can change things, you'll be a great asset to the Police Department. On behalf of all its members, I thank you."
Qingguang immediately waved his hands, declining. "No, no, Minister Fugaku. I'm already grateful that you've given me this opportunity."
"Truthfully, my understanding is still shallow. I've never put it into practice; it's all just talk on paper. There's no need to say something like that."
"You've put far more effort and sweat into serving the clan than I have."
Fugaku found Qingguang's words delightful to hear.
He liked Qingguang more and more. He even suspected that Qingguang hadn't accepted his invitation earlier because he felt he wasn't ready yet.
That he wasn't worthy of a place in the Police Department.
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