A Masterstroke

Uchiha Ling chuckled to himself. So they've come at last!

This was exactly the outcome he had been hoping for when he stirred up this whole controversy, deliberately provoked Danzo, and let the situation spiral.

Monopolizing the Military Police Force seemed to put all the power in his hands. In reality, it was like sitting atop a volcano, drawing every grievance from those outside the Uchiha onto himself.

That was no long-term solution. He didn't want the Uchiha Clan to monopolize power; he wanted to become the true leader of Konoha.

Opening the Military Police Force's power to a reasonable degree and bringing in other clans and civilian ninja might seem like a dilution of authority. In reality, it would bind more forces to the Uchiha's cause.

The ninja from other clans who joined would need to rely on Uchiha Ling, the force's leader, to secure positions and benefits within the Military Police Force. It would be easy to turn them into political allies.

As for the civilian ninja, with no powerful clan backing them, they would almost naturally become the Uchiha's grassroots force and supporters within the Military Police Force.

This would not only dispel the resentment that had built up against the Uchiha Clan for monopolizing the Military Police Force, but also greatly expand Uchiha Ling's political base. He would transform the force from an Uchiha "kingdom within a kingdom" into a "foundation of power" for his future rule of Konoha!

Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo thought this was a "masterstroke" to restrain him. They had no idea it played right into his hands—that it was the very masterstroke he had planned all along, on a far grander scale!

As his thoughts raced, Uchiha Ling's face took on a hint of "surprise" and "hesitation" at just the right moment.

Uchiha Ling furrowed his brow slightly and deliberated for a moment, as if locked in a fierce inner struggle.

At last, he looked up, wearing a smile that seemed a little "reluctant" but also "mindful of the greater good."

"Lord Hokage's concerns are indeed far-reaching. Although this may meet with some resistance within the clan, since it's for the village's long-term development, I'm willing to do my best to persuade the clan elders and try to push this forward."

With those words, he had placed himself firmly in the position of someone "mindful of the greater good," as if he were willing to sacrifice some of his clan's privileges for the village.

The display took even Sarutobi Hiruzen, who had been prepared to argue at length, by surprise. Then came a deep sense of admiration.

Sarutobi Hiruzen thought to himself, I knew Uchiha Ling had the Will of Fire in his heart. Before, I wondered if he was just putting on an act.

Oh, how could I think that? After all, he's Tsunade's student too!

That's right! Danzo must have led him astray!

"Excellent! Ling, your broad-mindedness and foresight do you credit. You truly are a disciple whom Tsunade thinks highly of, and an Uchiha who possesses the Will of Fire!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen lavished praise on him, and felt relieved as well. Things had gone far more smoothly than he had expected.

"We can discuss the details more thoroughly later. We must ensure a smooth transition."

"Yes, Lord Hokage," Uchiha Ling replied.

The "harmonious" atmosphere in the Hokage Office had lasted only a few minutes when an Anbu member knocked and entered. A Root ninja followed behind him, his face pale but his eyes resolute.

As soon as the Root ninja entered the office, he dropped to one knee. His voice was hoarse but clear.

"Lord Hokage, Captain Ling! Shimura Kurozuka has come to confess! All the false rumors targeting the Uchiha Clan that have spread through the village recently were planned and circulated by me alone, out of personal resentment!

"I was blinded by my own foolishness. I deserve to die. I'm willing to take full responsibility, and this has nothing to do with the other Shimura clan members or my Root comrades! I ask Lord Hokage and Captain Ling to see the truth and release everyone else who was wrongly implicated!"

His words made the atmosphere in the office, which had only just eased, turn delicate again.

Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at Shimura Kurozuka kneeling on the floor, then at Uchiha Ling, who stood to one side without expression. He understood.

This was clearly a pawn Danzo had thrown out to calm things down and preserve most of his forces. He was just about to speak, hoping to use the opportunity to bring the matter to a complete end.

Uchiha Ling didn't look at Shimura Kurozuka. Instead, he faced Sarutobi Hiruzen and said respectfully but firmly, "Lord Hokage, it's a good thing that someone has confessed and clarified the truth. It proves the Military Police Force's investigation was on the right track and clears both me and the Uchiha."

His tone shifted, taking on the earnestness of someone asking an elder to uphold justice. "But, Lord Hokage, this incident has had serious consequences and cost the Military Police Force a great deal of manpower and resources.

"If we hastily close the case just because one person confessed, it will be hard to convince anyone. Worse, it could encourage this kind of behavior. If everyone can defame others at will, waste public resources, and get away with it by claiming 'personal resentment,' what will become of the Military Police Force's authority?

"Who will bear the cost of upholding the village's laws? It would also be unfair to the other colleagues who work diligently in service of the village."

"Ling, your concerns aren't without merit," Sarutobi Hiruzen said after a moment's thought. "Upholding the law does come at a cost. We can't simply ignore the losses the Military Police Force has suffered this time.

"How about this? Danzo can provide the Military Police Force with a reasonable amount of resources on behalf of the Shimura Clan, to make up for the public resources lost in this incident."

"Thank you, Lord Third!" Uchiha Ling replied with a bow, his face showing the relief of someone who had been understood.

When the news reached Danzo, he was naturally furious. A cold glint flashed in his one eye. "That evil Uchiha brat actually dares to use this to demand resources!"

He growled under his breath, and the air around him seemed to turn colder.

But Sarutobi Hiruzen had already spoken, and the other side had reason on its side. If he refused outright, he wouldn't get his people back and would only incur Sarutobi Hiruzen's displeasure.

"Fine!" Danzo forced down his anger and spoke coldly to Ryoma.

"As long as he doesn't ask for too much, give it to him! Get our people back as soon as possible!" It pained him to pay out these resources, but he had no choice. His wariness and loathing of Uchiha Ling deepened.

Uchiha Ling didn't go in person. Instead, he sent the steady-handed Uchiha Yashiro, carrying a meticulously calculated list.

The list itemized the Military Police Force's actual costs in manpower deployment, verifying intelligence, detaining and managing personnel, and other areas. It also included extra supplies set aside in case the situation escalated: a certain quantity of standard ninja tools, basic medicines, and necessary operating funds.

Ryoma, who was handling the arrangements, reviewed it carefully. Although he looked displeased, he couldn't find fault with anything, and could only sign and stamp the receipt.

After all, Lord Danzo had already agreed, and the Hokage had already set the terms.

The supplies and funds were soon delivered to the Military Police Force. Uchiha Ling personally checked everything, and once he confirmed the amounts were correct, he said solemnly to Uchiha Tekka:

"Now that the truth is clear and the losses have been reasonably compensated, release those who were temporarily detained to assist with the investigation, and against whom no evidence was found. Follow the proper procedures.

"Remember, conduct yourselves properly. We're enforcing the law!"

"Yes, Captain Ling!" Uchiha Yashiro replied before leaving to carry out the order.

When the Shimura clan members and Root operatives were released, they looked displeased. But after being locked up for days, they knew who held the power. They didn't dare vent their anger and could only leave in dejection.

Standing by the window, Uchiha Ling watched them leave with a calm expression.

He turned to Uchiha Tekka beside him and said, "Register these resources and earmark them for the Military Police Force's daily operations and the training and development of its members. Make sure every last bit is put to good use."