"I nominate Masaki Uchiha as president of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization," the Gekko Clan Head said, unable to wait any longer.
When he'd seen the Inuzuka Clan Head acting like a lovesick puppy earlier, inspiration had struck the Gekko Clan Head. How could he pass up a chance to cozy up to a powerful clan like the Uchiha? Was he supposed to cozy up to Sarutobi Hiruzen instead?
The man wouldn't even let them get a taste of the profits. Why would anyone cozy up to him?
That would be like fawning over someone who couldn't care less.
So the Gekko Clan Head was going to play along, too.
The Uchiha wanted to tie everyone together and make money.
But who could resist the temptation of money?
Damn it.
The Gekko Clan Head, that old man, had beaten him to it. The Inuzuka Clan Head clenched his teeth in frustration.
"I agree with the Gekko Clan Head. There's no one more suited to be president than Masaki."
"I agree."
"I agree."
No one objected to Masaki Uchiha becoming president. After all, the Uchiha had taken the lead in setting this up.
It was only fitting that he become president.
"Good. Since you all think so highly of me, I won't turn down the position," Masaki Uchiha said, a flicker of amusement in his eyes.
"Also, we can make our first delivery as early as the day after tomorrow. Please make your preparations."
"We'll need at least four escorts a month from now on. Please submit your escort personnel lists as soon as possible."
The moment they heard that deliveries would begin soon, everyone's faces brightened. They all promised to compile their escort personnel lists and submit them when they got back.
The money was on its way.
The Uchiha sure were generous.
"We'll distribute profits every three months and hold a meeting once a month."
"Uchiha Naoya will handle the Uchiha Clan's side of this trade route. Coordinate with him about future escorts."
"For now, the organization's headquarters will be at the Uchiha Clan."
"After we distribute the profits, we'll find a place in Konoha to use as our office."
"As for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's structure and charter, we'll discuss the details after the first profit distribution in three months."
"Does anyone have any objections?"
Masaki Uchiha had already considered everything so carefully for them that no one objected. They all agreed.
The clan heads present were all old foxes. They wouldn't cast their lines until they saw a rabbit.
They hadn't even started yet, so laying out all those rules and regulations would only make everyone wary.
In the end, it would take getting their hands on the money to get everyone motivated.
Masaki Uchiha could afford to wait. Time was on his side.
"Everyone, there's one more thing I'd like to discuss with you."
"My Uchiha Clan plans to reform the Police Force. I'm sure you've all heard the news."
"The Police Force will expand from its original 150 positions to 600."
"The Hokage has already approved it."
"We're planning to open some positions in the Metropolitan Police Department and Logistics Bureau, both units under the Police Force, to outside applicants. Would any of you be interested?"
The Uchiha Clan regarded the Police Force as their exclusive domain. People had tried to get a foot in the door before, but the Uchiha had always turned them away.
No one had expected the Uchiha Clan to open the door themselves now.
There had already been plenty of money to be made in the Police Force. After the reform, there would probably be even more.
It might not pay as well as missions, but a job in the Police Force came with authority. That was what mattered.
Anywhere in the world, authority equaled money.
Besides, working in the Police Force was safe. They could find places for another batch of their clan members, too.
The Uchiha Clan had chosen a good clan head.
Seeing all the clan heads whispering among themselves, Masaki Uchiha didn't wait for anyone to speak. He went straight for the big offer.
"There's also a deputy chief position in the Metropolitan Police Department available for everyone."
At that, no one bothered to play coy anymore. They spoke up one after another.
"The Inuzuka Clan plans to send 20 people to help out in the Police Force."
"The Gekko Clan will send 15 people."
"The Kurama Clan will send 15 people."
"The Aburame Clan will send 15 people."
"The Koharu Clan will send..."
Seeing how eager everyone was, Masaki Uchiha glanced at Uchiha Tetsuya. "Tetsuya, go tally up the numbers."
"Yes." Uchiha Tetsuya pulled a notebook from his robes and began asking the clan heads how many ninja each clan would send.
A short while later, he finished counting.
Uchiha Tetsuya walked over to Masaki Uchiha. "Clan Head, the clans will send a total of 152 people to the Metropolitan Police Department and Logistics Bureau."
Hmm.
It seemed the various clans had been eager for this opportunity for a while. Their recruits already outnumbered the entire original Police Force.
Still, having more people to take the hits wouldn't hurt.
The Metropolitan Police Department's work was bound to make enemies. Let them handle it. The Uchiha Clan would keep the top position and other key posts for themselves.
Masaki Uchiha turned to Uchiha Fugaku, who was still digesting all the information. "Deputy Director Fugaku, you two will have your work cut out for you."
"They've just joined the Police Force, so make sure to guide them and help them understand the ropes."
Although Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Tetsuya had long been prepared for the Police Force to be opened up to other clans, they were still a little reluctant.
But since Masaki Uchiha had chosen this course, he must have his reasons.
"Yes, Clan Head," the two replied.
Masaki Uchiha tapped the table, bringing everyone out of their thoughts.
"Clan Heads, that's all for today."
"If the tea business goes well, my Uchiha Clan is willing to share other ventures with you, too."
"But I don't want anyone else finding out about the Shanghai Cooperation Organization."
"Especially those 'old-timers.' I'm sure you understand what I mean."
The clan heads understood what Masaki Uchiha was getting at.
He wanted them to keep it from the Third Hokage and the others. They got it.
This business was, after all, smuggling. Even without Masaki Uchiha's warning, they would have kept it secret.
The Inuzuka Clan Head spoke first. "Rest assured, Clan Head Masaki. Anyone who leaks this will be making an enemy of the Inuzuka Clan—and all of us!"
"If that happens, my Inuzuka Clan will be the first to act and clean house!"
The Gekko Clan Head immediately chimed in. "Same here!"
"Same here!"
Seeing that, the others all swore they wouldn't let a word slip.
"Good. Let's drink to our success!"
Masaki Uchiha raised his glass, and the clan heads followed suit, draining theirs in one go.
"That concludes today's discussion."
"Don't forget to send your lists to Uchiha Naoya as soon as you get back."
"Of course, of course."
"Then let's eat. The food won't taste good once it gets cold."
After a hearty meal, Masaki Uchiha personally saw the clan heads off.
Hokage Building
Hokage Assistant Office
"Bang!"
The door was kicked open with brute force.
Shimura Danzō hurried over to Sarutobi Hiruzen, leaning on his cane and clutching an intelligence scroll.
"Hiruzen..."
Before he could finish, Sarutobi Hiruzen's helpless voice cut in. "Danzō, can't you be a little more careful? My door can't take many more hits."