President

"I nominate Gekko Clan Head for the position of President of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization," Gekko Clan Head spoke up, unable to contain his impatience.

Having witnessed the sycophantic display from Inuzuka Clan Head earlier, Gekko Clan Head had an epiphany: why wouldn't he cling to a powerhouse like the Uchiha Clan? Should he cling to Sarutobi Hiruzen instead?

You don't go fawning over someone who won't even let you have a sip of the broth.

That would just be pressing a hot face against a cold backside.

Therefore, Gekko Clan Head decided he would 'fawn' as well.

The Uchiha wanted to bind everyone together to make money.

But who could truly resist the temptation of wealth?

Damn it.

To think that old man Gekko Clan Head had snatched the initiative, Inuzuka Clan Head gritted his teeth in secret frustration.

"I also agree with Gekko Clan Head; this presidential seat belongs to none other than Masaki Uchiha."

"I agree."

"I agree."

No one had any objections to Masaki Uchiha serving as president; after all, the Uchiha were the ones spearheading this initiative.

It was only fitting that he take the lead.

"Very well. Since you all think so highly of me, I shall humbly accept this position," a flash of amusement flickered in Masaki Uchiha's eyes.

"Furthermore, we can make our first shipment as early as the day after tomorrow, so please be prepared."

"Moving forward, there will be at least four escort missions per month. Please submit your lists of personnel for these escorts as soon as possible."

Knowing that shipments were starting immediately, everyone beamed with joy, promising to compile their lists and submit them upon returning home.

The money was coming.

The Uchiha were truly generous.

"Dividends will be distributed every three months, and we will hold a meeting once a month."

"The person in charge of this trade route for the Uchiha Clan is Uchiha Naoya; you will coordinate with him for all future escort matters."

"The organization's headquarters will be temporarily based within the Uchiha Clan."

"Once the first dividends are paid, we will select an office location within Konoha."

"As for the specific structure and bylaws of this Shanghai Cooperation Organization, we will discuss the details after the first dividend distribution in three months."

"Does anyone have any objections?"

Seeing that Masaki Uchiha had already considered everything so thoroughly, no one had any objections and all expressed their agreement.

Every clan head present was a wily old fox; they wouldn't release the hawk until they saw the rabbit.

Since nothing had actually started yet, laying out too many rules and regulations would only risk alienating everyone.

Ultimately, their enthusiasm would only be truly ignited once they had money in their hands.

Masaki Uchiha could afford to wait; time was on his side.

"Everyone, there is one more matter I wish to discuss with you all."

"My Uchiha Clan is preparing to reform the Police Force, and I believe you have all received the news."

"The Police Force will expand from its original 150-man establishment to 600."

"The Hokage has already stamped his approval on this matter."

"We are prepared to open up a portion of the positions within the Metropolitan Police Department and the Logistics Bureau—subordinate units of the Police Force—to outside recruitment. I wonder if any of you are interested?"

One had to understand that the Uchiha Clan had always treated the Police Force as their exclusive domain. Others had tried to get a piece of the pie in the past, only to be rebuffed by the Uchiha.

No one expected the Uchiha Clan to voluntarily open a door now.

It was said that the Police Force had always been a lucrative post, and it would likely be even more so after the reforms.

While the pay might not be as high as taking on missions, holding power was the key.

In any place, power equals money.

Besides, working in the Police Force was safe, and it was a great way to find placements for their own clansmen.

The new Uchiha Clan Head was a good man.

Seeing the clan heads whispering among themselves, Masaki Uchiha didn't wait for anyone else to speak before dropping his trump card:

"There is also a position for Deputy Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department reserved for you all."

As soon as these words fell, the group dropped their 'reserve' and began speaking up one after another:

"My Inuzuka Clan plans to send 20 people to assist the Police Force."

"The Gekko Clan will send 15 people to the Police Force."

"The Kurama Clan will send 15 people to the Police Force."

"The Aburame Clan will send 15 people to the Police Force."

"The Koharu Clan has sent..."

Seeing everyone so enthusiastic, Masaki Uchiha cast a glance at Uchiha Tetsuya: "Tetsuya, you go first and tally up how many people there are."

"Yes." Uchiha Tetsuya took a notebook from his pocket and began to record the number of ninja sent by each clan head.

Before long, the headcount was complete.

Uchiha Tetsuya walked up to Masaki Uchiha: "Clan Head, the various ninja clans have sent a total of 152 people to join the Metropolitan Police Department and the Logistics Bureau."

Hmm.

It seems the various families have been impatient for a long time; these numbers already exceed the total headcount of the original Police Force.

Still, that is fine. Having more people to take the heat is not a bad thing.

As for the Metropolitan Police Department, a job that offends people, it is better to let them handle it, while the top leadership and key positions remain under the Uchiha Clan.

Masaki Uchiha then looked at Uchiha Fugaku, who had been quietly digesting the information beside him: "Vice Minister Fugaku, it will be hard work for you two when the time comes."

"Since they have just joined the Police Force, if there is anything they don't understand, you must guide them well."

Although Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Tetsuya had long been prepared for the Police Force to be split up, they still felt a sense of reluctance.

However, since Masaki Uchiha chose to do this, there must be a reason for it.

"Yes, Clan Head," the two replied.

Tapping his fingers on the table, Masaki Uchiha roused everyone from their thoughts.

"Clan heads, that is all for today."

"If the tea business goes well, the Uchiha Clan is willing to share other business opportunities with you all as well."

"But I do not want the matter of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to be known by others."

"Especially those 'old folks'; everyone should understand what I mean, right?"

The clan heads all caught the implication in Masaki Uchiha's words.

It was just about avoiding Sarutobi Hiruzen and his lot; they all understood.

This business was, after all, 'smuggling.' Even if Masaki Uchiha hadn't said it, they would have kept it a secret.

The Inuzuka Clan Head spoke up first: "Rest assured, Clan Head Masaki. Whoever leaks this matter is going against my Inuzuka Clan and against everyone here!"

"If such a thing really happens, my Inuzuka Clan will be the first to strike and purge the traitor!"

The Gekko Clan Head followed suit: "Me too!"

"Me too!"

Seeing this, everyone swore oaths that they would never leak the information.

"Good, let's have a drink together!"

Watching Masaki Uchiha raise his glass, the other clan heads also raised theirs and downed them in one gulp.

"The matters discussed today end here."

"Don't forget, after you return, please submit the lists to Uchiha Naoya as soon as possible."

"Certainly, certainly."

"Now, let's eat; the food won't taste good if it gets cold."

After everyone had their fill of food and drink, Masaki Uchiha personally saw the clan heads off.

Hokage Building

Hokage Assistant Office

"Bang!"

The door was violently kicked open.

Shimura Danzō, clutching his cane, hurried toward Sarutobi Hiruzen with an intelligence scroll in his hand.

"Hiruzen..."

Before he could finish his sentence, Sarutobi Hiruzen's helpless voice rang out: "Danzō, can you be more steady? My door can't take many more hits like that."