You Can Remain Silent

After Qingcheng had built up his reputation in the village, he took Kurenai Yuhi and Yugao home. The remaining tasks were to be handled by Yamahuku and Fujikawa. As a former Root ninja, Yamahuku naturally knew what to do.

Today is Wednesday, a workday for all members of the Police Force. Qingcheng, as the head of the Police Force, only goes to the Police Force once a week, on Mondays; he leaves all other matters to Shouhon Yihan."

Monday's trip was mainly to check the Police Force's performance and, incidentally, to give Shouhon Yihan a warning. This guy can't resist the temptation of money and often engages in illicit activities.

Since some members of the Police Force started engaging in illicit activities, many have been secretly making money. Qingcheng has turned a blind eye to these activities, believing that if they weren't allowed to make money in secret, how could the Police Force members secretly develop their special skills?

Even a kid like Yamanaka Fu knew that the fines received had to be divided into thirteen parts, nine of which were handed over to the Police Force, and the remaining four were kept for the members of the Second Brigade.

At the Konoha Police Headquarters, Shouhon Yihan sat in the vice-minister's office, looking excited as she watched two civilian ninjas come to deliver money to her.

Shouhon Yihan said with a smile, "If you two want to join the Police Force, you must get the approval of the Third Hokage. How much sincerity can you show? If it is sufficient, I can make a trip for you two."

Upon hearing the word "sincerity," the two civilian ninjas knew they were about to offer tribute. They immediately said, "Reporting to the Chief, we are preparing 40 million Ryo this time. Could you please make an exception and allow us to join the Konoha Police Force?"

Upon hearing that it was only 4,000 Ryo, Shouhon Yihan's excitement immediately turned cold, and she said seriously, "Only 40 million Ryo? You think you can join the Police Force? Do you think the Police Force is like a beggar's horde? Our Police Force is the most prestigious department in Konoha. Do you know the Konoha warlords? That's our Police Force."

The two commoner ninjas, seeing that Zhang Benyihan had refused their 40 million ninja coins, both looked bitter. They exchanged a glance and then said, "As for the 80 million Ryo, could one of us brothers join the Police Force?"

Upon hearing this, Shouhon Yihan said with a look of disdain, "To be honest, the head of the department has received too many tributes recently. Many people want to join Konoha's first department. The price for a single member of the Police Force has been inflated to 100 million Ryo. In a while, it may cost 150 million Ryo."

Both brothers looked on in astonishment, staring in disbelief as they exclaimed, "It's so expensive! That's terrifying!"

However, the two brothers also knew that the current members of the Police Force wielded immense power; they could impose fines at will, making them essentially like the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

The ninjas these days are too competitive. Even a simple weeding mission attracts a dozen or so people vying for it. Joining the Police Force is a golden opportunity; many ninja clans pay to get their members into the Police Force, essentially "cooking up the hot stove of Uchiha Qingcheng."

The two ninjas discussed it for a moment, then said to Shouhon Yihan, "Minister Zhang, we only have 80 million Ryo left. It's not that we're unwilling to strengthen our ranks, but could you please make an exception and let one of us work?"

Shouhon Yihan looked at the two civilian ninjas, who seemed to have only a little money left. She nodded and then said seriously, "With 80 million Ryo, you can work in the canteen of the Police Force. Think carefully about which of you can cook. The Chief is very busy and his time is very precious. I can earn two million every minute. Don't delay me from counting money."

After saying that, Zhang Benyi waved his hand again, indicating that the two of them should go back first and come back after thinking it over.

One of the shifty-eyed civilian ninjas said to another ninja, "Little brother, you can't handle this position. Let your older brother go first. You'll work in the Police Force's canteen. You need to have some skills. That place is also a very lucrative place. You also need to be clever. You can work as a mission ninja for a while. Once I've made enough money, I'll recruit you too."

The two brothers then discussed it, and the younger brother, realizing he wasn't smart enough, agreed to let his older brother go first while he continued as a mission ninja, returning to the mission hall filled with dead bodies. "There are too few missions in Konoha right now, and too many people are vying for them,"

Shouhon Yihan then said with a serious expression, "Pay the money first, then report to the personnel department. Come to work next Monday. Remember to be energetic and smart. Our Minister Qingcheng likes quick-witted people."

Then the shifty-eyed ninja shouted excitedly, "I understand! Thank you for your Minister Zhang Hanma Yujiro, and I will become an excellent chef in the Police Force, making the most delicious food with the least amount of money."

Seeing this, Shouhon Yihan smiled and said, "You are indeed very clever. I will be able to save some money for food next month."

On their way back to their clan, Uchiha Qingcheng and the others saw a large Police Force personnel surrounding a girl eating dumplings.

The girl's mouth was slightly distorted from stuffing several meatballs into her mouth, and she was also wearing a fishnet outfit, which made her look a bit indecent. She was even eating meatballs while walking.

The patrolling Police Force, seeing this arrogant and domineering individual, all looked excited and exclaimed, "Isn't this business? This female ninja hasn't been fined by us before!"

The other Police Force, their faces filled with greed, said, "Look at that little face, it's all distorted from eating so many dumplings. Clearly, she's ruined the Third Hokage's Beauty Plan. We can impose a fine."

Immediately, a large Police Force personnel surrounded the female ninja and shouted, "Female ninja in front, you have broken the law. You can remain silent, but every word you say will be considered evidence of your crime!"

This female ninja is Mitarashi Anko, also known as Mitarashi Red Bucket, or you can call her Sweet Potato.

Anko Mitarashi, having just returned to the village from a mission, was unaware of the Police Force's Beautiful Konoha Plan, so she dared to eat while walking down the street.

But seeing so many Police Force them, their faces filled with surprise and greed, Anko Mitarashi was also greatly alarmed.

Anko Mitarashi swallowed the meatball in her mouth again, forcing herself to remain calm, and said, "What do you want? If you like meatballs, I'll share some with you, but are you staring at me like that because you're after my good looks?"

Immediately, a Police Force officer reprimanded him, saying, "I'm after your fine. As for your beauty, it's utterly worthless in our eyes. Don't try to play dumb and get away with it. We're carrying out Konoha Beautification Plan. Surrender now!"