Military Police Force Reform

Nara frowned slightly.

"Then go accept some high-level missions—guarding important figures or hunting down rogue ninjas. These missions are usually B-rank or higher, and sometimes A-rank or S-rank," Nara said indifferently, glancing at the ninja.

The ninja, who looked to be in his thirties, furrowed his brows even deeper, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back.

"How can a ninja of the Uchiha be afraid of death?"

Nara guessed what he wanted to say—likely something about the danger of such missions—and couldn't help but speak coldly.

Hearing this, the thirty-year-old ninja's face flushed slightly, and he sheepishly fell silent.

Nara sighed inwardly and said, "The issue of low income indeed needs to be addressed. Since high-level missions are too dangerous, I will find a way to handle that part."

"However, even for the Uchiha, D-rank and C-rank missions are nothing to be ashamed of, nor do they diminish the dignity of the Uchiha. Weeding, clearing river channels, and helping residents find lost pets are also contributions to Konoha, and Konoha provides payment for them. Clansmen with spare time should take on more of these."

"Yes!"

The ninjas below responded in unison.

Seeing that the meeting was drawing to a close, Uchiha Sanzang announced:

"Dismissed."

Night.

Military Police Building.

Uchiha Sanzang walked out of the Military Police Building, looked back at the emblem in front of the building, closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and turned to leave.

In the Military Police Captain's office, the captains and vice-captains of each squadron, along with the Security Division captain, the warden, and others, gathered in the conference room.

Uchiha Nara sat at the head of the table and spoke slowly to the people below:

"Today is my first day taking over the Military Police Force. Originally, I did not intend to reform it, but the reform of the First Squadron has yielded remarkable results, so I have summoned you all to discuss the reform of the Military Police Force."

Second Squadron Captain Uchiha Yakumi and Third Squadron Captain Uchiha Kosui exchanged glances with their respective vice-captains.

The First Squadron was represented by Squadron Leader Uchiha Saburo, as the former captain, Nara, had been promoted to the General Captain of the Military Police Force.

Warden Uchiha Riki and Security Division Captain Uchiha Shun both kept their heads down, eyes fixed on their noses, offering no interruptions.

"Captain, how do you intend to reform it?" Uchiha Yakumi asked in a deep voice.

These power-holders of the Military Police Force did not actually want reform; living out their lives in such stability was a great blessing.

They would never think of the Hokage suppressing or ostracizing them, because they had never experienced it. Even less did they imagine that such suppression would eventually fall upon every clansman.

"The Military Police Force will no longer have so-called squadrons; there will only be various divisions. The work and organizational structure of the original three squadrons will be dismantled and reorganized."

"First, we will establish the Public Security Division. The Public Security Division will consist of three platoons totaling fifty-one people, each with an annual salary of 400,000 ryo. They will govern all public security incidents in Konoha, manage the village's order, and their primary duties will be resolving disputes among villagers, combating crime, and conducting regular patrols."

The chaotic management of the original two hundred and ten people was streamlined to fifty-one.

"Second, the Criminal Investigation Division: one platoon of seventeen people with an annual salary of 800,000 ryo. They will be primarily responsible for ninja-related cases and major cases involving villagers. Seventeen people are enough to handle Konoha's serious crimes. The Criminal Investigation Division of the First Squadron under my command was usually too idle; this might increase their workload."

The people below listened intently. Influenced by chakra, ninjas had better memories than ordinary people, so there was no need for note-taking.

"Third, the Village Management Division: each member of the Village Management Division will have an annual salary of 1,000,000 ryo. The structure will be three squads of twelve people plus one division chief. Whether they recruit villagers to assist or manage it themselves, they must keep the streets in order. I will not tolerate any complaints from villagers."

"Fourth, the Judiciary Division: Konoha Prison is large and requires many hands to manage, but having sixty ninjas of various types guarding it is a bit too much. The original five squads of twenty people per shift will be reduced to three squads of twelve people per shift, and salaries will be increased accordingly."

As Nara said this, he glanced at Uchiha Riki. Even though Riki was submissive, such power-stripping was the most hated thing.

The usually submissive Uchiha Riki kept his eyes on his nose, showing no reaction or expression. Nara nodded.

"Fifth, the Security Division: the staff of the Security Division will remain unchanged at sixty people, guarding the areas where the barriers are weak."

Nara wanted to say that their 600,000 ryo salary would be reduced to 400,000, but he thought better of it. Cutting wages everywhere might destabilize morale, and if he were challenged by his own subordinates, he would lose all his authority. He paused and continued:

"Sixth, the Supervision Division: three squads of twelve people plus one division chief, totaling thirteen people. They are responsible for supervising the work of the entire Military Police Force, including dereliction of duty, bribery, and abuse of power. The Supervision Division has the authority to punish such staff. At the same time, for major cases and arrests, the Supervision Division must review them before proceeding to the next step."

"Seventh, the Judiciary Division: one squad of four people responsible for drafting the laws of Konoha Village and the Military Police Force. All staff must memorize these laws. All criminals must be handed over to the Judiciary Division for sentencing before it takes effect. Whether it is imprisonment, flogging, or other punishments, it must be determined by the Judiciary Division before other divisions can execute it. It is strictly forbidden for any division to use private lynching! Violators will be kicked out of the Military Police Force!"

Everyone listened intently. Hearing this, they looked at each other, realizing that although the Judiciary Division only had four people, it was a powerful department.

"Eighth, the Plainclothes Intelligence Division: three squads of twelve people plus one division chief. They will handle counter-espionage and gather various intelligence, whether from clans within the village or major nations outside. There are thirteen people for now; expansion will be discussed later. This is the eye and ear of our Uchiha! The Plainclothes Intelligence Division does not need to wear uniforms; they must blend into the environment to gather intelligence."

There was also the function of guarding against the Root organization, but Uchiha Nara did not mention anything about it.

"Ninth, the Special Mobile Force: squadron structure, seventy people. These are police officers who handle special missions and must be skilled in combat. Their duty is to assist other departments, including arresting criminals, guarding important figures and locations, and assisting in transmitting intelligence. They are a force that executes dangerous missions. When there are no missions, they are responsible for training to enhance their strength. The elites of our Uchiha clan will be transferred into this unit."

Hearing about the Special Mobile Force—meaning police members for special missions—everyone below looked up.

As Uchiha, who hadn't once dreamed of making a name for themselves? They had simply been corroded by years of peaceful and comfortable life.

"Tenth, the Propaganda Squad: directly under the Military Police Force, not listed as a separate division. One squad of four people responsible for publicizing the work of the Military Police Force. Our work is very hard, and we contribute a lot to Konoha, but the villagers often do not understand our work. We need the Propaganda Squad to promote our achievements and our contributions to Konoha."

"Eleventh, the Finance Squad: directly under the Military Police Force, not listed as a separate division. One squad of four people responsible for the financial management of the Military Police Force. All expenditures and income must have receipts!"

"Twelfth, the Secretariat Squad: indefinite number of people. Secretaries are responsible for helping me draft documents, providing suggestions, and assisting in handling the work of the Military Police Force, or representing me in receiving foreign guests." The secretariat is mainly responsible for documentation, assistance, and external affairs.

"Thirteenth, the Assistant Squad: indefinite number of people. My assistants. If I am away, they assist in handling work with various divisions and squads." Assistants mostly coordinate with the Military Police Force internally.

"Fourteenth, the Logistics Squad: one squad of four people, directly under the Military Police Force, responsible for the food, clothing, housing, and transportation of the Military Police Force members."

The original Military Police Force had three squadrons of two hundred and ten people, plus sixty in security, sixty in the prison, and various clerical staff, totaling three hundred and fifty people.

Nara had streamlined the force to fewer than three hundred men, freeing up enough funds from fifty salaries to redesign the Military Police Force uniforms.

Nara did almost all the talking while the various high-ranking officers listened below. Seeing their focused expressions, Nara continued:

"The Military Police Force uniform also needs a change. I already have a design in mind: all members will wear blue tops and black bottoms, with blue caps. The standard-issue tactical vest will be changed to black, abandoning the green used by the standard ninja corps."

Regarding Nara's audacity, Uchiha Yakumi of the Second Squadron couldn't help but whisper, "Captain, changing the Konoha ninja vest—isn't that a bit ill-advised?"

"What's ill-advised about it? If the Hokage is displeased, he will only come for me; it has nothing to do with you. Besides, only those who have reached the rank of Chunin are qualified to wear the vest." Nara shot Uchiha Yakumi an annoyed glance.

"Furthermore, the Military Police Force armbands need to be altered. The Village Management Division and Security Division armbands will no longer be allowed to bear the Military Police Force emblem; both will be changed to the Konoha symbol."

Nara said calmly; these two positions were lightning rods for trouble, and they must not bear the Uchiha mark.

Uchiha Jiro, the former First Squadron captain who had been promoted to assistant after Nara's arrival, couldn't help but ask, "Lord Nara, why change the Village Management and Security Divisions to the Konoha emblem? How will people be able to tell they are part of the Military Police Force?"

Nara did not answer Uchiha Jiro and continued to elaborate:

"The original armbands featured the shuriken-encircled fan on both sides. We will make adjustments: for the Village Management and Security Divisions, the left armband will be changed to the Konoha symbol, and the right will be changed to a shield with their division name inscribed upon it."

"Except for the Village Management and Security Divisions, other departments will still use the Military Police Force's shuriken-encircled fan, but it will only be worn on the left arm. The right arm will feature a shield with the name of their respective department."

"For other administrative departments like Finance, Secretariat, and Assistants, the shield armband will simply bear the characters for 'Military Police'."

The people in the room looked at one another, processing the information Nara had provided. Uchiha Nara was changing everything, from the positions to the uniforms.

"These changes are crucial and will require your assistance. Let us now discuss the appointments for the heads of each department."

Nara looked at them and said calmly.

It could be said that this wave of changes completely dismantled the power of the three squadrons. Furthermore, because the First Squadron had been under Nara's management from the start, the various department heads within it were delighted to receive promotions.

As for the original squadron captains and vice-captains, they were largely reassigned to positions such as supervisors, adjudicators, assistants, and secretaries. It was a consolidation of power that left everyone satisfied.