Clan Head Fugaku stood on the stage, still addressing the remaining clan members of the Military Police Force.
"Those of you who were able to remain in the Military Police Force have shown that your usual performance has been commendable. The Elders and I have seen it all, and that is why you are still here."
"Now it is the 'Leaf Village Military Police Force.' Going forward, I hope everyone will continue protecting the village as before and get along well with the other clans. The Hokage will be arriving shortly, along with your future colleagues and comrades. Keep your spirits up."
"If anyone disregards the village's rules and causes trouble in the future, do not blame me, the Clan Head, for dealing with them severely. So, I am counting on all of you from here on out!"
Qingfeng and Itachi stood behind Fugaku, with an Elder, Uchiha Eagle, beside them.
All signs indicated that the next Clan Head would be Uchiha Itachi, while Qingfeng's position as an Elder had already been secured in advance.
The problem was that Qingfeng had no intention of becoming an Uchiha Elder in the future. It would only delay his training, yet he had no choice but to stand here and endure the gazes of his clansmen.
He had wanted to keep a low profile, but he had started out with Three Tomoe. There was simply no chance for him to lie low.
Why were the other two Elders, Uchiha Baru and Uchiha Setsuna, absent?
He had wanted to quietly ask Itachi, but the voice of the guard at the entrance forced him to temporarily suppress his doubts.
"The Third Hokage has arrived!"
Fugaku led Elder Uchiha Eagle, Itachi, and Qingfeng outside to greet them.
Hiruzen Sarutobi walked at the front. Behind him were