The windows of the Hokage's Office reflected a harsh glare in the afternoon sunlight.
Shikaku Nara closed the document in his hands. The words "Draft Proposal for Optimizing the Functions and Reforming the Structure of the Konoha Military Police Force" on its cover seemed especially weighty.
He did not rise immediately, but sat in silence, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the draft's rough edges.
The office was quiet, save for the ticking of the second hand on the wall clock.
Baishi was reviewing another document on supply allocation for border defense outposts without lifting his head.
Shikaku stood and gently placed the draft on Baishi's desk.
"Lord Hokage, I've finished reading it."
Baishi's pen stopped, but he did not put it down right away. He looked up, his gaze calm.
"Let's hear your thoughts."
"A very well-crafted proposal." Shikaku Nara chose his words carefully. "Clan leader Fugaku Uchiha has considered everything thoroughly, with detailed plans for public security patrols, criminal investigations, and interdepartmental cooperation. In particular, his proposal to bring security oversight of the village's logistics warehouses and commercial districts under the Konoha Military Police Force's jurisdiction could, in theory, improve efficiency and close many gaps in administration."
Baishi offered no comment, merely listening in silence.
Shikaku paused, his voice dropping slightly. "But precisely because it is so thorough, it also poses a serious problem."
"If this draft passes unchanged, the Konoha Military Police Force will no longer be merely a police force. It will become an independent kingdom combining law enforcement, intelligence, and economic oversight. Personnel, funds, resources—it wants to hold all of them in its own hands."
"The Uchiha want back what the Second took from them."
That was the most fundamental demand behind this proposal.
Baishi tapped his fingertips lightly against the desk, producing a dull sound.
"What