The ink on the martial law order had yet to dry, but the air in Room 3 was already more stifling than a sealed scroll.
The map of Konoha's central district hanging on the wall had been covered in alarming red circles. The newly signed Hokage Order No. 1 lay in the middle of the long table beneath it, like a heavy stone weighing down everyone's words.
Baishi had not returned to the head seat.
He stood before the map, calmly studying the red circles as though admiring an unfinished work of art.
"Under martial law, efficiency comes first." His voice was quiet, but everyone present could hear him clearly. "A security system in which everyone acts independently is a breeding ground for disaster. From this moment on, all public security patrols in the central district must operate under unified command and deployment."
His gaze left the map and slowly settled on Fugaku Uchiha.
Fugaku had sat ramrod straight throughout, his white police uniform without a single crease. At Baishi's words, the fingers of his hands resting on his knees tightened slightly.
"Lord Hokage," Fugaku said, rising to his feet, his voice steady. "The Konoha Military Police Force fully supports the martial law decree and is willing to cooperate with unified deployment. However, under the Konoha Military Police Force Self-Governance Regulations jointly established by the Second Hokage and the Uchiha Clan, jurisdiction over routine public security in the central district is the police force's statutory responsibility. That has never changed, even during wartime."
He had brought out an ironclad defense.
It was history, legal authority, and the Uchiha Clan's last-and strongest-foundation within Konoha's power structure.
In the meeting room, the few department heads who remained instinctively softened their breathing. This was the first direct clash between the new Hokage and