Fugaku Rebuked, Uchiha Yan Tears into Koharu Utatane

The Third Hokage did not give Fugaku much chance to explain.

The Police Department was responsible for maintaining public order. No matter what had caused this incident, the fault lay with the Police Department.

The Police Department could not shirk this responsibility.

Fugaku lowered his head and said sincerely,

"Lord Hokage, I guarantee that I will investigate this matter thoroughly and give you and the villagers an explanation."

"Mm."

The Third Hokage nodded, indicating that he would wait for the Police Department's investigation results.

He also hoped the matter could be resolved perfectly. It absolutely could not blow up before the mess between the village and the Daimyo's Mansion had been dealt with.

There was clearly something wrong with today's fight. Yan could see it, as could Fugaku and even the Third Hokage.

But compared to the matter involving the Daimyo's Mansion, this seemed less important and was not worth much of his attention.

Just as Fugaku thought it was nearly over, Koharu Utatane, who was sitting to the side, suddenly spoke.

"Clan Head Fugaku, I just returned from Konoha Hospital. Aside from those who were caught up in it, the rest of the injured people sent there were seriously hurt.

Don't you think there is a problem with the Police Department?"

It had finally come.

Fugaku could not help but feel a headache coming on. At the time, if the Police Department had not acted ruthlessly, he himself would have been dragged into the mess.

But if they did act ruthlessly, they could quickly stabilize the situation and resolve everything—only to draw attention afterward.

Because when the Police Department acted ruthlessly, they truly showed no mercy. If people refused to heed warnings, then their arms and legs would be broken first.

"Elder Utatane, what do you mean by that? Do you think our Police Department officers used excessive force?"

Yan beat Fugaku to it and shot back with a question.

"???"

This should have been the usual process of assigning blame and dumping responsibility. Based on Koharu Utatane's understanding of Fugaku, he would not explain himself and could only shoulder everything.

Yet before the main event had even begun, she was the one being questioned.

Perhaps she had not expected this situation. Koharu Utatane froze for several seconds, then her wrinkled old face quickly darkened.

"Uchiha Yan, what do you mean by that?

Do you think I have wrongly accused you?"

Facing Koharu Utatane's furious gaze, Yan answered calmly,

"I have never felt that the Police Department used excessive force. I even wish they had been harsher, so the situation would not have escalated to this extent.

Elder Utatane, quite a few shinobi were involved in today's incident. Even Police Department squads were attacked, yet you are questioning us."

"Since you believe our Police Department officers used excessive force, then please tell me: what should the Police Department have done to stabilize the situation?"

"You..."

She had always been the one questioning others. When had anyone ever dared step forward and question her?

Koharu Utatane was not nearly as patient as Danzo. She was so angry that her whole body trembled, and even the finger pointing at Yan shook slightly.

What was going on?

Homura Mitokado was a little bewildered.

The Third Hokage blinked blankly as well and glanced at Fugaku. What are you Uchiha doing?

They were questioning an elder now.

"The Police Department's enforcement methods are too violent, resulting in many injuries. This is an issue that the elders and villagers have raised repeatedly, and we have considered making improvements.

But the problem is that all kinds of sudden public security incidents do not give us the chance to change."

"Utter nonsense! You are being completely unreasonable!"

Koharu Utatane was trembling with rage, and even her voice had turned shrill.

"What, are you Uchiha and your Police Department only capable of shirking responsibility now? You even dare come here and question a consultant elder?"

"Don't you know perfectly well what is wrong with the Police Department's enforcement?"

"The Police Department's enforcement does indeed involve excessive violence. Fugaku, this needs to be improved."

Since they were on the same side, the Third Hokage would naturally speak for Koharu Utatane.

Sure enough, he immediately shifted the line of fire onto Fugaku.

Pressure Yan directly?

No, no. It was enough to put sufficient pressure on Uchiha Fugaku. Fugaku would handle the rest himself.

What the Third Hokage had not expected was that Fugaku, who would normally choose to bear it all, lowered his head and remained silent this time.

It was as though he had not heard a thing.

"Do Lord Hokage and the elders mean that our Police Department officers cannot use force at all when enforcing the law in the future?"

Yan pulled the issue back again.

At the same time, he silently gave Fugaku a thumbs-up. This time, his cowardice was well done—beautifully done.

Fugaku refusing to say anything was actually the right move.

Yan was afraid that Fugaku would step forward at this moment and take all the blame upon the Uchiha and the Police Department.

"Hmph. If your Police Department officers can control their tempers and refrain from using force while enforcing the law, this old woman will be burning incense in thanks!!!"

Koharu Utatane snapped back without any courtesy.

The Third Hokage, who had been about to say something, opened his mouth, then ultimately decided against it.

"Since that is the case, we will return and rectify the Police Department. I hope we can satisfy the elders, Lord Hokage, and the villagers."

Oh? They were finally backing down?

Seeing Yan's tone soften, Koharu Utatane sneered.

"If you can accomplish that, then I will thank you on behalf of Konoha's villagers!!!"

"Cough, cough! That's enough, Koharu."

Seeing Koharu Utatane becoming increasingly agitated, seemingly on the verge of losing her reason from anger, the Third Hokage hurriedly interrupted her. His gaze shifted to Yan.

"Since you possess such awareness, then I will await your changes. I hope your Police Department will not disappoint me."

"Alright, you may leave now. Investigate today's matter thoroughly. I believe there is more to this than meets the eye."

"Yes."

Fugaku led his people out of the Hokage's office.

The Third Hokage sighed.

"Koharu, you were too impulsive. Why argue with a child? It would not look good if word got out."

"I did not want to either. That Uchiha Yan is just too infuriating when he speaks."

Koharu Utatane was still not over her anger. Homura Mitokado had wanted to offer a few words of advice, but seeing the situation, he did not dare speak and could only change the subject.

"Speaking of which, can the Uchiha really change? The Police Department's problems have existed for so many years."

"If they cannot change, then hold Uchiha Fugaku accountable!"

Koharu Utatane had made up her mind to cause trouble for Fugaku.

It was beneath her to target Yan personally, and she also feared that Yan would insult her indirectly as he had Danzo. So she simply aimed her spearhead at Fugaku.

After all, he was the easiest to bully.

Could the Police Department change?

The Third Hokage did not think much of the idea. If they truly could change, they would have done so long ago. Why would they have dragged it out until now?

Just look at the newly established complaint handling department—it was already nearly overwhelmed.

Fortunately, the new department's expenses did not need to be covered by the Finance Department. They were borne by the Uchiha and the Police Department.

"Alright, now let us discuss Jiraiya and Naruto."

The Third Hokage began puffing out smoke as he relayed Jiraiya's request.

"Jiraiya wants to keep Naruto by his side. He has already made contact with Naruto, revealed his identity, and even took Naruto out for grilled meat."

At the mention of Naruto, Koharu Utatane, who had been blinded by anger, finally calmed down.