It was another cloudless day, and people came and went along Konoha's streets.
Homura entered the Hokage's Office with an intelligence report in hand, his expression grave.
"Hiruzen, you heard about Fugaku's meeting with the Security Force last night, didn't you?"
The Third Hokage looked at Homura in surprise. "I heard a little. It was about reorganizing the Security Force, wasn't it? Once Fugaku has worked out the details, he'll submit a plan in a few days."
"I have the gist of what they discussed. Fugaku made no attempt to keep yesterday's meeting secret. Take a look."
Homura opened the scroll in his hand and passed it to the Third Hokage.
The Third Hokage read it carefully, then smiled. "The responsibilities are basically the same as before. He's just defined them more clearly."
"It's not that simple," Homura said. "Can't you see Fugaku's ambition? He said these departments are only temporary and that more can be added later. If they expand, they could become a Ninja Village in their own right.
"The Uchiha are growing stronger by the day. If they ever make a bid for power, they'll be able to take control of every department in Konoha at once. The Security Force has already trained people for every role."
The Third Hokage frowned. "Homura, your prejudice against the Uchiha runs too deep. Their rise can no longer be stopped.
"If I deliberately suppress them, I'll only make their relationship with the village worse. Besides, I've watched Fugaku closely these past few years and come to understand him better.
"Fugaku favors caution and rarely takes risks. A coup is all but impossible for him. The Uchiha have always been proud, and now that they're strong, they have no need for underhanded schemes.
"If Fugaku wanted power, he'd be more likely