Chapter 24: “We Can Overcome Uchiha Hikari”

"Of course!" Danzo declared, his voice sharp as a kunai. "As Hiruzen correctly observed, this is no ordinary reform — it's an open rebellion. Confrontation would be pointless. We must move with the current and wait for the moment to turn the tide."

A cold glint passed through his one visible eye.

"I've already sent several Root operatives — along with shinobi from the Shimura clan — to submit their applications. You should do the same. If we secure the majority of slots in this new team, we can seize influence from within. Once embedded, we'll quietly sabotage the Military Police's credibility and tarnish the Uchiha's image."

The Third Hokage shook his head in frustration.

"Impossible," Sarutobi Hiruzen muttered. "Word has already spread across the village. Civilian-born shinobi, young hopefuls from minor clans — they've flooded the application process. Even if Hikari allows our people through, we won't be able to dominate the roster. And if we're caught manipulating the outcome, those rejected will blame us — not the Uchiha."

Danzo scoffed, sneering.

"Civilian shinobi and minor clans," he said with contempt. "If anything goes wrong, we'll just shift the blame back to the Uchiha. Let's say they tried to appease us — that'll twist the public perception."

The room fell into a tense silence.

"Are you hearing yourself?" Homura Mitokado asked, glaring. "Everyone knows our relationship with the Uchiha is... strained. No one would believe they suddenly decided to play nice with you, Danzo. Hiruzen's involved in this process, not us."

"Exactly," added Koharu Utatane, arms crossed. "Your games won't work here. You're just looking to profit from instability — again."

Danzo's expression soured, his patience thinning.

"Then why not summon Uchiha Hikari and force a compromise?" he growled. "She's not invincible. Just bring her to the table, force her to play by our rules."

But Hiruzen's eyes narrowed.

"Hikari has returned to full strength — surely you've heard. Do you really believe she'd submit to coercion?" he said. "She's already disrupted some of our past strategies without a single confrontation. Be prudent, Danzo."

Danzo frowned but said nothing. He wasn't about to abandon his long game — not yet.

"Fine," he muttered. "Send in our people anyway. Let them take part, blend in. There's still time. No need to act hastily."

He paused.

"Besides, Hikari is old. Even with her strength restored, she won't live forever. Sooner or later, she'll fall — and when she does, we'll be ready to push forward a weaker, more... malleable successor."

He turned on his heel and stalked from the room, leaving a cloud of tension behind.

Koharu and Homura exchanged a glance.

"We have to act," Koharu said. "Let's send in some of our own. If even one is chosen, we'll have a foothold."

"Agreed," Hiruzen replied with a sigh. "But no more manipulations. Let's keep this clean — at least for now."

And with that, they moved quickly.

The Next Day – Uchiha Military Police Headquarters

Inside the administrative wing of the headquarters, Uchiha Hikari reviewed the latest recruitment reports with the Third Elder.

"Here is the final list of applicants," the elder said. "Over a thousand names. Among them: Sarutobi, Shimura… and confirmed Root and ANBU members. Should we strike them all off the list?"

Hikari didn't hesitate.

"No need," she said. "Most applicants are from civilian backgrounds or small and mid-level clans. Assign them to patrol zones near their homes. This will strengthen local ties and reduce conflict — especially in civil disputes."

She continued with calm authority:

"Patrol areas must be clearly distributed for each division. For detachment commanders, go ahead and appoint a few from the Shimura and Sarutobi clans."

The elder raised an eyebrow.

"But… won't they use our name to sabotage our efforts?"

Hikari's eyes glinted.

"That's why we'll be watching them. I'm establishing an internal inspection unit within the Second Division. Their job is to monitor the Third Division from the shadows. Any complaints from the public — even whispers — will be recorded and traced back to the individual. We'll then publish violations on the public bulletin board, complete with names and clan affiliations."

She smirked slightly.

"They've built a siege around us. Fine. We'll climb over the walls."

The elder smiled, visibly impressed.

"Lady Hikari — you're truly brilliant! I'll make sure this is done precisely as you say."

Then Hikari produced a shorter list and handed it over.

"I've handpicked a few candidates myself. Notably, Might Duy — his determination surpasses his lack of talent. Include him. For the rest, use your judgment. But ensure the majority are from civilian backgrounds or lesser-known clans. This is our moment to connect with the village — and win their loyalty. Don't let it slip away."

"Understood!" the elder said, taking the list with reverence.

The Morning After – A New Era Begins

By dawn, the final roster of the Third Division had been selected.

Patrol zones were posted.

Detailed codes of conduct were distributed.

The accepted candidates celebrated with pride and hope — for some, it was their first real opportunity to serve the village meaningfully. But among the crowd, the unselected stood in silence, their dreams cut short — and some, their bitterness quietly nurtured.

Yet Hikari had already anticipated that too.

And far above, in her personal chamber, she stood before a wide window, watching the bustle below.

"Let them watch," she murmured. "Let them learn. Let them try."

Her eyes narrowed with quiet fire.

"They'll realize soon enough — we don't kneel to power. We build it."