Although Anbu was still deployed throughout Konoha, the question remained—how many operatives could they realistically field? Even among the elite sensory Anbu, it was impossible to monitor every corner of the village at all times.
That was why the police department patrols were so crucial. While they couldn't guarantee total prevention of infiltration, their presence alone created a sense of deterrence—especially when it was a patrol of red-eyed Uchiha. Their Sharingan wasn't just for show.
So when the conversation turned to recalling Uchiha personnel, Andrew responded without hesitation.
"Recall them? Impossible." He shook his head firmly. "After we suspended them, both the patriarch and I gave it serious thought. We concluded they were no longer suitable for service in the police department... so we dismissed them all."
The room fell into stunned silence.
"Dismissed...?"
The Third Hokage was momentarily speechless. His eyes widened with disbelief. Even the other clan heads looked at Andrew in shock.
This wasn't just withdrawal. Uchiha was fully abandoning the police department.
"I'm serious," Andrew said calmly. "Even if we wanted to bring them back now, it wouldn't be easy. And considering the way they were treated before... I doubt they'd agree to return."
Strangely enough, his words hit home with many of the clan leaders present. Now that their own clan members had experienced what it was like working under the new police structure, they had gained a whole new level of respect for what Uchiha had endured.
"I get complaints from my people every single day," one clan head muttered to himself. "If it weren't for pressure from Lord Third, they'd have already walked out..."
"Uchiha Andrew!" Danzo suddenly stepped forward, his voice as cold as ice. "You think just because you don't want to return, Uchiha gets to walk away from their responsibility to the village? Have you forgotten that Uchiha is part of Konoha?!"
Andrew gave a slow, mocking smile.
"Danzo-sama, I'm afraid you're mistaken. Uchiha never denied being part of Konoha. In fact, we still have six patrol squads active, working daily to maintain order in areas assigned to us."
He paused, then added with a sharper tone: "And I, as you know, am still the nominal captain of the police department. So please, don't try to guilt-trip us into something we're already doing."
Danzo's eyes narrowed. "Those six teams are stationed solely around Uchiha-owned districts. That's using your power for personal gain."
Andrew's expression didn't change. "Oh? Now you remember Uchiha is part of the village? Then how can protecting Uchiha-managed areas be considered selfish? Or are you suggesting our clan isn't really part of Konoha after all?"
"You—!"
"That's enough, Danzo." The Third Hokage interjected before the tension could explode further. "This meeting is about ensuring the village's security—not internal disputes over patrol routes."
He turned to Andrew with a weary sigh. "Surely, the Uchiha clan hasn't closed the door entirely on cooperation?"
Andrew crossed his arms and answered coolly, "Naturally, if Lord Hokage has an official need, Uchiha is always willing to support the village. But that doesn't mean we're rejoining the police department."
"However, if you truly require assistance, we do have our elite security unit available. If the Hokage's Office wishes to contract their services, I'm sure our business wing can provide a quote."
He smiled politely. "Of course, our pricing won't be cheap. The work is dangerous, after all."
The room went still again.
Andrew had just offered to sell police support to the Hokage—at market rate.
"You dare treat the police department like a mercenary contract?" Utatane Koharu shouted. Her face twisted with disbelief. "This isn't how a captain of the police department should speak! Have you forgotten what your role is?!"
Andrew shrugged. "If you're unhappy with me, then feel free to hold a high council vote and remove me as captain. I won't object."
He turned to Hiruzen and added, "Honestly, it would save me the headache. These matters don't concern me anymore. Now, if there's nothing else, I'll be taking my leave. As captain, I'll be sure to process the paperwork for the fallen shinobi so that their pensions are handled."
With that, he waved his hand and turned to go.
The silence in the room was deafening.
"Hiruzen! This brat is out of control! Aren't you going to do anything?" Koharu demanded, her voice high with frustration.
The Third Hokage pinched the bridge of his nose.
He wanted to do something. But could he? That was another matter entirely.
If this had been Fugaku, he might've been able to mediate. But Andrew wasn't interested in political games. He didn't respect authority for its own sake—not even the Hokage's.
"Let it go, Koharu," Hiruzen finally said with a sigh. "If Uchiha no longer wishes to be involved with the police department, then so be it."
He turned toward the remaining clan heads, his expression grim.
"The responsibility now falls on you. Reorganize your patrol teams and ensure that security is maintained at all costs. We can't afford another breach like this."
There was a long silence, and then someone muttered, "It's easy for Uchiha—they've got enough Jōnin to spare. We don't."
Indeed, that was the core issue.
Most clans didn't have the luxury of fielding Jōnin-level operatives in patrol roles. These elite shinobi were too valuable for front-line combat, mentorship, and high-level missions.
To assign them to police work? It was a waste of talent—unless you were Uchiha, with strength to spare.
"If we assign all our strongest to patrols, who's left for actual law enforcement?" Nara Shikaku asked, frowning deeply. "You'll have patrols, yes—but no one to handle disputes."
Hiruzen nodded. "Get your patrols stable first. I'll assign support to handle dispute resolution. In time, you'll all adjust to the department's workflow."
He shared a glance with Danzo, who nodded faintly.
In truth, both men believed the problems with the current police force were just growing pains. Once the new members adapted to Uchiha's systems, things would smooth out. It was only a matter of time.
Andrew's proposal for paid support? Ignored. The village didn't have the budget, not after the war.
But deep down, Hiruzen knew—the damage had been done.
They had cast Uchiha aside for years, and now that the cracks were showing, it was too late to patch them.
Andrew had made that abundantly clear.
___________________________________
Get membership in patreon to read more chapters
Extra chapters available in patreon
patreon.com/Dragonscribe31