"What's wrong? Is there a problem?"
Uchiha Sougen directed his gaze at Uchiha Meirei, who stood at the front.
"Captain Meirei, if you have something to say, speak plainly. If you don't say it now, I'll assume you all understand everything. Later, if there are any complaints... don't blame me for not showing mercy."
The police force wasn't overly complex in structure. Aside from administrative departments like the office, finance, personnel, and equipment, the core of the force was its three patrol squads. Each squad had a full complement of one hundred members, making up the three hundred elite of the police force.
Uchiha Meirei was one of the three captains of these patrol squads.
Along with him, Uchiha Yashiro, a trusted ally of Uchiha Fugaku, led another squad.
As for the third captain, he had returned to the clan's homeland tonight, responsible for guarding it and was not present.
Facing Sougen's direct questioning, Uchiha Meirei remained silent. Even Lord Fugaku himself had said he was no longer the clan leader... what could Meirei do? Besides, while Sougen was young, he was also a renowned genius, known as "The Flame Demon," a powerful figure within the clan.
Looking at the silent Lord Fugaku, Yashiro, and the young elites like Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Ranzan standing behind Sougen, Meirei felt an overwhelming pressure crashing down on him!
Well, on second thought, being led by such a genius... might not be so bad.
"Chief, I apologize. I was just too shocked and didn't react immediately... please forgive me."
Uchiha Meirei chose to submit. As one of the three captains of the police force, he not only had the strength to command respect but also knew how to adapt to situations, a skill that had brought him this far.
The Uchiha clan had no shortage of elite Jonin.
There were more Jonin who could match Uchiha Meirei than you could count on two hands, but few had his keen sense of flexibility.
"No harm done."
Sougen raised an eyebrow slightly. He had hoped that Meirei would put up more resistance so he could use the opportunity to assert dominance. However, since Meirei wasn't keen on making trouble, it didn't mean Sougen couldn't push further. If he simply gave in, it could lead to future problems, so it was better to establish his authority once and for all.
Once he subdued the Jonin,
the Chunin and Genin would naturally fall in line.
"I like smart people. You say the right things, handle matters well, and make everything easier. But sometimes, smart people can be a bit too clever, don't you think, Captain Meirei?"
Sougen locked eyes with Uchiha Meirei.
**Magical Technique: Shackles of Illusion**
In an instant, Uchiha Meirei was overwhelmed within the mental space that Sougen had constructed. He experienced firsthand just how terrifying the clan's famous genius truly was. The crushing power of Sougen's ocular abilities left him completely defenseless in the mental realm.
This power...
commanded respect and fear!
It became clear why even Yashiro, loyal to Fugaku, had remained silent—because Uchiha Sougen was undeniably strong!
The Uchiha clan, known for its pride and arrogance due to their power, always revered those with great strength.
"Chief, your will is my command."
Uchiha Meirei knelt on one knee, pledging his loyalty.
This sudden turn of events stirred murmurs among the crowd, though most of the chatter came from the Chunin. The Jonin and a few perceptive Chunin had sensed the brief but intense clash of ocular powers between Sougen and Meirei.
Seeing Meirei's current submission,
many who had harbored rebellious thoughts felt as though they had been doused in cold water, instantly quelling any foolish notions.
Sougen gestured for Uchiha Meirei to rise.
He looked at his clan members and continued, "I know many of you are confused, but the reality is what it is. Lord Fugaku, the six elders, and most of the Jonin in our clan have accepted this outcome. Everything has been done according to our rules. All you need to do is follow my orders as per those same rules. As for your doubts..."
He stopped mid-sentence.
Sougen furrowed his brow.
He turned his head toward the rooftop of a nearby residence. In the moonlight, a white-haired figure wearing an animal mask and the uniform of the ANBU was swiftly leaping across the rooftops, heading directly toward the police force headquarters along the shortest possible route.
Sougen wasn't the only one who noticed the uninvited guest.
Shisui turned his head at the same moment as Sougen. The Jonin, only slightly slower, also detected the presence of the ANBU operative who hadn't bothered to hide his movements.
**"He sure got here quickly!"**
Sougen narrowed his eyes as he watched the ANBU operative draw closer.
The surrounding Uchiha members glared at the ANBU agent with hostility. Under the moonlight, their scarlet Sharingan eyes lit up, and the near-tangible waves of animosity surged toward the white-haired ANBU, making his concealed left eye flicker with activity.
Shisui felt a chill run through him.
He observed the cold gazes and indifferent expressions of the clan members. Many didn't even bother to hide their malice toward the ANBU—or more accurately, toward the village. The tension shocked Shisui deeply.
Already isolated from his clan after joining the ANBU, he had rarely spoken with them. Even though he had heard from Sougen or Elder Jun about the growing divide between the clan and the village, he had always held onto the naive hope of mending that rift, unable to grasp the full extent of the animosity.
"It's just one ANBU..."
Shisui whispered to himself.
"This isn't about just one ANBU. This is the anger and resentment our clan has built up since the reign of the Second Hokage," Sougen said quietly, moving to stand beside Shisui. His words were low but clear enough for Shisui to hear.
Shisui fell silent.
The fractures between the village and the Uchiha seemed to have grown beyond repair.
"Uchiha Chief."
As he spoke,
the white-haired ANBU had arrived in front of Fugaku. "Lord Hokage has a message..."
"I'm sorry, but I am no longer the clan head, nor the police Chief. If you have orders, please direct them to the new Chief." Fugaku interrupted the ANBU, pointing to Uchiha Sougen, who stood beside Shisui. "This is our new clan head and police Chief, Uchiha Sougen."
(End of chapter)