"Don't you get it? The Police Department has the power to create laws."
"But what can we do with that?"
"What can we do? Ha! With that power, we can reform the Police Department by drafting laws, even without the Hokage's permission. This could not only reshape the Police Department but also curb the rough and arrogant behavior of our clan's enforcement. If it works, it might help improve our clan's terrible reputation among the villagers."
Since Shisui wasn't fully grasping his point, Sougen had to break it down as simply as possible, using straightforward language to explain his intention.
Of course, the Second Hokage had always been extremely cautious of the Uchiha clan, a mistrust he carried to his grave. He gave the Police Department the authority to create laws but clearly limited the scope of that power. It could only be applied to managing village security, with no authority to interfere in matters involving the Anbu, greatly reducing its impact. Yet, even with those restrictions, Sougen saw great potential in it.
"Do you really think it'll work?"
Shisui was tempted.
If this could change the clan's terrible reputation in the village, it would undoubtedly be a positive outcome for him.
"I can't guarantee success, but it's worth trying. Regardless of the outcome, we need to start moving forward. If we remain stuck like before, nothing will change even in a hundred years," Sougen said.
He knew deep down that this wouldn't go smoothly.
But, as he mentioned, no matter the result, the Uchiha clan needed to attempt change. While the village's suppression was a major reason for the decline in Uchiha's reputation, the clan's own unpleasant attitude couldn't be ignored. Unless someone enjoyed being mistreated, most people wouldn't want to deal with such arrogant individuals.
"I'm calling this new department the Department of Legal Affairs. Its purpose will be to create, amend, and perfect the laws... Shisui, how about you serve as the department's first head?" Sougen extended the invitation.
"I don't know the first thing about drafting laws!"
Shisui hesitated, suddenly feeling overwhelmed.
He worried that he might mess up this task, which could have a profound impact on the clan's future. If his mistakes led to the clan's failure to integrate into the village, he wouldn't be able to rest in peace, even in death.
"Don't worry, you won't be doing it alone. If you don't understand, you can seek advice from those who do. If the village doesn't have such experts, look outside the village. If you can't find them in the Land of Fire, search other nations... You'll find someone eventually."
"This is a long-term job. I don't expect immediate results, and I'll oversee everything in the end. So, go ahead and give it your best shot."
"I understand, Clan Leader. I will do my best to build the Department of Legal Affairs," Shisui replied, biting his lip and nodding with determination.
"That's more like it! That hesitant guy from before wasn't the Shisui I know." Sougen chuckled, patting Shisui on the arm. "Also, when we're alone, just call me by my name. Being called 'Clan Leader' by someone close feels a bit strange, to be honest."
Shisui shook his head with a bitter smile.
Such a big responsibility—it was impossible to remain indifferent.
However, Sougen really did have a strange ability to put people at ease. Even though he hadn't yet dealt with his resignation from the Anbu, he was already planning for the future of this yet-to-be-formed Department of Legal Affairs.
Thinking of this, Shisui couldn't help but bring it up, "Sougen, if it doesn't work out with my resignation from the Anbu, I could personally speak to the Hokage. Given my past contributions, I don't think it'll be too hard for him to let me go."
Sougen stayed silent.
Shisui still held an unrealistic hope in the Third Hokage and his advisors.
By now, Sougen had grown used to it. As long as Shisui didn't foolishly reveal his "Kotoamatsukami" trump card, Sougen didn't expect him to actively confront the Third Hokage. If Shisui could just stay out of the way, that would be enough.
"This isn't just about you anymore," Sougen finally said after a moment of silence.
"If things go as I expect, this will turn into a conflict between the village and the clan... Don't worry, I'm not planning to start a full-scale war with the village. But I do believe the Third Hokage and his people won't sit back and let the Uchiha and the Police Department change without taking action. They'll definitely come after me."
Sougen squinted and turned his gaze toward the village center.
"Whether or not you leave the Anbu, the result won't change. The sharp conflict between the clan and the village will eventually erupt. This time, it just happens to coincide with me becoming the Clan Leader. In the grand scheme of things, your resignation is a small matter. It won't affect the bigger picture."
That's right.
Although he had smoothly become the Clan Leader and gained control of the Police Department, this was only the beginning.
Rescuing the Uchiha from the impending disaster was still a long and difficult journey. The Third Hokage's suppression and hostility were just the visible problems. Uchiha Obito, lurking in the shadows, was the more unpredictable and dangerous enemy.
"I need to awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan as soon as possible!"
Sougen closed his eyes, feeling the power welling up in his pupils. He had a sense that, with the right trigger, his eyes would evolve according to his will. When that moment would come, however, was uncertain.
But he felt it wouldn't be too far off.
And even if that opportunity didn't come soon, with the help of Samehada, his eyes would eventually undergo that transformation, just a bit later.
"Shisui, if you're really unsure, you can stick with me for the next few days. The Department of Legal Affairs is still just a vague idea. After I've fully restructured the Police Department, I'll help you set up the department."
Sougen opened his eyes and looked at the anxious Shisui beside him. Shaking his head, he added, "Get some rest for now! In the morning, we'll meet with the Hokage. We'll handle the transition of leadership in the Police Department, and at the same time, we'll finalize your resignation from the Anbu."
"This morning?"
Shisui suddenly felt a strange sense of unease, as if the upcoming morning would bring something troubling.
(End of Chapter)