Naruto: The Flame That Reshapes Fate

As their conversation ended, they exited the shadowy, quiet forest. Lights shimmered in the distance—the Police Force headquarters was finally in sight.

They crossed the remaining hundred or so paces in an instant.

Rēn came to a stop in front of the building and looked up at the symbol hanging high over the front—an emblem of a shuriken embedded with the Uchiha clan's fan. It was the symbol of the Konoha Police Force, representing the Uchiha's ownership. It was both their pride and their burden.

The Uchiha chūnin on guard at the gate was startled by the sudden appearance of the group.

Seeing Clan Head Fugaku and Captain Yashiro, along with Rēn, Shisui, and several other prominent jōnin, the sheer presence of this lineup created an oppressive weight that made the chūnin's breathing turn short.

He couldn't help but imagine the worst— Had the clan finally decided to sever ties and go to war with the village?

The coup plan still only existed among a few jōnin. It would never be shared with chūnin or genin. Still, whispers left traces. Someone always picked up a hint from a parent's or relative's words or behavior.

"Commander!"

"Captain Yashiro."

Seeing the group approach, the gatekeeper snapped out of his thoughts, suppressed his wild speculation, and quickly stepped forward to salute.

"Gather every on-duty clan member. Everyone is to assemble on the rooftop. No matter what they're doing, they're to drop everything and report to the roof immediately. There is an important announcement," said Uchiha Fugaku sharply, relaying Rēn's orders without hesitation.

Despite Fugaku's indecisive and easily influenced nature, his management ability was undeniable. The massive police department operated with precise discipline and order. It was proof he was not entirely incompetent.

To be fair, Fugaku was likely better suited as an executor than a policymaker.

Even so, no matter how capable Fugaku might be, Rēn had no plans to rely on the former clan head in the long term.

He would be given an honorary title and sent home to enjoy life with his noble wife and raise more heirs that were actually worth something (not including chibi Sasuke of course).

That was enough. A new leader didn't need the old one hanging around disrupting morale. Of course, the time for that hadn't come yet. For now, Rēn still needed Fugaku's help to take full control of the Police Force.

"Yes, Commander!"

The chūnin guard sprinted into the building to carry out the order.

Rēn and the others didn't enter through the front. They leapt upward and headed straight to the rooftop.

The rooftop was the ideal place for group meetings.

It was spacious, elevated, and harder for outsiders to eavesdrop. Unlike the narrow halls or meeting rooms, it provided ample room. Ninjas loved rooftops for serious talks. Even Rēn had revealed his ambitions to Shisui up here when he sought his support.

The Police Force was no different. Unlike the Nanga Shrine, there were no hidden chambers for secret meetings. The rooftop was the best option. Whenever something major needed to be announced, this was the place. If it got too crowded, they could use a nearby large tactical training ground.

After about twelve to thirteen minutes, the last group of patrolling officers returned in a rush. They had been contacted by short-range radios. Though the range was limited, the Police Force rarely worked outside the village, so radios were sufficient.

"Meirai, is everyone here?"

The rooftop was packed.

Fugaku asked the man standing at the front.

"Commander, all 153 on-duty Police Force personnel are present. No absentees or leaves," Uchiha Meirai, a man in his early thirties, answered in a low voice.

One hundred and fifty-three people.

That was less than a third of the total number listed on the Police Force's roster.

But the bright, full moon overhead made things clear. If not for the night patrol shifts, even this many wouldn't be here. Normally, only twenty or thirty would stay on duty.

The Administration Department and Education Department worked that way as well. Only the Medical and Police Departments operated around the clock, requiring someone on duty at all times, day and night.

"Listen carefully."

Fugaku's naturally stern face already held great authority. Now, under his glare, not a single clan member dared to breathe too loudly. They perked up and listened closely as he said, "I am no longer the clan head of the Uchiha. I am also no longer the Commander of the Police Force."

The news hit like a thunderclap.

Everyone stared at Fugaku in shock and confusion, unsure how to react. But Fugaku gave them no time to digest it.

"Earlier, witnessed by the elders and forty-seven senior jōnin, a new clan head was selected—"

"I'll take it from here, Fugaku-san."

Rēn stepped forward, cutting Fugaku off.

Fugaku fell silent and stepped back two paces, making way for Uchiha Rēn. That alone was enough to let everyone realize the truth.

The new clan head… was the fifteen-year-old Uchiha Rēn?

"Everyone."

Rēn activated his Sharingan. His crimson eyes swept over the 153 officers assembled before him. He spoke calmly.

"I know many of you have questions. But I don't have time to answer them. What you need to understand is this—from now on, I am the Commander of the Police Force. Uchiha Rēn. From now on, all your actions are under my command. If I say take the high road, don't go sneaking down the alley. If I tell you to chase a goose through the market, then you'd better start running. In short, I'm the one giving the orders here. Is that understood?"

After a brief silence,

"Understood!"

The scattered responses were exactly what Rēn expected.

Most of these 153 were staring at him with doubt, confusion, or outright resistance.

Unlike the clan compound, the Police Force had always been the domain of the clan head. The elders had no authority here and never interfered. Rēn had avoided making moves here earlier so as not to alert Fugaku. He hadn't had the time to build up a support base.

It wasn't surprising that this sudden news caught everyone off guard.

Still, The fact that it was predictable didn't mean Rēn would tolerate it.

Now that he had taken the clan head's seat, he would seize the Police Force fully and completely!