Naruto: The Flame That Reshapes Fate

"Don't you understand yet? The Police Force has the authority to establish laws."

"But what can we really do with that?"

"What can we do? Heh. With that authority, even without the Hokage's approval, we can draft new regulations to reform the Police Force. And not just that—we can also use it to restrain our clansmen's overly violent and arrogant enforcement practices. If this works, we might even be able to improve the clan's terrible reputation among the villagers."

Since their thoughts weren't perfectly aligned, Rēn had to break it down and explain it in simple, direct terms.

Of course, the Second Hokage never let go of his wariness toward the Uchiha, even in death. He granted the Police Force the power to create regulations, but explicitly limited its scope. It could only be used for managing village security and had no jurisdiction over anything related to the ANBU, significantly weakening the value of that authority. Still, Rēn believed it had potential.

"Can this really work?"

Shisui was a little tempted.

If they could turn around the clan's dreadful image in the village, it would be a welcome change in his eyes.

"I can't promise anything, but it's worth trying. Whether we succeed or not, we have to take that first step forward. If we keep standing still like before, nothing will change even after a hundred years," Rēn said.

But in his heart, he understood that this would not go smoothly.

Still, just like he said, regardless of the outcome, the Uchiha had to attempt change.

The village's suppression was indeed the main reason the clan's reputation had declined, but that didn't mean they could ignore the fact that the Uchiha were genuinely hard to get along with. Unless someone was a masochist, most people didn't enjoy dealing with arrogant individuals who looked down on others.

"Legal Affairs Division. That's the name I've chosen for the new department. It'll be responsible for drafting, revising, and refining internal regulations… Shisui, how about becoming the first head of the division?" Rēn offered.

"…I don't know anything about making laws!"

Shisui hesitated.

He was worried he might mess up something that could affect the clan's future. If the clan couldn't integrate with the village because of his mistakes… he would never be able to rest in peace.

"It's fine. It's not like you'll be doing it alone. If you don't know something, go ask someone who does. If no one in the village can help, look outside. If you can't find answers in the Land of Fire, go to other countries. You'll find something eventually."

"This is long-term work. I'm not expecting quick results. I'll be overseeing it in the end anyway, so just focus on doing your part."

"I understand, Clan Head. I'll do my best to establish the Legal Affairs Division."

Shisui gritted his teeth and nodded seriously.

"That's more like it. That hesitant guy from a moment ago didn't seem like the Shisui I know."

Rēn smiled and patted his arm. "Also, just call me by name in private. It feels weird being called 'Clan Head' by someone I know well."

Shisui gave a wry smile.

It wasn't so easy to act calm about something this serious.

But Rēn… somehow had a calming presence. Even though he hadn't even finished quitting the ANBU, he was already thinking ahead about a division that didn't even exist yet.

Thinking of that, Shisui couldn't help but bring it up.

"Clan.....Rēn, if I can't handle leaving the ANBU on my own, I'll go speak with the Hokage. Given my past accomplishments, I don't think they'll give me too much trouble."

Rēn didn't answer.

Shisui still harbored naive fantasies about the Third Hokage and the others.

By now, Rēn was used to it. As long as Shisui didn't foolishly expose Kotoamatsukami, that hidden trump card, it was fine. He didn't expect Shisui to stand on the front lines against the Third anyway. Just cheering from the back would be enough.

"This isn't just about you anymore."

After a moment of silence, Rēn finally spoke.

"If nothing unexpected happens, this will evolve into a conflict between the village and the clan. Don't panic—I'm not planning a full-scale war with the village. But I know the Third and his people won't sit by while we make changes to the clan and the Police Force. They'll definitely come looking for trouble."

Rēn narrowed his eyes and looked toward the village center.

"Whether you were involved or not, the outcome won't change. The deep conflict between the clan and the village was bound to erupt at some point. It just happened to be triggered by me taking over as Clan Head. Honestly, Shisui, your matter is small. It won't affect the bigger picture."

That's right.

Though he had unexpectedly succeeded in becoming Clan Head and had just barely taken control of the Police Force—

This was only the beginning.

To pull the Uchiha out of the path toward total annihilation would be a long and difficult road. The open suppression from the Third Hokage and the others was just one part of it. The true threat was Uchiha Obito—lurking in the shadows like a ghost, impossible to guard against.

He had to awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan as soon as possible.

Rēn slowly closed his eyes, feeling the swelling dojutsu power in his pupils. He could sense it—he only needed the right trigger. Then the power within would transform as he wished. As for when that trigger would come.

It was hard to say.

But it didn't feel far off.

Even if he couldn't find that trigger, with the help of Samehada, the evolution of his eyes would only be delayed slightly.

"Shisui, if you're still feeling uneasy, just stick with me for a few days. Honestly, the Legal Affairs Division is just a concept right now. Once I finish restructuring the Police Force, I'll be able to help you set up the division properly."

Rēn opened his eyes and looked at the anxious Shisui beside him. He shook his head. Whenever conflict between the village and the clan came up, Shisui always lost his composure.

"Go rest for now. In the morning, come with me to see the Hokage. We'll report the new Police Force Commander, and also settle your withdrawal from the ANBU."

"This morning?"

For some reason, Shisui suddenly felt a sharp toothache.

Some strange intuition told him that the morning a few hours away would be far from peaceful.