With the precedent set by Hatake Sakumo joining, ninjas from other clans gradually followed suit, joining the Uchiha-led Konoha Police Force. As a result, the number of personnel increased significantly, and their overall strength saw a remarkable boost.
Although they still couldn't directly oppose the full might of Konoha's upper echelons—such as the Hokage and the elders—the security team was no longer being easily suppressed. Their growing influence had become a known fact across the village.
It was now common knowledge in Konoha that the Uchiha Police Force had become a formidable power. Even the Hokage had to tread carefully around them. Under their strict management, public order in the village improved dramatically. The once-common abuse of power by shinobi, especially toward civilians and shopkeepers, became rare.
Any ninja who dared to extort or bully civilians—no matter their background—was immediately arrested by the police force. This included even those from influential clans like the Sarutobi or the Shimura.
This unflinching impartiality won the Uchiha clan admiration from ordinary citizens. Many began to see the Uchiha not as distant elites, but as their protectors. Paying "protection fees" to the police force wasn't viewed as extortion—it was seen as a worthwhile investment in safety.
Surprisingly, Byakuya's system of civilian protection did not damage Konoha's economy; on the contrary, it revitalized it. Order brought prosperity. Merchants and commoners from outside the village began setting up shops in Konoha, many of them choosing to open businesses close to the Uchiha district for better protection.
It wasn't long before Konoha became a thriving commercial hub where anything could be bought or sold.
"Lord Byakuya, is this the commercial district under our police force's jurisdiction?"
Uchiha Mikoto, walking beside Byakuya, looked around in amazement. It was her first time seeing such a bustling and orderly marketplace within the village.
"Of course," Byakuya replied proudly. "This is the strength of the Uchiha clan."
Sarutobi Hiruzen might have been a master tactician and skilled manipulator, but in terms of actual development and vision, Byakuya saw him as shortsighted. If Hiruzen had truly been capable, Konoha wouldn't have descended into so much chaos.
As someone with memories from a modern world, Byakuya had the advantage of foresight—even if he wasn't an expert developer. Adapting even a few systems from his past life was enough to put Konoha several steps ahead.
"You're incredible, Lord Byakuya…"
Mikoto looked at him with undisguised admiration.
However, the more the Uchiha Police Force contributed to Konoha's growth, the more displeased the Hokage and the council elders became. Their frustration grew daily, as it was clear the credit for Konoha's prosperity was going to the Uchiha clan.
Ironically, that negativity only benefited Byakuya. The resentment and jealousy from the village's top brass provided him with a steady flow of "negative energy."
Just as Byakuya and Mikoto were walking through the market, the sound of commotion erupted nearby.
"Catch her! Don't let her get away!"
"She's making a scene right in front of the police force?"
"Unforgivable! We can't let her escape!"
Amid the shouting, a small blonde girl with twin ponytails darted through the crowd in a panic. Her sharp, alert eyes scanned her surroundings before she quickly ducked under a snack stall beside Byakuya, hoping to stay hidden.
Moments later, several members of the police force arrived.
"Lord Byakuya! Lady Mikoto!"
They saluted promptly upon seeing them.
"What's going on?" Byakuya asked casually.
"We're pursuing a suspect, my lord," one of the guards reported. "Someone caused a ruckus at the casino and fled without paying her debts."
Byakuya frowned. "Who would be bold enough to pull that in front of us?"
"We didn't get a good look. She was fast—just that she had blonde hair. We were about to consult the Yamanaka clan to confirm if the suspect might be from their family."
"I see. Carry on. No one who threatens order in Konoha should be spared," Byakuya instructed.
The guards bowed and quickly resumed their pursuit.
"Blonde... casino debts... could it be her?"
Byakuya's thoughts narrowed to a single suspect—an infamous blonde with a well-known gambling addiction.
There was only one person it could be: the legendary Sannin, Tsunade Senju—a fat sheep if there ever was one.
If Byakuya remembered correctly, Tsunade had a notorious gambling habit and was often neck-deep in debt due to her chronic losing streak. Dubbed the "Legendary Sucker," she was infamous for her terrible luck. Naturally, she also had a knack for evading those who came to collect.
To dodge debt collectors, Tsunade would regularly use the Transformation Jutsu—most often disguising herself as a small blonde girl, a form completely unlike her usual appearance.
"Interesting... Tsunade, huh?"
A smirk played across Byakuya's lips as he recalled the rumor. With renewed curiosity, he strolled over to the inconspicuous food stall tucked into a quiet alley.
"Hey... little girl, no need to hide anymore. Those guys chasing you are long gone."
At his words, a small blonde girl with pigtails squirmed out from under the stall, her face flushed from holding her breath for too long.
"Phew... I thought I was going to suffocate down there!"
"Thanks! You're a really nice guy!" she said with wide, innocent eyes.
"Haha... of course. We from the Uchiha clan are all kind-hearted people," Byakuya said with a chuckle.
"Uchiha clan!?" The girl's expression instantly shifted, and she narrowed her eyes.
She had just noticed the fan-shaped crest on Byakuya's chest.
At the same moment, Byakuya felt a sharp wave of animosity directed at him.
[Ding—Detected Tsunade's disdain. +50 Negative Energy]
"Hah, no mistake now," Byakuya thought with a glint in his eye. "This little blonde brat is definitely Tsunade..."
He looked at her, the corners of his mouth curled in amusement. His curiosity had turned into genuine mischief.