Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One!

Homura Mitokado moved quickly. With Sarutobi Hiruzen's approval, compensation began being distributed the very next day.

The villagers' emotions calmed completely under the influence of money, and no more dissent against Hiruzen could be heard. For several days, Konohagakure enjoyed peace.

"Hiruzen, I don't think Kawakaze Hatake has any more tricks up his sleeve."

In the Hokage's Office, Homura sat with his legs crossed, looking very pleased with himself. Trying to use public opinion to topple Hiruzen was truly underestimating their capabilities.

"He hasn't been seen in so many days. Could it be that he's afraid?"

"Still young," Hiruzen said, a faint smile on his lips. He began to wonder if he had overestimated Kawakaze. Perhaps he had no plan after all and was simply amusing himself with illusions of power.

Lifting the tea on his desk, Hiruzen took a sip, feeling a rare sense of ease.

"Ignorant of his own capabilities. He thinks his strength allows him to do whatever he pleases," he said.

"If we had known that, we shouldn't have let him off so easily when Danzo died," Homura remarked, bringing up the past—a source of his lingering unease.

"Let's not dwell on the past," Hiruzen said with a frown. His decision regarding Danzo's death had been too utilitarian.

I thought I was eliminating a problem, but now I've created a bigger one.

"You're not going to let this go, are you?" Homura asked, still unable to set his pride aside after days of tension.

"Heh, he's still a hero of the village, after all. It's understandable to make a few minor mistakes," Hiruzen replied smoothly, though he lacked the confidence for a direct confrontation with Kawakaze.

"The Uchiha have gone too far with their police force," he added, shifting the conversation.

"My nephew has been complaining to me. He can't secure a position at the heart of the organization, yet he's burdened with all the dirty work. They take our money and use our people. Nothing in this world comes for free."

Hiruzen deftly redirected the focus, pinning blame on the Uchiha.

Since the Hatake Clan has no moves left, I'll deal with the Uchiha Clan first.

"Fugaku Uchiha is really ungrateful," Homura remarked critically, his unpleasant expression enough to make anyone sick.

If Fugaku were present, he might have silenced him with a shot of Amaterasu to vent his hatred.

"In the meantime, our people have become familiar with the affairs of the police force," Hiruzen said. "The police force is so busy that I feel the need to single out a separate team. It's also a way to reduce the pressure on the Uchiha."

Hiruzen smiled, his expression harmless. Though it sounded like a trivial matter, he was subtly using his position as Hokage to seize power.

"Isn't that a bit too fast?" Homura asked after a moment of thought, showing some hesitation. How long had their people been in place? Establishing a separate faction so quickly was a clear sign of disrespect toward the Uchiha. If something went wrong, the consequences could be severe.

"I'm not taking away his rights as a Uchiha. I'm just helping to reduce their pressure," Hiruzen replied calmly. "Homura, you're overthinking it."

Hiruzen put down the teacup in his hand, glancing at Homura with indifference. If the Uchiha were still acting as lone wolves, he wouldn't be taking this step. But now, with the clan relying on Tsunade, they wouldn't escalate the issue.

"Are you sure there's no problem?" Homura asked, still wary. He hadn't fully grasped the core of the matter, but he was well aware of the Uchiha's strength.

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing," Hiruzen said with a meaningful smile.

This time, I'll take an interest as a lesson.

If you want to become Hokage, you need my consent. If I don't give it, you can't take it by force!

...

Soon, the order issued by Hiruzen as Hokage was delivered to the police force.

Jirō Mitokado received an exceptional promotion to deputy police captain, taking sole command of certain divisions. This news immediately enraged the Uchiha.

Fugaku, who was not typically on duty at the police force, had yet to witness the arrogance displayed by members of the Sarutobi and Mitokado Clans. Many Uchiha, though furious, suppressed their anger and went directly to Fugaku's house.

"Clan Head, you must do something about this for us."

A squad leader from the police force handed Fugaku the Hokage's appointment letter. His face was red with rage, and his tone was filled with frustration.

"This is outrageous!" Fugaku said after reading it. He slammed the appointment letter onto the ground and turned, ready to head to the Hokage building.

"Hey, don't be in such a hurry," Kawakaze interrupted, picking up the letter and casually brushing the dust off it.

The Uchiha clan members glared at Kawakaze with open hostility. If not for Fugaku's presence, they might have confronted him outright.

"What?" Fugaku demanded, barely containing his anger. He was in no mood to listen to anyone.

"If you go, can you make him withdraw the appointment? Or are you planning to kill him?" Kawakaze asked calmly, his questions catching Fugaku off guard.

Fugaku hesitated, unable to respond. The odds of Hiruzen withdrawing the appointment were slim, and eliminating the Hokage was not a viable option for the time being.

"Since he wants the Konoha Military Police Force so badly, I think we should just give it to him," Kawakaze said with a smile, slipping the appointment letter back into Fugaku's hands.

"What do you mean?" Fugaku asked.

"You don't care about the police force because it's not your clan's," an Uchiha clan member snapped, glaring at Kawakaze. "If you're not willing to step up, then why are you holding back our Clan Head?"

...

Hearing Kawakaze suggest that Fugaku give up the police force, the Uchiha clan members could no longer hold back. Though they restrained themselves from openly scolding him, their frustration was palpable.

"What's all the noise? Get lost!" Fugaku, holding the appointment letter, shouted at the clan members, his tone heavy with displeasure.

"Clan Head..."

The Uchiha members, still unconvinced, attempted to argue their case further.

"Go back. I will make the decision."

Fugaku's tone softened slightly, though the intimidating gleam in his eyes remained.

"Yes, Clan Head," the group responded. A few of the more perceptive members quickly pulled away the dissenters, leaving only Kawakaze and Fugaku in front of the door.

"I'll come in and chat with you for a while," Kawakaze said casually. He hadn't intended to get involved in such a matter but decided to make the most of it.

Fugaku said nothing and turned, walking into the house.

The two of them returned to a quiet room and sat down. Mikoto brought in freshly brewed tea and set it before them.

"So, have you figured it out?" Kawakaze asked with a smile, his demeanor relaxed. He seemed unfazed by the situation.

"I've thought it through," Fugaku replied, taking a sip of tea as he calmed down completely. "When are we going to blow the whistle?"

"Since he's already made his move, there's no need to wait. I hope he can hold out," Kawakaze said, sealing the decision.

Mikoto, observing the conversation, didn't fully understand and wasn't interested in the political matter. Still, her gaze rested on Fugaku, worry evident in her expression.

"I'm fine, don't worry," Fugaku said softly, forcing a smile as he looked at her.

"Hm," Mikoto murmured in response, her supportive nature showing.

"Ugh, next time I'll bring Tsunade along," Kawakaze quipped, lightening the atmosphere.

"Haha~" Fugaku let out a laugh, while Mikoto blushed slightly, looking a bit embarrassed.