At the Kazekage Building, a meeting was being held that would determine the direction of the ninja world. At the same time, a similar gathering was taking place in Konohagakure.
Although this meeting in the Hokage Building appeared ordinary and unremarkable on the surface, no village dared to ignore it.
At the head of the long table sat the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. His gaze slowly moved across the young faces gathered in the room, and a faint smile formed on his lips.
He felt genuine satisfaction.
Orochimaru, his most gifted disciple. Sakumo, the sharp blade of Konoha. Hayashi, who had achieved extraordinary military merit. Shikaku, who had already proven his command ability in multiple battles. And the younger generation steadily rising, Choza, Shibi, Hiashi, Hizashi, Mikoto, Himeji, and of course, Kushina.
These young shinobi had crossed borders into multiple nations and reshaped what had once been a disadvantageous battlefield situation into something far more stable.
Looking at them, Hiruzen felt as though he was seeing fresh green shoots breaking through a long winter. The sight was refreshing, even moving.
First Hokage-sama, Second Hokage-sama, do you see this, I have not failed your expectations. The Will of Fire has been passed on.
He suddenly stood up, clasping his hands behind his back, and walked toward the exit. At the doorway, he paused and looked back at the gathered young shinobi.
"Konoha's victories are built on your sacrifices," he said slowly. "As Hokage, all I can do is send you to the front lines. For that… I am sorry."
With those words, he turned and walked away.
Kushina quickly grabbed Hayashi's sleeve and whispered with a grin, "Hayashi, did you see that? Was Uncle Hokage crying?"
The Third Hokage, who had not gone far, immediately quickened his pace and shouted back without turning around, "It is very windy in Konoha these days. Kushina, you are grounded for one month."
After that, he disappeared down the corridor.
With the Hokage gone, the meeting naturally ended.
Hayashi did not return home immediately. Instead, he made his way to the rooftop of the Hokage Building.
When he arrived, the Third Hokage was already there, standing at the edge and looking down at the village below. He did not turn around when Hayashi approached.
Hayashi also said nothing. He simply stepped forward and stood beside him, both of them quietly observing the village.
"It has been several years since you last returned," the Third Hokage finally said. "Do you think the village has changed?"
Hayashi shook his head slightly. "Not much has changed. It is just a bit more lively than before. The scenery is the same, but it never feels dull."
The Third Hokage nodded. "Yes, it never does. When I have free time, I like to stand here as well. Watching the village, listening to the noise from below… it is peaceful."
After a brief pause, he continued in a lower voice, "Hayashi, you did very well. Better than I expected."
Hayashi did not respond, waiting for him to continue.
"I thought you would avoid seeing me for a few more days," the Third Hokage said. "But you came sooner than expected. Tell me, what is going on with the Military Police Force?"
The Uchiha Clan had originally been stationed in the Land of Water battlefield and later followed Hayashi to the Land of Earth.
During their absence, village security duties had to be reassigned. Due to manpower shortages, the Third Hokage handed the responsibility to Root.
There were historical reasons for this arrangement.
During the Second Great Ninja War, the former clan leader Uchiha Yama had reached an agreement with Danzo, granting Root temporary authority over the Military Police Force. Since Root already had experience in managing it, the Third Hokage allowed the arrangement to continue.
At that time, Hayashi was still in the Land of Wind and did not interfere. Instead, he indirectly supported the decision and allowed the transition to proceed.
Later, when the Uchiha Grand Elder Uchiha Yun returned with reinforcements, the Third Hokage attempted to restore the Military Police Force to the clan. However, the request was refused.
The reason was simple. The Uchiha lacked manpower, and most of their forces were still engaged on the battlefield.
Although this reasoning carried some strategic justification, it was also the truth. As a result, Root retained control of the department for years.
Over time, many villagers even began to forget that the Military Police Force originally belonged to the Uchiha Clan, aside from the symbol on its insignia.
As the war neared its end, the Third Hokage once again tried to return the department, but was refused again.
The Uchiha did not want it back, and the Hokage could not force it upon them. So the matter was left for Hayashi to resolve upon his return.
"It was indeed my order to stop its return," Hayashi admitted directly.
The Third Hokage was not surprised. After decades in power, he had already suspected the truth. He simply asked, "Why?"
Hayashi replied firmly, "Because the Uchiha Clan is an ordinary clan of Konoha. Since I am the clan leader, I will not allow special privileges."
He continued without hesitation.
The Military Police Force was officially responsible for maintaining law and order within the village, enforcing rules, and handling internal criminal activity among shinobi. On paper, it sounded like an important institution.
In reality, it had always functioned as a clan controlled organization, marked clearly by the Uchiha symbol at its core.
To outsiders, it appeared to be a privileged position. But its actual authority was limited. It could not interfere with ANBU operations, and its duties often overlapped with civilian policing such as gambling disputes, street conflicts, and public disturbances.
It was a role that carried responsibility, but little real power.
More importantly, constant internal enforcement duties meant fewer external missions. That reduced battlefield experience and limited the Uchiha's growth in real combat situations.
Over time, this structure weakened the clan's overall strength and even affected the development of their abilities.
In truth, the system had long been designed in a way that restricted the Uchiha under the guise of organization and order.
But such conclusions could not be spoken openly.
Hayashi chose a different approach.
"Uncle Third," he said calmly, "no department in Konoha should belong to a single clan. The Military Police Force is no exception. I plan to return it to the village so it can be managed fairly. Danzo has experience, so Root is suitable to take over again."
The Third Hokage frowned slightly. "Will your clan agree? The Uchiha have controlled it for thirty years."
Hayashi nodded without hesitation. "Since I am the clan leader, they will agree with my decision."
He continued, his tone steady. "Many Uchiha who work in the force become too rigid after long exposure to internal enforcement. Some even rely too heavily on force. That is not good for their relationship with the village."
"I intend to change that," he said. "I will integrate the Uchiha completely into Konoha."
"If it is not done in my generation, it will never be done. Do you want to see this clan fade into history?"
The Third Hokage fell silent.
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