Chapter 148: Updating the Konoha Military Police Force
Hokage Council Meeting.
Gulp.
"Wait, why are you all looking at me?" Tonbo Tobitake felt his heart skip a beat as he felt the weight of their collective gaze.
He cursed himself mentally. He shouldn't have casually teased Guy.
He said hurriedly, "I believe Guy is extremely suitable to be Konoha's hero. He's capable, optimistic, hardworking, and has the merit to back it up. He is simply the best candidate for a hero of the Leaf."
"Tonbo-kun, I didn't realize you acknowledged me so much!"
Might Guy's eyes erupted with a passionate light, and tears of emotion began to flow. "I've decided! I won't take this hero position; let it be you! Next time, I definitely won't step aside for you."
"Kakashi is right, Tonbo," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, feeling this idea was excellent. He still looked around for other opinions, though. "You have the ability, the seniority, and the achievements. I think you're a fine choice. What does everyone else think?"
Danzo spoke up: "In terms of both capability and merit, he is qualified."
Koharu Utatane nodded as well. "Yes, I agree with this proposal."
Homura Mitokado added, "No objections from me."
With the four elders of Konoha speaking up, the others—who didn't have any objections to begin with—naturally all agreed. Tonbo had a very good reputation in Konoha; he got along with everyone. Even those who didn't know him well had heard of his favorable standing.
"No, no, no! I feel this is too hasty!" Tonbo tried to reject it immediately. "I'm just an ordinary guy. No matter how you look at it, Kakashi is more suitable. 'Copy Ninja Kakashi' sounds much more like a hero."
Damn it, Tonbo thought, how did this turn back to me?
Kakashi replied, "No... I'm not suitable. I'm already too well-known, so it's hard to use me to grab new attention. You are the optimal candidate."
Togetake Tetusen cheered him on: "Go for it, Teacher!"
Yamanaka Inoichi patted his shoulder. "It's a rare opportunity. I'd take it if I had the chance!"
Tonbo was speechless. If you want it, then volunteer yourself! But since everyone was in favor and he was publicly a steadfast supporter of the Will of Fire, he couldn't exactly argue.
"Maybe... we could find another way to shift the attention?" Tonbo suggested cautiously. He really didn't want to be a "hero." Heroes have a hard life—except for a certain bald guy.
"It's decided. This needs to be settled quickly. Everyone, speak freely on how to maximize the reduction of the massacre's impact on the residents," Sarutobi Hiruzen declared, bringing the hammer down.
The specific implementation was still up for debate, but the four elders were masters of this craft. With a "brain" like Nara Shikaku present, a plan was finalized in moments. Tonbo just stared at the ceiling, unable to get a word in edgewise. His status as a Jonin and Division Head felt useless right now.
The plan was simple. Since the threat was perceived to come from Itachi Uchiha, Konoha would publicize Tonbo's achievements and appoint him as the "Captain of the Pursuit Squad" tasked with hunting down Itachi. However, this was purely for PR; they wouldn't actually make him go hunt Itachi.
Hiruzen knew that if Itachi could wipe out the entire Uchiha clan, he must have awakened the legendary power of the Sharingan. It was impossible for a standard squad to take him down. Between Itachi's intellect and combat experience, Hiruzen didn't think Tonbo could actually solve the problem.
Besides... there were the things behind the scenes...
So, Hiruzen stuck to the principle of "all publicity, no action." The goal was simply to put the residents at ease. Tonbo would have to make public appearances and take photos for the Konoha propaganda team.
Well, at least I can live in Konoha without the mask now, Tonbo thought. Good thing I'm so brilliant and wise. I thought of this eleven years ago when I first crossed over.
Tonbo praised his past self for the decision to wear bandages for over a decade. This was true wisdom—a backup plan laid ten years in advance, definitely not an accident.
"Now, for the final matter, which is also very important for Konoha," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, his tone turning solemn.
The others straightened up. Solving the morale of the civilians was one thing, but the next matter concerned everyone's direct interests and was a key part of stabilizing the village. Tonbo didn't even need to think; he already knew what it was.
"Since the Uchiha only have one member left, the Konoha Military Police Force exists in name only. Therefore, the next topic is the reconstruction of the Police Force. Everyone, feel free to give your suggestions," Hiruzen stated.
Despite how many people disliked the Uchiha's methods, Konoha absolutely could not function without a Police Force. The internal stability of the village was largely maintained by them. It was only the violent implementation that people criticized, but the importance was undeniable. Without them, Konoha would be overrun by thieves and chaos within days.
This led to a heated discussion. Where to draw the personnel from was a huge question. They needed capable people. This meant power—every clan wanted to grow their influence. Locations that provided jobs and authority were always the most contested.
None of this mattered to Tonbo, though. He didn't plan on securing power for his two children. If, under his tutelage, they couldn't reach the high-command on their own merit, they could just go back and inherit Teuchi's Ichiraku Ramen shop. Better that than losing face—or their lives—out in the field.
Teuchi was getting older, after all. In another ten or twenty years, he might not be able to keep it up and would want to retire. Tonbo had already suggested that Teuchi hire people and open branch stores. One can never have too much money. It served as a safety net for the kids: if they didn't make it as ninjas, they could just be capital tycoons.
"Alright, the new Konoha Military Police Force will be implemented tomorrow. We must ensure Konoha does not fall into disorder. Also, the promotion of Tonbo Tobitake as a hero must get on track. The Intelligence Department must control the public discourse to ensure it doesn't move in a negative direction."
While Tonbo was lost in thought, the meeting reached its conclusion. The new Police Force would no longer be a one-clan affair. The Uchiha crest on the police badge would be replaced with a Konoha symbol, and recruitment would be based on examinations.
Tonbo estimated that besides ninjas with strong investigative skills, the Inuzuka and Hyuga clans would likely have the biggest advantage.
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