While Iruka and Naruto went for ramen, Shigeo Aburame had already arrived at the Konoha Cemetery.
He placed two bouquets of white chrysanthemums on the graves of Jirōbō Akimichi and the Namikaze couple. After standing quietly for a moment, he turned and left.
As he reached the cemetery entrance, he saw Konan holding the hand of a black-haired girl. They smiled warmly at him.
"Senior Shigeo, Chi'en and I came to get you. Let's go home for dinner!"
The black-haired girl timidly called out, "Father!"
"Ah!"
Shigeo responded and walked over, taking the girl's other hand. He smiled gently at her.
"Let's go, Chi'en. Time to head home!"
"…"
Seeing Konan and Shigeo holding her hands, the girl's eyes lit up, and she nodded vigorously.
"Mm!"
---
When Shigeo returned to the Aburame clan, the Hokage's office issued a new decree:
> "Due to Shigeo Aburame's outstanding abilities, he is hereby appointed Commander of the Police Force and granted full authority over its reconstruction and recruitment."
The announcement did not address how Shigeo had seemingly "returned from the dead," leaving room for speculation—
> "So the 'Black Demon' wasn't killed after all. He must have been assigned a secret mission by the Third Hokage. Now that the mission is complete, his reward is to lead the Konoha Police Force."
It was a clever move with multiple benefits: providing an explanation to the villagers, arranging a role for Shigeo, testing him, and subtly issuing a warning.
After all, it hadn't been long since the Uchiha clan—formerly in charge of the Police Force—was wiped out.
It was almost certain that the rebuilt Police Force would be under the ANBU's watchful eyes.
If things went well, the higher-ups could claim credit for Shigeo's success. If anything went wrong, Shigeo would be the scapegoat.
In short, it was a thankless and risky job that Shigeo couldn't refuse without severe repercussions, such as losing his reputation or facing accusations of defying the Hokage.
Shigeo understood this and devised a countermeasure: opening Police Force recruitment to the entire village.
Whether elite ninjas from noble clans or ordinary ones from humble origins, as long as they were of good character and had no criminal record, they were welcome.
At the recruitment site, Shigeo addressed the crowd:
"I, Shigeo Aburame, don't care how strong you are. No one's stronger than me anyway! If you're willing to help maintain Konoha's peace, you're in!"
When asked if there was a limit to the number of recruits, Shigeo declared:
"The Hokage has given me full authority. There's no limit to how many I'll take! If funding isn't provided, I'll pay out of my own pocket!"
His resolute words immediately boosted his reputation, attracting a massive crowd of applicants.
For the villagers, this was a golden opportunity. The Police Force had long been seen as a cushy job, offering steady pay and respect without the danger of missions. Missing out would be a regret for a lifetime!
The overwhelming turnout alarmed Konoha's top advisors.
Danzo Shimura, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado convened in the Hokage's office.
"At this rate, the Police Force will slip from our control. What should we do?"
"Too many people are joining. We have to intervene!"
"How? Who will step in? And under what pretense? Do you want us to oppose the entire village?"
"…"
Their heated debate led nowhere, leaving them restless.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, remained composed. He puffed on his pipe, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"I warned you. That boy is cunning. Now you see the consequences of testing him."
"Stop gloating, Hiruzen!" Koharu snapped. "You're the Hokage. Do something!"
Hiruzen chuckled, then glanced at Danzo and Homura, who stayed silent.
"Well, it's simple. Didn't Shigeo say he'd fund the Police Force himself if needed? Let's let him."
"You mean… don't allocate funds?" Homura's eyes widened.
"That won't work!" Danzo interjected.
"If Konoha doesn't provide funding, the Police Force could become a private army for Shigeo and the Aburame clan. They could turn into another Uchiha."
"Exactly!" Hiruzen nodded.
"So, whatever Shigeo pays his recruits, we'll match it—no more, no less. We'll match his spending yen for yen."
"Ah… I see!" Homura exclaimed.
"Then I'll go to the Daimyō to request additional funds immediately!"
He rushed out, leaving Koharu and Danzo to follow.
Hiruzen was the last to leave.
On his way home, he stopped by the recruitment site to encourage the waiting ninjas, boosting his image.
As for the rest, he wasn't concerned.
In his mind, Shigeo's finances would soon run dry, forcing him to scale back the Police Force.
Everything was under control!
Feeling content, Hiruzen returned home. After enduring his grandson Konohamaru's glare during dinner, he enjoyed a cup of tea before heading to bed.
Just as he lay down, a panicked voice echoed:
"Lord Third! There's a problem! The First Hokage's sealing technique… Naruto has taken it!"
"…"
*(End of Chapter)*