Upon seeing the punishment handed down by the Konoha Police Force to Mizuki, Hiruzen Sarutobi seemed to grasp Shigeo Aburame's intentions.
What followed completely confirmed his suspicions.
On the very day Mizuki was thrown into Konoha Prison, the police force issued a new announcement:
> **To curb harmful practices and reduce crime, all gambling and prostitution are banned in Konoha and the surrounding villages effective immediately.**
>
> **Anyone found in violation will have their ill-gotten gains confiscated on the spot and face detention of 5 to 15 days, along with a fine ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 ryō. Organizers will be dealt with more severely.**
>
> **The Konoha Police Force protects the legitimate property of its citizens. Any money or debts involved in such illegal activities will not be recognized as valid by the police.**
>
> **Individuals who report violations will be eligible for a cash reward between 500 and 5,000 ryō, depending on the severity of the case.**
The announcement sparked a considerable reaction throughout the village.
While opinions varied, most villagers expressed support and eagerly joined the ranks of informants.
The Konoha Police Force acted swiftly. Within a single day, thousands of officers launched a massive operation, apprehending hundreds and confiscating over 10 million ryō in illicit gains.
Including fines, the police force's income for that day alone exceeded 30 million ryō!
In the following days, gamblers and others involved in illicit activities in and around Konoha became more cautious, leading to a temporary decline in police revenue.
However, before long, many returned to their old habits, prompting the police to strike again following new tips.
The results were undeniable. The crackdown on gambling and prostitution not only filled the police department's coffers but also led to a significant decrease in violent crimes, thefts, and even suicides in Konoha and its neighboring villages.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, as Hokage, was thoroughly pleased with these results.
But Shigeo Aburame wasn't satisfied. He issued another directive, titled *"The Regulations for Building a Civilized Konoha."*
These regulations included the following rules:
- Littering, spitting, urinating, or dumping wastewater in public spaces was forbidden. Violators faced fines of 100 to 500 ryō.
- Walking dogs without a leash incurred a fine of 1,000 ryō. If a dog frightened or injured someone, the punishment would be harsher.
- Street vendors were banned from occupying major roads in Konoha. Violators would have their stalls confiscated and be fined. Shops were required to obtain business permits from the police.
- Food establishments had to acquire both food safety and sanitation permits. Non-compliant businesses risked closure and severe penalties.
To manage these affairs, Shigeo established a new department under his jurisdiction called the *Konoha Regulatory Force*, nicknamed *Village Control.*
Unlike the police force, Village Control did not deal with dangerous tasks, so its members didn't need to be highly skilled.
Shigeo ordered the integration of lower-ranked ninjas from the police force into the new department, leaving only chunin and jonin in the police ranks. Quarterly evaluations were introduced to motivate both groups.
Underperforming police officers, even jonin, risked demotion to Village Control or outright dismissal. Conversely, Village Control members could apply to transfer to the police force or seek promotions after improving their skills to chunin level.
This pressure and incentive revitalized both groups.
Within a month, the police force's revenue exceeded 300 million ryō.
After covering expenses, including officer salaries, over 200 million ryō remained as surplus.
Without spending a single coin of his own or tapping into Konoha's treasury, Shigeo successfully funded a police force of thousands — with money to spare.
When Konoha's upper echelon learned this, they were unsettled.
Danzo, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado convened in the Hokage's office to discuss countermeasures with Hiruzen.
Unexpectedly, Hiruzen had a change of heart.
"I believe Shigeo is trustworthy. The police force has done nothing out of line. Let's observe for now."
As Hokage, Hiruzen's authority carried significant weight.
Coupled with Shigeo's meticulous methods, Danzo and the others couldn't find fault and begrudgingly backed down.
The revitalized police force continued to grow.
Beyond Konoha, Shigeo used surplus funds to establish police outposts in neighboring villages, ensuring public safety.
With these areas stabilized, fewer people traveled to Konoha to commission ninja missions, reducing income for regular ninjas.
Conveniently, the police force needed more personnel due to its expansion.
Seizing the opportunity, Shigeo launched a recruitment drive across Konoha. Many cash-strapped ninjas eagerly joined.
The combined police and regulatory forces now boasted over 10,000 members, making them the largest institution in Konoha.
This scale of operation brought unprecedented influence, unmatched by other organizations.
As their leader, Shigeo Aburame's reputation soared, even catching the attention of the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.
But this wasn't without its challenges.
With the growing scope of their responsibilities, the police force's workload surged. Shigeo often sacrificed his personal time to manage affairs.
"This can't go on. I need help," he thought.
One name immediately came to mind: *Ran*.
Having served faithfully under Shigeo for years, Ran earned his trust and admiration. Shigeo decided it was time to recall him.
Previously assigned to the Land of Rice Fields to study Hashirama cells and gather intelligence on Orochimaru, Ran's talents were being underutilized.
Shigeo penned a letter to Danzo, explaining Ran's background and requesting his integration into the police force under Danzo's *Root* program.
This was both an olive branch and a test.
Danzo understood the gesture. Two weeks later, Ran appeared before Shigeo wearing a Konoha forehead protector, his tongue marked with Root's *Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal*.
The seal prevented him from revealing any secrets about Danzo — though Ran didn't know any to begin with.
This exchange symbolized the first collaboration between Shigeo and Danzo — a tentative alliance between two calculating minds.
Around the same time, Konoha prepared to host its most significant event since the Third Shinobi World War: the *Chunin Exams*.
*(To be continued)*