Shigeo Aburame wasn't in the mood to watch Jiraiya's self-absorbed antics. After tossing out a curt "Hurry and find Tsunade," he carried the unconscious Sasuke back to Konoha.
The mental trauma caused by Tsukuyomi was no small matter. For Sasuke to avoid a complete mental collapse showed remarkable resilience, but falling into a coma for ten days or more was only natural.
After settling Sasuke in Konoha's hospital, Shigeo returned home. His days became an easy routine of eating, sleeping, and soaking in hot springs—a peaceful, comfortable life.
Until Hiruzen Sarutobi paid him a visit.
---
"Shigeo, it's time to return. The suspension placed on you has been officially lifted," Hiruzen said, his face showing signs of weariness.
"The ANBU team monitoring you has been fully withdrawn. Additionally, Konoha will allocate 150 million ryō to the Police Force every quarter as funding."
"Not enough!" Shigeo shook his head and spoke slowly. "If something like this has happened once, who's to say it won't happen again?"
"This..." Hiruzen frowned. "Then what do you suggest? Should we abolish the Hokage Advisory Council?"
"If you can make that happen, Third Hokage."
"..."
Hiruzen was silent.
Meanwhile, Shigeo chuckled.
"Ha, I'm just joking. I wouldn't put you in a difficult position. How about this: promise me one thing."
He raised a finger.
"Add another seat to the Hokage Advisory Council!"
"You want to become an advisor?" Hiruzen looked shocked. "Why refuse the position of Fifth Hokage if you're aiming for this?"
"The Hokage's role is too burdensome—it doesn't suit me," Shigeo waved dismissively, then smiled as he explained.
"But the role of an advisor is just right. It carries enough weight without requiring me to handle too much. Most importantly, it reduces the risk of being stabbed in the back."
"..."
Hiruzen fell silent again. He knew Shigeo was referencing past incidents, and he had no rebuttal.
After some thought, he finally nodded.
"Fine. I'll agree to this, but it will take some time. In the meantime, you'll return to the Police Force. Is that acceptable?"
"Of course!" Shigeo beamed.
"You're my most respected mentor. If you ask, how can I refuse? I might snub anyone else, but not you. I'll return to work right away!"
With that, he used the Body Flicker Technique, vanishing with a "whoosh."
Watching this, Hiruzen was left dumbfounded, his mouth twitching slightly.
"This pragmatic guy..."
---
Unaware of Hiruzen's complaints, Shigeo soon arrived at the Police Force headquarters.
Seeing him return, Fuma Ran lit up with joy.
"Sir, you're back! The Hokage's office officially lifted your punishment this morning."
"I already know." Shigeo smiled slightly and issued orders.
"Select 100 people from the Police Force for me. I need those who are diligent and reliable—birth or strength doesn't matter. Courage and loyalty are key. Once selected, bring them to me."
"Yes, sir!" Ran obeyed without hesitation and carried out the task meticulously.
By afternoon, 100 Police Force members in uniform stood neatly before Shigeo.
Seeing the respect and passion in their eyes, Shigeo couldn't help but smile.
"The Konoha Police Force is made up of the elite among shinobi. And you—you are the elite of the elite. I am proud of you!"
The group erupted in excitement, standing taller and presenting their best selves.
Satisfied, Shigeo nodded and continued.
"I've called you here today to announce something. I plan to establish a new unit alongside the Police Force and the Civil Defense Unit: the *Special Police Force*!"
The announcement sparked both enthusiasm and curiosity among the group.
Shigeo quickly elaborated.
"The Special Police Force, as the name implies, will handle exceptionally dangerous criminals. These could be jonin, or even S-rank rogue ninja!"
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, and unease spread across their faces.
Shigeo's expression turned serious.
"Joining the Special Police Force is extremely dangerous. You may have to pay with your lives. I won't force anyone to join—those who wish to back out may do so now. You have five minutes."
Silence.
Five minutes passed, and no one left. The group exchanged glances but stood firm.
"Ran has a good eye for people," Shigeo thought, then smiled warmly at the group.
"Excellent. Your choice has earned my approval. As a reward, I will share my power with you. Aburame clan members, step forward!"
Nearly half the group stepped out, their faces filled with pride.
Since Shigeo's rise, the Aburame clan had flourished, earning faint whispers of being Konoha's "foremost noble clan."
If loyalty in the Police Force was certain from anyone, it was from the Aburame.
Looking at his clansmen, Shigeo's smile deepened.
"Clansmen, accept my power!"
He extended his hand, and hundreds of crimson parasitic insects poured from his sleeve, swarming toward the Aburame members.
The insects landed on them, quickly burrowing into their chakra pathways. Once inside, they began to transfer large amounts of chakra.
The surge of chakra coursed through their bodies, causing their clothing to ripple dramatically.
Expressions of shock spread across their faces.
"Incredible! Such powerful chakra!"
"I can't believe I possess such strength now!"
"These insects... they're providing me with chakra!"
Shigeo smiled at their astonishment.
"This is the secret of my strength. Each blood parasite grants chakra equal to a chunin's reserves. You now have chakra on par with jonin!"
The Aburame members stood in stunned silence before erupting in cheers.
"This is amazing—I now have the power of a jonin!"
"Thank you, Shigeo-sama! We'll work even harder!"
"Shigeo-sama, long live!"
Shigeo adjusted his sunglasses and gestured for silence.
Once the group quieted, he reminded them.
"Having jonin-level chakra doesn't make you a jonin. Skill and experience are just as important. Return to the formation."
"Yes, sir!"
The Aburame members rejoined the ranks, their faces brimming with joy.
Others watched with envy, but Shigeo soon addressed them as well.
"No need for envy. As the head of the Police Force, I treat all members as family. I will share my power with you, too!"
What?
The remaining members froze, unable to believe their ears.
Under their astonished gazes, Shigeo released another wave of blood parasites.
"Step forward, extend your arms, and accept the power I bestow upon you!"
---
*(End of Chapter)*