Chapter 15: Undercurrent
Danzo quickly arrived at the Root base and gathered all his men.
After selecting the right people, he said to Nakamura Kazuya, the leader:
"Kazuya, your mission is to gain control as quickly as possible after entering the Security Team. Remember, avoid any conflict in the beginning."
"Especially with Uchiha Fugaku — don't give him any reason to fire you. Got it?"
"Yes, sir!"
Hyuga Clan Compound
Hiashi was busy adjusting the team's deployment.
"Tokuma, you must withdraw everyone from First to Fourth Streets and have them join the outer patrol. Each team must be accompanied by two of our clansmen to conduct cross-eyed observation."
Hyuga Tokuma, known for being calm, steady, and mature, was someone Hizashi entrusted with many responsibilities.
"Tomorrow, Elder Danzo will send a group of people over. Once they arrive at Fourth Street, you'll hand that area over to them. For Fifth to Seventh Streets, keep our current personnel."
"Hizashi-sama, why are you letting Elder Danzo's men in? Aren't those the Root operatives?"
Hiashi smiled and patted Tokuma's shoulder.
"You'll understand soon enough."
The Next Day – Security Department Morning Assembly
Nakamura Kazuya had already led his well-trained Root team to the gathering early.
He was still thinking about how to deal with Hinata Hizashi.
However, he was surprised to see Uchiha Fugaku — who hadn't appeared for a long time — present at the scene. Even more shocking, Hizashi was standing directly behind Fugaku, making it clear that Fugaku was still in charge.
Nakamura Kazuya's expression darkened.
Things were developing beyond his expectations.
Soon, all personnel had assembled.
Fugaku addressed the remaining Uchiha clan members first:
"All Uchiha clan members will maintain the same patrol range and deployment as yesterday."
Fugaku then nodded to Hizashi, who stepped forward and announced:
"For all Hyuga clan members, I've already given new instructions to Tokuma. Please report to him for your assignments."
The Uchiha and Hyuga clan members dispersed, leaving only the Root operatives under Nakamura Kazuya.
Fugaku, now stern-faced, turned to Nakamura:
"Nakamura Kazuya, your patrol area is from First to Fourth Streets of Konoha Village. Your main task is to maintain public security."
Nakamura Kazuya asked, "Captain, Elder Danzo seconded us here to support patrol missions. Why are we being assigned to public security?"
Fugaku responded coldly, "All patrol positions have already been allocated. Your job is to maintain public order from First to Fourth Streets."
"But—"
Fugaku raised his hand and cut him off:
"No buts. This is the Security Team, and I'm the captain. If you don't follow orders, I'll send you back immediately."
Nakamura Kazuya clenched his teeth.
"...We will follow instructions!"
He thought to himself, I'll establish a foothold first... then figure out a way.
Fugaku nodded and turned to Hizashi.
"You handle the rest."
Then, he walked away.
Hokage Office
"What is Fugaku doing...?"
The Third Hokage leaned back after receiving the Anbu report and thought silently.
Fugaku had always distanced himself from the Root.
There was even the Shisui incident...
Why would he allow Root members into the Security Department?
Fortunately, the number of them was still small. The Third Hokage decided to wait and observe Fugaku's next move.
Since stepping back from political power and aligning himself with the Hyuga clan, Fugaku's influence had weakened significantly.
And now he had voluntarily handed over part of the Guard's responsibilities and allowed Root members in?
The Hokage couldn't make sense of Uchiha Fugaku's recent actions.
Police Complaints Office
On Konoha's Third Street, the owner of Qingshui Izakaya showed up again — he had been coming every other day recently.
At first, there was no one to hear his complaints.
Later, he felt the Hyuga clan wasn't as competent as the Uchiha.
Now, he came nearly daily.
Officer Yang Ping didn't say much. Each time the owner came, he had a reason to dismiss him.
"You don't have to worry. Thanks to your earlier complaint, we've already reassigned the Hyuga members."
"We now have stronger forces directly under the Elders."
"Our priority is the safety of Konoha's citizens."
"Really?"
The izakaya owner looked doubtful.
As a bar owner, he saw troublemakers daily.
Back when the Uchiha handled things, they arrested everyone, even their own men if necessary.
When the Hyuga took over, they were polite but too timid and inefficient.
And now? Another change?
Elder Yang Ping smiled reassuringly.
"Don't worry. The new personnel start duty today. They won't waste any time."
The izakaya owner left, still doubtful.
After he was gone, Yang Ping chuckled.
The Root don't hold back. They're more aggressive than the Uchiha.
Qingshui Izakaya – Third Street
The boss finally felt at ease.
Outside, new patrol members were already walking back and forth.
They had grim expressions and looked serious — unfamiliar faces, clearly not from the usual clans.
"Burp… Boss! Why does your wine taste weird today? Did you dilute it?"
A drunk customer began shouting.
Two new guards entered, hesitated upon hearing the commotion, then stepped back out.
The izakaya owner's face darkened. There were always drunks like this who made scenes.
Sure, the wine was watered down — but it had always been that way. Why make a fuss now?
He signalled to his assistants. Two strong shop staff came over and dragged the drunk outside.
"Sir, please don't disturb our business."
"You bastards! Selling watered wine and throwing customers out?!"
The drunk flared up and began swinging fists.
Outmatched, he was quickly shoved out.
The owner, used to such scenes, didn't expect what happened next.
Outside, he heard screams.
He rushed out — four Security Team members had surrounded the area.
His staff and the drunkard were pinned on the ground.
The Root enforcers wore icy expressions and showed no hesitation.
One of them stepped forward:
"Your employees were involved in a public street conflict. As per regulations, they are sentenced to three days in detention. The Security Team will return in three days to pick them up."
The izakaya owner felt the world spin.
Two staff detained just like that? How could he run his business now?
Yes, the regulations allowed three-day detention for street fighting — but usually, things were flexible.
Wasn't discretion up to the Security Team?
Despite all his pleading, the Root guards ignored him and dragged the staff away.
The pub owner was on the verge of tears.
This was even worse than before — worse than when the Hyuga were in charge.
Similar incidents unfolded across Konoha's First to Fourth Streets.
So, many people were arrested that the detention facility became overcrowded.
But Nakamura Kazuya didn't see any problem.
He was just enforcing the rules — anyone who broke them was arrested.
And now that all the troublemakers were gone?
Public order had instantly improved, hadn't it?
….
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Translated By – Ancient Lores
TL Note:If you're enjoying the story, don't forget to show your support by leaving a review and letting us know what you think!
And if you'd like to see more chapters released faster, send us some Power Stones for extra chapters—your support really helps us keep the translations coming!
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more!— Ancient Lores Translation Team