As Masashi walked bato the police department, he headed straight to the office to check out.

  "Missio, Masashi-san?" The clerk's voice was friendly but professional.

  "Standard patrol. No real is." Masashi handed over his paperwork, watg as the member in charge istration marked his mission plete. Finally done. Now I get bay training schedule. That new Yang Release variation needs work.

  He turo leave, pnning his evening training routine, when a familiar voice called out behind him. "Masashi-nii!"

  He turned with a smile. "Tetsuka, long time no see."

  Tetsuka was more than just a familiar face—he was a trusted rade who had fought alongside him otlefield.

  "Long time no see? You're always holed up at home, aren't you?" Tetsuka's face sched up with irritation. "Why didn't you attend the meeting a few days ago?"

  Masashi shrugged nontly. "o. I'll just follow orders anyway."

  meetings were simir to workpce meetings from his previous life. Pre-meeting unication, deaking during the meeting. The Uchiha were a bit more straightforward, but the overall process was the same.

  "That's exactly your problem," Tetsuka crossed his arms. "You're talented, everyone knows that. But talent isn't everything. The eeds more than just strong shinobi—we need voices, ideas."

  "The has plenty of those already."

  "But not yours. And that matters." Tetsuka leaned against the wall. "You know what Fugaku-sama said the other day? He asked about your progress with the police force."

  Masashi raised an eyebrow. "Did he now?"

  "Don't act so surprised. Your mission pletion rate is impressive." Tetsuka grinned. "Though some say you're too effit. Almost inhuman."

  "Efficy saves lives." Masashi kept his voieutral. "In our line of work, that matters more than politics."

  "Politics?" Tetsuka rubbed his temple, clearly frustrated with his cousin. " meetings aren't just about following orders. They're about discussing important decisions that affect us all."

  "I see." Masashi's response remained lukewarm.

  How someone just a few years older than me be so un-Uchiha? Tetsuka let out a frustrated sigh. "'t you be a bit more... passionate?"

  "Even the old ninjas in the aren't like this. In fact, the older they get, the more eic they bee. At every meeting, they're the most spirited ones."

  Masashi shrugged again. "Unity is what matters most." Though unity without wisdom is just aupidity.

  "But what if we're w towards something wrong?"

  "In this world, there is nht ." Masashi fixed him with a strange look. "The strong are always right."

  Tetsuka clearly didn't grasp the weight of those words, the truth Masashi had learhrough pain.

  His eyes widened. "I get it now. But there's still a gathering tonight, and you 't miss it."

  Masashi shook his head. "The family's situation is dire. I o train more to tribute to the . I don't have time for frivolous gatherings."

  Tetsuka rolled his eyes, annoyed. "Fine, I'll call more people to join us!"

  "Where's the gathering tonight?" he finally asked, resigo his fate. "I'll make sure to pay my share. I don't want to freeload."

  Tetsuka griold him the location, a.

  As Masashi turo leave, he caught a member staring at him with an odd expression. This put him on high alert. Another one of Fugaku's watchers? Or something else?

  "Is there a problem?" he asked, his voice calm but his eyes sharp.

  "The pce your friend booked is nice, and they just got some ea," the middle-aged member said enviously. "The only downside is that it's pricey."

  "Sorry? What are you talking about? If there's nothing else, I'll leave. I o train," Masashi said expressionlessly, and immediately used body flicker to leave.

  The member stared at the empty space, fused. "Are young people these days really that dedicated?"

  He couldn't help but be impressed. The Uchiha had produced exceptional young warriors during this war, and Masashi stood among them.

  The middle-aged member hadn't expected such diligence from someone so young.

  "No wohey call him a training fanati the ," he muttered, shaking his head. "Success never es by ce. The future of the Uchiha depends on young people like him."

  ---

  Masashi had already returned home. He should have goo the teen for food, but that was off-limits for now.

  "Tetsuka, that guy, how could he talk about secret things so carelessly?" he grumbled while entering his house. "Clearly inexperienced."

  I, he quickly prepared and ate his fried rice while pnning his training schedule. At least it turned out det this time. Then he headed to the 's training ground to begin his practice.

  The Uchiha training ground was massive and well-equipped. It wasn't just a simple ft area with targets; it resembled a sports plex with both outdoor and indoor facilities, including specialized areas for Sharingan training.

  The Sharingan training area could use some updates. Maybe I should suggest some improvements based on what I know from my past life...

  Following his routine, he first practiced shurikenjutsu and taijutsu, then trained his Sharingan, and finally worked on his ninjutsu.

  Besides the natural fire affinity all Uchiha had, his sed transmigration had let him keep his water and wind affinities from the first.

  He had been tirelessly training these three elements, not sidering new chakra transformatio. For o was already enough. Sedly, he didn't have the extra time.

  In this world, speed was crucial. Everything had to be done quickly, or you'd be left behind. Efficy was key, and iing time without suffit returns wasn't worth it.

  Masashi's Yang Release training was well-known among the Uchiha, but most people didn't pay much attention to it, and no one cared about the specific teique he ractig.

  The Uchiha , with their long history, khat their aors, along with the Senju, were desdants of the Sage of Six Paths, and they uood the powerful bes of Yang Release.

  However, knowing about it was ohing, but actually practig it was aory.

  Uhe five basic elemental chakras, mastering Yang Release was a slow and demanding process that required natural talent. The Uchiha 's Sharingan gave them an edge in learnieiques quickly, allowing them to master many skills.

  However, perfeg the Sharingan itself was such a time-ing endeavor that they had little time for anything else. Asking them to put ira effort to develop Yang Release was a tall order.

  The Uchiha had learned from their long history, particurly during the Warring States period, that Yang Release's slower training pace made it more of a liability than an asset. Among the entire Uchiha , Masashi was the only one willing to sacrifice time spent training the Sharingan to practice Yang Release.

  After finishing his ninjutsu practice, he headed home to up. A quick but thh shower ter, he ged into fortable clothes a out for the meeting.

  His legs were sore from the interaining, but that didn't stop him from taking a shortcut to the meeting spot.

  The group was gathering at the best bar in Konoha, vely located he iic Hokage Rock. He jumped down from the roof and tinued on foot.

  From a distance, he spotted Tetsuka waiting at the entrance, chatting with Inoka and Yatsushiro. The three of them often hung out together, goofing around and causing trouble.

  Theiced someone ued—Yaku, Fugaku's trusted right-hand man. He was a smooth operator with siderable influence, and both the dove and hawk fas believed they could sway him to their side.

  Masashi quied his pace, walking towards Yaku, who greeted him with a smile. He could be casual with Tetsuka and the others, but not with Yaku due to the differen seniority.

  So, tonight's gathering is going to be serious? he thought, a slight frown creasing his brow. Guess I'll just sit for a bit and then head home. After all, I'm supposed to be obsessed with training.

  "Yaku-sama." He offered a slight bow.

  "Don't be so formal," Yaku showed a smile he never had in the office. "We're rexing tonight."

  Masashi's eyes widened slightly as realization hit. Great, just my luck—they're all in on it!

  He forced a smile and nodded. "Sorry about that."

  Tetsuka cpped him on the back, grinning. "e o's head inside. We've got a lot to discuss."

  As they ehe bar, Masashi couldn't shake the feeling that this night was going to be a lot more exhausting thahought.

  The moment Masashi and his fellow Uchiha stepped into the bar, the atmosphere shifted like a genjutsu dispelling. versations hushed mid-sentence, sake cups froze halfway to lips, and heads turned with the synicity of a well-oiled mae.

  At first g seemed like an older uncle was treating his juniors to a night out. But that impression quickly faded when people saw the fan emblem on the backs of their clothes.

  Even those who had had a bit too much to drink knew better than to make a joke. These weren't just any shinobi—they were Konoha's Police Force.

  Masashi's eyes swept the room, catalogiails out of habit. A couple in the er, the man suddenly sitting up straighter as he noticed the Uchiha emblem.

  A group of off-duty in, their ughter dying down as they gave respectful nods. A lone figure at the bar, hunched over a drink, who gnced up and instantly sobered at the sight of the Police Force.

  The Uchiha's preseirred a mix of reas, mostly positive. Some patrons straighteheir postures, a sign of respect for the promi . Others smiled nervously, perhaps remembering past enters with the w.

  One particurly drunk er started to stand, as if to approach, but his friend yanked him back down with a hissed warning.

  Same old routine, he suppressed a sigh. At least the sake better be good this time. Last visit was like drinking watered-down paint thinner.

  But after the ails i, these same looks of respect would turn to suspi and fear. Many families lost loved ones, and rumors started spreading that the Uchiha were behind it. This caused the Uchiha's reputation to plummet, being so bad that they were practically despised.

  But for now, the Uchiha were synonymous with the Police Ford being shinobi. Not much else came to mind. While the Uchiha didn't have a spotless reputation, those who spoke poorly of them were generally the ones who had been on the wrong side of the w.

  After all, any reasonable person would know that as long as you stayed out of trouble, you had nothing to fear, and most of Konoha's residents were det folk.

  Masashi could feel the weight of those respectful gnces, even here in this bar. And some were just ht strange... Like the owner of this bar. His eyes lit up like a slot mae hitting jackpot. It wasn't because his pce was small or g in ers—quite the opposite.

  This bar was rge enough to be called a restaurant, with high operating costs. The fees just to have so many hostesses were no small matter, so a major portion of revenue came from wealthy patrons' tips

  He khat ninjas made a lot of money, and they spent it just as vishly. Especially those from established ninja s, with their family's reputation on the lieo have eveer earning power. Even if they overspent by act, their would always cover the difference.

  He loved when ninja s came to spend mohey weren't just generous with their spending; as the ones in charge of the Police Force, it meant that if he treated them well, his establishment would stay on their good side. This would keep his 'service fees' to the Police Force at a minimal level, no matter how much money he earned. It was a win-win situation.

  In his eyes, ninja s like the Uchiha not only had money but were also det people! If only all Konoha institutions were run by the ninja s!

  He couldn't help but pare them to the people in the administrative department who, despite also being ninjas, would always find a way to demand bribes and freebies. He sincerely hoped they'd never be able to hide their secret stashes of money!

  Of course, when rich ers like the Uchiha arrived, the owner made sure to personally wele them. He practically tripped over himself rushing to greet them, his face a mask of eager servility.

  Masashi noticed the slight tremor in his hands, the sheen of sweat on his forehead. Iing. What are you hiding, I wonder?

  "Yaku-sama!" The owner's voice dripped with hohiough to trap flies. "It's been so long since your st visit. The girls have been pining to me about it!"

  Masashi fought the urge to roll his eyes. Yeah, right. Last time it was all about us 'young, handsome men'.

  But he kept his faeutral, years of practice making it effortless. He caught Tetsuka's eye, saw the slight quirk of his eyebrow. At least he wasn't the only one who remembered.

  The owner, whose name he recalled was Tanaka, ractically glowing with enthusiasm. Masashi khe type well.

  To Tanaka, shinobi from s like the Uchiha weren't just wealthy patrons—they were a lifeline for his business and a shield against the more unsavory elements of Konoha's bureaucracy.

  How naive. If he only khe half of it. The politics, the rivalries... But let him have his illusions. They serve us well enough.

  As they followed Yaku upstairs, Masashi's mind wandered. Wonder if they've ged the menu. Could go for some grilled eel right now. Or maybe some of that spicy pork belly from the pear headquarters...

  "Oi, Masashi-nii," Tetsuka mumbled, falling into step beside him. "You've got that look again. Thinking about food?"

  Masashi's lips twitched. "What else is there to think about?"

  Tetsuka chuckled. "Fair point. But try to look a little more... I don't know, intimidating? You're ruining our image."

  "Our image is just fine," Masashi retorted. "Besides, a hungry shinobi is a dangerous shinobi."

  The group chose a rge private room and sat down. Tanaka quickly left, only to return shortly with a line of girls, all smiling brightly. They stood in a row and bowed in unison, greeting them sweetly, "Good evening~!"

  "Don't just stand there, girls. Introduce yourselves!" Tanaka fshed a fawning smile at the Uchiha and cpped his hands to prompt the girls. They responded perfectly, each showing just the right amount of shyness or liveliness as they introduced themselves, listing their ages, hometowns, and so on.

  Masashi's gaze paused on a petite bruh rge, doe-like eyes.

  "I'm Chisato," she said, her voice soft but clear. "Eighteen years old, from a small vilge. It's a pleasure to meet you all." She bowed, a slight tremor in her hands betraying her nervousness.

  Eighteen, hmm?

  He g Yaku and noticed his gaze was very focused, though somewhat g in experie seemed he had misjudged Yaku—he wasn't a man who frequehese kinds of pces after all.

  Sensing Masashi's gaze, Yaku turo him. "Oh? It seems like you're quite ied. Why don't you pick for everyone?"

  It ainful to wateone who clearly had no experiery to act like a seasoned pro in front of their juniors. But Masashi uood. He had beeoo.

  He ined his head slightly. "If you insist, Yaku-sama."

  When you go out to have fun, the most important thing is to ensure everyone enjoys themselves—especially this old man. He used his Sharingan.

  Ign the girls' stiffening expressions, Masashi carefully examined eae. No one could hide their true age ure uhose eyes!

  Once he finished, he deactivated his Sharingan and poio firls from left tht. He turo Tanaka, his expressioral. "Tanaka-san, these dies are lovely, but I'm curious... do you perhaps have roups we could meet? Just to ensure we have a... prehensive sele."

  Tanaka blihen his eyes lit up. "Ah, of course! How could I fet? We do have twroups waiting. Would you like to see them as well?"

  Masashi nodded, his voice casual. "If it's not too much trouble. We wouldn't want to miss out on anyone exceptional, would we?"

  "No, no, of course not!" Tanaka agreed eagerly. "I'll bring them right in. You're absolutely right, Masashi-sama. It's always best to sider all options."

  The owner had many good qualities, but he could be annoyingly verbose. Last time, his interference almost made Masashi miss out on a good sele.

  Everyone has different tastes, after all.

  He quickly ushered the remaining girls out and hurriedly shut the door, rushing t in the group.

  The firls left behind mao put their smiles ba, though they were still a bit stiff.

  When Tanaka returned with the roups, Masashi activated his Sharingan again. He sed the newers, notiails invisible to the normal eye.

  After a moment, he deactivated his Sharingan aured to firls, including Chisato. "These four, I think. They seem... well-suited troup."

  Yaku nodded approvingly. "Excellent choices, Masashi. As expected of you."

  Tanaka beamed, feeling he had provided superior service. "Wonderful seles, Masashi-sama! I'm so gd I remembered the roups. Please, enjoy your evening!"

  As the owner ushered out the ued girls, Masashi leaned closer to Yaku.

  "Yaku-sama, is there one you fancy…?" he asked with a smile, but he noticed Yaku's expression was rather awkward.

  That puzzled him.

  "Masashi…" Yaku seemed to be carefully choosing his words. "Don't you think using the Sharingan for something like this is a bit… much?"

  What's so 'much' about it? How else are you supposed to tell if someone's padding their figure or not? Besides, this trick was actually…

  Wait a minute…?

  Masashi looked over at the others, notig that Tetsuka and the others had their regur dark eyes, not their Sharingan. Suddenly, he had a realization.

  You three usually keep your Sharingan active the whole time, but today you're ag i?

  He turned back with a forced smile. "It's just more effit this way…"

  "That's true…" Yaku nodded with a sigh. "Ah, I fot—you've just e back from the battlefield. It must feel natural to use the Sharingan for everything."

  He then beed to the sed girl on the left. "e here, Chisato-~, don't be shy. Sit over here."

  As the girl moved to Yaku's side, Masashi suppressed a smirk. So predictable, Yaku. Always the you. At least my judgment of your tastes hasn't failed me.