After leaving the Hyuga residence, Uchiha Gen returned to the Police Force headquarters. His first order was sharp and precise; the patrol units were to monitor every movement of the Hyuga Clan and report the instant Hyuga Hiashi stepped outside the compound.
About an hour later, word arrived; Hiashi had left, heading straight toward the Hokage Building.
The moment he heard it, Gen rose from his seat and beckoned several trusted subordinates. Instead of following Hiashi, he led them across the village to the hotel where the Kumogakure delegation was staying.
Fifteen minutes later, their footsteps echoed against the stone. Gen and his men strode toward the hotel entrance, their presence oppressive and heavy, like a storm pressing down on the air.
The ANBU squad assigned to guard the Kumogakure delegation received word of their approach. Their captain, wearing the standard white mask, stepped forward with two masked subordinates to intercept them.
"Head of the Police Force, Uchiha Gen," the captain began, bowing slightly, his tone controlled, neither deferential nor arrogant. "What is the meaning of this?"
The ANBU answered only to the Hokage. Even when facing a Chief-level figure, respect was given, but not obedience.
Gen slipped one hand into his pocket and spoke evenly.
"My men informed me that last night, a Kumogakure delegation leader broke into Hyuga Hiashi's home and attempted to abduct his eldest daughter. This crime directly violates Konoha's public order laws. Though Hiashi killed the intruder, the matter cannot simply be erased. There will be no imprisonment, but statements must be recorded, and fines must be paid."
"Ah?" The ANBU captain and his two men blurted out together, momentarily stunned.
Gen's eyes narrowed. "What's with the 'ah'? Move."
"Head of the Police Force," the captain said stiffly, "this cannot be allowed. Our mission is to protect the Kumogakure delegation and ensure nothing like last night repeats itself."
"I'm not arresting them for prison," Gen replied coldly. "It's paperwork. Statements. Fines. Nothing dangerous to them at all. This does not violate your duty. If you refuse, you are obstructing the Police Force in the execution of lawful orders. If you keep standing there, don't expect me to stay polite."
At his words, the Uchiha officers at his back stepped forward in unison, their presence pressing against the ANBU like a physical weight.
The captain's composure faltered, his voice cracking with the pressure. "Do you understand the consequences of attacking the Hokage's ANBU directly?"
Gen's aura exploded outward like a predator revealing its fangs, his voice thundering:
"No matter who violates Konoha's laws, punishment follows. Kumogakure is no exception. Those who harbor criminals share their guilt. Move aside!"
The sheer force of his killing intent slammed into the ANBU. The two subordinates instinctively staggered back, sweat soaking through their masks.
Gen swept a cold glance over them, then turned without hesitation. "With me."
The Uchiha marched into the hotel.
The captain exhaled shakily, heart pounding. "That pressure… stronger than when Hokage-sama himself is angry. Report to the Hokage. Now."
"Yes!" one of his men bolted off at once.
Inside the hotel, the Kumogakure delegation lounged at ease, sipping tea and eating snacks as they awaited Konoha's 'explanation.'
A knock came. One shinobi stood and slid open the door, only to stiffen in surprise.
Police Force. And not just anyone, the Chief himself. A knot of unease tightened in his chest.
"Can we help you?" he asked warily.
Gen's reputation had not yet spread throughout the shinobi world, but his face was known in Konoha. They had seen him at the recent celebration.
"Who's in charge here?" Gen asked, voice flat.
The shinobi called into the room. "Leader Raizo, someone's here for you."
Moments later, a tall, broad man with dark skin, thick hair, and a stern face emerged, his Kumogakure forehead protector gleaming. Raizo.
At the sight of Gen, Raizo's gut clenched, though outwardly he remained composed. "Head of the Konoha Police Force," he said in a low, steady voice, "to what do we owe this visit?"
Gen repeated, word for word, the same charges he had delivered to the ANBU.
Raizo's face darkened. "Aren't you going too far? The man is already dead, and still you demand statements and fines? Does Hokage-sama even know of this?"
The other Cloud shinobi bristled with hostility, glaring daggers at Gen and his men.
"Trying to pressure me with the Hokage?" Gen asked coldly. "No matter his title, not even the Hokage stands above the laws of Konoha. The Police Force enforces those laws without exception."
Raizo drew in a slow breath, then threatened: "Aren't you afraid this will start a war?"
"Are you threatening me with war?" Gen's gaze burned. "I've fought in the Third Shinobi World War. I've battled Kumogakure, Iwagakure, Sunagakure, and Kirigakure on countless fronts and I've never lost. Most fell before me. If Kumogakure refuses to admit its crimes, then let's keep fighting. Full-scale war? Fine by me. It's been a while since I stretched my muscles."
Inside, Raizo cursed. Reckless brat. This wasn't just war, it was politics, reputation, diplomacy. Why couldn't he see that?
Gen's voice cut through his thoughts like a blade.
"I've tolerated Kumogakure long enough. A delegation leader sneaking into a private home to abduct a child... how shameful. Truly deserving of death! A dog can't stop eating filth. For decades, Kumogakure has stolen, plundered, abducted. Twenty years ago you sacked the Whirlpool Country, hunting the Uzumaki's secrets. Ten years ago you tried to steal the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki, now the Hokage's wife. And just this year you crept into the Hyuga compound to steal the Byakugan. Add to that your raids on clans and villages across the land… Kumogakure is disgusting. Utterly disgusting. Bah!"
The Cloud shinobi surged to their feet, faces twisted with rage and humiliation. These were facts, yes, but to them, their ancestors' deeds were sources of glory, not shame. For Gen to spit them out so brazenly was unbearable.
"Bastard!" One lunged forward, Raizo leading the charge.
Gen caught Raizo's fist effortlessly, his three-tomoe Sharingan snapping open, its scarlet light sweeping across Raizo and then flashing toward the others storming in behind.
The result was instant. One after another, the Cloud shinobi froze, then crumpled under his genjutsu, collapsing like puppets with their strings cut.
"You dare raise your hands against the Chief of Konoha's Police Force?" Gen's voice cracked like thunder. "Refuse a toast, and you'll drink the forfeit. Arrest them all."
He stepped aside, gesturing sharply.
"Yes, Chief!"
His Uchiha officers surged forward like wolves, dragging the helpless Kumogakure shinobi to the ground, binding their wrists in iron cuffs.
When all were secured, Gen turned and strode out, his men escorting the cuffed delegation in a tight formation.
No hoods were placed over their heads. That was deliberate. Along the streets, shinobi and civilians alike turned to stare. Murmurs rose like wildfire, Uchiha Gen was parading Kumogakure's delegation through Konoha in chains.
Freed from the genjutsu, the Cloud shinobi staggered along, their humiliation burning hotter with every whisper from the crowd. Shame and hatred churned in their hearts, their faces pale with fury.
Meanwhile, at the hotel, Sarutobi Hiruzen arrived with a dark expression, Hyuga Hiashi at his side.
The ANBU captain rushed forward, relaying everything in clipped, anxious sentences.
By the time Hiruzen finished listening, his face was like stone. Rage boiled in his chest as he realized what had already transpired.
Without another word, he gave chase.