With overwhelming chakra pressure and the glow of his Sharingan, Byakuya suppressed everyone present. The oppressive aura he released made it hard to breathe—no one dared move.
Only Uchiha Mikoto dared whisper his name.
"...Byakuya…"
Her voice cut through the silence. Byakuya turned slightly, his killing intent fading.
"Tch... Clan Head, you're lucky," Byakuya sneered. "You have a good daughter."
He looked back at Mikoto.
"Let's go."
"Father... from now on, I will follow Byakuya," Mikoto said quietly. Her voice held a strange calm, masking the storm within. She bowed slightly to her father, Uchiha Gen, then turned to follow Byakuya.
As they passed the far end of the detention facility, Byakuya caught sight of Uchiha Fugaku—chained, bruised, and silent.
"Well, if it isn't Uchiha Fugaku," Byakuya smirked. "Still putting on that 'future clan head' look from behind bars?"
Fugaku slowly raised his head. His eyes widened when he saw Mikoto behind Byakuya—and the faint mark on her neck.
Fugaku clenched his fists, eyes burning with rage. He knew Mikoto wasn't just the clan leader's daughter; the clan had once intended her to be his bride to unite the two most promising bloodlines.
Now she was behind Byakuya—her expression unreadable, her dignity marred.
"Byakuya... you bastard...!" Fugaku roared.
[Ding! Uchiha Fugaku's anger detected. Negative energy +100. Illusion proficiency +10.]
[Negative energy +200. Taijutsu proficiency +10.]
[Negative energy +300. Ninjutsu proficiency +11.]
"Hahaha..." Byakuya laughed as the invisible energy gathered in his body. His power was growing again.
He had imprisoned Fugaku, suppressed the current clan head, and effectively taken control of the Uchiha. No longer just a guard captain—Byakuya now had the clan in the palm of his hand.
Back at the Uchiha estate, Byakuya sat leisurely while Mikoto—stoic but composed—poured tea for him and his lieutenant, Uchiha En.
"Thank you, Lady Mikoto," Uchiha En said, respectfully accepting the tea before whispering to Byakuya. "Lord Byakuya… now that you've gained control, when will you declare yourself the next clan head?"
Byakuya gave a dismissive wave.
"Not yet. There are still too many voices of opposition."
Uchiha En scowled.
"Then we silence them. Only someone like you can lead the Uchiha to true power."
Byakuya chuckled.
"Patience, En. There's something more important for now."
"What is it, Lord Byakuya?"
Byakuya leaned forward, eyes gleaming.
"The Uchiha are responsible for the Konoha Police Force. That means we oversee order... and it's time to expand that influence."
"You want to start collecting... protection fees?" En asked, lowering his voice.
Byakuya nodded.
"We now control all patrols. Every sector of the village. All shops, stalls, and businesses—Uchiha protection will come at a price."
En hesitated. "But Lord Byakuya, many shops are backed by other clans—Hyuga, Nara, even the Sarutobi... they won't pay quietly."
"Then they won't be allowed to operate. Let's see how long they last without 'cooperation.'"
"Don't forget, we are part of the Konoha Military Police Force, entrusted by the Second Hokage himself to safeguard the village's internal security," Byakuya said, his tone calm but firm.
"This... might cause friction with the other clans..."
Uchiha En voiced his concern, clearly hesitant.
Byakuya turned his gaze on him. "En, tell me—what's the current relationship between the Uchiha and the other major clans?"
"Uh... strained. Very strained," En admitted after a pause. "Most of them avoid dealing with us."
"Exactly. So what are you afraid of?" Byakuya responded coldly.
In truth, Byakuya couldn't comprehend why the Uchiha, with such a powerful institution as the Military Police Force under their control, had allowed themselves to become so despised. They were the ones tasked with enforcing the law in Konoha. They should command fear and respect—not contempt.
He scoffed to himself. In the original timeline, the Police Force had become a symbol of isolation and oppression, hated by civilians and ignored by the Hokage's administration. But Byakuya had no intention of letting that happen again.
This time, the authority granted to the Uchiha would be used with precision—and force if necessary.
"I understand, Lord Byakuya!"
"I'll begin immediately!" En said resolutely.
Following orders, Uchiha En led a squad to various districts under the pretext of law enforcement. Their mission was simple: apply pressure and collect 'security fees' from the more prosperous businesses in the village.
Their first stop was a weapons shop owned by a branch of the Shimura clan. The moment Uchiha En and his men stepped through the door, their clan symbols clearly visible, the shop owner's face darkened.
The tension was palpable. The Uchiha were widely regarded with suspicion, especially after their marginalization by the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen. None of the other clans wanted to be seen cooperating with them, fearing political retaliation from the Hokage's office and his loyal factions like the Shimura and Danzō's Root.
Still, business was business. And despite his clear distaste, the shop owner forced a polite smile as he stepped forward.
"...Welcome, officers. How can I help you today?"