"That should guarantee success," said Inuzuka Ago. He knew the strength of three-tomoe Uchiha Jonin—they could easily take on two opponents each.
"What about the Anbu Captain?" Nagai Seiichi asked. "He's young, but his strength is top-tier."
Everyone looked at Fugaku. They all knew the new Anbu Captain was his son. Seiichi didn't name him out of respect for Fugaku.
"Itachi's really stubborn," Fugaku sighed.
At that moment, Shisui, who had been silent, spoke up: "Leave Itachi to me."
Seiryu gave Shisui a look, then nodded.
"One problem remains," Yoshimura lit a cigarette. "We can move many chunin and genin, but if the Third Hokage gives a direct order, we can't be sure whose side they'll take. The village might fall into chaos."
"Kakashi will return with a unit from the border," Seiryu said. "They'll keep order."
"That settles it," everyone nodded.
"Everyone, make preparations. We start at five p.m. tomorrow," Seiryu said. "Clan Leader Aburame, communication is up to your bugs."
"Understood," Aburame Shine nodded.
…
A day passed. On December 12th, the sun was bright.
The day passed quietly. At 4:30 p.m., just before closing time, some ninja and all Police Force members received orders to stay late for overtime.
By early evening, the Police Force meeting room was packed. Most thought it was a routine meeting.
Then, several squad leaders entered, handing out scrolls to each subordinate.
The first to receive a scroll put in some chakra—and was shocked. Inside was at least 800,000 ryo—ten months' salary—and a ninja technique suited to them.
Soon, everyone had a scroll. After checking, they all looked at each other, unsure what was happening.
Then, Captain Uchiha Tetsu walked to the podium and announced: "Tonight, the Police Force is on special duty. The village will be under lockdown, so everyone's working overtime. Your pay has already been given."
"Everyone gets some!" Tetsu shouted. All members stood.
"Salute Deputy Seiryu!"
Most didn't know what was happening, but the heavy scrolls made them all raise their right hands.
"Salute!"
Similar scenes played out elsewhere. Anbu and Jonin members distributed Seiryu's generous gifts to their subordinates.
At 5:30, Kakashi was brought to Seiryuu's office with the village map.
"Your unit—when will it arrive?" Seiryu asked.
"At most two hours," Kakashi replied, studying the layout.
"Then, I'll leave this area to you," Seiryu clapped Kakashi's shoulder.
"Leave it to me," Kakashi nodded.
Seiryu looked at the others: "Are the schedules all matched?"
Everyone checked their timers and nodded.
"Clan Leader Aburame, communications are yours," Seiryu said.
"Understood," Shibe nodded.
Seiryu looked over the room. "This is it. Let's go. Six o'clock sharp."
…
At 6 p.m., as villagers returned home, the Police Force mobilized, quickly locking down every street except near the Hokage building and Anbu/Jonin quarters.
"Don't gawk. The village is under lockdown tonight. Anyone out will be treated as a rioter."
The last lockdown's impact was still felt. Most villagers obediently stayed home, doors and windows shut. A few troublemakers were quickly subdued.
In less than five minutes, the Police Force controlled almost all areas.
Seiryu then went to Jiraiya's office near the Jonin quarters.
Because Seiryu had said he'd report about the masked man, Jiraiya had told the guards to let him in. So Seiryu entered with little resistance.
Seeing Seiryu, Jiraiya smiled: "You're here. Any info about the masked man?"
"Sorry, Lord Jiraiya. For now, there's no record in the clan about that Mangekyō," Seiryu replied.
"I see," Jiraiya sighed. "So who could he be?"
"We'll keep investigating. But first, could you explain this?" Seiryu placed a file on Jiraiya's desk.
Jiraiya, unaware, picked it up. When he saw the notes about Nagato and the Rinnegan, his face changed.
"Lord Jiraiya, finding a Rinnegan among Uzumaki blood and leaving him there to teach—what were you thinking?" Seiryu asked coldly.
"I can explain," Jiraiya tried to defend himself, but Seiryu pressed his hand on the desk.
"Please explain at the Police Force."
At these words, Jiraiya's face changed.
"Seiryu, do you know what you're doing?" Jiraiya frowned.
"Arresting a suspect is the Police Force's duty, granted by the Second Hokage, right?" Seiryu met Jiraiya's gaze fearlessly.
At that moment, one of Seiryu's clones in Ryūchi Cave exploded, returning the gathered sage chakra to him. Purple eye-shadow appeared at Seiryu's eyes.
"Or will you resist arrest, Lord Jiraiya?"
Seeing this, Jiraiya's face changed. "Sage Mode? Where did you learn that?"
"Does it matter?" Seiryu smiled lightly.
Poof—Jiraiya transformed into smoke, reappearing at a distance in a battle stance.
"Jiraiya, do you really want to fight me here?" Seiryu closed his eyes. When he opened them, three lightning-shaped tomoe spun in his red eyes, blue lightning crackling around him.
…
Meanwhile, Seiryu's shadow clone, Fugaku, and six captains went to the Hokage's office.
Without waiting for permission, they entered.
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked up, frowning.
"Seiryu, what brings you here now?" Hiruzen asked, suppressing impatience.
Seiryu's clone placed the formal arrest document on Hiruzen's desk. "During the investigation of rogue ninja Orochimaru, the Police Force discovered evidence that Advisor Jiraiya might be abetting the enemy."
Hiruzen looked up. "Jiraiya is an advisor; the Police Force has no right to arrest him."
"That's why I'm here to ask for your approval," Seiryu's clone replied calmly.
Hiruzen took a deep breath, pulled out his crystal ball, and channeled chakra into it.
Seiryu's clone did not stop him. Soon, the crystal ball showed Seiryu confronting Jiraiya.
"Shadow clone?" Hiruzen looked at Seiryu.
At that moment, all those Seiryu brought, except Fugaku, marched behind Hiruzen, standing at attention.
"Police Force! Attention!" Seiryu suddenly shouted.