Naruto: I am Uchiha Seiryu

"The younger? He's only four—he's barely noticed in the capital," Kakashi laughed.

"Is that so?" Seiryu smiled. "That's perfect."

"Kakashi, in a few days the Daimyo's reply should arrive. For now, post the police recruitment notice. We'll start reorganizing after I officially take office."

"Understood," Kakashi nodded.

...

The police force's recruitment notice quickly spread through the village.

Many Genin and even some Chunin were eager to apply.

The benefits of the police force were well-known, and those who had hesitated before now regretted missing out.

With the announcement, even D-rank missions were affected, and the police headquarters was swamped with applicants.

For the non-ninja civilians, however, this was a disaster. If they feared the police now, what about after the expansion?

…

Meanwhile, news arrived that the Daimyo had approved Seiryu's appointment as Fifth Hokage. The paperwork would take a few days, but work had already begun on the fifth Hokage's face on the Hokage Rock.

The ninjas knew: a new era was coming.

As the transition began, Hiruzen Sarutobi cleared out his office and handed the Book of Seals—viewable only by Hokage—to Seiryu.

Seiryu had no time to study it yet, but Uchiha Zaito and others had already moved into the Hokage office to prepare it for him.

"Hideaki! Be careful, make sure that calligraphy is straight! It's the Fifth's favorite," Zaito ordered as Hideaki and Haruki hung the "Clean Government and Harmony" plaque on the wall, facing the portraits of the previous Hokage.

Next, two men brought in Seiryu's sword stand.

Sarutobi, seeing this, asked, "Seiryu, are you really putting weapons here? Isn't that inappropriate?"

"Not at all," Seiryu smiled. "The Hokage represents the village's might. Keeping my blade here shows I'm ready to fight at any time, reassuring the ninjas that I'll always have their backs."

"Well... yes..." Sarutobi awkwardly changed the subject. "Your Hokage robe is being made; the ceremony will be the day after tomorrow."

"Yes, I can't wait," Seiryu said, looking out at his soon-to-be-carved face on the Hokage Rock.

...

Meanwhile, Kakashi, now officially Police Leader, busied himself with work, holding induction training for new members before gathering squad leaders for a meeting.

"Everyone, Uchiha Seiryu will officially become Fifth Hokage in two days," Kakashi announced. "But lately, I've heard some discordant voices in the village."

"Outrageous! How dare they disrespect the Fifth!" The newly promoted squad leader, Watanabe Masashi, stood up.

"Right! Right!" The room agreed. It was thanks to Seiryu that they had their lives now—how could anyone disrespect him?

"Calm down!" Kakashi waved his hand.

"With the Fifth's inauguration imminent, our top priority is ensuring the ceremony goes smoothly," he said. "I don't want to hear a single discordant voice at the event. Understood?"

"Understood!" they replied.

...

With the Daimyo's letter arriving and the Hokage robe completed, the day of the ceremony came.

At 9 a.m., the winter sun dispelled the night's chill. The Hokage building was festively decorated.

Uchiha Seiryu and Hiruzen Sarutobi appeared on the balcony. The awaiting ninjas below cheered loudly at the sight of Seiryu in the Hokage robe.

Sarutobi solemnly handed over the Hokage hat. As Seiryu put it on, the cheers intensified.

Seiryu swept his gaze over the crowd. All his supporters applauded enthusiastically. Though fewer people attended than for the Fourth, the energy matched any previous ceremony.

Among them, Kakashi clapped hard and smiled at Seiryu.

When the cheers subsided, Seiryu spoke:

"Thank you all for witnessing this moment," his voice, amplified by chakra, reached everyone. "Since the First and Madara made their vow by the Naka River, our village has thrived for fifty-six years, thanks to the toil of four generations of Hokage. Now, I am honored to take up this burden, and I owe everything to your support."

"I hereby swear, as Fifth Hokage, on the Will of Fire: I will fulfill my duties, protect every comrade, and lead the village to a brighter future! Let's make Konoha great again!"

"Fifth Hokage! Uchiha Seiryu!"

Bang!

Bang! Bang!

As Seiryu finished, fireworks designed by Uchiha elders exploded above the Hokage building.

The elders, some in their seventies and eighties, were the happiest. Ever since Uchiha Madara and Hashirama founded the village, they had dreamed of an Uchiha Hokage. Decades passed, and many died with regret. Seiryu, by taking over the clan and rising in half a year, achieved what generations could not.

So, despite plans to let the young handle the fireworks, the elders insisted on doing it themselves, craving a sense of participation.

While the celebration continued at the Hokage building, not all was harmonious elsewhere.

…

Early that morning, a small-time merchant—who had been beaten and fined for attacking the police before—planned to stir up trouble at the ceremony. But as soon as he stepped outside, he saw a smiling police officer with a baton waiting.

That smile made him shudder.

As a habitual offender, he recognized the look. The police always smiled while enforcing the law, but their actions were merciless. Last time, those same officers had smiled as they beat him.

"Can I help you, officer?" He immediately surrendered, lowering his head.

"Nothing, just patrolling. You seem busy. Need help?" the officer replied calmly.

"No, no, not at all. I'm just getting some air," the merchant said, quickly hiding the banner in his pocket that called for Seiryu's removal, not daring to let it show.