[Note: Read up to Chapter - 60 on P atreon at: p-atreon.com/Knockturn_Alley]
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At the elders' residence, Uchiha Compound
Fugaku stood with a dark expression. The pressure he was exuding was so oppressive that it could make a child cry.
"Who did this? Who dared to murder two elders of the Uchiha clan?" Kanzou's voice rang out with righteous fury. "Such audacity, this captain of the Military Police Force will not rest until the culprit is punished!"
His tone carried just the right amount of outrage and sorrow.
Shin, who knew the truth, couldn't help but admire Kanzou's performance.
'As expected of Kanzou-sama. His acting skills are god-tier.'
"Captain Kanzou," someone asked with suspicion, "you truly have no idea who did this?"
Shinkurou looked coldly at Kanzou.
Although there was no evidence, he strongly suspected Kanzou was behind it.
"If I knew who did it, I would've caught the culprit already," Kanzou replied calmly.
"The two elders dedicated their lives to the clan. Their assassination is an outrage. The one responsible must not be allowed to get away with it."
"Yes," Fugaku added, his eyes fixed on Kanzou with murderous intensity. If looks could kill, Kanzou would've been cut to pieces.
"As the captain of the Konoha Military Police Force, their deaths are a failure on my part," Kanzou said solemnly, ignoring Fugaku's glare and putting on a guilt-ridden expression.
"Captain, don't blame yourself," Shin quickly stepped in, playing along. "The assassins were clearly meticulous and cunning. This isn't your fault."
The two of them worked together so seamlessly, it was like watching a perfectly rehearsed act.
"Everyone, regarding the deaths of the two elders, I suspect the killer is one of our own, someone from within the Uchiha clan," Fugaku said as he stepped forward.
He was certain, absolutely certain, that Kanzou was the one responsible.
Apart from Kanzou, no one would have any reason to murder them.
Well, maybe not an immediate reason…
"Fugaku-sama, please don't speak so recklessly!"
"I don't believe it. The elders must have been killed by outsiders, not one of us!"
"Yes, how could a Uchiha kill the respectable elders?!"
"To blame one of our own… It seems Fugaku-sama has lost his mind…"
"Do you have any evidence to support this, Fugaku-sama?"
"…"
Fugaku's statement stirred unease and resentment among the gathered clansmen. Accusing their own was no small matter.
Shinkurou's expression shifted. He shook his head slightly and muttered to himself, "Fugaku-sama is being too impulsive."
There was no doubt in his mind that Kanzou was behind it. But someone bold enough to assassinate two elders would never leave behind any evidence.
"Start the search. Begin with the Uchiha compound. Even if we have to search the entire Konoha Village, I will find the murderer. I refuse to believe they left no trace behind."
Fugaku glared intensely at Kanzou.
Ninjas are highly skilled in investigation; they can extract valuable information even from a corpse. Fugaku didn't believe for a second that Kanzou could cover his tracks perfectly.
Even if Kanzou didn't do it himself, Fugaku was certain it was carried out under his orders.
And even if Kanzou managed to avoid punishment this time, Fugaku swore to at least take one of his arms.
"Since Fugaku-san insists on an investigation, let's proceed. After all, this kind of work is what our Police Force does best," Kanzou said with a calm smile, showing no sign of panic.
"I want to be part of the investigation too," Fugaku added firmly.
There was no way he would trust Kanzou's Police Force to investigate this fairly. Not only would they hide the truth, but they might also destroy the evidence altogether.
"Oh? So you don't trust the Police Force?" Kanzou remarked, his voice light but pointed.
That comment made several members of the Police Force visibly unhappy with Fugaku.
"I am not saying that… but we can't rule out the possibility that someone from the police force might be responsible…" said Fugaku quickly so as not to antagonize the entire Police Force.
But his words only served to make the members of the Police Force grumble further, "What the hell are you trying to say? Are you saying that one of us did this?"
"What reason do we have to assassinate the elders?" Shin said coldly.
Souta backed him up, "Yeah… you really have lost your mind… Fugaku…" adding, "Someone like you… Who can't even trust his people wants to become the Patriarch? Over my dead body!"
The others in the police force also protested along with Souta, making Fugaku and his men panic.
Kanzou was happy to see this…
After watching the drama for a while, Kanzou finally decided to intervene, "Alright, everyone… calm down… Although Fugaku-san is stepping out of line… we can't just ignore his words… since a lot of us agree with him…" As he said that, he looked at the Uchihas supporting Fugaku, who shifted uncomfortably under Kanzou's gaze.
"But, captain…" Shin complained.
"Calm down…" spoke Kanzou, interrupting Shin before he turned to the man, "Cuck-Sa… I mean… Fugaku-san… You do indeed make a valid point, so let's do it your way…"
Meanwhile, Fugaku's eyes narrowed at the word that Kanzou was about to use to call him, 'Was it just my imagination?' But he didn't have much time to deliberate on that since Kanzou's next words surprised him, "Huh?"
He was suspicious for a moment that Kanzou would agree so easily. 'Is he planning something?'
Without paying much attention to Fugaku's frown, Kanzou continued, "Let's investigate together. But I hope that once we uncover the real killer, you won't show mercy because just as you pointed out, it could be someone from the Police Force… it could also be someone among the men standing behind you…" and quickly added after a pause, "Of course, this is not an accusation, just a possibility… I am not one to throw blind accusations since my motto has always been Innocent until proven guilty."
Fugaku's face darkened. 'Then why the hell did you imprison me!?'
The reason was, of course, because Kanzou is only spouting nonsense… he didn't have that kind of motto at all. If he were to speak his real motto, it was as simple as 'By hook or crook,' and that's it.
At the same time, Kanzou's confidence as he said those words made Fugaku suspicious.
'Was Kanzou really so sure he'd left no traces?'
'And what did he mean that it could also be one of the men behind me?'
Fugaku had a bad feeling, but at this point, he could no longer back away. Biting the bullet, he said, "In that case, why don't we begin the investigation at Captain Kanzou's residence?"
"Fugaku, what are you implying?" Shin snapped. "Are you accusing Kanzou-sama of killing the two elders?"
"I never said that," Fugaku replied coldly. "But is Kanzou refusing? What's the matter, guilty conscience?"
Fugaku stared hard at Kanzou, hoping to catch even the slightest hint of guilt on his face.
Unfortunately, Kanzou remained completely calm.
"Fugaku-san, since you suspect me of killing the two elders, I'll humour you. You may search my home first. But if you find nothing, I expect you to apologise to me in front of the entire clan," Kanzou said flatly.
"Fine. I accept," Fugaku agreed without hesitation.
"Fugaku-sama, you're being too rash," Shinkurou muttered as he stepped closer, speaking in a low voice. "Even if Kanzou did kill them, look at how confident he is. Do you really think he'd leave any evidence behind?"
"I'll find it… I'll find something…" Fugaku replied, voice firm with resolve.
Hearing that, Shinkurou gave up trying to reason with him.
It was clear that Fugaku had been blinded by hatred.
'Oh… you'll definitely find something… It's just that it'll only turn you more green,' thought Kanzou, suppressing a nasty grin.
Shortly after, Fugaku, accompanied by a group of men and the Police Force, led a search of Kanzou's residence.
At the same time, he sent others to inspect the bodies of the two elders in hopes of uncovering any clues.
"Uchiha Fugaku actually suspects Kanzou-sama? That's outrageous."
"There's no way the deaths of the two elders have anything to do with Kanzou-sama. Maybe Fugaku's just trying to divert attention in order to cover for himself."
"Not necessarily. Maybe Kanzou really did do it. Fugaku-sama wouldn't accuse him without reason."
At this point, the Uchiha clan was clearly split into two factions. One group stood firmly behind Kanzou, convinced he had nothing to do with the murders. The other, backing Fugaku, had already branded Kanzou the culprit in their hearts.
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[Note: As the R-18 scene, I will post that part separately, one of these days, as Chapter 8.5]
Drop power Powerstonessssssssss!
[Note: Read up to Chapter - 60 on P atreon at: p-atreon.com/Knockturn_Alley]