"That's something Clan Leader Uchiha doesn't need to concern himself with," Shimura Hiroshi forced out between clenched teeth.
With nothing more to say, Uchiha Douhuan marched the three captured Shimura elders back the same way they had come. These weren't just ordinary members of the clan—they were senior figures, trusted enough to liaise with Danzo himself.
But instead of taking a quiet route, Douhuan deliberately led his men straight through Konoha's busiest commercial street. The spectacle was impossible to ignore. Before long, word spread like wildfire: Uchiha Douhuan had paraded Shimura clan elders through the heart of the village.
Back at the Security Department, Douhuan immediately ordered the three men into custody for interrogation. The announcement sent a ripple of unease through the ranks—Shimura loyalists were stubborn to the core, especially those tied to Danzo. Everyone knew it would be a long and merciless night.
Of course, Douhuan never expected them to confess. These were zealots. They would sooner die than betray Danzo. But he didn't need their words—he only needed their example. Sometimes slaughtering a chicken was enough to warn the monkeys.
That evening, Douhuan changed out of his uniform and slipped into the village alone.
The commercial district, lively by day, had begun to quiet as one shop after another shuttered for the night.
At the entrance to the Yamanaka Flower Shop, a small blonde girl puffed as she carried pots of flowers inside. Her cheeks were still round with baby fat, but her delicate features promised the beauty she would grow into.
Douhuan approached. The girl glanced back and called out sweetly, "Sorry, big brother, we're closed."
"Ah, so I'm late," Douhuan replied with a smile. "But perhaps the young lady in charge could make an exception? I'd like to buy some flowers to honor my clan members."
The little girl's eyes lit up when she got a proper look at his face. Clearly, she had a soft spot for handsome strangers.
"Alright then," she chirped. "For a memorial, how about cornflowers? I'll grab some fresh ones from the cooler!" Ino bustled inside.
"I'll leave it to you, then," Douhuan said with a nod.
At that moment, a tall man emerged from within.
"Ino, head upstairs. I'll take care of this customer," Yamanaka Inoichi said firmly.
Ino looked between the stranger and her father, reluctant, but obediently put down her flowers and trudged up the stairs.
"The Uchiha clan leader visiting our little flower shop so late at night," Inoichi remarked. "All this, just for a few bouquets?"
"Of course," Douhuan replied evenly. "The Sharingan retrieved from Danzo's Root yesterday—though we can't identify which fallen clansmen they belonged to—we must still hold a proper funeral."
"My condolences," Inoichi said quietly. He pulled out several cornflower bouquets, wrapped them with care, and offered them over. "Let these serve as the Yamanaka clan's tribute to your fallen heroes."
"Thank you, Chief Yamanaka." Douhuan accepted them with a smile. He inhaled their fragrance lightly, then said in a casual tone, "That girl earlier—your daughter, I assume? She's adorable. I heard she attends class with Elder Fugaku's younger son. Word is, she's rather fond of him."
Inoichi's eyes narrowed, though his voice stayed calm. "It's nothing serious. Just childish play."
"Childhood sweethearts," Douhuan chuckled. "Such a beautiful thing. Perhaps we could formalize that bond—what would you say to an alliance between our two clans?"
"The children are far too young," Inoichi declined without hesitation.
Douhuan didn't press the matter. The Ino–Shika–Cho clans had always stood firmly by the Hokage's side; they would hardly leap into the Uchiha's camp so easily.
"That's fair," Douhuan said lightly. "Chief Yamanaka, you've led your clan for many years now. The Yamanaka have prospered. I could stand to learn a thing or two from your leadership."
"It's only thanks to the support of my people," Inoichi replied.
"Even so, not every clansman is loyal," Douhuan remarked with a thin smile.
Inoichi's eyes sharpened. "What exactly are you implying?"
"Today, we captured a Root operative—a diehard Danzo supporter. He turned out to be one of yours." Douhuan's voice was calm, but his words carried weight. "It puts me in an awkward position. After all, both our clans serve under the Hokage. A rift between us would be… unfortunate."
"Feng," Inoichi muttered, recognition flashing in his eyes. "That fool abandoned the clan's honor the day he joined Root. You needn't show mercy on my account. Handle him as you see fit. If necessary, I'll clean up what's left."
"I see." Douhuan nodded. "Then it makes sense he'd spout wild accusations."
"Accusations?" Inoichi frowned.
"Yes. He claimed that during his time in Root, he diverted one hundred and forty million taels to the Yamanaka clan," Douhuan said smoothly, eyes locking onto Inoichi's. "Of course, I don't believe the Yamanaka would commit such a disgraceful act. Still… the Root accounts do show a missing hundred million taels. Perhaps you could visit the Security Department soon and help us clarify matters? Otherwise, it will be difficult for me to explain to the Hokage."
"…I understand." Inoichi's gaze hardened, though his voice remained steady. "I'll come."
"Then I won't intrude on your family's evening any longer." Douhuan lifted the flowers with a smile. "On behalf of my clan's ancestors, thank you for your generosity."
…
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