Chapter : 73

"Three members of the Shimura family and two members of the Hyuga family had a quarrel and got into a fight, damaging the street and causing a total loss of 500,000 ryo in public property."

"This must be the fault of the Shimura family. Well, release the two Hyuga family members, detain the three Shimura family members for fifteen days, and demand repair fees and fines from the Shimura family, totaling one million ryo."

"A member of the Sarutobi family clashed with two members of the Gekko family and was injured. He's currently in Konoha Hospital."

"Hmm, it seems the Gekko clan acted in self-defense. Release them without charge. As for the injured Sarutobi, he's in Konoha Hospital, so he won't be detained."

…

In the office of the Guard Corps' captain, Uchiha Fugaku reviewed the public security cases that had occurred in Konoha, following his strategic plan of subtly suppressing the four families of Sarutobi, Shimura, Mitokado, and Utatane.

The establishment of the Guard Department was originally meant to isolate the Uchiha clan, setting them against other clans. Now, Fugaku used this isolation to impose pressure on these families while signaling goodwill toward families open to alliance. So far, it had been successful.

In addition to the Hatake family, several other clans had begun to show goodwill toward the Uchiha, making him more confident in his approach.

Bang, bang, bang!

After a knock, Uchiha Satoshi, his black hair gleaming in the light, entered the office.

"Captain, Aburame Shiwei's body has been handled."

"Good."

Uchiha Fugaku nodded.

Simply destroying brain tissue wouldn't guarantee that information about him wouldn't leak. After all, the Impure World Reincarnation technique existed, and although only Orochimaru had mastered it for now, it was best to be thorough.

To prevent any chances of resurrection, he'd ordered Aburame Shiwei's body secretly dissolved with corpse-dissolving fluid after it was buried, thus removing the risk of anyone obtaining information about him. Uchiha Chi's body had been dealt with similarly.

Of course, destroying the body on the spot would've been ideal, but that would've prevented them from proving "he was killed by a Wood Release Kekkei Genkai ninja," so the bodies had to be handled carefully after their return to the village.

"Also, Captain, news has just come from Konoha's entrance that Tsunade and Shizune have left the village."

"Left?"

Uchiha Fugaku exhaled in relief.

As a Kage-level ninja, Tsunade's presence in the village could interfere with his plans to eliminate enemies of the Uchiha clan. Her departure meant fewer obstacles.

"Any word from Shimura Daisuke?"

"No, he's been lying low lately, avoiding leaving the village. It seems he's afraid of being targeted by the Wood Release Bloodline Genkai ninja."

"The idea of him hiding in the village complicates things. Attacking inside the village increases the risk of exposure."

Uchiha Satoshi added, "The Harvest Festival will take place soon, and the daimyo's palace will hold a celebration. According to our intel, the Shimura family seems to have some connection to the daimyo's family; they send representatives to this event every year."

"A connection with the daimyo…"

Fugaku's mind turned to the time when Danzo served as acting Hokage with the daimyo's support. He had assumed it was merely a practical choice, but this pointed to deeper ties.

"Usually, Shimura Daisuke attends the celebration. Occasionally, Danzo himself goes as well," Satoshi said, pausing thoughtfully. "It's uncertain who will go this time."

"Whoever it is, it's worth making a move!"

Uchiha Fugaku's frown eased as he spoke with determination. If Shimura Daisuke went, Fugaku would eliminate him immediately. And if Danzo went, it would be an even more opportune target.

Danzo was usually well-guarded, spending most of his time at the Root base or within Konoha. If he left for this festival, it could be the perfect chance to take him out.

"Keep an eye on both Shimura Daisuke and Shimura Danzo. The moment one of them leaves the village, report to me."

"Yes, sir."

Uchiha Satoshi nodded and left the office.

…

A few days later, in a traditional Japanese-style room of the Shimura family estate, Danzo Shimura sat cross-legged, deep in thought.

The sound of footsteps approached, and Daisuke Shimura, tall and thin, entered, bowing respectfully to Danzo before taking a seat across from him.

"Lord Danzo, you called for me?"

Though Daisuke was the head of the Shimura family, Danzo's status was far superior; as one of Konoha's three advisors and the leader of Root, he commanded respect.

"The Harvest Festival is coming up. You will attend the daimyo's celebration on behalf of the Shimura family."

Daisuke looked troubled. "Do we need to participate this year, Lord Danzo?"

The Wood Release Kekkei Genkai ninja posed a real threat. Although not every shinobi who left the village had been attacked, high-ranking cases like Aburame Shiwei had been, making the threat feel immediate.

Danzo's cold voice cut through. "Our relationship with the daimyo must remain strong. This is critical for my becoming Hokage."

"But the Wood Release Bloodline Genkai ninja…"

Daisuke hesitated. Danzo's ascent to Hokage would benefit both the Shimura family and himself, but the risk of leaving the village felt too great.

"There is no room for negotiation," Danzo said sharply. "You will go. If you won't, then the Shimura family will need a new head, one willing to do so."

Danzo's icy stare left no room for argument.

Daisuke's face blanched, realizing Danzo's words were no mere threat. Danzo could indeed remove him; as a clan member, his authority was unmatched, and Danzo had the support to replace him if necessary.

"I understand, Lord Danzo," Daisuke said, finally agreeing, despite the fear gnawing at him.

Danzo's tone softened slightly. "Good. I will assign an elite Root squad to protect you. Even if you encounter the Wood Release Kekkei Genkai ninja, they will buy you time to escape."

"Thank you, Lord Danzo," Daisuke said, feeling somewhat reassured.

Having a team of elite Root operatives would bolster his odds. After all, only one Wood Release Bloodline Genkai ninja existed, and with Root's elites, his chance of survival significantly increased.

(End of the Chapter)

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