Chapter 12: The Clan in the Mountains

"That is a matter that need not trouble the Clan Head of the Shimura," Hiroshi Shimura said, gritting his teeth.

With that, Uchiha Touhuan turned and led his men back along the path they had come, escorting the three elders of the Shimura clan he had just apprehended.

The three captives were high-ranking members of the Shimura clan; otherwise, they would not have been entrusted with acting as liaisons to Danzo. However, by Uchiha Touhuan’s deliberate design, the procession marched through the most bustling commercial district of Konoha. News that Uchiha Touhuan had made arrests within the Shimura clan spread across the village in no time.

Upon returning to the Police Force headquarters, Uchiha Touhuan ordered the three men to be taken directly to the interrogation rooms. When word spread that they were Shimura clansmen, many of the Uchiha officers grew spirited; it was clear that the night ahead would not be a pleasant one for the prisoners.

Uchiha Touhuan, however, did not expect these men to confess anything. The Shimura, especially those deeply tied to Danzo, were die-hard loyalists; they would not betray him, even if they were executed on the spot. But Touhuan only needed to kill the chicken to scare the monkey. The chicken had been slaughtered; now, it was time to visit the monkey and retrieve something of substance.

Touhuan remained in his office until nightfall before changing his clothes and heading alone into the village.

It was deep into the night. The crowds in the commercial district were thinning, and shopkeepers were closing their doors one by one.

Outside the Yamanaka flower shop, a little girl with blonde hair was busily moving potted flowers back inside. Though she was young and still had the soft, rounded features of childhood, it was already evident that she would grow into a great beauty.

Uchiha Touhuan approached the shop. The girl noticed him and looked back with a sweet smile. "Big Brother, we're already closed for the night."

"It seems I arrived a bit late," Touhuan said with a smile. "However, could I ask for a small favor from the young shopkeeper? I would like to buy some flowers to honor my clansmen."

The girl was clearly an admirer of a handsome face. Once she saw Uchiha Touhuan’s features clearly, her eyes lit up with stars.

"Of course! If it’s for honoring your clansmen, would cornflowers do? I’ll go to the refrigerator and get some fresh ones for you," Ino Yamanaka said, trotting over.

"I’m much obliged," Touhuan nodded with a gentle smile.

Just then, a tall man walked slowly out from the back of the shop.

"Ino, you go on inside. I’ll attend to this customer," Inoichi Yamanaka said as he emerged.

"Eh?" Ino looked up at Touhuan, then back at her father, before reluctantly putting down her things and heading upstairs.

"Is the Clan Head of the Uchiha really here at our humble flower shop so late just to buy a few bouquets?" Inoichi asked, looking at Touhuan once Ino had disappeared.

"Of course. You know, regarding those Sharingan we recovered from Danzo last night—while it is difficult to identify exactly which fallen clansmen they belonged to, we must still hold a proper funeral for them," Touhuan replied.

"My condolences," Inoichi said, taking several bunches of cornflowers from the refrigerator and wrapping them carefully before handing them to Touhuan. "Consider these flowers a gesture of respect from the Yamanaka clan to the spirits of the Uchiha."

"Then I thank the Clan Head of the Yamanaka for his generosity," Touhuan said, taking the flowers and nodding with a smile.

"Was that young girl the daughter of the Clan Head? She’s truly adorable," Touhuan said, lowering his head to lightly scent the flowers before continuing in a measured tone. "I hear she is a classmate of Elder Fugaku’s second son, and that she is quite fond of clinging to our young master."

Inoichi’s gaze sharpened, but he remained composed. "Just children playing, that's all."

"I wouldn't say that. Childhood sweethearts—what a beautiful term," Touhuan smiled. "Why don't our two clans arrange this marriage? How does the Clan Head of the Yamanaka feel about that?"

"The children are still too young. Let’s consider such things when they are older," Inoichi declined the proposal without a second thought.

Touhuan was not offended by the rejection. The Ino-Shika-Cho trio were die-hard loyalists to the Hokage’s faction; naturally, they would not want to get involved in the muddy waters of the Uchiha clan.

"That is true," Touhuan nodded. "You have been the Clan Head of the Yamanaka for quite some time now. Your clan has been thriving in recent years. I still have much to learn from you regarding how to properly lead a clan."

"It is merely the goodwill of my fellow clansmen," Inoichi replied.

"It seems the Clan Head of the Yamanaka is well-loved by his people," Touhuan laughed. "However, there are always a few ungrateful wretches in any clan, aren't there?"

Inoichi narrowed his eyes. "I am not sure what you mean, Uchiha Clan Head."

"My clan captured a die-hard loyalist of Danzo from the Foundation today, and it turns out he hails from your Yamanaka clan. This puts me in a difficult position. After all, we all serve under the Hokage; it would be a shame if our two clans developed a rift because of him," Touhuan said.

"Is it Fu?" Inoichi’s gaze flickered. "That man forgot the honor of his clan the moment he joined the Foundation. Therefore, Uchiha Clan Head, you need not show any mercy on my account. Deal with him as you see fit. If necessary, I can personally purge the traitor myself."

"I see," Touhuan nodded. "He has already forgotten the benevolence of his clan? No wonder he is biting at everyone indiscriminately."

"Biting at everyone?" Inoichi frowned.

"Exactly. That fellow claims that while he was in the Foundation, he used his position to funnel as much as 140 million ryo into the Yamanaka clan," Touhuan said, smiling as he looked into Inoichi’s eyes. "While I know the Yamanaka clan would not commit such a fundamental error, and I do not doubt you, Clan Head, we did find over a hundred million ryo in the Foundation’s accounts that we cannot reconcile. If it is convenient, I would appreciate it if you could visit the Uchiha district when you have time. After all, with such a large sum of money unaccounted for, I would find it difficult to explain to the Hokage."

"I understand. I will pay a visit to the Police Force," Inoichi said, his eyes flashing as he nodded.

"Then I shall not disturb your dinner with your family any further," Touhuan said, waving the bouquet. "And once again, on behalf of our fallen ancestors, I thank you for your generosity."