"So we are a cursed clan," Fugaku sighed and said.
"Nothing is free in this world, Fugaku-san. I don't know if your clan is cursed or not, but what I believe is that having a privilege isn't a curse. The weak will always fear the strong, and the strong will always take advantage of the weak. Nobody is in the wrong here. A tiger would eat a deer, and that's just nature. You do what you think will safeguard your clan while your enemies do the opposite. This cat and mouse chase will go on until a tiger enters the scene," Aoto said.
This made Fugaku have a sense of what exactly was going on. He couldn't just change what was happening and could only safeguard his family.
Fugaku then promised that on the night of the massacre, he and Itachi would work together along with Shisui to facilitate their departure while Aoto and his friends take over the aftermath. Kisuke also joined as he would be a vital part of this whole operation.
After the discussion, they left, and thus a few more days had gone by. Soon one evening, Naruto was sent home early from the Academy. On weekdays, it was normal timings, so today coming home early was a bit unsettling.
"Where is Hinata?" Aoto asked as he saw Naruto hopping home, feeling very happy that the Academy had allowed them to go home early today.
"Her father came to take her home, said there was something more important," Naruto said.
"Hmm, why did the Academy let you off early? Did you commit another stupid prank?"
"Brother, I don't always play pranks. Everyone was let go today early. Didn't you just hear what I spoke about Hinata? Oh, not everyone was allowed to leave. Sasuke has to do some homework with Iruka-sensei," Naruto said.
Those words made the casual Aoto stand up. He knew what it meant. The massacre would be tonight.
"Naruto, go to the library today and don't come out," Aoto said.
"Huh? Today is an off day, I want to go and have fun with Choji and others."
"Not today, Naruto," Aoto said, and this time it was more of an order than a normal talk. Naruto knew that he couldn't argue here. Corazon was nearby and cheered him, promising him ice cream if he studied well today.
After Naruto left, Kisuke came out of the shadows.
"You need to stop giving such a dramatic entrance," Aoto complained. Kisuke had the habit of entering somewhere in the most dramatic way possible.
"Ahahaha.. What can I say. I just like the pranks," Kisuke said.
"Whatever! Is the warehouse ready?" Aoto asked.
"Hai," Kisuke replied. This evening would be quite the eventful one. There were only a few people on the streets, and it almost felt like a curfew in Konoha. No customers for Aoto in sight, which annoyed Aoto. One less day of customers meant a loss for him.
Aoto had work to do as he vanished again and appeared again. This time he was in King's Landing. He went straight for the Hand of the King. Ned Stark.
Of course before he could go straight in, the guards tried stopping him but thankfully Ned had his doors open so when he saw the commotion he ordered them to stop and allow the man in. After entering through the 'office' of Ned, he closed the door and put a charm on it so that the sounds couldn't perforate the walls.
"I hope I am not disturbing you in your work." Aoto said.
"After arriving in this place, I thought I would not have to work and pass my time in leisure. Rather I realized how deep we are in debts from the Iron banks and the Lannisters. This is overlooking the fact that the management of the realm has been nothing but utter shite." Ned complained as he went through some of the papers. "But welcome to King's Landing." Ned said as he smiled at Aoto.
He had heard a lot about Aoto, of he was a successful businessman and someone who was responsible for the new life he had invoked to Arya and Jon. And on top of that according to them, he was a good person.
That was all Ned needed to know about Aoto and respect him.
"Thank you." Aoto smiled at the welcome.
"You don't seem very happy with the Capital." Ned could see that Aoto didn't like the place around. His eyes showed unhappiness and even a bit of disgust.
"This place could have been much better but all I can see is debauchery." Aoto said. Ned couldn't help but agree. The Capital did have businesses but it reeked of debauchery and crime. It could be understood that the largest shop and the most profitable market was a whorehouse. And it was being led around by one of their own officials.
Littlefinger.
He hated that man and he always felt he rubbed him the wrong way.
"I am fine. Sorry that I had to come but have you looked for a place that I have asked."
"Yes. We have found a perfect place. Its just North of Storm's End and is between King's Landing and Storm's End."
"I thought you will provide somewhere in the North." Aoto asked.
"No, Arya said that your people are not from a cold place so it is better to give them a moderate climate around." Ned said.
"They aren't my people." Aoto corrected him.
"Uh.. But they are your friends since they will follow you to a realm different from theirs." Ned said.
"It's because the situation is quite dire in our place." Aoto said. This made Ned's face tense up and he could imagine how a whole clan needed to be moved to a different location.
"What is the name of the place?" Aoto asked.
"Bronzegate." Ned replied. Aoto thought hard of the name if he had heard when he watched GOT but he didn't remember such name in his memory.
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