discord.gg/q5KWmtQARF
Join my Discord!
**************
After leaving the Hokage's office, Horyu's steps led him towards the Yamanaka Clan. His timing was deliberate; today marked the clan's monthly meeting, a gathering where decisions were made and updates shared among its members. His objective was clear: to leverage the information regarding the ancient Yamanaka technique to not only solidify his engagement with Ino but also to strengthen his position within Konoha.
As he walked, Horyu couldn't help but rehearse his approach in his head. 'First Ino, then Inoichi, and finally the clan meeting. Maximizing gains is the art of timing and persuasion,' he mused, his pace steady through the bustling streets of Konoha.
Upon arriving at the Yamanaka flower shop, he found Ino tending to a vibrant display of daffodils. She looked up, her expression brightening at the sight of him. "Horyu, what brings you here today?" she asked, wiping her hands on her apron.
Horyu offered her a small, confident smile. "I have something important to discuss, related to both of us and potentially beneficial for the Yamanaka Clan," he stated, his tone serious yet inviting.
Ino's curiosity was piqued, her earlier tasks momentarily forgotten. "Let's talk in the back," she suggested, leading him to a secluded part of the shop reserved for private conversations.
Once seated, Horyu didn't waste time. "I've come across information about a lost Yamanaka technique from the Warring States Period. It could significantly enhance the clan's capabilities," he revealed, watching her reaction closely.
Ino's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? That's... that's incredible. But how did you find this out?" she inquired, her mind racing with the implications.
Horyu chose his words carefully, mindful of the sensitive nature of his intelligence. "Let's just say, it came from a reliable source during my last mission. I believe retrieving this technique could strengthen the bond between our clans, especially in light of our engagement," he explained, subtly reinforcing the personal connection to the mission.
Ino nodded slowly, absorbing the information. "I understand. I'll talk to my father about it," she promised, a sense of determination settling over her features.
Horyu stopped her, his expression earnest yet firm. "I want to go on this mission with you." Ino, taken aback, paused to consider his words, her initial surprise fading into a smile touched by what she perceived as romantic bravery. "That's... quite the gesture, Horyu," she said, her voice carrying a blend of admiration and newfound respect.
Rising from his seat, Horyu's gaze locked onto Ino's, his decision clear. "Let's go to Inoichi-san, and I will talk to him myself." There was a steel in his voice, a determination that brooked no argument. Ino nodded, her curiosity piqued, and led the way to her family home.
As they approached the Yamanaka residence, the fading light cast long shadows on the path ahead, mirroring the uncertainty and anticipation that lay in the heart of their mission. Inochi's presence was commanding, the weight of his clan's legacy evident in his stance.
"Father, Horyu has something important to discuss with us," Ino introduced, her voice carrying a seriousness that drew Inoichi's full attention.
Horyu, standing respectfully at the doorstep, waited for the invitation to enter. When it came, his thanks was a nod, his demeanor composed as they settled into the privacy of the Yamanaka's sitting room.
"Inoichi-san," Horyu began, his voice calm yet imbued with the gravity of his news. "During my last mission, I came across intelligence regarding a long-lost Yamanaka technique from the Warring States Period." He paused, allowing the significance of his words to sink in before continuing. "I believe retrieving this scroll could greatly benefit the Yamanaka Clan and, by extension, Konoha."
Inoichi's reaction was measured, his experience as a shinobi preventing any immediate show of excitement or skepticism. "And how did you come by this information?" he probed, his gaze sharp.
Horyu met Inoichi's gaze directly, a testament to his respect for the clan head. "The details of the mission are classified, but I assure you, the source is reliable," he stated, offering no further explanation to preserve the mission's confidentiality.
The room was charged with a silent tension, Inoichi weighing Horyu's words against the backdrop of their families' impending union. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded slowly. "If what you say is true, this could indeed be a significant discovery for our clan. I will talk with Hokage-sama."
Horyu said, "I talked with Hokage-sama and already received a mission to retrieve it. As I previously stated, the details of the contact are classified, so I will be leading this mission, and I want to take Ino with me." Inoichi, without a second of hesitation, said, "Impossible."
Horyu sighed, a calculated expression of frustration, "I promise nothing will happen to her, Inoichi-san. The location is close, and I will ensure her safety." His assurance was firm, spoken with the confidence of someone who had weighed every risk.
Inoichi was still adamant, his protective instincts as a father overriding his trust in Horyu's capabilities. He was about to refuse once more when a beautiful blonde woman walked in from behind. Ima, Ino's mother, with a gentle aura that seemed to soften the room's tension, asked, "What is going on?"
Inoichi glanced at Ima, then back to Horyu, his stance softening slightly under the weight of his wife's gaze. "Horyu wants to take Ino on a mission to retrieve a lost Yamanaka technique. I've deemed it too risky."
Ima walked over, her presence calming. She looked at Horyu, then at her daughter, sensing the undercurrents of more than just a mission proposal. "Ino, do you trust Horyu with this?" she inquired, her voice carrying the wisdom of someone who understood the stakes beyond the surface.
Ino nodded, her resolve clear in her eyes. "I do, Mom. I believe in him," she stated, her voice stronger than Horyu had heard before.
Ima turned her gaze back to Inoichi, her expression gentle yet firm. "Then we should consider it. Trusting in their judgment is also part of supporting them."
Inoichi looked between Horyu and Ino, the decision weighing heavily on him. After a long moment of silence, he finally relented. "Alright. But, brat, her safety is your responsibility. Anything happens to her, and you will answer to me."
Horyu bowed slightly, the gesture one of respect rather than submission. "Understood, Inoichi-san. You have my word."
He then added, "I would like to talk to the clan in today's meeting and explain this news to them." Inoichi's eyebrow rose in question. "And why do you want to do that?" Horyu's confidence didn't waver as he replied, "I want the Yamanaka Clan to have a good relationship with the Uchiha clan." Though his words suggested a simple desire for clan unity, his true motive was to gain the clan's trust, a crucial step in solidifying his strategic position within Konoha.
Inoichi pondered the request, glancing at his wife, who nodded in agreement. With a sigh, he conceded, "Fine. But don't take too much time. Explain, then leave." Horyu nodded in understanding, following the trio as they made their way to the clan meeting.
The Yamanaka Clan meeting room was a modest space, adorned with symbols of the clan's heritage and achievements. As Horyu entered, he sensed the room's atmosphere shift, the clan members' curiosity piqued by his presence. Inoichi introduced him with a brief nod, signaling it was his turn to speak.
Horyu stood, his posture relaxed yet commanding attention. "Thank you for allowing me this opportunity," he began, his gaze sweeping across the room, meeting the eyes of those gathered. "I come before you today to discuss a matter of great importance to both our clans and to Konoha."
He paused, ensuring he had their full attention before continuing. "During a recent mission, I came across intelligence concerning a lost Yamanaka technique from the Warring States Period. This technique, if recovered, could significantly enhance our village's capabilities and strengthen the Yamanaka Clan's position within Konoha."
Murmurs of intrigue and skepticism filled the room, the clan members exchanging glances. Horyu remained unfazed, understanding their caution. "The details of how I came by this information are classified. However, I assure you, the source is reliable, and the potential benefits to our clans and Konoha are substantial."
Inoichi, standing to the side, watched the interaction closely, his earlier reservations giving way to cautious optimism. Horyu's demeanor and the seriousness with which he presented his case began to sway the room.
--
It is the start of the new week. Please support me with Power Stones! Much appreciated!
-----
To Read up to 50 advance Chapters (25 for each novel) and support me...
patreon.com/thefanficgod1
Please drop a comment and like the chapter!