Nara Clan's Territory
In the Nara Clan's compound, Shikaku Nara and Inoichi Yamanaka were playing a game of shogi, with Choza Akimichi sitting nearby. The seemingly mundane game had a serious undertone, reflected in their expressions.
"Inoichi, do you really think Danzo committed suicide?" asked Shikaku, placing a piece on the board.
Inoichi glanced around cautiously before responding in a low voice, "The Hokage said so, it must be true."
Choza frowned. "Shikaku, there's no one else here. Share your real thoughts."
Shikaku sighed deeply, rubbing his forehead in frustration. "These recent events have been troublesome. Although I hate to admit it, I feel that the Uchiha massacre is connected to Danzo, and possibly even the Hokage..."
Inoichi and Choza exchanged looks, nodding in agreement. "We had the same feeling. That's why we came to ask your opinion right after we heard about Danzo's death. Do you think the Hokage had a hand in it?"
"Shhh! Without evidence, don't make such accusations," Shikaku interrupted them urgently.
"I could find evidence, but the Hokage won't allow it," Inoichi replied, frustrated.
"Danzo's body has been buried. We have to attend his funeral soon, making it nearly impossible to investigate through his corpse," Choza added.
"What about Natsuhane Uchiha? How did he react?" Shikaku asked thoughtfully.
Inoichi scowled. "That's what puzzles me the most! From how Natsuhane captured Danzo, he clearly knew the truth. Yet, despite the Hokage's cover-up, Natsuhane has no complaints. He's even content with being promoted to the head of the police force!"
Shikaku pondered for a moment before smiling wryly. "In the face of power and benefits, the truth can lose its significance. Natsuhane got what he wanted and decided to play along. After all, the revived Uchiha Clan still needs to live in Konoha. The Hokage's strategy was effective..."
Choza was about to speak when Inoichi gestured for him to stop, noticing the approach of someone outside.
Young Shikamaru Nara, carrying his schoolbag, walked in. He was eight years old, the same age as Sasuke.
"Uncle Inoichi, Uncle Choza, long time no see," Shikamaru greeted.
"Shikamaru, shouldn't you be at the Ninja Academy?" Shikaku asked, surprised.
Shikamaru sat down, taking off his shoes. "Because of Danzo-sama's death, the school gave us a day off to change into mourning clothes for the funeral."
"What?" The Ino-Shika-Cho trio was taken aback.
As Shikamaru went to his room, the three men exchanged worried glances.
"Danzo was a high-ranking official. For the school to involve children in his funeral, could it be a village-wide event?" Choza wondered.
Such treatment was previously reserved for the funerals of the First and Second Hokage.
"It must be the Hokage's idea!" Inoichi speculated.
Shikaku's eyes darkened. "Something's not right. I sense a significant event is about to unfold... The Hokage might announce something crucial during the funeral, ensuring everyone hears it firsthand."
Trusting Shikaku's instincts, Inoichi and Choza nodded. Shikaku's insights were rarely wrong.
"Let's get dressed. The funeral is about to begin..." Shikaku sighed, standing up reluctantly.
Uchiha Clan Territory - Natsuhane's House
Natsuhane was awakened by the system's notifications:
[Ding! Summary of yesterday's results.]
[Konan from the Akatsuki organization has successfully conceived.]
[Special Jonin Yuugao Uzuki has successfully conceived.]
"Wha..." Natsuhane blinked, looking at the high sun outside.
"Damn! It's so late already?"
Next to him, Yuugao Uzuki was still in a deep, sweet sleep. They had only slept for an hour after an eventful night.
Not wanting to wake Yuugao, Natsuhane carefully slid his arm from under her neck, quietly dressed, and left the room. Today was important.
He had planned weddings for Kurenai Yuhi and his second batch of newlywed wives, including Yuugao. His women needed official status, and their names written into the Uchiha clan records could not be delayed.
As Natsuhane efficiently organized the preparations, young Sasuke emerged from his house in black mourning clothes.
"Hey, Sasuke, why are you wearing such unlucky clothes? Take them off," Natsuhane said quickly.
Sasuke looked confused. "Brother Natsuhane, and sisters-in-law, what are you doing?"
"We're preparing for a wedding, Sasuke. Aren't you happy? You'll have over 500 new sisters-in-law, and I'll make sure you get lots of pocket money for the holidays..." Natsuhane joked.
"Really? Brother Natsuhane, why didn't you tell me about your second wedding day earlier?"
"It was a spontaneous decision last night."
"But... today is Danzo's funeral! The school gave us the day off to attend..." Sasuke said, shocked.
"What?" Natsuhane was surprised. "Danzo is dead?"
"Yes..." Sasuke confirmed. "He died at dawn, reported as a suicide in the mental hospital."
The first group of wives echoed Sasuke's news. "That's right, we got the notice this morning. We wanted to tell you, but we heard the noises from your bedroom and didn't want to interrupt..."
"Actually, we planned to attend Danzo's funeral since the Hokage demanded everyone attend. We had our mourning clothes ready, but since you're getting married, we decided to stay," one wife added.
"Of course! Attending our husband's wedding is much better than a gloomy funeral," another wife said.
"Hubby, you've been spending a lot of time with the new wives. Can you spend some time with us too?" a wife pleaded.
"Don't be childish. We're still recovering. Hubby isn't ignoring us; he's just worried about our health. Once we regain our strength, he'll spend time with us," a wise wife intervened.
Natsuhane appreciated his understanding wives, who smoothed over any jealousy without his intervention. He contemplated Danzo's unexpected suicide.
"Hehe... Interesting."
"Hokage-sama, could this be your doing?"
Natsuhane smiled knowingly. A self-serving manipulator like Danzo wouldn't commit suicide. The suspects who could and would kill Danzo were few, either himself or Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Sasuke urged, "Brother Natsuhane, today is an important funeral for the village. Shouldn't you postpone the wedding to avoid negative perceptions about the Uchiha?"
Sasuke, unaware of the full truth, received a firm response from Natsuhane. "No! The wedding is happening today, and it will be grand!"
"Sasuke, take off the mourning clothes and help with the wedding."
"Danzo's funeral isn't worth attending for any Uchiha. Now, let's buy some fireworks!"