Chapter 12: The Yamanaka Clan
"That's none of the Uchiha Clan Leader's concern," Shimura Hiroshi gritted his teeth.
Having said all he could, Uchiha Douhuan turned and left with the three arrested Shimura elders, retracing their steps back to the police station.
The three detainees were high-ranking members of the Shimura Clan—otherwise, they wouldn't have been responsible for handling affairs with Danzo. However, under Douhuan's orders, the escorting team deliberately paraded them through Konoha's busiest commercial district. It wasn't long before the entire village was buzzing with the news that the Uchiha had arrested members of the Shimura Clan.
Back at the police force headquarters, Douhuan had the three prisoners sent to interrogation immediately. The mere mention of questioning Shimura Clan members excited many in the Uchiha ranks, ensuring the trio would not have a peaceful night.
Still, Douhuan didn't expect them to reveal anything valuable. The Shimura, particularly those close to Danzo, were fanatics who would never betray him—even under torture.
But Douhuan didn't need their confessions. This was merely a warning. The real target was yet to come.
That night, Douhuan remained in his office until late, then changed into casual attire and headed out alone into the village.
By now, the bustling streets of Konoha were quieting down, shops closing one by one.
At the entrance of the Yamanaka Flower Shop, a young blonde girl was busily moving flower pots inside. Despite her youthful features, it was clear she would grow into a beauty.
Douhuan approached. The girl noticed him and greeted him sweetly, "Big brother, we're closed for the night."
"Looks like I came too late," Douhuan said with a warm smile. "But could you make an exception? I'd like to buy flowers to honor my fallen clansmen."
The girl's eyes sparkled. Clearly, she had a soft spot for handsome faces.
"Of course! If it's for an offering, would cornflowers be okay? I'll grab some fresh ones from the fridge."
Yamanaka Ino trotted inside enthusiastically.
Just then, a tall man emerged from the back of the shop.
"Ino, go upstairs. I'll handle this customer."
Yamanaka Inoichi's voice was calm but firm.
"Huh?" Ino glanced between Douhuan and her father before reluctantly setting down the flowers and heading upstairs.
"So, Uchiha Clan Leader, you came all the way to our humble flower shop just to buy a few bouquets?" Inoichi asked once his daughter was gone.
"Of course. You know, we recovered several Sharingan from Danzo last night. Though we can't determine exactly which fallen clansmen they belonged to, they still deserve a proper memorial."
"My condolences."
Inoichi retrieved a few fresh cornflowers from the fridge, wrapped them carefully, and handed them over. "Consider this the Yamanaka Clan's tribute to your fallen kin."
"I appreciate your generosity, Yamanaka Clan Leader." Douhuan took the flowers and inhaled their fragrance. Then, with a seemingly casual remark, he added, "That little girl—she's your daughter, isn't she? Very adorable. I heard she's in the same class as Elder Fugaku's younger son. Apparently, she loves hanging around him."
Inoichi's gaze sharpened, but he kept his expression neutral. "They're just children playing."
"I wouldn't say that. Childhood friendships… what a poetic phrase." Douhuan smiled. "How about we formalize it? A marriage alliance between our two clans—what do you think?"
"She's too young for such decisions. We'll consider it when they're older." Inoichi rejected the proposal without hesitation.
Douhuan wasn't offended. He knew full well that the Ino-Shika-Cho trio were staunch allies of the Hokage faction—they wouldn't entangle themselves with the Uchiha.
"Fair enough." Douhuan nodded. "You've been the Yamanaka Clan's leader for quite some time now. The clan has prospered under your leadership. I should learn from you."
"It's only because my clansmen trust me," Inoichi replied.
"Then I imagine they respect you greatly." Douhuan's smile remained unchanged. "Still, no clan is without a few… troublesome individuals. Am I right?"
Inoichi's eyes narrowed. "What are you implying?"
"We apprehended a Root operative today—one of Danzo's most loyal subordinates. Interestingly, he happens to be from the Yamanaka Clan. This puts me in a difficult position. We're all working under the Hokage, after all. It wouldn't do for our clans to have unnecessary conflicts."
"Was it Fū?" Inoichi's expression darkened. "That fool abandoned the clan's honor when he joined Root. You needn't hold back on my account—do what you must. If necessary, I'll handle the matter myself."
"I see." Douhuan nodded. "So he's forgotten his clan's grace? No wonder he was so eager to throw names around."
"Throw names around?" Inoichi frowned.
"Yes. He claimed that, during his time in Root, he funneled over 140 million ryo to the Yamanaka Clan through his position." Douhuan's gaze locked onto Inoichi's. "Now, I don't believe your clan would make such an elementary mistake, nor do I suspect you personally. However, when we reviewed Root's financial records, we found a sizable discrepancy—over 100 million ryo remains unaccounted for. Naturally, I must ensure full transparency for Hokage-sama."
"I understand. I'll visit the Police Force tomorrow." Inoichi's expression shifted slightly before he nodded.
"Good. I won't keep you from your family dinner any longer." Douhuan waved his bouquet slightly. "And on behalf of my fallen kin, I appreciate the Yamanaka Clan's tribute."
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