"That's none of your concern, Uchiha Clan Leader," Hiroshi spat through clenched teeth.
With that, Seiryu led the three Shimura elders back the way they came.
All three captives were senior members of the Shimura clan, those who had liaised with Danzo. By Seiryu's design, the escort passed right through Konoha's busiest commercial street. News of the arrests spread through the village in no time.
…
Back at the Police Force, Seiryu sent the three straight to interrogation. The prospect of interrogating Shimura clan members got the Uchiha all fired up—those three were in for a rough night.
But Seiryu didn't expect them to confess. The Shimura, especially Danzo's close associates, were diehards—they'd never betray Danzo, even if it meant death.
But Seiryu's goal was just to make an example.
Seiryu stayed in his office until evening before changing clothes and heading out alone.
It was late at night. The bustling crowds of Konoha's main street were thinning, and shops were closing up.
At the entrance of the Yamanaka flower shop, a little blonde girl was huffing and puffing as she carried flowers inside. She was still young, with a round, babyish face, but it was clear she'd grow into a beauty.
Seiryu approached the shop. The girl noticed him and smiled sweetly, "Sorry, big brother, we're closed."
"Looks like I came too late," Seiryu smiled. "But, could you make an exception? I'd like to buy some flowers to honor my kin."
The girl was a sucker for good looks. As soon as she saw Seiryu's face, stars lit up in her eyes.
"Of course! For a memorial, how about cornflowers? I'll get you some fresh ones from the fridge!" Yamanaka Ino chirped, scampering off.
"Thank you," Seiryu replied with a smile.
Just then, a tall man walked out from inside.
"Ino, go inside. I'll serve this customer," Yamanaka Inoichi said.
"Huh?" Ino looked at Seiryu, then her father, then reluctantly put down her things and went upstairs.
"So, Clan Leader Uchiha, you came to our little flower shop so late just for some flowers?" Inoichi asked once Ino was gone.
"Of course. The Sharingan eyes we took back from Danzo—though it's hard to know exactly who they belonged to, we should at least give those fallen clansmen a proper funeral," Seiryu said.
"My condolences," Inoichi said, packaging some cornflowers and handing them over. "These flowers are a sign of respect from the Yamanaka to the Uchiha's fallen."
"Thank you for your generosity, Clan Leader Yamanaka," Seiryu said, taking the flowers with a smile.
"That little girl just now—is she your daughter? She's very cute," Seiryu said as he smelled the flowers. "I hear she's in the same class as Fugaku's younger son, and she likes to stick to him."
Inoichi's eyes narrowed slightly, but he kept his composure. "Just children playing."
"Don't say that. Childhood friends are a beautiful thing," Seiryu smiled. "How about we arrange a marriage between our clans? What do you think?"
"She's still too young. Let's wait until they're older," Inoichi refused without hesitation.
Seiryu wasn't offended. The Ino-Shika-Cho trio had always been loyal to the Hokage's side and wouldn't want to get involved with the Uchiha.
"Fair enough," Seiryu nodded. "Clan Leader Yamanaka, you've led your clan well these past years. I still have much to learn about being a good clan leader."
"Just the support of my clan," Inoichi replied.
"You must be well-respected," Seiryu said. "But there are always a few black sheep in every family, aren't there?"
Inoichi's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
"We caught a die-hard Root member today, and he's from your Yamanaka clan. It's a problem—after all, we all work under the Hokage. If our clans had a falling out over him, it would be a shame," Seiryu said.
"Fu, right?" Inoichi's eyes flickered. "He forgot his clan's honor when he joined Root. Don't go easy on him just because of me. Do what you must. If necessary, I can deal with him myself."
"I see," Seiryu nodded. "So he forgot his family bonds? No wonder he started making wild accusations."
"Accusations?" Inoichi frowned.
"He said he used his position at Root to funnel up to 140 million Ryo to the Yamanaka clan." Seiryu looked Inoichi in the eye. "I don't believe the Yamanaka would make such a mistake, nor do I doubt you. But when we went through Root's accounts, there was over 100 million Ryo unaccounted for. If you have time, please come to the Uchiha and help clear this up. I'd hate to have to explain such a huge sum to the Hokage."
"I understand. I'll come to the Police Force soon," Inoichi said, after a moment's thought.
"Then I won't keep you from dinner with your family," Seiryu said, waving the bouquet. "And on behalf of those fallen clansmen, thank you for your generosity, Clan Leader Yamanaka."