Uchiha Shisui looked at Chinya in disbelief upon hearing that he had imprisoned Uchiha ninja in Root's prison.
Shisui's voice trembled as he spoke, "Why? These people haven't even committed actual crimes. Why did you lock them up in Root's prison?!"
Chinya lazily replied, "Why? Your question really shows me how ignorant and foolish you are. You know perfectly well where Konoha's main prison is located. Did you expect your fellow Uchiha to give these prisoners special treatment if they were held there?
Don't worry, like you said, these are just minor offenses. They'll be released in three days anyway. What difference does it make where they're detained?"
Before Shisui could respond, Chinya cut in, "I'd suggest instead of wasting your breath here with me, you should go talk to their families or Fugaku Uchiha about paying bail. Either pay the fine or let them stay for three days. No matter what you say to me, nothing will change, right?"
With a resentful glance at Chinya, Shisui left the Konoha Defense Unit and hurried toward the Uchiha family estate.
A greedy grin appeared on Chinya's face as he murmured, "Such idiots. I've already announced the bail rules long ago, but they still haven't figured it out without being reminded. Though... finally time to collect some money."
Shisui hurried straight to the Uchiha family estate and quickly found Fugaku Uchiha.
Lowering his head in shame, Shisui apologized, "Clan Leader, villagers across Konoha are now insulting our Uchiha Clan. Chinya's Root ninja are actively capturing those from our clan who try to protest or argue back. They've been thrown into Root's prison... We should pay bail to get those clan members released from Root's prison."
Fugaku sighed, "So it's really Root's prison..."
Surprise filled Shisui's eyes as he looked at Fugaku. From his tone, Fugaku seemed to have already guessed their clan members would end up locked in Root's prison.
Lifting his gaze to look directly at Shisui, Fugaku continued, "Didn't I tell you before that you couldn't control Chinya? Some very obvious issues escape your understanding completely.
Chinya has Root behind him, and Danzo himself—who, next to Minato Namikaze, is currently the most powerful man in Konoha. Those villagers suddenly appearing to insult us were certainly either ordered to do so or actually Root ninja disguising themselves.
Konoha's main prison sits right next to our Uchiha estate, under our control. There was no way Chinya and Danzo would dare imprison Uchiha ninja there, which means the only possible location left is Root's prison.
And regarding this bail money issue, you still haven't realized yet? They want to profit financially at the expense of our Uchiha Clan. That rule was specifically targeted at us."
Shisui's pupils constricted.
Now he understood why Chinya had previously suggested he approach the families of arrested Uchiha ninja or Fugaku Uchiha for bail arrangements.
Shisui asked cautiously, "Then should we actually pay this bail money?"
Fugaku Uchiha nodded. "We have to pay it—no, we *must* pay it. Ever since I learned about Chinya's bail regulation, I've prepared a large sum of money in advance, ready to pay the bail at any moment.
We have no choice now. Chinya is just following the regulations; there's nothing we can do. Shisui, don't even think about trying to find evidence. Since Chinya wants money, we give it to him."
Shisui Uchiha couldn't understand. "But why? Why is Chinya targeting us like this? If we find those villagers who were clearly manipulated by either Chinya or Root and report it to the Fourth, wouldn't that solve everything?"
The look Fugaku Uchiha gave Shisui carried traces of dissatisfaction. "Shisui, the Fourth won't be able to help us with this. Even if he finds out, what can he really do? Punish Chinya? At most, he'll scold him a little. Chinya will still do as he pleases. Nothing will change.
This kind of open targeting, however, is actually best for our clan. If it can be resolved with money, then it's definitely worth it.
If you try to resist this overt targeting, Chinya—and Danzo behind him—will resort to covert targeting instead. That's when the Uchiha Clan will truly struggle.
Shisui, as you know, I've already staked everything the Uchiha has on the Fourth. Right now, the Fourth himself is in a difficult position. The Third keeps interfering, Danzo lurks in the shadows, and two senior advisors, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, hold great influence over the Fourth's decisions and considerable power within Konoha.
Right now, the Fourth barely holds any real authority. Though we've openly sided with him, we can't expect his support because he can hardly take care of himself.
We need to wait. The Fourth is still young. Before he fully seizes control, we must avoid causing unnecessary trouble for him. Anything we can resolve ourselves, we should handle ourselves. Do you finally understand?"
Shisui Uchiha lowered his head in thought for a long time.
What Fugaku Uchiha had said made perfect sense—after all, as Minato Namikaze's personal guard, Shisui already knew exactly how difficult Minato's situation was.
Indeed, Minato was overwhelmed. He'd only recently become Hokage, and rather hastily at that. He hadn't yet built his own administrative team.
At the moment, he had barely managed to assemble his own bodyguards.
As for the other military units, they followed orders left behind by Hiruzen Sarutobi. These units obeyed Hiruzen first and only waited for Minato's commands afterward.
So yes, the less trouble they caused Minato Namikaze, the better.
And since the clan head himself—Fugaku Uchiha—had decided to handle this internally, what more could he say?
Shisui Uchiha nodded. "I understand, Clan Head."
Fugaku Uchiha said to Shisui, "You go deliver the payment to Chinya later. Shisui, if you truly have the Fourth's interests and the Uchiha Clan's future at heart, let Chinya proceed like this. The more he does, the safer our clan will be."
Shisui Uchiha agreed. "I will. I'll get our detained clansmen released as soon as possible."
Shisui Uchiha left the Uchiha Clan Estate with the money Fugaku Uchiha had prepared long ago.
As Shisui departed, Fugaku Uchiha helplessly shook his head.
Shisui was undeniably strong, but when it came to underhanded schemes, he couldn't rival Chinya. He was far too idealistic.
If Chinya's targeting of the Uchiha remained at this level, there would be no need for concern whatsoever—he'd even cheer the effort.
And if Chinya ever failed to capture a ninja, he'd even stage some Uchiha for him to catch.
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