"Patriarch, according to our investigation, the Shimura family has not made any significant asset transactions during this period," Uchiha Kana reported to Uchiha Fugaku.
"No transactions?" Fugaku's brows furrowed in surprise.
Based on his analysis, the Shimura family seemed the most likely to have issued the bounties against the Uchiha clan. The Third Hokage controlled both the remnants of the Anbu and Root factions, giving him other means to target the Uchiha without resorting to hiring bounty hunters.
The Shimura family, on the other hand, had been rendered powerless following Danzo's death and the dissolution of Root. Issuing a bounty seemed like their only viable option for retaliation.
Yet, the lack of recent asset transactions cast doubt on this theory. Could it really have been the Third Hokage after all?
"I've thoroughly investigated the time from Danzo's death until now and can confirm there have been no large-scale transactions by the Shimura family," Kana reiterated confidently.
Fugaku tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, deep in thought. After a moment, he looked back at Kana.
"Has the Shimura family exhibited any unusual behavior during this period?"
"Unusual behavior…?" Kana frowned, trying to recall. Then, her expression brightened slightly.
"Actually, yes. A few days ago, Naoya Shimura, the head of the Shimura family, left the village."
"He left the village?" Fugaku's eyes narrowed.
Shimura Naoya had refrained from leaving Konoha for a long time, likely due to the increased danger posed by the mysterious Wood Release user. Why, then, would he suddenly leave the safety of the village?
Moreover, the timing coincided suspiciously with the announcement of the bounties against the Uchiha clan on the underground black market.
"I see," Fugaku mused. "Even without evidence of large transactions, the Shimura family remains a prime suspect."
Kana nodded in agreement. "Shall I continue the investigation, Patriarch?"
"No, leave the rest to me," Fugaku said, raising a hand to halt her.
"Conventional methods won't yield much more information. I'll infiltrate the Shimura family myself."
That evening, Uchiha Fugaku used the Mayfly Technique to silently infiltrate the heavily guarded Shimura compound. His target was Shimura Naoya's residence, which was surrounded by numerous guards.
Thanks to the technique, Fugaku easily bypassed their defenses and slipped inside.
In a modest room, Naoya Shimura sat with a grave expression, his gray-black kimono adorned with the Shimura family crest. Opposite him stood a middle-aged man: Shimura Atsushi, one of Naoya's closest confidants.
"The Aburame clan has refused further cooperation with us," Atsushi reported, his tone laced with anger.
"The Aburame clan, too?" Naoya's expression darkened, his fists clenching tightly.
Ever since Danzo's death, the Shimura family had been struggling. Clans that once relied on their influence were now severing ties. The Aburame clan, which had maintained the closest relationship with them, was no exception.
"Yes," Atsushi confirmed bitterly. "Not only did they refuse further collaboration, but they treated me with outright disdain."
Naoya sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping. "I expected this after Danzo's death, but it's still infuriating to see them turn their backs on us so quickly."
Hidden beneath the floor, Fugaku listened intently to their conversation.
"The mighty Shimura family reduced to this," Fugaku muttered to himself, a faint smile playing on his lips.
For years, the Shimura family had been a thorn in the Uchiha clan's side. To see them struggling now brought him a sense of satisfaction.
After the room fell silent, Naoya finally dismissed Atsushi with a wave of his hand. "I understand. You may leave."
Bowing slightly, Atsushi left the room.
Fugaku briefly considered staying to observe Naoya further but ultimately decided to follow Atsushi instead.
After leaving Naoya's residence, Shimura Atsushi returned to his home. His wife greeted him with concern, but he waved her off, retreating to the bathroom to unwind.
Sinking into a hot bath, he muttered to himself, "Is Advisor Danzo truly dead…?"
The Shimura family's current plight stemmed from Danzo's disappearance. If only Danzo were still alive, the family might yet recover its former influence.
Unfortunately, with no sign of Danzo for so long, even Atsushi had begun to accept the grim reality.
Suddenly, the faint sound of footsteps echoed in the bathroom.
Atsushi tensed, his instincts as a ninja kicking in. Turning his head sharply, he was met with a pair of crimson eyes.
The intricate black tomoe of Fugaku's Sharingan seemed to spin hypnotically, drawing Atsushi into its depths.
Before he could react further, his expression went blank, and his body slumped slightly in the water.
(End of Chapter)
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