At noon, Qingguang went to Clan Head Fugane's home. To his surprise, Fugaku wasn't there.
"Qingguang, I called you here today because there's something I'd like to ask of you."
"Clan Head, please just tell me what it is. If there's anything I can do to help, I'll do my best."
Fugane's invitation had been exactly what Qingguang expected. Yashiro and Akiya's wedding had gone off without a hitch, and even Hiruzen Sarutobi had shown up. That alone made it clear how important Qingguang was in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes.
If the relationship between the clan and the village was to grow closer, Fugane would certainly come to him.
Fugane took a photograph from his sleeve and placed it on the tea table. His expression was filled with the worry of a father. "Qingguang, be honest with me. Did that insolent son of mine, Fugaku, harass that girl? I noticed a while ago that he'd been acting distracted at home."
The photograph showed Fugaku and Haruga walking down the street, hand in hand, seen from behind.
"This..."
Hadn't the clan head called him here to win him over?
How had the conversation turned to Fugaku and Haruga?
Fugane bringing this up had truly caught Qingguang off guard.
"Qingguang, I know you asked Fugaku to teach Haruga Genjutsu, but that boy actually set his sights on the girl. I failed to raise him properly. Let me apologize to you on his behalf."
"As for Kurama Saiun, after I've taught that insolent boy a lesson in a few days, I'll take him to the Kuruma Clan and have him apologize in person!"
Those two sentences left Qingguang struggling to process what he'd heard.
So he hadn't called me here to win me over. He thinks Fugaku harassed some young girl?
After a moment's