"Three days ago, I was in the Land of Water, while my elder brother was in the Land of Lightning. Yet Konoha's information channels were cut off. Based on my investigation, I discovered some very unusual things. Third Uncle, I'd like to ask you about them!"
Looking at the words "To Uchiha Shimizu" on the envelope, Shimizu closed his eyes. After an unknown amount of time, he took a deep breath, then looked calmly at Mingye and spoke.
"I merely wanted to obtain what should have belonged to me in the first place. I just didn't expect that, while doing these things, I would happen to collide with the Senju Clan's affairs. Boy, have you come to deliver an ultimatum to me?"
Mingye picked up the teapot and filled Shimizu's cup, then solemnly placed it before him, his manner extremely respectful.
"Mother is gone. My younger brother is gone. Father is gone. Fewer and fewer of our close relatives remain. Haven't I said it before? We truly regarded you as a father. Why did you do these things? After you grow old, do you really think we would mistreat him?"
Shimizu looked at Mingye in silence. After struggling several times, he still did not say what he had wanted to say, instead defending himself.
"Everyone has to think for themselves! What I did was also a choice born of helplessness!"
Mingye seemed not to have heard Shimizu at all and continued.
"Tongsheng won't be coming back."
"Mingye!"
Shimizu clenched his fists, his body trembling. Mingye showed no reaction and smiled as he spoke again.
"A team of six was sent by me to the Fire Temple to collect a golden Buddha. But if they can return to the village, I'll let bygones be bygones!"
"Who carried out the order?"
Thinking