Why Should the Daimyo Rule Over the Ninja?

Sarutobi Ryota was pinned face-down to the ground. He struggled to get up, but Choza's hand was like a mountain, refusing to budge.

"The Sarutobi Clan has no cowards!!!"

With his face pressed into the dirt, Sarutobi Ryota roared hoarsely, "Kill me if you've got the guts! Kill me!!"

Choza didn't answer. He only pressed down harder.

Mitokado Homura stood before the table, still clutching the letter.

He saw Sarutobi Eagle's corpse, the young clansmen kneeling and begging for mercy, and Sarutobi Ryota pinned to the ground.

His hand shook harder and harder.

Two Jonin from the Konoha Military Police Force approached him and seized a shoulder each.

"How dare you!!"

Mitokado Homura thrashed, his voice rising to a shriek. "This letter! It was written by the Daimyo's Mansion! Arrest me, and the Daimyo won't let you get away with it!!"

They dragged him toward the door. He twisted back and screamed:

"The Land of Fire! Its nobles are the ones in charge! You... mmph!!"

A gloved hand clamped over his mouth.

Utatane Koharu had fallen apart the moment the first body hit the floor.

She knelt on the ground, tears and mucus streaming down her face, her voice breaking:

"I confess... I confess... don't kill me... don't kill me..."

No one tied her up.

She got to her feet on her own and staggered after the escort.

Dozens of Jonin led the remaining members of the three clans out in a long line.

The barrier came down.

Morning light poured into the Sarutobi Clan Compound once more.

Shikaku stood at the entrance to the main hall, watching the prisoners being led across the street. He said nothing.

Inoichi Yamanaka stepped beside him and said quietly, "Sarutobi Eagle is dead. Sarutobi Ryota's in custody. We have Mitokado Homura and Utatane