Trying to Save Face

Inuzuka Clan Compound.

Tsume Inuzuka had one foot propped on a chair and a jug of sake in her hand. Her face was flushed from drinking.

When she heard that the Hyuga Clan had sent people to the Konoha Military Police Force too, she froze for a moment, then slapped her thigh.

"Hahaha!"

Her laughter echoed through the courtyard, shaking the tiles on the eaves.

"That old fox from the Hyuga Clan finally couldn't sit still! Hahaha!"

She laughed until tears came to her eyes, wiped them away, and took another swig.

"I wondered how long he'd hold out. Didn't think he'd make his move this soon!"

The Ninja Dog beside her barked twice, wagging its tail happily.

Hana Inuzuka stood nearby, watching her mother with a helpless sigh.

"Mother, you've had too much to drink..."

"Too much? Nonsense!"

Tsume Inuzuka waved a hand, sending the sake jug through an arc.

"I'm perfectly sober!"

She stood, walked over to Hana Inuzuka, and patted her daughter's shoulder.

"Go. Send someone to tell that Uchiha kid."

She paused, then grinned.

"The Inuzuka Clan may be small, but I'm willing to stand with him!"

Hana Inuzuka stared at her.

"Mother, shouldn't we think it over?"

"Think it over, my ass!"

Tsume Inuzuka rolled her eyes.

"I've lived long enough to tell who's capable and who's useless!"

She planted her hands on her hips, raising her voice.

"Uchiha En has more guts than those old fossils!"

"Standing with him beats hiding in a corner and waiting to die!"

Hana Inuzuka opened her mouth, wanting to say more.

But when she saw the resolve in her mother's eyes, she finally nodded.

"Yes, Mother."

The news kept spreading.

Once word came that the Hyuga Clan had openly chosen a side, the smaller ninja clans that had