The Daimyo might have loved his luxuries, but he was no fool.
He stared at Chikage, suspicion in his eyes.
The diplomatic missions from other villages pricked up their ears.
In the attic, Danzo clutched his chest, another cold sneer curling his lips.
"Yes, that's it. Keep doubting him!"
"Even if the assassination fails, as long as the Daimyo suspects the Uchiha, I win!"
Danzo stared fixedly at Chikage, hoping to see panic on his face.
Yet Chikage remained perfectly calm.
"Your Highness, these clothes are indeed the Konoha Military Police Force's uniform."
Chikage walked down the steps and stopped beside the suicide squad captain.
"But clothes can be bought. Certain marks, however, aren't so easy for outsiders to fake."
Chikage planted his foot on the captain's back.
Fabric ripped.
Chikage grabbed the captain's collar and yanked hard.
The brand-new Uchiha police uniform split in two on the spot.
Chikage tore open the black shinobi attire underneath as well.
The operative's shoulders and chest were exposed.
Under the midday sun, a distinct black tree-root mark stood out on his shoulder.
The watching shinobi's expressions changed.
That was Root's exclusive insignia.
The Daimyo froze.
"What is that mark?"
He turned to Minister Asano.
As a senior official in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Asano knew the organizational structures of the shinobi villages inside out.
He leaned close to the Daimyo's ear and whispered a few words.
The Daimyo's confusion turned to fury.
"One of the Hokage Advisor's men?"
Chikage shook his head.
"Your Highness, don't rush. The best part is still to come."
Chikage crouched and gripped the captain's chin.
He tightened his fingers, forcing the captain's mouth open.
Chikage pointed at the captain's tongue.
"You're all experts. Come take a look. You might learn something."
He beckoned to those around