The fragrance of tea filled the VIP room of the South Street branch of the Konoha Military Police Force.
The once spacious, tidy redwood desk was now piled high with gift boxes of every size.
Hyuga Hiashi sat in the Grand Master's Chair on the left, his hands resting on his knees.
The two roots of Changbai Snow Mountain ginseng he had brought sat right in the center, beside four full bolts of custom-made Land of Fire cloud brocade.
Shikaku Nara, seated beside him, had not held back either.
Shikaku's gift list included the Nara Clan's specialty, twenty-year-old Secret-Recipe Deer Antler, and two crates of premium medicinal herbs.
Choza Akimichi and Inoichi Yamanaka sat farther back, their smiles unusually courteous.
Holding a coarse pottery cup, Chikage leaned comfortably back in his cushioned chair and took a sip of hot tea.
Yashiro stood beside Chikage with his arms folded, positively glowing.
"Deputy Captain Chikage, thank you for your hard work leading the border patrol."
Shikaku was the first to break the silence.
"Not at all. I was only doing my job."
Chikage set down his cup with a smile.
"But all you clan heads have come in person, bringing so many expensive tonics."
"If the police force accepted them, wouldn't people accuse us of taking bribes?"
Hyuga Hiashi hastily waved his hands.
"You must be joking, Deputy Captain Chikage."
"Our clans volunteered these gifts to honor those who defended our territory. It's perfectly reasonable."
"If the Daimyo's Internal Affairs Ministry investigates, the Hyuga Clan will personally testify."
Hiashi adopted an exceedingly humble attitude.
Who were they kidding? The Land of Water's Fourth Mizukage was still hanging from the noticeboard outside!
The Uchiha had hung even a village's Kage at their entrance like merchandise. The Hyuga Clan would have to be out