Chikage freed one hand and pointed at the Root ninja trussed up like parcels at the back of the wagon.
"The decoy cargo wagon in Black Wind Valley, those Rogue Ninja, and these Root ninja are already enough for the Konoha Military Police Force to open an investigation into Root's involvement in the Border Smuggling Case."
"They were willing to set up a scheme like this just to catch me."
"And you call that selfless dedication?"
Itachi looked where Chikage was pointing.
The Root ninja were still unconscious, their bodies tightly bound in black iron chains.
This was how Danzo operated.
To eliminate anyone who stood in his way, he would even use the village's interests as bargaining chips.
Itachi's gaze darkened.
Chikage withdrew his hand and took hold of the reins again.
"The village is one big platter, and all the clans sit at the table to get their share."
"The First Hokage and Madara Uchiha founded Konoha precisely to establish the rules."
"Now that Konoha has grown, the leadership sees the Uchiha as an eyesore."
"They want to kick the Uchiha away from the table and take the food that rightfully belongs to us."
Chikage spoke calmly, but he laid out Konoha's current situation with perfect clarity.
Itachi listened so intently that even his breathing grew quieter.
"Shisui advocates giving ground."
Itachi spoke softly, a trace of hesitation creeping into his voice.
"He thinks that if we voluntarily give up our interests, the leadership will see the Uchiha's sincerity."
Chikage scoffed, snapping his whip in the air.
"Can sincerity put food on the table?"
"Give away the meat in your bowl, and they'll only think you're easy to push around."
"Tomorrow, they'll demand the rice in your bowl."
"The day after, they'll take the bowl itself."
"Until the