The Daimyo ignored the two ashen-faced old ministers and gave instructions to the attendant beside him.
"Someone, escort our honored Uchiha guests to the rooms prepared for them. Make sure they are properly entertained. We will be relying on you all to display your talents at tomorrow evening's performance."
It was an obvious stalling tactic, and a way for both sides to back down.
The Daimyo neither wanted nor dared to clash head-on, here and now in his own palace, with an elite Uchiha squad that was clearly prepared to abandon all pretense.
The risk was too great!
Genya glanced at the Daimyo and said nothing more, merely giving a slight nod.
"Then thank you for your hospitality, Your Highness."
He waved a hand, and the Uchiha ninja sheathed their blades. The glow of their Sharingan faded, as though that razor-sharp killing intent had never appeared.
Led by the attendant, the Uchiha party left the hall.
No sooner had the doors closed behind them than barely restrained waves of outrage could be heard from within.
"Outrageous! They have no respect for anyone!"
"Your Highness! The Uchiha are so brazen that they must be severely punished!"
"Drawing weapons and activating their bloodline abilities inside the palace-that was an outright threat!"
"Konoha has truly grown beyond control. Even a child dares to behave like this..."
The condemnation and clamor from inside remained palpable even through the heavy doors.
Genya's expression did not change in the slightest.
The other Uchiha remained calm as well, with only a chill lurking deep in their eyes.
A maid led them to a relatively secluded guest room on the palace's outskirts.
Genya glanced back at the resplendent palace, undisguised mockery curling his lips.
"In Konoha, I maneuver around Konoha High Command, and sometimes even give ground. That's