Beat the grass to startle the snake.
Punish one as a warning to others.
Liumu had not intended to intimidate them.
But if they insisted on seeing it that way, Liumu would not deny it.
"Someone!"
Liumu called softly.
With a whoosh, two dark figures appeared out of thin air and knelt on one knee before Liumu.
"Go tell the Fourth Hokage what happened here so he won't be surprised."
Once Liumu finished speaking, the figures departed.
Liumu shook out his wrists and told everyone, "That should about do it. Go inspect the goods afterward."
Liumu had not discussed this visit with Fugaku beforehand.
As he was leaving, Fugaku walked alongside him toward the entrance to the Uchiha Clan's grounds.
"Don't ask, and don't say anything. Given my temperament, this is already the biggest concession I can make."
Liumu smiled faintly.
It instantly sent a chill through Fugaku.
So what Liumu knew was not hearsay. He had come today and framed those words as rumors merely to give everyone a chance.
"I heard you want to integrate the Uchiha Clan into the village?"
Liumu suddenly asked.
Fugaku stopped and slowly nodded.
"Since you know, I won't hide it anymore."
Fugaku explained the situation honestly.
As it turned out, Fugaku had begun preparing for this idea long ago. However, once the first signs of rebellion emerged, his plans had stalled.
"There's really no need to go that far."
The two arrived at a breakfast stall and both sat down.
"Lord Fugaku, what would you like this morning?"
"Two of the usual."
Fugaku seemed to be a regular here.
He deftly pulled out a folding stool, lowered himself onto it, then casually took two chopsticks and rubbed them together.
Only after rubbing away all the wood splinters did he