Missing the Uchiha

In the bustling izakaya, a regular customer, Komatsuda Ryo, who was acquainted with the owner, suddenly emerged from the shadows like a gust of Hayate.

His movements were swift and powerful, quickly helping the fallen shop owner Sakayori Taichi, to his feet.

Komatsuda Ryo frowned, a look of anger and helplessness flashing in his eyes. He sighed softly, his voice heavy. "Taichi, are you alright? These people's actions are simply too much!"

Sakayori Taichi steadied himself with difficulty, put his glasses back on, wiped the fresh blood from his face, and forced a smile, saying, "I'm alright, just a little sore."

His eyes revealed deep worry. "Ever since the Uchiha Clan stopped serving as the village's Military Police Force, the village's security has indeed deteriorated. Our remote place is even more neglected."

Komatsuda Ryo looked around at the still trembling customers and the broken tables and chairs, his anxiety growing stronger.

He nodded slightly, echoing, "That's true. In the past, Uchiha Clan ninjas frequently patrolled the surroundings, and they could respond quickly even to small-scale disputes. But now... alas, the village's security level is clearly not what it used to be."

He paused briefly, then continued, "Especially in our remote place, far from the bustling markets, not a prosperous place, and without the support of any prominent family, naturally no one cares about us."

"If this situation continues, who will dare to go out at night?"

"Taichi, won't your business be affected?" Komatsuda Ryo's eyes revealed a hint of sympathy.

He had been a regular at this izakaya for several years. No matter what setbacks he encountered, he always liked to come here for a few drinks. Even in his spare time, he enjoyed chatting happily with the owner. Now, seeing the number of customers decreasing day by day, he naturally found it hard to bear.

Boss Taichi shook his head, his eyes revealing endless nostalgia for the past.

"Those Uchiha ninjas are not only highly skilled, but also fair in their dealings. Even in our remote corners, they never slacken their efforts, patrolling every night. Moreover, they never judge people based on their family background or power. It's truly a pity..."

He didn't say anything more, but his disappointment was palpable.

Unfortunately, they didn't cherish that time.

People often only learn to cherish things after they've lost them.

Looking back, he had even complained about the attitude of the Konoha Military Police Force, and now Sakayori Taichi's eyes were filled with regret.

He was filled with regret.

He felt guilty towards those Uchiha ninjas.

He used to go with the flow, joining the villagers in treating the Uchiha Clan with disdain. But now he understands that they were the most dutiful ones.

"You don't know how deep the pain is until you suffer it yourself, "Sakayori Taichi sighed, deeply moved.

In the izakaya as night fell, Komatsuda Ryo's eyes reflected the dejected image of his friend Sakayori Taichi. He gently patted Taichi's shoulder, his words revealing an unwavering determination.

"Don't worry, I'll figure something out. We can't let this continue. I'll contact other shops and see if we can unite to report this problem to the Lord Hokage."

"Yes!" Taichi's eyes gleamed with determination; his friend's unwavering belief instilled strength in him.

Amidst the dilapidated state of the izakaya, Taichi's arm trembled slightly, his inner anger and bewilderment raging like wildfire.

He longed for someone to hear their cries and improve the security situation in the area.

Just as Taichi was about to take a step that would determine his fate, a middle-aged customer who was usually taciturn suddenly stood up in the broken silence.

His gaze was firm, yet he couldn't hide the fleeting worry and fear in his eyes.

The customer's voice was low and urgent, his words extinguishing the anger in Sakayori Taichi's heart like ice water. "Boss, please think it over carefully, you absolutely mustn't file a complaint!"

Sakayori Taichi and Komatsuda Ryo were both stunned, looking at the customer with confusion.

Sakayori Taichi pressed, "Why? Are we just supposed to endure this injustice?"

The customer sighed, his eyes filled with endless sorrow. "My nephew also runs a restaurant in the village. After a conflict with a customer, and with no one to mediate in time, he chose to complain to the security guards, and the result was..."

His voice trailed off as he took a deep breath and continued, "As a result, he was thrown into prison and has remained there to this day."

"Is this really true? How could they act so recklessly?" Taichi asked in astonishment.

"Yes, it's said that he offended some people he shouldn't have. Now, some people in the village are unwilling to listen to us, let alone see us unite. If we complain now, it might cause even bigger trouble."

This news was like a deafening thunderclap, stirring up a storm in people's hearts, who poured out all sorts of rumors they had heard recently.

"The current Military Police Force only deals with issues on busy streets. As for slightly more remote areas, they've not only canceled nighttime patrols, but if anyone complains to the Lord Hokage, they'll arrest the person involved."

"That's true. I've also heard that the current Military Police Force are fully armed, with their faces completely covered, so even if you complain, you can't identify who they are."

"The Lord Hokage is now ignoring the complaints. His swift action against the Uchiha was remarkable, but now..."

"It would be better to let the Uchiha continue in this position. Although people say they are arrogant and conceited, we haven't suffered such a situation under their patrols," a customer said indignantly.

"Watch out! Are you out of your mind? If you keep talking like that, you might get arrested!" His best friend hurriedly covered his mouth.

"Well!"

Hearing the crowd's discussion, Sakayori Taichi unconsciously gripped his clothes tightly, his face pale, his eyes filled with shock and fear.

Komatsuda Ryo stood frozen to the side, unable to accept this sudden reality.

The atmosphere inside the izakaya grew increasingly heavy, and everyone fell into an endless silence.

On this night, the izakaya became a witness to violence and injustice.

"No matter what, I'm going to try." Sakayori Taichi deep breath, a determination he had never felt before welling up inside him.

He knew that they could not give up easily, and they could not let those innocent cries and grievances be silenced forever.

They desperately need a plan, a plan that can both protect themselves and ensure that justice is served.

Komatsuda Ryo looked at his longtime friend, their eyes met, and they both understood that the road ahead would be full of thorns, but for those silent cries, they were willing to embark on this difficult path.