"The head of the family means that the recent deaths of clan members during missions were not accidental?"
Shimura Atsushi's expression twisted in surprise and confusion as he listened to Shimura Naoya's words.
For weeks now, members of the Shimura clan had been perishing during missions under unusual circumstances. Atsushi had chalked it up to sheer bad luck. But if Naoya was right, these were no accidents.
"How can there be so many accidents?"
Shimura Naoya's voice dripped with cold skepticism.
"If accidents happen too frequently, they cease to be accidents."
With the death of even Shimura Tomohisa, an elite jonin, it was clear to him that these weren't coincidences. Something far more sinister was at play.
"But after investigations, nothing suspicious was found. Every report confirmed the deaths were accidental," Atsushi said with a furrowed brow.
"That just means the enemy's methods are meticulous," Naoya replied, his voice sharp. "Investigations can only uncover so much. A clever foe can easily conceal their hand. Now that even Tomohisa has fallen, I am certain—these are targeted killings."
Atsushi's skepticism began to wane as he considered Naoya's logic. The frequency of deaths among their clan, culminating in Tomohisa's demise, defied any notion of coincidence. Still, one question loomed.
"If these deaths weren't accidental, then who is targeting the Shimura family?"
Naoya's brows furrowed in thought, his sharp mind combing through the Shimura family's recent disputes.
"The Uchiha clan," he muttered, his expression darkening.
In recent weeks, the Shimura family had gone so far as to place a bounty on prominent Uchiha members through the underground black market. If anyone had cause to retaliate, it was the Uchiha clan.
"No," Naoya said, shaking his head. "It can't be the Uchiha family. I've been meticulous. There's no way they could trace the bounty back to us."
"If not the Uchiha clan," Atsushi pressed, "then who?"
Naoya sank into deep thought. The Shimura family had its fair share of enemies, but most were too weak or too wary of Konoha's wrath to act so boldly. His frustration deepened.
"Why would a rogue ninja from the Snow Clan target us?" Naoya mused, referring to the recent Ice Release user who had killed Tomohisa. "Does this person have a vendetta against the Shimura family? Or were they hired by someone?"
The more Naoya pondered, the more another possibility began to take shape in his mind.
"Could it be… Advisor Danzo's enemies?"
Danzo Shimura had made countless enemies during his tenure as the leader of the Root. Ruthless and calculating, he had left a trail of grudges across the ninja world. Naoya now feared those enemies had turned their sights on the Shimura family in Danzo's absence.
"If this is because of Advisor Danzo…" Naoya trailed off, his expression growing bitter. "Even in death, he burdens the Shimura family with his enemies."
Atsushi's face twisted awkwardly. "Danzo-sama made the Shimura family powerful, but… now we pay the price for his methods."
Naoya ignored the comment, his mind shifting to strategy.
"Should we recall the clan's ninjas and halt all missions outside the village?" Atsushi asked hesitantly.
"No," Naoya replied firmly. "Hiding won't solve anything. If we know we're being targeted, then it's time to identify the enemy."
"But, Patriarch, this force is clearly dangerous. With our current strength, we may not be able to handle them," Atsushi said with concern.
Naoya's lips curled into a cunning smile. "Of course, we'll need help. The Shimura family is part of the Third Hokage's faction. Do you think the Hokage will allow a threat to his own allies to go unchecked?"
"You plan to involve Hokage-sama?" Atsushi asked, his eyes widening.
"Exactly," Naoya said, his voice steely. "We'll position the Shimura family as bait. The Hokage has no choice but to assist us, both to protect his position and to ensure Konoha's stability. Let's see how this hidden enemy fares when Konoha's resources are directed at them."
The next day, Naoya Shimura entered the Hokage's office after a formal request for an audience.
"Hokage-sama," Naoya began, bowing respectfully. "I fear the Shimura family is under attack by an unknown enemy."
He detailed his suspicions, laying out the pattern of "accidental" deaths and emphasizing the elite jonin Shimura Tomohisa's recent demise. His theory was clear: an organized force, likely tied to old grudges against Danzo Shimura, was targeting the Shimura family.
The Third Hokage leaned back in his chair, stroking his beard thoughtfully.
"You make a compelling case," the Hokage said after a long pause. "The Shimura family has suffered far too many losses in such a short time. It's possible that a hidden force is targeting your clan."
Naoya bowed his head. "Hokage-sama, my family is willing to act as bait to lure this enemy into the open. I humbly request Konoha's assistance in identifying and eliminating this threat."
The Third Hokage studied Naoya carefully, his eyes narrowing. He could see through the Shimura patriarch's ploy—using Konoha's resources to protect the Shimura family. Still, the Shimura clan was part of Konoha, and abandoning them would send a dangerous message.
"Very well," the Hokage said at last. "I will deploy Anbu to shadow Shimura clan members on their missions. If there is a hidden force targeting your family, we will find them."
Naoya's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, Hokage-sama. I will ensure the Shimura family does its part."
But inwardly, Naoya smirked. He knew the Hokage's assistance came reluctantly, and it might cost the Shimura family goodwill in the future. Yet for now, his clan's survival took precedence.
As Naoya Shimura left the Hokage's office, his mind buzzed with schemes. The Shimura family was now under Konoha's protective eye, and soon enough, the enemy targeting them would reveal themselves.
"Once this threat is eliminated," Naoya thought, "the Shimura family will rebuild its strength, no matter what alliances we have to forge or sacrifices we have to make."
But in the shadows of Konoha, the unseen enemy continued to close in.
(End of Chapter)
Want to read 70 more chapters check out my patreon!!!
https://www.patreon.com/john_smith_
Every 300 Power Stones+1 (5 ⭐ Review) = 1 Chapter+1Chapter