Chiya stood at the window of the Security Force headquarters.
He looked at the reply letter from Tsunade that a Security Force member had brought him.
The letter contained the location where Tsunade had agreed to meet him. After memorizing it, the corners of his mouth curved up slightly.
'Have a meal together this afternoon, and while we are at it, talk about the matter of Yakushi Nono.'
'With my silver tongue, whether it is daytime or nighttime, I have the advantage.'
'What is there to worry about when it comes to persuading Tsunade?'
'Once the plan succeeds, using my own charm to intercept Yakushi Nono is only a matter of time.'
Chiya felt the gazes of the surrounding guards fall on him.
He quietly put the letter away and his expression became serious.
'This business of meeting Tsunade for a meal is not something they can know about. I need to think of a reasonable excuse.'
Chiya's eyes then lit up.
He cleared his throat, and everyone looked up at him.
"Everyone."
Chiya's tone was low and firm.
"I have received the opinion of Princess Tsunade. She says that the matter of Uchiha Yamauma targeting the Senju clan can be set aside. However, a formal apology must still be delivered to them."
The room immediately filled with quiet murmuring.
"They want us Uchiha to apologize to them?"
"This incident was indeed caused by Elder Yamauma, but bowing our heads to the Senju clan still feels somewhat humiliating."
"If we are apologizing, ordinary clan members probably do not have the standing to do it."
Some faces showed relief, while others had furrowed brows. They were clearly conflicted about the condition put forward by the Senju clan.
The Senju clan was the family that the Uchiha clan looked upon with the most displeasure.
Now being asked to apologize to the Senju clan, the pride that was inherent to the Uchiha family made them hesitate.
Chiya raised his hand to signal for quiet. His gaze swept across every face, and he spoke slowly.
"I understand that everyone may have reservations. The Senju clan and our Uchiha were once rival enemies. But that was a very long time ago. After Konoha was founded, we Uchiha made peace with the Senju clan. We are all part of Konoha. What we are doing right now is simply apologizing. It is not a big deal."
A young Security Force member could not help but ask.
"Clan Head, do we, really have to bow our heads to the Senju clan?"
Chiya shook his head.
"This is not bowing our heads. This is for the sake of the Uchiha. By reaching a reconciliation with the Senju, we are letting the village see the responsibility that the Uchiha carry. Do you all want to keep being seen by the villagers as an arrogant clan that looks down on everyone?"
The room fell silent. The resistance in their eyes gradually gave way to thought.
"The Clan Head is right. We need to change the current situation."
"For the future of the Uchiha."
Chiya nodded with satisfaction, and his tone softened.
"Good. Since everyone understands my intention, then leave the next task to me. I have some familiarity with Princess Tsunade of the Senju clan, and we have worked together before. For the honor of the Uchiha, I as Clan Head should set an example and stand at the front of the family. I will go this afternoon and personally offer my apology to Tsunade."
When they heard that Chiya was going to personally go as Clan Head to offer an apology to Tsunade, everyone was moved.
They felt that after the incident with Uchiha Yamauma, the Senju clan must be very hostile toward the Uchiha.
This action was undeniably walking into danger.
And Chiya was the Clan Head now. Having the Clan Head personally go to apologize for this matter was, truly something.
"Clan Head, you must not."
"Clan Head, it is precisely because you are the Clan Head of the Uchiha that you should not make contact with the Senju clan right now. They are still in the heat of their anger. Trouble is likely."
The room erupted in an uproar.
Chiya let out a sigh. His crimson three-tomoe Sharingan appeared, and his presence swept across the entire Security Force.
"When a mistake has been made, it must be acknowledged. We Uchiha have never run from what we have done. There is no need to say anything further on this matter. The responsibility for this lies with me, so I will be the one to go and restore the clan's image."
The entire Security Force went quiet.
Everyone looked at Uchiha Chiya, their eyes filled with admiration and emotion.
'The Clan Head truly deserves to be the Clan Head.'
'To go this far, for the sake of the family's reputation.'
'You could search with a lantern and never find a Clan Head like this.'
'Clan Head, you are carrying the burden for our Uchiha.'
Some of the more sentimental Uchiha members were so moved they were nearly in tears.
"Alright, everyone carry out your duties. I am heading out now."
Chiya turned and walked toward the exit.
He stopped halfway.
"The investigation into the missing children must continue. Increase the intensity of patrols to 24 hours."
"Yes, Clan Head."
The entire Security Force answered loudly in unison.
The energy was noticeably stronger than before, by more than a little.
Chiya nodded with satisfaction.
'At this rate, it will not be long before the Uchiha Security Force is fully under my control.'
Chiya walked out with large strides.
After leaving the Security Force headquarters, he made his way through several streets and bought a roasted chicken that Tsunade loved.
He arrived at a secluded izakaya in Konoha.
He went up to the second floor and pushed open the door to a private room.
Tsunade was already seated inside. Eight delicate small dishes were arranged on the table, along with a pot of clear sake.
"You are a little later than I expected."
Tsunade looked up at him, the corners of her mouth carrying a teasing smile.
Chiya closed the door and placed the roasted chicken on the table in front of Tsunade.
The seriousness on his face vanished instantly, replaced by a lazy grin.
He sat down beside Tsunade and casually picked up a cup of sake and took a sip.
"No choice. I had to make it look convincing."
"Convincing?"
Tsunade let out a light laugh and reached out to pinch his cheek.
Chiya quickly caught her hand.
"Everything I have done is for the future of the Uchiha and the Senju clan."
"Give it a rest."
Tsunade rolled her eyes at him. Was it not just a date with her? How did it get tied to the future of the Uchiha and the Senju?
Did Chiya also want both sides to let go of their grudges and become allies?
Tsunade did not dwell on it. She unwrapped the warm roasted chicken Chiya had brought and picked out a piece of chicken meat with her chopsticks, sending it toward his mouth.
"Say it then. What did you actually want to do by asking me out today?"
Chiya ate it with a smile, then spoke at an unhurried pace.
"Actually, there is one small thing I would like to ask for your help with."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? What small thing could you, the Uchiha Clan Head, not handle yourself?"
Chiya leaned close to her and lowered his voice.
"I want to get someone out of Root."
"Root? Who?"
Tsunade was a little surprised.
"Yakushi Nono."
Chiya's tone was calm.
"She is skilled in medical ninjutsu. She is a rare talent."
Tsunade heard that name and her brow furrowed slightly.
"What do you want her for?"
Chiya had already prepared his excuse. Without a hint of a blush or a quickened pulse, he began to lie.
"Naturally it is for your sake. The Medical Corps is very busy these days, and you are shouldering too much on your own. Yakushi Nono's abilities are exceptional. Transferring her over would take a lot of pressure off you. I do not want to see you this exhausted."
Tsunade paused, and a warmth rose in her heart.
The doubt in her eyes gradually turned into warm tenderness.
She let out a soft sound and her tone carried a happiness she could not quite hide.
"You do know how to care for a person."
Chiya pressed his advantage and took her hand.
"Of course. You are the most important person to me."
Tsunade's cheeks turned slightly red. She shot him a look, but still picked up the sake pot and filled his cup.
"Alright, enough with the sentimental talk. I will figure something out. But Danzo's side will not be easy to deal with."
Chiya smiled and raised his cup.
"With Princess Tsunade making her move, what is there that cannot be handled?"
Tsunade laughed.
Clearly in a good mood, she picked up her chopsticks and placed several more dishes in front of him.
"Eat more. You have been looking thinner lately."
"Do not just have me eating. You eat too. You have been quite tired lately."
"Hey, I can feed myself. You do not need to feed me."
The two of them exchanged cups and chopsticks, and the atmosphere inside the private room was warm and happy.
After three rounds of drinks, Tsunade was slightly flushed with alcohol and leaned against Chiya's shoulder, speaking softly.
"Actually, the fact that you think of me like this, it makes me very happy."
Chiya put his arm around her shoulder and said gently.
"There will be even more things to make you happy in the future."
Tsunade looked up at him, her eyes carrying a meaning that was hard to read.
"No need to wait for the future. Tonight then. If you want my help, you at least have to show some sincerity."
The corner of Chiya's mouth twitched. Tsunade was truly not easy to fool.
It seemed he still had to bring out his secret weapon.
At this moment, Chiya felt a faint ache in his lower back.
"Absolutely. Just watch, Princess Tsunade."
Tsunade looked at the confident Chiya, and the smile in her suggestive eyes grew deeper.
"Oh? You seem very bold."
"Of course I am. I am extremely bold."
The night grew deeper. The lights of the izakaya were warm and soft.