Chapter 75: Sizing Up Subordinates, Heavy-Handed Measures
Soon, the staff member from the Five Guard Residence's work hall escorted Uchiha Tonan to a courtyard-style residence located in the northern district of the Fire Capital. A wooden plaque hung above the entrance, engraved with the words "Northern City Guard Headquarters."
Tonan stepped into the courtyard just as the staff member asked, "Tonan-sama, do you find everything to your satisfaction here?"
Tonan's gaze swept over a line of uniformed men standing at attention in the front courtyard. He pointed and asked, "These are…?"
The staff member smiled respectfully, "They are your attendants, tasked with carrying out your orders and protecting this residence."
Nodding approvingly, Tonan reached into his bag and produced a red envelope, handing it over with a calm smile. "Not bad. Thank you for your hard work."
The staff member accepted the envelope gratefully, bowing deeply. "Thank you very much, Tonan-sama. I will leave you to settle in."
Once the staff member departed, Tonan approached the attendants, scrutinizing them carefully. "The Northern City Guard operates in two shifts, correct?"
The attendant captain hurriedly corrected him, "My lord, we run a three-shift rotation."
Tonan inclined his head thoughtfully. "Very well. Summon all personnel — those on duty and those resting. I want to meet everyone."
"Yes, sir." Several attendants quickly dispersed, leaving only the head attendant behind. After Tonan stowed his belongings inside the house, he instructed the attendant to move a table into the backyard corridor and prepare some tea.
Seated behind the table, Tonan sipped his tea as he waited. About an hour later, all the resting personnel gathered and formed ranks in the backyard. Before Tonan could speak, a man stepped forward, bowed, and introduced himself:
"I'm Shimokawara Shota, Vice-Captain of the Northern City Guard. Though I was not born in Konoha, I rose to ninja rank by my own strength. My abilities are on par with a Konoha Chūnin."
After speaking, Shota took a seat beside Tonan. Tonan smiled gently, undisturbed by the abruptness, then addressed everyone:
"My name is Uchiha Tonan. I'm a Chūnin from Konoha and your newly appointed captain. Let's start with introductions from the leadership."
"Kawato Kozo, Northern City Guard squad leader."
"Toyoda Uetani, Northern City Guard squad leader."
…
When the introductions finished, Tonan nodded appreciatively. He lifted the teapot, leaned forward, and poured tea into Shota's cup. Then, adopting a humble tone as if seeking counsel, he said, "I'm new here and still unfamiliar with my duties. Could you explain them to me, Shota-kun?"
Shota grinned broadly. "You don't need to worry about the patrols — leave that to the team. You're free to spend your time as you wish, Tonan-sama. The Daimyō Residence will deposit your mission stipend directly into your account."
Tonan's eyes lit up with delight. "Really? I didn't expect this mission to be so simple. Just relaxing and making money—what a dream!"
"Exactly," Shota said with a knowing look. "You should focus on training and not sweat the small stuff. If anything urgent comes up, I'll handle it. I promise you won't have any problems."
He patted his chest as if assuring Tonan with sincere loyalty. Tonan met his gaze, took a deliberate sip of tea, and said meaningfully, "Then I should be grateful for your help, shouldn't I?"
"Yes, yes!" Shota nodded eagerly, reaching for his teacup — when suddenly a fierce gust of wind slammed into his face.
Clang! Clang!
Without warning, Tonan struck, sending two kunai flying that pierced Shota's palms, pinning them firmly to the table.
"Ah!" Shota screamed in agony. Those standing in formation immediately surged forward instinctively to assist him.
"Earth Style: Dark Swamp!"
Instantly, the ground beneath the backyard turned to thick, black mud, swallowing everyone up to their waists, immobilizing them.
"Forgive us, Tonan-sama!"
"Tonan-sama, we've done nothing wrong!"
"Why are you doing this to us?!"
Tonan ignored their desperate cries. Calmly, he lifted the teacup before Shota and took a delicate sip.
"I'm sorry, everyone," Tonan said gently. "I'm young, so I fear you don't take me seriously. This was the only way I could establish my authority. Don't worry—as long as you don't act out of line, nothing will happen to you."
He set the cup down. The head attendant, who was still recovering from the shock, quietly approached and lifted the teapot to refill Tonan's cup.
Tonan glanced up at him casually. "You're clever. What's your name?"
The attendant bowed deeply. "Tonan-sama, I am Yoshiwara Ao."
Tonan nodded and waved Ao to rise. Then he slowly rotated the teacup in his hand, eyes fixed on the intricate patterns. With a sharp tone of curiosity, he asked, "Why do you think you're on equal footing with me? Do you truly believe I'm an ignorant child? Were you trying to make me a mere figurehead?"
He placed the teacup down and pulled a kunai from his bag, idly spinning it between his fingers.
Shota tried to free his palms from the kunai pins but only caused searing pain. Swallowing hard, he glared at Tonan and warned, "What do you want? If you kill me, you're finished. This isn't Konoha — this is the Fire Capital."
Tonan chuckled softly, "I think you misunderstand me, Vice-Captain Shota. I'm a law-abiding citizen who follows the rules."
But before Shota could breathe a sigh of relief, Tonan slammed the kunai against the table, and fixed his gaze on the trapped men in the swamp.
"You all must know about his corrupt dealings and shady schemes. Anyone willing to speak up will be the next Vice-Captain."
Silence fell like a heavy fog. Shota glared resentfully, silently plotting revenge, but no one dared break the silence.
Clap. Clap. Clap.
Tonan smiled, shaking his head as he applauded slowly. "I didn't expect you to be so popular."
"I've always been fair," Shota growled, eyes blazing. "Even if you force them, they won't betray me. Uchiha Tonan, was it? You're finished. I'll report you to the Supervision Minister."
His bloodshot eyes burned with rage, ready to bury Tonan on the spot.
Tonan tapped the table and called out calmly, "Ao."
Ao knelt on one knee. "Yes, Tonan-sama?"
"Search Vice-Captain Shota's residence thoroughly. Look for any suspicious documents or evidence. If you find anything, bring it here immediately."