Chapter Text
For a moment, I regretted every decision I ever made.
The pain was white and burning, spreading from the inside out. It was short circuiting my body and my mind, and it was blinding.
Danzo had deactivated the seal a long ago, but I still lay on the ground twitching involuntarily and unable to move. I didn’t know how long I was there for, but I felt like an age. I’m pretty sure I bit my tongue or had a nose bled at some point during the torture, as I could vaguely make out the taste of blood.
I had seen the seal activated on others before, but other than the ones he murdered, I had never seen anyone seizing for so long after before. I guess he wasn’t just angry, but really really angry. Or I reconnected the seal wrong? But I doubted that.
When I knew he was going to question me, there were no doubts that he was going to exert full dominance over me. Had I left my seal dormant, I would have been caught out- no matter how good an actor you are, there are some things you just can’t fake. Reconnecting the bridges had taken only seconds...I was going to have more trouble disrupting it again, but certain things are a necessity.
Eventually, I gained enough control to slide my limbs under me and push myself up. My limbs felt like jelly, like I had run a marathon with ankle weights and resistance bands. I was going to be feeling this for days, urgh.
Once I was kneeling, arms slipped under my armpits and pulled me upright..It was Yumi. Thankfully he didn’t let go, or I would have toppled over. Slowly, he helped me down the corridor and to my room, where he lowered me to the bed.
“That was a stupid thing to do, Hibari,” he said.
“Quiet you,” I whispered, not able to manage more than this. “Stupid is as stupid does. It was necessary.”
“You are lucky he stopped when he did. You ran the risk of permanent brain damage.”
“Some people would argue that would be an improvement,” I joked. Even now, my limbs kept twitching, even if very mild.
“Don’t insult yourself, I won’t allow it.” He left no room for arguement. “Now, rest. When you are well, Kutsu or I will escort you to the barracks tomorrow. We have already filed records declaring a sudden bout of food poisoning and admission to the hospital, so your absence in the barracks tonight can be traced. Nara Shikaku will be informed of your ‘ailment’ when he arrives to in the morning, so your presence will be explained.”
“Yea, no, that’ll just cause more problems. I will be going in as planned.”
He frowned. “That would not be advisable, the after effects will likely still be present.”
“Don’t care,” I mumbled. I was starting to feel tired. “Now let me sleep, but send someone to wake me at dawn. I’ll be fine.”
“As you command,” he said, rose from the foot of the bed and left the room. I was asleep before he even closed the door.
Okay, maybe Yumi was right...work was a bad idea. My limbs were like lead, and I had a headache to end all headaches. My brain was beyond sluggish. Even with the monotony of office work I knew I would struggle, but if I was suddenly absent, Shikaku would panic like a little mother hen. (It would be cute if it wasn’t so annoying)
As promised, Yumi woke me up and provided me with clean clothes for the day, before escorting me to the Jounin Command Centre. It was slow going, but it was fine. Yumi only left me when I was inside the door.
I was there before Shikaku, and set about making coffee, organising letters in order of importance and checking his diary for the day...nothing crazy was scheduled, so I hoped for a lazy day.
He arrived before ten, looking surly and grumpy (his default setting in the morning), but paused when he saw me. Before I knew it, I was dragged into his office.
“What happened to you? You look like death warmed up!”
I went to explain, but didn’t even manage a word before I started choking. Crap, I forgot about the seal...Shikaku flustered and stated calling my name while I tried to wave him off. “Mirror.” I managed to croak, trying to concentrate on staying upright.
He grabbed one from some hidden cupboard, and balanced it on his desk while I sat down in front of it. I opened my mouth, and infused chakra into the curse seal to expand the mechanism, before disengaging a core part of the circuit. It wasn’t as fine a job as I’d normally do, and ended up burning more of my tongue than I would like, but it was as best as I could manage with my current fine motor skills.
After I finished, I looked at my reflection properly...death warmed up, indeed. Except during Hell Week and my stints of sleep deprivation, I don’t think I have ever looked like this. My eyes were blood shot, there were massive bags under my eyes, and I looked as white as a ghost.
“Whoa, I look like crap,” I said, speech sounding a little off...my tongue was a little swollen after meddling with the seal.
Shikaku glared at me, folding his arms. “Explain what all of that was about.”
“Oh, just a little torture. It’s fine, I’m already over it,” I slumped into the chair. I was exhausted, physically and mentally. I was very much not over it, but I was also trying not to be dramatic. Shit happens, you know?
“Erena, you know I’m not buying that. Now, first...I’m guessing that was your cursed seal almost activating. I thought it was dismantled?”
“Oh, it was. But Danzo wanted to zap me with it because I’ve been a naughty girl...I had to reconnect it or the jig would be up. Don’t worry, it’s fixed now...it’s all good.”
“No. It’s not all good! You need to be more careful, this is why I want you out of ROOT! You are not disposable, and you are certainly not invincible.”
I sighed. “I know, but I just can’t...what I’m doing is too important to quit now.”
“Nothing is more important than your life. You should let the adults handle it.”
“If I let you handle it, it’ll all be swept under the carpet!” I snapped. “The Hokage knows of his child recruits...or should I say kidnapping victims? And even when an attempt on his life was made, the Hokage let him away with it! I need to make sure it stops, and I won’t leave anything to chance!”
“Then let us help you!”
“I can’t!” I was almost screaming, I was too exhausted to hold myself back. “There’s only one way to do this...If I tell you what I know, you’ll act rashly. Everything needs to be precisely timed. I need to stop the dominoes before they all fall. Danzo is end game, but the village comes first.”
“And what if Danzo comes after you again?”
“He won’t. I let my guard down. I thought subtlety was the way, and I got complacent.” I did. I made a mistake - I basically let Danzo find out about the change of orders. I didn’t try and hide it well enough. Now, though, I was going to use all tools at my disposal. The Uchiha rumours were going to stop now. I was going to feed him false information. I was going to have him and his personal guards tailed and intercepted, should they actually enter the village...I was going to have the rest of the Elders covered too, with the same information. He rarely conversed with anyone else, so it should cover all bases. And if I missed anything, I’d find out and fix it.
Shikaku didn’t believe me, but let the issue go. He was going to be unbearable after this, I knew it. Even the rest of the day, he let me camp out on one of the more comfortable chairs, and brought me tea. He even went out at lunch and got me my favourite yakitori. By the end of my shift, I felt almost human...I still looked like shit, but there was a vast improvement.
I was about to start heading to the Genin Barracks (because fuck going to ROOT tonight...Kutsu would probably have my paperwork covered, anyway), but almost completely forgot about my meeting with Fukagu. And I still looked like crap. So much for making a good impression...It would be unprofessional to cancel it, so I had to make the best of a bad situation.
Before I left, I took Shikaku’s foldable Shogi board. I didn’t know where Fugaku would want to go, so figured it would be safer to bring my own. While the suggestion of Shogi was more of an excuse, I really did want to play. I probably wouldn’t win in my current mindset, but I could still interpret a lot about his patterns.
When I made it to the police station, I was taken to his office. Now this place knew organisation! Everything had a place, things were clearly labelled and everything was neat. Seriously, Uchiha were little bureaucratic demons. The rest of the shinobi departments could learn a thing or two. The efficiency was just so satisfying.
The main room was an open office with many desks, and Fugaku’s office at the back. His door was kept open, and considering the rabble and chatting, no one seemed concerned. An open door policy seemed to be the norm, and it told me a lot about his character already - he trusted his subordinates to do their work, and they trusted him in return. I had only really seen the strict clan patriarch, but the respect from the rest of the clan was clear. For all his gruff attitude, he must have been a caring and likeable leader...I knew I had made the right decision.
“Fugaku-sama!” The officer who escorted my up announced as we approached the door, bowing. “Your guest has arrived!”
“Show her in,” I heard muffled between the walls. The officer gestured towards the door way and entered the room.
“Oh hey, Fukagu, what’s up?” I grinned. He seemed a little put off by my lack of official title and overly familiar address, but that was his problem, not mine.
“Erena.” He nodded in greeting. “And I see you have brought your Shogi board?”
“Well, that was the whole point, right?”
“Indeed,” he said, eyebrow raised. I took the board and started to set it up on his desk without asking. He wouldn’t have had anything confidential around knows I was coming, anyway. “And you wish to play here? I thought you may want a more ...private venue?”
Ah, he was surprised I’d willingly hang around with a bunch of Uchiha while we talk about things the Uchiha don’t want outsiders to talk about...”nah, here’s good!” I confirmed cheerfully. First step in risky information exchange and treaties...let the other party feel like they control the floor. The more secure they feel, the more they open up.
“I see, and would you prefer a bit more privacy?” He gestured to the door, which was still open.
“Don’t worry, I have that covered already,” I removed a rolled up scroll, the size of my finger, from my pocket and held it over to him. He opened it up and looked at it, eyes bulging.
“What is this?” He asked, in clear fascination.
“A portable privacy seal. I activated it as I entered the room,” it only required a small pulse of my chakra, so a gesture as small as fussing around with a pocket was enough to manage without detection. “It has a range of two metres, so no one outside of the room will overhear.”
“This is exceptional work...where did you get it?”
“Well, the papers from Uncle Shikaku’s office? And I have my pen in my pocket.”
“You did this?” He flashed his eyes up for a second, looking at me in a new light.
“Privacy seals are easy peasy. No sweat!”
He narrowed his eyes at me. “I thought you were a genin?”
“I am. Officially.”
“And unofficially?”
I wagged my eyebrows at him. “No spoilers...now, Shogi? I’ll make the first move.”
We played a couple of moves between us before he finally spoke. “You are remarkably well informed.” No question, just a statement. Open to interpretation. Cautious...good.
“Hmmm...I am. I am well informed on many things. Do you mean about something specific?” I gave him a curious expression, as though I were genuinely confused.
“Don’t play games.”
“But we already are!” I gestured to the board. “Oh, I know what you mean!” I smiled and tapped my chin thoughtfully. “You mean the Uchiha Coup? You should have said!”
“What do you know? And how do you know? I could kill you now..even in the middle of this police station, no one would ever find out. I do not suffer threats towards my kin.”
“Oh, no need to be so dramatic.” I waved him hand at him. This seemed to annoy him, and I felt a little of his Killing Intent slip out. “And put your Killing Intent away, you could take someone’s eye out with that thing!”
I could tell I was testing his patience.
Here’s goes nothing.
“Immediately after graduation I was removed from society and placed into a shadow organisation run by Shimura Danzo. I will not describe my experience, but let’s just say the phrase ‘Hell on Earth’ doesn’t even come close. Officially, we are a division of ANBU black ops, undertaking missions even core ANBU cannot condone, for the betterment of the village. In reality, it is a group of brainwashed little kids acting as Danzo’s private army, in his scrabble for power. I have resisted his efforts, and now secretly act to bring him down. I am a key member of his infiltration and espionage team, and have recently discovered his plan to cause unrest within the Uchiha, inspiring your coup. To what end, I do not know, but for the good of the village it cannot go ahead. I am here to find a peaceful resolution, and stop civil war...any questions, or do you need a moment?”
He needed a moment. Or two.
“You are a child, and why should I trust you? You know not even have the skill to fight my genin son.”
“Oh, please,” I scoffed. “That fall was a set up. I told you, I am an expert in infiltration. Danzo had me resume my life in order to spy on Uncle Shikaku, under the stupid excuse of being a member of the Genin Corps, and I had a part to play. I am no more a Genin than you are.”
“You are on a mission to spy on your uncle? And you expect me to trust you?
“Oh he knows, he’s cool with it. He’s also on Team Let’s Kick Danzo In The Balls...I was hoping we’d pick up a new member?”
“There is no proof to what you say. From my perspective, our troubles are caused by more that one person. It stems for decades of hate and distrust.”
“The Uchiha may have a past, but do does everyone. No one in the Shinobi world can claim innocence...we should not let the past define us. Right now, it is this mindset that allows Danzo to succeed. For years, he has been fuelling rumours and generating a feeling of unease towards the Uchiha. From these seeds, roots grow and burrow deep within the foundations, causing the ground to weaken and crumble. Until yesterday, it was an ongoing mission within ROOT. I am putting a stop to it today. And today, we repair that which is broken.”
“You’re words mean nothing.” He spat. I narrowed my eyes.
“Words mean everything. They can be more powerful than you imagine...they say the pen is mightier than the sword...it is not battle that creates alliances, it is intentions and words. Give me a chance and I will prove it.”
“And what could you hope to achieve?”
I smiled. “It is easy to train how to destroy a nation, but more difficult to train how to build one. While I don’t need to build a nation, I need to unite one...or at least a village. Give me time, and I will resolve what issues you have that has resulted in your need to form a coup.”
He scoffed. “And you think you can control the minds of the masses? To return the Uchiha power and respect?”
“Oh, absolutely,” I fully grinned this time.
He watched me in thought. Eyes narrowed. “It is more than just me you have to convince, the people of my clan are uneasy. They will not be swayed by fancy speeches.”
“I am no politician. I don’t breathe hot air or have underhanded dealings. Actions speak louder than words...all I need from you is an open mind and a little time.”
“And why shouldn’t I just kill you now?” His face was stern but his eyes sparkled. It didn’t matter what he was threatening me with now, I had him.
“Because you are curious. Because you don’t want war. Yes, you love your clan, but you also love the village. I am giving you another way. You would be a fool not to consider. And no one would ever mistake you for a fool.”
“...Explain your plan?”
Check mate.
The next few months were busy. As promised, I didn’t expect anything from Fugaku. He just needed to wait and watch. My agents set out and practiced their craft.
As I explained to Fugaku, the goal was to change the villages mindset towards the Uchiha, and increase the contentment of the Uchiha themselves. The problem with the clan is that they cared too much...about everything. The loved deeply, but they also hurt deeply. And they were hurt by the village they loved...I could fix that.
My only problem was the timeframe. I had months, a year at most. Considering the resentment was generational, as Fugaku mentioned, it would not be an easy task. I needed to start small.
So, step one: repair the reputation of the Konoha police force.
This was relatively easy. Rumours of heroics were spread throughout the civilian population, and I even set up some incidents, where my ROOT agents needing ‘saving’...whether it form robbery or assault. Civilian plants started giving gifts or chatting with the Uchiha Police Force members, creating a rapport. The officers responded to this well, and their overall attitude improved greatly. The real civilians caught on, and soon it became widespread. I orchestrated a large celebration in the garment district, and ensured the officers were invited-not only to patrol, but to join in. It was a rousing success. People came to rely on and respect their work.
Step two: Make the Uchiha seem soft and cuddly.
Once the police reputation was resolved, the Uchiha clan needed a revamp. This was more difficult...namely due to their overall stuffy natures, and a lovely rumour regarding the Kyuubi. While I couldn’t completely squash this, I had a plan to at least loosen its hold. I required a favour from a good friend, politics dependant, but it had a good chance of success.
In the mean time, though, I needed the Uchiha to calm down. I couldn’t change their personalities, but I could try and change how people perceived them. Again, spreading information around was at the forefront. To my surprise, no rumours needed to be made up for this, but for people to start circulating true facts.
Unrealised by many, the Uchiha were incredibly charitable - and not just the clan itself, but the individual members. They regularly donated time, skills and money where needed - and no one ever gave them credit for it. Until now. Soon, people came to see the strict clan with superiority complexes as kind philanthropists you could rely on (and no one was stupid enough to take advantage). They were greeted with welcoming smiles and praise.
Step three: Get Fugaku’s stick out of his ass.
This was hard. Over the months, I spent a lot of time with Fugaku. We made our games a regular occurrence, and I started to appreciate his wit and dedication. He was a thoughtful opponent, and a gracious loser. He seemed determined to beat me, which is why I think he kept the games up (plus that and ‘keep your friends close and your enemies closer’).
And one thing I realised was he had no sense of humour...or at least none I could play on.
(And despite my time with the clan leader, I never saw my boys even once. I found out through him Itachi had been promoted...I wanted to tell him to pass on my congratulations but I found I could not utter the words.)
This step also coincided with my whole ‘Kyuubi attack’ resolution...it was risky and could potentially cause an international incident, but it was more than worth it if it worked.
For many months, Shikaku and I had been organising a visit from a Kumo delegation. It was kept under wraps, until the final planning stages. By some miracle, the previous peace treaty had been going very well, and a more official alliance was on the cards. There had been missives sent back and forth for months, and it was agreed a group of high ranking officials would visit...with a promise of no repeat from the previous time.
Now, through my previous visits to Kumo, and time spent with A, I had actually developed a few close friendships. Of course, everyone thought I was just a Shogi prodigy from Frost...I was inconsequential enough for them not to worry about politics, and allow bonds to form. I was just a sassy cute little girl...who’s skill in strategy could surpass a Kage. It was a running joke.
And when I found out the Kumo delegation included Killer B? I was delighted.
It was surprising for them to send their main jinchuuriki, but it showed an incredible level of trust. They tried to take the Byukagan, so they were effectively sending their most powerful tool to us on a platter. And they wouldn’t dare use him to destroy a village - the consequences would be too great and A wasn’t a total idiot.
And the thing about Killer B? He is FUN. He was ridiculous and hilarious and I loved him for it. I went out of my way to find him every time I was in Kumo, and we had a strange ‘big brother, annoying sister’ thing going on. I tried to rap, but I was terrible and he mocked me horribly. But I gave it back as good as I got, and he respected me for it.
And when his little friend asked for a tiny little favour (the message sent via ROOT express)? “No problem sweetpea, that ain’t no problem for a Killer B!”
Now, while I asked him for a favour, I didn’t specify when to do it...which was probably a mistake on my part. So when the delegation were greeted in public by the Hokage and the whole council, and Killer B zero’d in on Fugaku in front of everyone, I felt my heart drop to my stomach.
“Hey man, I know you! You’re the main man Fugaku!”
I could practically feel the glare from where I was in the crown. “You are correct. It is an honour to have such an esteemed guest to our village,” he bowed.
“This letters from someone I know as a little sis. She said she hopes you won’t give her games a miss!”
I could see Fugaku’s eyebrows rise up in surprise and realisation. Yea, he knew this was me (and I didn’t miss Shikaku give me the driest look in the world).
Killer B handed Fugaku a neatly wrapped scroll, tied with a pink ribbon. He thanked Killer B, and made an attempt to pocket it.
“No man, don’t hide it! I’ve been waiting to see what’s inside it!”
Fugaku sighed and opened the ribbon. It would have been a nightmare to deny the Kumo ambassadors request so publicly. As soon as the scroll was unraveled, the storage seal on it activated, and puffed a cloud of pink powder over him...covering him in baby pink head to toe.
The whole crowd went silent, and you could feel the tension in the air. Even Killer B looked concerned for a second. Until there was a faint giggle from the crowd...and it surprised everyone to find out it was Mikoto. So much for the famous Uchiha composure.
“Well played...although I must protest, pink really is not my colour,” Fugaku deadpanned. Suddenly it was like an eruption, and scores of nervous laughter rang out, with Killer B and the Hokage full on chortling. Danzo looked furious!
“You know, Fugaku, I have to disagree. It takes a real man to pull of pink that well,” Shikaku commented, and it set Killer B off again.
“If I’d known you Konoha bitches were such good fun, this treaty would have been more than long done! Let’s get inside to put pen to paper, me and Fugaku are going for drinks later! Yo!”
Fugaku looked like he wanted to die. I was living for it.
And that’s how Fugaku gave the illusion of a sense of humour (I was convinced he was faking it), secured an alliance with Kumo, had a night out with Killer B, and cast a little bit of doubt in people’s minds about an involvement in the Kyuubi disaster...because if he had the power to control the bijuu, why didn’t he do it on a Jinchūriki who almost publicly humiliated him?
(Of course that specific train on thought was started by yours truly.)
Now my three step plan was successful, I had to give Fugaku physical proof of the changes. Behind his back, I submitted a petition for an appeal to relocate the Uchiha back to their previous grounds. He was furious when I told him, as he did not want to be rejected publicly...
“The petition has been granted. The council will convene next week and put the proposal to a vote.” Fugaku said gruffly, during one of our Shogi meetings.
“Excellent! That’s great news!” I cheered, reaching over to pour him tea.
“I am not expecting it to be successful. There are too many variables that will not go in our favour.”
Variables? I can work with variables. “Do tell?”
He huffed. “The likelihood of enough votes is unlikely. If it was not too late I would withdraw the petition...if this fails, the clan will be incensed.”
“Good thing they don’t know about it then, huh?” I was glad I advised him to keep quiet, and squashed any rumours of the meeting leaving the Hokage tower. “And I wouldn’t worry about the votes, you’ve got it in the bag.” I gave him a thumbs up.
“Even you cannot guarantee that, you do not hold sway over the clan heads. Even your Uncle may not side with Uchiha.”
“Care to make a wager?”
He regarded me carefully. “I am not a betting man.”
I always knew Fugaku was a smart man. “Listen, with the exception of the Kurama, I can all but promise you the clan vote. Even if the elders vote against, you’ll still win with a landslide. Easy peasy. You might as well celebrate now.”
“All of them? How?”
“Oh Fugaku, I can’t give away all my secrets!” I grinned. “But listen...don’t worry about the Nara-that I can guarantee. Uncle Shikaku is a smart and fair man. The Yamanaka and Akimichi will also have no objections...and if my Uncle if firmly in agreement, they will follow his lead. The Inuzuka are renowned for being territorial...so they will understand the want to get your home returned. The Aburame, while a wildcard, are one of the founding clans of Konoha and so I believe they will support you, especially since your request will have little bearing on them. They are logical and will see the benefit to village security in having the police force central again.”
“And the Hyuuga? Hiashi opposes me out of principle.”
I grinned. “Oh him...easy. But I only will need you to do one thing. And it needs to be exact.”
“I will not take any part in blackmail.”
I laughed. “As if I would be so predictable! No, all I need is for you to say a specific phrase during the meeting, exactly, and make sure you acknowledge Hiashi as you do. If he does not follow, he is not the man of honour I thought he was.”
His brow furrowed and seemed confused for a second, like he was considering it. Please...like he wouldn’t.
“And what is this ‘phrase’?”
“ ‘Can you look at me and truly tell me that these actions are not to the benefit of Konoha?’ And then maybe add in ‘it will only be your own hatred and prejudice that will be satisfied if you decline’...I think that ought to do it.”
“I do not see the importance.”
“You don’t need to, but he will.”
“Even with your promises, I doubt the Uchiha and Hyuuga will ever see eye to eye. Whatever information you have on him, he will not aid us no matter what silly codes you have me say.”
I got angry. “Fugaku...Do you really think I am doing this for the good of my health? This is not a game to me. I have put in too much effort for you to have doubts now. Even without your support, I have shown you what difference I can make - with only the smallest of actions. Imagine how big an impact on the Uchiha a decision like this would make?
“I do not work on ‘ifs and maybes’. If I say something will work, it will. I am sick and tired of people underestimating me. I could destroy a country with a single rumour, if I wanted! But destroying is easier than building and repairing- and I have never taken the easy road.
“I’ll tell you what...if this doesn’t work, and your godforsaken ‘coup’ can’t be stopped, then I’ll help you. I can guarantee brute force won’t work alone, but with me as your strategist, you will be Hokage in no time. Do we have an agreement?”
He stared at me for a long time. One thing I will give Fugaku - his resting bitch face was on point. I would ask him for lessons, but I didn’t want to get premature wrinkles.
“Agreed,” he said. Finally.
“Excellent. Now, let’s finish the tea. It’s getting cold.” He went ‘hn’ in agreement.
“Oh, and one final thing, Fugaku...” he raised an eyebrow at me. “After you get the Uchiha land back, if Hiashi invites you to a game of Shogi, I expect a box of mochi...the good kind you can only get in the Uchiha distract.” I took a sip of my tea and smiled into the cup.
Fugaku snorted. “Be quiet. Now you are being silly.”
Interlude
Fugaku left the meeting, receiving many congratulations on his victory.
To his surprise, Hiashi approached him.
“I wish to convey my compliments to an outstanding proposal. Although, I had no idea you were acquainted with Shikaku’s secretary,” he stated, face blank.
Fugaku stiffened. “Thank you. Yes, Nakahara is an old friend of my son.”
Hiashi tilted his head. “And have you played Shogi with her, too?”
What on Earth had this girl been up to? “On occasion. She is a very astute player.”
“Yes, I would agree,” Hiashi paused. “Over the past few years I have developed an appreciation for the game myself. Would you care for a game sometime next week?”
Fugaku was not a man easily shocked, but this was unexpected. How had Erena even know to predict that? It was suspicious, but he would be a fool to miss such an opportunity. “Yes, I believe that could be arranged.”
“Excellent. I will send someone with note of my availability for you to look at. Farewell and congratulations on the return of your compound.” Hiashi gave a small bow before making to leave.
“Hiashi, may I ask a final question?” Fugaku suddenly asked.
The man turned to regard Fugaku. “Of course?”
“Why did you vote with me? The Hyuuga had nothing to gain.”
Hiashi showed the ghost of a smile. “Were you told the significance of the words you said?”
“No, I was not informed.”
Hiashi seemed pleased. “The last time someone said those to me, it stopped me from making the biggest mistake of my life. The effects are still seen to this day.”
“What effects?”
“Peace, Fugaku. Peace.”
The next day Erena was delivered the biggest box of Mochi she had ever seen in her life. She practically squealed.