Naruto: I Beat The Villagers And Made Them Scream

Since he had already decided to take Uchiha Sasuke as his disciple, Kuragami Uchiha was naturally committed to teaching him well.

Choosing Confucian classics as Sasuke's introductory readings was a carefully considered decision. 

First, Sasuke was not yet seven years old, and given his older brother's history of overthinking things from a young age, it was crucial to establish a simple and solid moral foundation for him. 

Therefore, it is particularly important to establish a relatively simple moral concept first and let the child know which characters are good and bad. 

In other words, it was important to first establish his outward moral framework.

When Sasuke eventually realized that this framework alone could not fully explain the world he perceived, he would naturally experience confusion.

That would be the right moment to teach him deeper truths, filling in the substance behind the outward structure.

In this era, the relationship between a master and a disciple was no less significant than that between a biological father and son. Since he had accepted Sasuke as a disciple, Sasuke would also be qualified to inherit his political resources in the future. 

Naturally, Kuragami would not raise Sasuke into a mere scholar full of Confucian rhetoric but lacking real insight.

After Sasuke left, Kuragami Uchiha also took his sword, Swift Thunder, and headed out.

Shortly after, in the Aburame Clan's territory, the Clan Head, Shibi Aburame, received reports from the scouting insects stationed around their territory.

Learning that Kuragami Uchiha was heading their way, he immediately became alert and swiftly gathered the elite jōnin of the clan.

The Aburame Clan's territory was even more remote than the area the Uchiha Clan had relocated to after the nine-tails rebellion. Walking down the dimly lit path, where only the moonlight provided some visibility, Kuragami Uchiha moved at a steady pace, his sword Swift Thunder hanging at his waist.

The faint Chakra fluctuations from the surrounding bushes did not escape his keen eyes, but he paid them no mind.

Soon, he arrived at the entrance of the Aburame Clan's territory. At the gate, a ninja wearing the clan's signature dark sunglasses stood guard. 

Kuragami greeted him with a warm tone: "Please inform your Clan Head that Kuragami Uchiha has come for a visit."

"Understood, please wait a moment." The gatekeeper responded before heading inside.

Kuragami waited patiently, and before long, Shibi Aburame himself arrived, accompanied by two jōnin.

"Apologies for keeping the clan head Kuragami waiting."

Shibi said while bowing respectfully.

"There's no need for such formality, Clan Head Shibi. In fact, I should be the one apologizing for visiting at such a late hour." 

Kuragami replied with a smile. "Besides, you don't have to be so formal; today, I am here in a personal capacity."

"Then please, come inside."

Shibi invited, gesturing toward the estate.

After following them inside, Kuragami took a moment to observe the surroundings. It was evident that the Aburame Clan's situation had been difficult in recent years. Even their guest hall, which should serve as the face of the clan, appeared somewhat modest and underwhelming.

"Our clan's accommodations are humble compared to the Uchiha; I hope you won't mind."

Shibi remarked.

After they were seated, he signaled for a servant to bring tea. Following some small talk, he finally asked: "May I ask what brings you here at this late hour, Clan Head Kuragami?"

"Our Konoha Military Police Force, under orders from the third Hokage, is conducting a thorough investigation into the traitor Danzo Shimura and his criminal gang." 

Kuragami explained. "Recently, we have made significant progress. However, as you know, Danzo's influence has been deeply rooted for many years, entangling various factions within the village. The third Hokage has repeatedly emphasized the importance of handling this matter with extreme caution to maintain the village's stability. That is the reason for my visit tonight."

Upon hearing this, Shibi's expression grew serious. He sighed deeply before responding: "Is this about Torune? He was taken to root at a very young age, and since then, our clan has had no contact with him."

"I understand."

Kuragami nodded. "Back then, we were aware of Danzo's coercion tactics, forcibly recruiting talented ninjas from various clans."

"I'm relieved that you understand."

Shibi said with some relief.

"But..." 

Kuragami's tone suddenly shifted, making Shibi tense up again.

"Torune Aburame held a high-ranking position in the Root, conservatively estimated to be second or third in command, directly under Danzo. According to our Konoha Military Police Force's investigation, he played a crucial role in many of Danzo's criminal operations, including orchestrating assassinations of fellow Konoha ninjas and kidnapping children from clans with Kekkei Genkai."

"Furthermore, when we attempted to apprehend him, he violently resisted arrest and attempted to destroy the evidence. That alone is an additional crime."

Shibi broke into a cold sweat upon hearing this. After a long silence, he finally spoke again: "Clan Head Kuragami, I assure you that the Aburame Clan had no knowledge of Torune's actions. Please believe in our innocence."

"From a ninja clan's perspective, I do understand." 

Kuragami said calmly, taking a sip of tea. "After all, no clan can guarantee that none of its members will go astray. Besides, Torune was taken away as a child and brainwashed by Danzo, a man inherently corrupt."

"However..." 

Kuragami placed his teacup down and locked eyes with Shibi. "My understanding alone isn't enough. The village needs to understand this as well."

"What do you mean?" Shibi asked, puzzled.

"You should be well aware of the temperament of Konoha's villagers." 

Kuragami said, placing a document on the table in front of Shibi.

The moment Shibi picked it up and read it, his pupils shrank beneath his sunglasses.

The document detailed Torune's crimes within the Root. If this evidence were to be made public, the villagers wouldn't care about the nuances of the situation; they would simply blame the entire Aburame Clan.

As the head of a mid-sized ninja clan, Shibi knew all too well how brutal public opinion in Konoha could be. 

Even the once-revered White Fang was driven to suicide by village rumors. 

If this backlash turned toward their relatively small Aburame Clan, could they withstand it?

"Clan Head Kuragami, what should the Aburame Clan do?" Shibi asked solemnly.

"I've already said that I personally believe in your clan's innocence." 

Kuragami said with a slight smile. "But if you want the village to believe it too, the Aburame Clan must show its stance clearly."