"Wow, Dad, you really have sharp eyes," Inoiki said with a forced grin, trying to break the heavy tension that had settled in the room. He hoped a little humor might lighten the mood, but his father's stern expression didn't waver.
Inoichi's voice was firm, cutting through the attempt at levity. "Don't talk nonsense. This is serious. Where did these weapons come from?"
Realizing his usual tricks wouldn't work here, Inoiki dropped the act. His face grew calm and composed as he replied, "I went to the training grounds, like I do every day. After I finished, I was resting when Yamanaka Fu showed up." He paused, watching for his father's reaction. "You mentioned him three years ago—said he'd joined the ANBU. He told me that the ANBU leader wanted to meet me, but I refused. I told him if the leader needed me, they could talk to me through you."
Inoichi's eyes narrowed, his focus entirely on his son. Inoiki knew his father was hanging on every word.
"When I rejected him," Inoiki continued, "he tried to take me by force. I had no choice but to defend myself. We fought... and I managed to injure him pretty badly."
At the mention of the battle, Inoichi's serious expression turned into immediate concern. His eyes widened as he rushed toward Inoiki, already checking him for injuries. "Are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere?"
Inoiki couldn't help but smirk a little at his father's sudden shift. "I'm absolutely fine, Dad. I mean, come on—I'm your son. How could someone like Fu manage to hurt me?" He puffed out his chest slightly, a smug grin spreading across his face.
Inoichi gave him a brief, unimpressed look before rolling his eyes. Still, he carefully inspected his son, his hands moving quickly to ensure there were no hidden wounds. Only when he was satisfied did he step back and release a small sigh of relief.
"It's good that you're alright," Inoichi said, his voice softening. But the tension hadn't fully left his face.
Inoichi settled back onto the cushion, his gaze steady as he said, "Tell me everything—every move you used against Fu. Don't leave anything out."
Inoiki nodded and began recounting the entire fight, from the moment Fu appeared at the training grounds to the last strike that left his opponent injured. He described each technique, every use of chakra, and the tactical decisions he made during the battle, sparing no detail. Inoichi listened intently, his expression unreadable but his focus absolute.
When Inoiki finished, his father sat quietly for a moment, processing everything he'd heard. Finally, Inoichi nodded, a flicker of pride crossing his face. "You did well," he said. "But listen carefully: don't tell your mother or sister about any of this. They'll only worry, and we don't need that right now."
Inoiki nodded, understanding the unspoken rule. His mother and sister, Ino, were always protective of him—especially his mother. He could already imagine her reaction if she knew he had fought Fu.
Inoichi's tone softened, but his voice held a firm resolve. "I'm going to meet with Shikaku and see what we need to do next. Don't worry, Inoiki. I'll make sure you get justice. No one lays a hand on my son and walks away unharmed."
The warmth in his father's voice, the fierce protection that only a parent could give, made Inoiki smile. "Thanks, Dad," he said quietly, his heart lighter knowing his father was by his side.
Inoichi, ever practical and quick to act, didn't waste any time. He reached for Fu's ninja tools—still lying between them—and sealed them into a scroll with practiced ease. The kunai and sword disappeared into the sealing scroll with a cloud of white smoke.
Without another word, Inoichi stood and walked to the window. He glanced back at Inoiki, gave him a reassuring nod, and then, with the swift grace of a seasoned ninja, he leaped out. Inoiki watched as his father moved from rooftop to rooftop, heading in the direction of Shikaku's house.
Alone now, Inoiki sat for a moment, his thoughts spinning. He knew his father would handle things, but this situation with Fu—it was bigger than he'd realized. For now, all he could do was wait, trusting that his father would bring him the answers he needed.
Inoichi landed silently in the backyard of Shikaku's house, his movements as smooth as ever. The soft thud of his landing caught the attention of both Shikaku and his son, Shikamaru, who were engrossed in a game of shogi on the porch. Shikaku, always composed, looked up with a casual smile, a hand resting on his chin as he considered his next move.
"Inoichi," Shikaku greeted him warmly, "what brings you here?"
His easygoing tone matched the relaxed atmosphere of the evening, but Inoichi's expression made it clear this wasn't a casual visit. Noticing his friend's serious demeanor, Shikaku glanced at Shikamaru, then back at Inoichi. Still, he gestured toward the shogi board and asked, "Care to join us for a game?"
Inoichi shook his head, declining the offer with a quick, decisive motion. His eyes darted around the backyard, scanning the area. Without saying a word, he activated the 'Sensing Technique,' reaching out with his chakra to detect any presence nearby. He wanted to make sure they weren't being overheard. After a few moments of concentration, he confirmed the coast was clear—no one else was around.
Turning back to Shikaku, his expression serious, Inoichi spoke in a low voice. "Not now. I need to discuss something important with you, and we need privacy. Let's go somewhere quiet."
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