Chapter 76: Divide & Rule, Bribing Minister
Half an hour later, Yoshiwara Ao returned with a thick stack of documents, placing them carefully on the table. "My lord, these were recovered from Shimokawara Shota's residence."
Shota's back was slick with sweat, but he maintained a fierce, unyielding glare. "Tonan, I advise you not to go through those papers. Some matters are too grave—beyond what any ordinary man can bear."
Tonan's lips curled into a faint smile. "I understand such reasoning. After all, why do we have two eyes? Sometimes, one is meant to look away." He flicked through the records deliberately, then fixed his gaze on everyone trapped in the swamp. "These are the very reasons none of you dared to expose him, aren't they?"
Silence fell like a heavy curtain as heads bowed in shame. Tonan chuckled softly, then instructed Ao, "Burn them all."
With solemn respect, Ao replied, "Yes, Tonan-sama," and fetched a fire pan. One by one, he fed the documents into the flames, smoke curling upward before vanishing. Shota's lips twisted into a cruel smirk. "You're finished now. Among those papers you burned was the city's entry tax ledger—the one that was supposed to be submitted to the Finance Minister. I'm curious to see how you'll explain that."
Tonan's brow furrowed in mock surprise. "Who said I burned anything? I merely wanted to review the accounts, but you, so terrified your corruption would be uncovered, destroyed even the tax records. Everyone here can vouch for that."
Shota's face paled as fury ignited within him. "You're framing me!"
Tonan's tone sharpened. "I believe all of you here are upright citizens who won't tolerate such misdeeds. Anyone willing to speak up against him, feel free. This will be considered a meritorious report. You'll be rewarded, even if not promoted. Ao, record each statement, along with the names and fingerprints. And if someone remains silent, mark their name too—I suspect that person is Vice-Captain Shota's accomplice."
Tonan lowered his gaze, sipping his tea as the heavy silence stretched. Then, one voice pierced through.
"I have something to say: Shimokawara Shota has been collecting protection money from gangs outside the city."
"He also smuggled forbidden weapons into the city."
"He sheltered several human trafficking rings."
…
The clock's steady ticking marked time as Tonan released each citizen from the swamp, and Ao meticulously noted down their testimonies. When everyone finished, Ao handed the ledger to Tonan.
Waving it in front of Shota, Tonan asked with a cold smile, "Is this enough evidence to seal your fate?"
Shota drew several deep breaths, forcing bravado. "No real proof exists. According to the Land of Fire's laws, you have no grounds to punish me."
Tonan chuckled darkly. "I'll burn the evidence for you later. If you have grievances, visit the Daimyo in his dreams and lodge your complaints." He shook his head, amused. Then he pointed at a Northern City Guard standing nearby. "As his colleague, why don't you put an end to this pathetic excuse for a man? I hear you've reported the most crimes."
The guard glanced nervously left and right, then shuffled forward, trembling. He reached for a kunai but hesitated, eyes darting to Shota. Despite knowing many of Shota's secrets—and being complicit himself—fear had now gripped him.
Shota's facade cracked as terror seeped through. "No! I submit. I'll do whatever you command…"
Tonan stroked his chin thoughtfully. "If you submit, you remain Vice-Captain. Today's events will be dismissed as a misunderstanding. And later, you'll have your revenge on those who reported you."
Puchi.
The guard plunged the kunai into Shota's chest. Tonan sighed and gently patted Shota's forehead. "My fault—I pondered too long. Regret won't help now. From this moment, you are the new Vice-Captain."
"Many thanks, Tonan-sama."
The guard knelt and kowtowed deeply. Tonan nodded in approval, then gestured toward the remaining few still trapped in the swamp. "You'll take care of these. No need for mercy—everyone gets their share."
Witnessing Shota's death, the silent ones panicked, voices rising.
"My lord, I'll speak! Shimokawara Shota kidnapped many women by force."
"He bribed Uekawa Ozora, the Head of the Guardian Residence."
Puchi.
Puchi.
"So, there was collusion with the Guardian Residence Head…" A flicker of realization passed Tonan's eyes as he stood leisurely.
"All of you, clean yourselves up. Don't let the Northern City Guard's reputation be sullied by sloppiness. Also, report today's events to those currently on duty. From now on, stay within the law. I'll be focusing on training mostly. If problems arise, rely on your orders."
With that, Tonan headed to his room, grabbed a sealed storage scroll, and left the mansion. On the main street, he casually asked a passerby, "Excuse me, who should I approach to report an official's corruption?"
"You'll want to speak to Supervision Minister Fukuda Masaki, just northwest of the Daimyo Residence. Guards stand at the gate—you can ask them."
"Thank you." Tonan followed the directions and soon arrived at the minister's residence.
In the living room, Tonan sat seiza-style before the table and bowed respectfully to Masaki across from him. "It's an honor to meet you, Masaki-sama."
Masaki's voice was grave. "You must be the new Northern City Guard captain, Uchiha Tonan. Whom are you here to report?"
"I wish to report Shimokawara Shota, the Vice-Captain of the Northern City Guard, for bribery, corruption, and protecting criminal enterprises. These allegations come from his own subordinates."
Tonan handed over the ledger. Masaki's eyes widened as he scanned the densely packed accusations and countless fingerprints.
Only one thought occupied his mind: When a wall is about to collapse, everyone gives it a final push.
"This is serious. Without concrete evidence, I can only bring this before His Majesty, who will make the ultimate decision," Masaki said calmly.
Tonan nodded, then suddenly pulled a sealed storage scroll from his bag. He opened it and performed a hand seal to release its contents.
Bang!
Bundles of colorful banknotes spilled out onto the table. Masaki glanced at them dispassionately. As a veteran official, he estimated the sum—close to five million ryo.
"When I saw these charges, I was furious. I killed Shota and some of his accomplices in the heat of the moment. This is five million ryo—his attempted bribe. The illicit funds should be confiscated. I hope my actions don't break any laws," Tonan said with a faint smile, sliding the money forward.
Masaki narrowed his eyes and exhaled deeply. "What he did is unforgivable. As long as one acts with integrity, who can stop them? I fully understand your position, Tonan-sama. Rest assured, His Majesty will see it the same way."
"Many thanks, Masaki-sama. I will take my leave. I'll arrange for the criminal's body to be delivered soon." Tonan smiled politely, then paused, tapping lightly on the stack of money. "From now on, I'll report all Northern City Guard affairs to you monthly. At that time, I will also hand over prisoners and illicit profits."
As Tonan rose to leave, Masaki's experienced eyes read between the lines: Tonan intended to offer regular bribes and favors, signaling his alliance.
Masaki's face brightened. He eagerly stood and bowed. "Tonan-sama, your noble character and unwavering integrity shine bright… allow me to see you out."