Having decided to accept Sasuke as his disciple, Seiryu was naturally going to teach him well.
Sasuke was not yet seven, and with his brother's history of overthinking, instilling a simple moral foundation first was crucial. In other words, establish his outward behavior first.
When Sasuke eventually finds this worldview insufficient for reality, he'll experience confusion—then will be the time to teach him the real substance.
In this era, the master-disciple relationship is as close as that of father and son. Since Seiryu accepted Sasuke, the boy would one day inherit Seiryu's political resources. Of course, Seiryu would not turn Sasuke into a mere pedant.
After Sasuke left, Seiryu strapped on Kiburi and went out.
…
Soon, in the Aburame clan's compound, the current clan leader, Aburame Shibi, received word from the clan's scouting insects that Seiryu was heading their way. He quickly summoned the clan's Jonin.
The Aburame compound was even more remote than the Uchiha's post-Nine-Tails relocation. Seiryu, with Kiburi at his waist, walked leisurely along a path lit only by moonlight.
The subtle chakra in the surrounding bushes naturally didn't escape Seiryu's eyes, but he paid it little mind.
Soon, Seiryu arrived at the Aburame entrance and said warmly to a sunglasses-wearing genin, "Please inform your clan head that Uchiha Seiryu is here."
"Yes, please wait," the guard nodded and went inside.
Seiryu waited patiently. Before long, Shibi himself, accompanied by two jonin, came out to greet him.
"Sorry to keep the Uchiha clan head waiting," Shibi said, bowing.
"No need for that, Clan Head Aburame. I'm the one disturbing you at this late hour," Seiryu replied with a smile. "And there's no need for formality—I'm only visiting in a personal capacity today."
"Please, Clan Head Seiryu," Shibi said, inviting him in.
After entering, they arrived in the reception room, which, Seiryu noted, was rather shabby—a sign of the Aburame's recent hardships.
"Our clan is simple; we can't compare to the Uchiha," Shibi said.
After sitting, Shibi signaled for tea to be served and, after a few pleasantries, asked, "May I ask the purpose of your visit, Clan Head Seiryu?"
"Our Police Department was tasked by the Third Hokage to thoroughly investigate the village traitor Shimura Danzo and his criminal gang. We've made significant progress," Seiryu said. "But Danzo's network is deep-rooted. The investigation inevitably involves some clans. Out of concern for village stability, the Third has repeatedly asked us to be cautious. That's why I'm here."
At the mention of business, Shibi grew serious.
He sighed. "Is this about Torune? He was taken by Danzo at a young age; we've had little contact since."
"I understand," Seiryu nodded. "The Uchiha clan has heard of Danzo's coercion of talented ninjas in the past."
"I'm glad the Uchiha clan head understands," Shibi said, slightly relieved.
"But…" Seiryu continued, making Shibi tense up again.
"Torune held a high position in Root—second or third in command, at least. According to our investigation, he played a key role in Danzo's crimes and violently resisted arrest, trying to destroy evidence. That adds to his guilt."
"…" Shibi broke out in a cold sweat, finally saying, "We knew nothing of Torune's deeds. Please, Clan Head Seiryu, understand."
"As a fellow ninja clan, I do understand," Seiryu said, sipping his tea. "After all, who can guarantee their clan won't produce a few bad apples? And Torune was brainwashed by Danzo from childhood."
"But…" Seiryu put down his cup and stared at Shibi. "My understanding isn't enough; the village must also believe in the Aburame's innocence."
"What do you mean?" Shibi asked, confused.
"You know what the villagers are like, right?" Seiryu produced a document and placed it before Shibi.
One glance and Shibi's pupils shrank behind his sunglasses.
The file listed Torune's crimes in detail—helping Danzo assassinate fellow ninjas, kidnapping bloodline children, and more.
If this were made public, the villagers wouldn't care about the backstory; they'd blame the Aburame. As a clan head, Shibi knew how ruthless village opinion could be—even the famed White Fang was driven to suicide. How could the small Aburame clan withstand such pressure?
"Please, Clan Head Seiryu, give us some guidance," Shibi said.
"I've already said, I believe the Aburame are innocent," Seiryu smiled, "but to convince the village, you need to show your stance."