Chapter 63: Hiruzen Sarutobi's Concession
Watching the scenes unfold in the crystal ball, Koharu and Homura were on the verge of collapse. In just a few minutes, the private forces that they had painstakingly cultivated over the years had been completely wiped out by Shisui Uchiha's Susanoo. These shinobi, groomed with resources they secretly siphoned from the village, were no match for the colossal green figure.
"Looks like the Training Program of the Koharu and Homura clans is quite impressive," Uchiha Douhuan chuckled lightly, his two casual remarks enough to make the two advisors break into cold sweats.
They knew better than anyone that the majority of those ninja attacking Shisui's Susanoo were not registered shinobi of the village, meaning they were private soldiers the clans had been raising in secret. Most major clans engaged in similar practices, but once exposed, it became a grave issue.
Hiruzen Sarutobi put down his pipe, cutting off the chakra to the crystal ball. He knew very well that Douhuan's words were not meant to be openly discussed—especially considering that his own Sarutobi clan did the same thing. Given the circumstances, no matter how foolish Koharu and Homura were, Hiruzen had to protect them. Otherwise, his command over the village's loyal forces would be reduced to almost nothing.
"Third Hokage-sama, after interrogating the rioters who gathered to pressure the Police Force, it has been confirmed that the source of the rumors about Kakashi originated from the Koharu and Homura clans. I ask that the two advisors accompany me to the Police Force headquarters to accept questioning." Douhuan stated calmly.
"Uchiha Douhuan, we are advisors personally appointed by the Second Hokage! Technically speaking, you and the Police Force do not have the right to investigate us!" Homura growled, trying to muster what authority he could.
"Is that what the Third Hokage believes too?" Douhuan turned his gaze to Hiruzen, his tone carrying a hint of pressure. "This issue isn't just about Kakashi. It's about the entire village's faith in the Will of Fire. For the sake of that faith, I implore the Third Hokage to uphold justice for Kakashi and for every shinobi who might one day make the ultimate sacrifice."
"Third Hokage-sama, Douhuan is right," Kakashi interjected, his tone resolute. "I can tolerate personal grievances, but if the Will of Fire is compromised, the consequences for the entire village could be catastrophic."
Hiruzen glanced at Kakashi, feeling a headache forming. How did even Kakashi start preaching the Will of Fire?
"Enough!" Hiruzen roared, giving Koharu and Homura a death glare. "You dare mention the Second Hokage? As his fellow disciple, I do not remember him teaching us such underhanded methods!"
"Hi-Hiruzen…" Koharu stammered, unable to believe her old friend would denounce them like this.
Not giving them any chance to respond, Hiruzen decisively ordered, "Guards! Arrest the two advisors and escort them to the Police Force headquarters for questioning!"
A squad of Anbu rushed in, having returned after restoring order in the village. Unlike their earlier nonchalance during the riots, they were now swift and precise, surrounding the two advisors and placing hands on their weapons.
"Advisors, please cooperate and avoid making this difficult," one of the masked Anbu said coldly.
Koharu and Homura looked at Hiruzen in disbelief, but Hiruzen simply gave them a steely glare, signaling that any resistance would only worsen their situation.
"Fine, Hiruzen, you'll regret this!" Homura hissed but ultimately did not resist as both advisors were taken away.
As the door closed behind them, Hiruzen let out a weary sigh, rubbing his temples. As foolish as they were, they were still longtime comrades, and a part of him couldn't help but feel sentimental. It was moments like this that made him almost miss Danzo.
After a long pause, Hiruzen looked at Douhuan and Kakashi. "How do you feel about the way I handled this?"
"Your sense of justice and impartiality is truly admirable, Third Hokage-sama," Douhuan praised, his tone filled with feigned reverence.
"Enough with the flattery," Hiruzen waved it off. "I am still accountable. Though this mess was caused by my negligence, the root of the problem lies with those two."
"Not at all, Hokage-sama. It's the advisors who let power corrupt their hearts, forgetting both the Will of Fire and the teachings of the Second Hokage," Douhuan replied.
Hiruzen took another drag from his pipe, reflecting deeply. "Still, Douhuan, Kakashi—let's put this matter to rest here. I will personally address the rumors and clear Kakashi's name."
"Thank you, Third Hokage-sama," Kakashi nodded.
"Also, Douhuan," Hiruzen added cautiously, "those two may have made mistakes, but they have still contributed to the village. I hope you can show some leniency when dealing with them."
"Of course," Douhuan smiled reassuringly. "Given their status, it would be inappropriate to house them with ordinary detainees. We plan to construct a dedicated holding facility by the Naka River to ensure they are treated with due respect."
"Hmm, that sounds reasonable," Hiruzen nodded in approval.
Douhuan then took on a more serious expression, changing the subject. "Speaking of which, Third Hokage-sama, what about the evidence we discovered in Orochimaru's lab? Have you given it any thought?"
The mention of that evidence made Hiruzen's heart tighten. After some hesitation, he finally replied, "Let's delay that matter for now. The village is not in a state to endure any more turmoil."
Douhuan looked troubled. "That's… difficult to manage. In the chaos earlier tonight, I accidentally left the file out, and Shisui happened to see it. You know his personality—honest and unable to keep secrets. I'm worried that if this drags on, he might act on his own."
Hiruzen fell silent, contemplating the implications.
Realizing he had struck the right nerve, Douhuan bowed deeply. "This is all my fault. I was too careless. I humbly ask for your forgiveness, Third Hokage-sama."
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