Naruto: The Fifth Hokage [11]

Chapter 11: Arresting the Suspects

"Lord Third, Uchiha Makoto is heading to the Shimura clan's territory with a squad of police force."

"What?" Hiruzen's eyelids twitched. He couldn't figure out what Makoto was trying to do.

"Lord Third, please let me go. I will try to stop him." At that moment, Itachi, who was on duty, stepped out of the shadows, knelt on one knee, and requested permission.

Hiruzen stared at Itachi for a long time before sighing. "It's up to you, Itachi. The village can no longer afford internal strife."

Itachi took the order and left, swiftly traversing the rooftops of Konoha. Before long, he arrived at the outskirts of the Shimura clan's territory. Makoto and the second squad, who had been moving at a steady pace, arrived at the same time.

The Shimura clan's compound was steeped in mourning. Funeral music played softly in the distance.

Standing in their path, Itachi wore an Anbu mask, but his identity was unmistakable. Everyone in the village knew who the only minor in the Anbu was.

"Itachi, we are here to summon suspects related to the Shimura clan for an investigation. Did the Hokage send you to assist us?" Makoto asked calmly.

Realizing his disguise was pointless, Itachi removed his mask.

"Clan Leader, go back. The village cannot withstand more internal conflict," Itachi urged.

Makoto's expression turned cold. "So, you're here to stop me? Is this your own decision, or the Hokage's?"

By now, Makoto's deliberate decision to march slowly through the village had paid off. A sizable crowd of curious villagers had gathered, eager to see what was happening. The Shimura clan's compound was located in a bustling area, making the spectacle even harder to ignore.

"There is solid evidence that Danzo desecrated the remains of the First Hokage and attacked fellow Konoha ninjas. The Shimura clan had ties to his actions. We are merely requesting their cooperation in an investigation. And now you stand in our way. What exactly is your intention?" Makoto asked, his voice carrying to the assembled crowd.

"No, this..." Itachi hesitated, uncomfortable with the scrutinizing gazes of both the villagers and his fellow Uchiha clansmen.

Makoto cut him off mercilessly. "If this is the Third Hokage's direct order, then I'll turn around and leave immediately."

Itachi looked at the expectant faces of the gathered crowd. Could he say this was what the Hokage wanted? He remained silent.

After a moment, Itachi lowered his head. "Clan Leader... This is my own decision."

Makoto walked past him without another word, leading his squad forward.

Soon, the Shimura clan members were alerted to the police force's presence. Shimura Hiroshi, the current clan head, stepped forward with a retinue of his own men to block Makoto's path.

"Apologies, but the Shimura clan is not receiving guests today," Hiroshi said coldly, dressed in a pure black kimono.

"Unfortunate timing, then," Makoto nodded. "It seems you're holding a funeral?"

"You Uchiha still have the nerve to come here?" A young, emotionally charged Shimura ninja suddenly lunged at Makoto. The police force members behind him prepared to retaliate, but Makoto raised a hand to stop them.

The enraged Shimura ninja was quickly restrained by his own comrades.

"The young ones in our clan lack discipline. I apologize for the embarrassment," Hiroshi said smoothly.

"I see." Makoto gave a polite smile before his expression turned serious. "But I'm not here as a guest."

His gaze hardened. "Shimura Clan Head, we ask that Shimura Reito, Shimura Arashi, Shimura Yusuke, and others accompany us back for questioning."

Behind him, the Uchiha police force, already simmering with resentment, took a step forward. The Shimura clan's warriors did the same.

"This is against protocol," Hiroshi muttered.

"It's just an investigation. The police force found an account book in Root's base. The Shimura clan had extensive dealings with them. I personally believe in your innocence, Clan Head," Makoto said, taking out a half-burned account ledger from a sealed scroll.

"Clan Head, there's nothing left to say! The Uchiha have wicked ambitions! Elder Danzo died at their hands—we must avenge him!" The restrained Shimura ninja roared.

Makoto's gaze darkened. "It seems the Shimura clan truly was colluding with Danzo and conspiring against the village."

His eyes spun, and in an instant, his three-tomoe Sharingan transformed into the Mangekyō Sharingan.

Hiroshi tensed. He had witnessed the legendary battle between Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara and understood the terrifying power of the Mangekyō Sharingan. He clenched his fists but ultimately suppressed his rage. A direct conflict now would be disastrous.

At the same time, Makoto had arrived with justifiable cause. If a battle erupted, it would be impossible for the Shimura clan to clear their name afterward.

"Wouldn't it have been easier if you had cooperated earlier?" Makoto chuckled and waved his hand, signaling Yuuya to take action.

"Clan Head!" The younger Shimura members shouted in protest, unwilling to accept this humiliation.

Makoto stepped closer to Hiroshi and whispered, "Shimura Clan Head, don't make this harder than it needs to be."

Hiroshi's mouth twitched, but he ultimately said nothing, signaling for his clansmen to stand down.

The arrests proceeded smoothly. Since Makoto had named the individuals beforehand, they were already present. Yuuya swiftly handcuffed them and reported back.

"Shimura Clan Head, thank you for your cooperation," Makoto said, relaxing now that his objective was secured. "However, I must give you some advice—at a time like this, holding a funeral for a traitor might not be the wisest decision."