Naruto: The Fifth Hokage [15]

Chapter 15: Hokage's Advisors

The next day, Makoto arrived early at the interrogation room of the police force.

"Clan Leader." The Uchiha in the room nodded and saluted as he entered.

"How did yesterday's interrogation go?" Makoto asked.

"Ah?" Zaito, the one in charge, looked stunned. It was as if he hadn't received any clear instructions the day before.

Makoto's gaze shifted to the five high-ranking members of the Shimura clan, tied to the interrogation rack, beaten beyond recognition. He sighed inwardly—it was clear this had turned into a personal grudge.

"I'm sorry, my comrades were a bit... enthusiastic. I couldn't stop them," Zaito said with an awkward smile.

Makoto shook his head. "It's fine. I should have given clearer instructions."

He pulled up a chair and sat before the prisoners. "Tell me, how much do you know about Danzo's crimes?" His gaze swept over them, their eyes burning with hatred.

"You Uchihas are born evil! Lord Third will not let you go!" spat the eldest among them, Shimura Reito, blood dripping from his mouth.

Before Makoto could respond, an Uchiha next to him swung a baton, striking Reito's mouth.

"Uncle Tojima?" Makoto turned to the one who delivered the blow. Uchiha Tojima was a middle-aged jonin in his forties. "Isn't the fourth team on leave today?"

"The interrogation department is busy, so I came to help." Tojima smiled. His second son had died on the battlefield during the Third Ninja World War. Out of his nine-man squad, only two Shimura clan members returned alive. Tojima had his suspicions.

Now that he had one of them in his grasp, he wouldn't be merciful. Like him, many other Uchiha with similar grievances had lined up all night for their turn.

While Tojima continued his "interrogation," Makoto turned to another prisoner.

"Shimura Arashi, we have evidence that you colluded with enemy ninjas in the Land of Water, leading to the deaths of one jonin, two chunin, and three genin from our clan. You also stole six pairs of Sharingan and delivered them to Danzo. Do you deny this?"

"Uchiha Makoto! You're framing me!" Arashi shouted in anger.

"Be quiet!" Another strike silenced him.

Makoto then turned his attention to the last significant figure among them. "Yusuke Shimura."

"What do you want? I've never even been on a battlefield!"

"And as a ninja, you find that something to be proud of?" Makoto chuckled coldly. "Your crime has nothing to do with the war. In Konoha Year 44, you spread rumors that led to the suicide of Hatake Sakumo. You also participated in silencing Kishida Keisuke, who knew the truth. Do you deny it?"

"You... You're slandering me! I never—"

Makoto caught the flicker of panic in Yusuke's eyes and smirked. He hadn't expected to hit the mark by simply pulling names from the Shimura clan's records.

"There's an old saying: 'A wise man adapts to the times.'" Makoto leaned back. "Our interrogation tools are very persuasive. I suggest you cooperate."

At that moment, a clan member entered, whispered in Makoto's ear, "Clan Leader, the Shimura clan head and two Hokage advisors are here, demanding the prisoners be handed over."

"Uchiha Makoto, if you know what's good for you, release us immediately! The village won't stand for this!" Arashi shouted arrogantly, having overheard.

Makoto yawned and looked at Tojima. "Uncle, be careful not to overdo it. You're not as young as you used to be."

"Hmph, don't underestimate me! Even at eighty, I can still handle scum like him." Tojima sneered, increasing the force of his blows, drawing pained screams from Reito.

Makoto chuckled. "Just don't kill him."

With that, he left the room and headed for the police force's entrance.

There, Shimura Hiroshi stood with Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, flanked by a squad of Shimura ninjas.

"Esteemed advisors, you must uphold justice!" Hiroshi cried. "Lord Danzo dedicated his life to the village, and after his passing, his clan is subjected to this humiliation! This is Uchiha revenge!"

"Don't worry, the village will give you an explanation," Koharu assured him.

Just then, Makoto and Fugaku stepped outside.

"Well, what an honor to have the two Hokage advisors visit," Makoto said with a smile. He turned to Fugaku. "Captain, this is your fault. How can you keep our esteemed guests waiting at the door? You should at least offer them tea."

"My apologies," Fugaku said smoothly. "I've been too busy with official duties."

Koharu seized the moment. "Uchiha Makoto, release the prisoners immediately! This is unacceptable!"

Makoto chuckled. "Release them? I'm afraid that's not possible. The five of them are deeply involved in Danzo's crimes. They're guilty of leaking intelligence, murdering fellow Konoha ninjas, and committing treason."

"Nonsense! This is a blatant lie!" Hiroshi roared, emboldened by the presence of the advisors.

Yesterday, he had been too afraid to challenge Makoto. But now, with Homura and Koharu at his side, his courage surged.

Makoto simply smirked. Things were about to get interesting.