Naruto: The Fifth Hokage [20]

Chapter 20: Overturning the Case

In the Hokage's office, Makoto stood before Hiruzen, flanked by the two advisors, Homura and Koharu, with Shikaku standing silently by the side.

In front of them, the barely conscious Yamanaka Fū lay on the ground, his blank eyes staring into nothingness.

"The Police Force discovered this matter while investigating Danzo's accomplices," Makoto began. "The rumors that ruined White Fang's reputation were spread under his direct orders. Furthermore, key figures—including the current head of the Shimura clan, Shimura Hiroshi—played a role in silencing and coercing Hatake Sakumo's former teammates."

As he spoke, Makoto watched their expressions closely. The two advisors stiffened, panic flickering across their faces for an instant. Hiruzen, though more composed, still revealed a trace of discomfort.

Makoto's lips curled slightly. As expected, these three were not entirely clean in this matter.

"Let's leave this alone," Koharu said hastily. "White Fang's case has long been settled. There's no need to revisit the past."

"Is that so?" Makoto's voice remained calm but sharp. "Are we to let villains slander those who bled for this village? Should a hero's legacy remain tainted even in death?"

"His mission was a failure," Homura argued coldly.

"Because he chose to protect his comrades, didn't he?" Makoto countered.

"A ninja's duty is to complete the mission," Koharu insisted.

Makoto turned his gaze toward Hiruzen. "Is that your belief as well, Lord Third? If so, this is not the Will of Fire at all."

Silence blanketed the room. Even Shikaku, who had remained passive, now wished he could melt into the shadows and disappear.

Makoto smirked inwardly. The Will of Fire—such a lofty ideal, yet how often was it merely a tool of manipulation? Could Hiruzen afford to deny it now? Of course not. It was the foundation of his rule.

Hiruzen sighed deeply. "I understand, Makoto. We will restore Sakumo's reputation. However, this investigation will not go any further. It has been too long, and digging deeper would be a waste of time."

"Since this is the Hokage's decision, the Police Force has no choice but to comply," Makoto said, feigning disappointment.

In reality, he was thrilled. His true goal had always been to rehabilitate White Fang's reputation. If the investigation had continued, it might have uncovered things he wasn't ready to deal with.

The Uchiha were not yet in a position to push for a complete overhaul of the system. For now, maintaining stability while subtly shifting power was the wisest course.

Switching topics, he continued, "Furthermore, our investigation into Danzo's activities has revealed a deep connection between him and the rogue ninja Orochimaru. Given the nature of this threat, I request that the Police Force and the Anbu work together in tracking him down. This is necessary to bring justice to those who suffered under their human experiments."

Hiruzen's eyes darkened at the mention of his former student. After a moment, he looked at Makoto. "Very well. Kakashi will lead the mission, and your Police Force will assist. Is that acceptable?"

"Understood," Makoto nodded. "We will bring Orochimaru to justice."

With that, Makoto turned and left, leaving behind Yamanaka Fū. Once he was gone, the advisors turned to Shikaku.

Shikaku sighed. "Lord Third, Inoichi informed me that Fuu was taken by Danzo at a young age. While his actions were inexcusable, he was ultimately a pawn. For the sake of the Yamanaka clan's contributions, please allow us to take him back."

Hiruzen nodded. "Take him. Care for him well. This was Danzo's doing."

Shikaku bowed and left with the barely conscious Fū.

Once the door closed, Homura turned to Hiruzen, his face tense. "Hiruzen, are we really going to let this slide? The Uchiha are getting out of control."

Hiruzen took a deep breath from his pipe, then exhaled slowly. "Makoto will not go that far. He still carries the Will of Fire in his heart."

"Hiruzen!" Koharu snapped. "He is an Uchiha! Have you forgotten the teachings of the Second Hokage?"

Homura added, "Danzo was right about you. You're too soft. If you keep allowing the Uchiha to act unchecked, you will regret it!"

"Enough!" Hiruzen slammed his hand on the desk. "I am the Hokage!"

The room fell into stunned silence.

Hiruzen's voice was low but commanding. "Do you think I want this? Because of Danzo's stolen Sharingan, we must appease the Uchiha clan. Otherwise, we risk forcing them into outright rebellion. Are you prepared for that? The Uchiha already possess two pairs of Mangekyō Sharingan. And tell me, is there a second Hashirama Senju in this village?"

His words hung heavy in the air.

The advisors fell silent. They might despise the Uchiha, but even they weren't foolish enough to ignore the implications of Hiruzen's warning.

After a long pause, Hiruzen spoke again. "I will send a message to Jiraiya. It's time for him to return."

~~~

Hey, it's me here. I just want to say thank you for reading this fanfiction, but I have to go to hiatus for a while. A week, maybe. Got a lot of works to do. Moving out and all as I got a job outside of town, well, outside of the island I live in actually, lol.

But don't worry, I have 10 stockpiled chapters and I will upload them on schedule 1/day and two/day on weekends