Chapter 36: The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi

"That's all, Hokage-sama."

After Shisui finished relaying everything Yuhara had told him, he silently stepped back beside Yuhara without saying another word. Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a headache coming on; the situation was exactly as he had feared, and Danzo had truly bungled it this time.

Maybe Danzo had good intentions. After all, anyone would be wary of a Uchiha getting close to the Nine-Tails. The events of eight years ago were still vivid, with the image of the Sharingan in the Nine-Tails' eyes hauntingly clear. No one wanted the Uchiha to have any contact with the Nine-Tails again, and no one wanted another Nine-Tails incident in Konoha.

But their methods differed. Hiruzen would have preferred to observe the situation and gradually make the village aware that the Sharingan could control the Nine-Tails. This way, people would fear and distrust the Uchiha even more, increasing their wariness. But Danzo, seeing this as an opportunity to push the Uchiha to the brink, acted without hesitation. Unfortunately, Danzo failed, putting Hiruzen in a difficult position.

"It seems we all underestimated this Uchiha Yuhara, the genius once on par with Shisui," Hiruzen thought, glancing at Yuhara. He hadn't expected Yuhara to be this powerful, able to dismantle over ten elite Root ninjas. He had hoped to use Shisui's connection to Yuhara to plant another line within the Uchiha clan, but Danzo's actions had likely ruined that chance.

"I understand," Hiruzen said, adopting a stern demeanor. He turned to Yuhara and asked seriously, "Is everything Shisui said true, Jounin Yuhara?"

"Yes, Hokage-sama," Yuhara replied promptly, stepping forward. "Everything Shisui said is true, and the bodies of those men are here. You can check their masks to see if they are from the Anbu, or…"

Yuhara paused, feigning anger. "Or we could ask the Yamanaka clan to investigate their memories. Everyone is here, and this would prove my words and reveal which rat tried to set me up."

Hiruzen stiffened slightly at Yuhara's suggestion but remained composed. After a moment's thought, he knew what to do.

"Inspection is necessary. If your statement is correct, then these men are likely not from the village. Their ability to infiltrate so easily raises many issues that need thorough investigation, not rash actions."

Hiruzen's words were carefully measured, acknowledging Yuhara's statement while also dismissing his suggestion. Then he turned a stern gaze on Yuhara, his expression shifting seamlessly between benevolence and severity.

"However, Yuhara, I recall you became a Jounin a year ago. I understand your anger in this situation, but as a Jounin, you should know the importance of capturing enemies, especially those infiltrating the village. Killing them all and destroying their bodies complicates our investigation. Dead men can provide information, but live captives are far more valuable!"

Hiruzen's words were forceful, leaving Yuhara momentarily speechless. He had thought himself shameless, but compared to Hiruzen, he realized he still had much to learn. The Hokage's tactic of giving a small reward followed by a harsh reprimand was effective, twisting facts effortlessly.

The surrounding Konoha ninjas nodded in agreement with Hiruzen. They believed Yuhara's actions were excessive. Even though he was a talented Uchiha, it would have been better to capture at least one enemy alive rather than mutilate the bodies.

Yuhara could imagine that, thanks to Hiruzen's words, the Uchiha clan would soon earn another label of 'brutality.'

"I apologize, Hokage-sama. I am still mastering my sword techniques and lost control. I am sorry for causing such trouble," Yuhara said, humbling himself but marking this slight for future reckoning. He hoped that when he dealt with Danzo later, the old man would maintain this same condescending tone.

"Everyone disperse. The Anbu will handle the rest," Hiruzen commanded, sensing Yuhara's insincerity but choosing to overlook it. He cast a lingering look at Danzo before turning away.

As Hiruzen left, the other Konoha ninjas followed suit. Even Fugaku Uchiha, after a glance at Yuhara and Shisui, turned and departed. This left Yuhara, Shisui, and some Anbu members to collect the bodies.

Seeing this, Yuhara saw no reason to stay. He had achieved his goals for the night. He grabbed Shisui and headed out. Both had lost any desire to train after the incident, and Shisui was filled with doubts.

Once they were a safe distance away, Shisui asked quietly, "Were those Danzo's men?"

"Yes, most likely," Yuhara replied. "But no one knows that I am aware of their existence, so I can act freely."

"I see. But they are still Konoha ninjas," Shisui said, relieved but then shook his head.

"Yes, they are," Yuhara agreed. "But have you considered what would happen to the Uchiha if they had succeeded?"