Chapter 63: Sarutobi Hiruzen Concedes

The two old advisors were now livid, staring at the crystal ball on Hiruzen's desk. In just a few minutes, several Jonin they'd spent years cultivating with village resources had fallen to Shisui's Susanoo.

"The Koharu and Mitokado clans sure know how to train ninja," Seiryu said with a chuckle, making the advisors break out in cold sweat.

They knew their own situation. The ninja attacking Susanoo in the crystal ball weren't listed in the village's official ninja registry—in other words, they were private soldiers raised by the clans.

Most clans did this to some extent, but some things are light as four ounces off the scale; once weighed, they're thousands of pounds.

Hiruzen put down his pipe and cut the chakra to the crystal ball. What Seiryu had said shouldn't be discussed openly—after all, the Sarutobi clan did the same. No matter how foolish Koharu and Homura were, he had to protect the clan ninja; otherwise, he'd have no loyal ninja left in the village.

"Third Hokage, from interrogating the rioters, the police have basically confirmed that the rumors about Kakashi originated with the Koharu and Mitokado clans. I ask the advisors to come with me to the police for investigation," Seiryu said.

"Uchiha Seiryu, we were appointed by the Second Hokage as advisors. Technically, you and the police have no right to investigate us," Homura said sternly.

"Is that what the Third Hokage thinks?" Seiryu turned to Hiruzen. "This isn't just about Kakashi—every ninja in the village deserves an explanation. For the Will of Fire, please stand up for Kakashi and for every ninja who might one day sacrifice themselves."

"Third Hokage, Seiryu is right," Kakashi finally spoke up. "It's nothing if I'm personally wronged, but if this causes doubts about the Will of Fire among our ninja, that would be disastrous."

Hiruzen looked up at Kakashi, feeling a headache. These two had picked up the Will of Fire rhetoric too.

"Kakashi…" Koharu tried to rebuke him, but Hiruzen snapped at her:

"Enough!" He glared at Homura and Koharu. "How dare you invoke the Second Hokage? As his fellow students, I don't recall him ever teaching us such underhanded methods!"

"Hiruzen, you…" Koharu and Homura were speechless at Hiruzen's harsh words.

But Hiruzen didn't give them a chance to speak. "Guards! Take the two advisors to the police for investigation!"

"Yes!" The office doors opened, and several ANBU entered. Now that the street trouble was over, they were back on duty. Compared to earlier, now the ANBU acted quickly, surrounding the advisors with their hands on their weapons.

"Please, advisors, don't make this difficult for us," a masked ANBU warned quietly.

Koharu looked at Hiruzen in disbelief but saw only a warning in his eyes.

Hiruzen could only hope these two fools would behave and go quietly. In a few days, maybe he could get them out, but if they kept making trouble, even he would lose control.

"Hmph, Hiruzen, you'll regret this!" Homura snorted but ultimately didn't resist. Together with Koharu, they were led away by the ANBU.

After they were gone, Hiruzen massaged his brow tiredly. These fools made him almost miss Danzo. After a while, he finally looked at Kakashi and Seiryu: "Kakashi, Seiryu, how do you feel about this handling?"

"Third Hokage, you are fair and impartial. I admire you," Seiryu said.

"No need for such flattery, Seiryu," Hiruzen replied. "Though this was my oversight, ultimately, as Hokage, I am responsible."

"Please don't say that, Third Hokage. The advisors were blinded by ambition and forgot the Will of Fire and the Second Hokage's teachings," Seiryu said.

"They became like this in part because of me, too," Hiruzen sighed. "But Seiryu, Kakashi, for my sake, let's end things here. I'll personally clear up all the rumors."

"Thank you, Third Hokage," Kakashi said.

"Also, Seiryu, those two made mistakes, but after so many years, they've at least worked hard. Please treat them well for my sake."

"Understood." Seiryu smiled. "They're high-ranking, so until things are settled, of course they won't be held with common criminals. So, Third Hokage, the police plan to build a special holding facility by the Naka River."

"That's fine," Hiruzen nodded.

"Also, Third Hokage, about what Kakashi and I found at Orochimaru's base—have you considered it?" Seiryu asked.

Hearing this, Hiruzen tensed, thinking carefully before replying: "Let's postpone that. The village can't take more turmoil right now."

Seiryu looked troubled. "That's a bit difficult, Third Hokage."

He sighed, then continued, "It's partly my fault. So much happened tonight, and things were so sudden that I forgot to put that file away. Shisui saw it by accident."

Seiryu looked apologetic. "Third Hokage, you know my cousin's nature—simple, and can't keep secrets. If we delay, I'm afraid Shisui will start overthinking."

"This…" Hiruzen was momentarily speechless, and Seiryu quickly bowed.

"In the end, it was my negligence. Please forgive me, Third Hokage."