"I understand." The Third Hokage nodded, his expression serious. This was going to be a difficult task, but it had to be done.
"Very well. Have everyone from Anbu and Root report to the Interrogation Department. Notify the Yamanaka clan-they'll play a crucial role in this." The Hokage paused, then added, "And summon Tsunade."
If they were going to do this, they might as well go all the way. Enemy spies had been a constant issue in the village, and no matter how many sweeps they conducted, they couldn't seem to catch all of them. This time, they'd be thorough.
Danzo, Koharu, and Homura left to make preparations. Root would also be subject to the investigation, though Danzo wasn't concerned. Root agents had been thoroughly conditioned to prevent any leaks, and Danzo hadn't yet committed the more unsavory deeds he'd become infamous for later.
It was still relatively easy for him to cover his tracks at this point. If this investigation had taken place after the Third Shinobi War, things would've been much messier for Danzo.
"Oh, and make sure Usagi Xin comes with Tsunade," Third Hokage added.
With so many of the village's top shinobi out on missions, Anbu and Root would be the first to be scrutinized. But the Hokage wanted to make sure that if anything went wrong, they had strong shinobi on hand to manage it.
Tsunade was an obvious choice, but the Hokage decided to include Xin as well. If there were spies hiding in Root or Anbu, and a fight broke out, Xin's skills would be invaluable.
ANBU was the main focus of the investigation, with Root being checked only to avoid causing unrest among ANBU operatives. Danzo and the advisors had no objections to this plan, and they all left the Hokage's office to begin.
"Danzo, you'd better hope nothing goes wrong," Koharu muttered as they walked away from the Hokage's office.
Everyone knew Root's dirty secrets. If anything came to light, it would be hard to explain to the Hokage.
"I'm aware," Danzo replied curtly, tapping his cane as he walked away.
"I hope so," Homura sighed, watching Danzo disappear. Like Koharu, he was worried. They feared that something might go wrong, even if the chances were slim. Danzo was usually good at hiding his tracks, but there were no guarantees.
"Who's knocking at this ungodly hour?!" Tsunade's voice boomed through her house.
Having worked late into the night, she had barely managed to fall asleep when a loud knock on the door jarred her awake. Her temper flared instantly.
Hair a mess and eyes heavy with exhaustion, Tsunade yanked open the door so hard it nearly came off its hinges. The poor shinobi standing at her doorstep looked terrified.
"Tsunade-sama, I've been ordered to inform you that the Hokage requests your presence at the office immediately."
"The old man wants me?" Tsunade blinked, squinting at the frightened messenger. Am I really that scary?
Wait, something's off.
If the Third Hokage had something important, he'd usually send ANBU-not some random shinobi.
Did something happen?
Tsunade's senses sharpened, her mind clearing.
"Oh, and I was also told to let you know that Usagi Xin should come with you."
"I got it. You can go now."