Chapter 64 The Dust
Settles After hearing Uchiha Touhuan's words, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally understood why Uchiha Shisui, who had always loved peace, had sided with the Security Department tonight and attacked a fellow villager.
At the same time, Hiruzen Sarutobi also realized that this matter could not be delayed any longer. If he continued to conceal it, the Will of Fire he had been using to win over young talents like Shisui would completely collapse, and Shisui would become utterly disloyal to him.
Although Shisui's Mangekyō Sharingan was in Uchiha Touhuan's hands, the power of Shisui's Susanoo that he had just displayed was not something an ordinary ninja could withstand. If Shisui completely sided with the clan, the Uchiha clan would then possess two Kage-level fighters.
Conversely, if Shisui still believed in his Will of Fire, even though a rift might have developed between them, based on Hiruzen Sarutobi's understanding of Shisui, Shisui would likely intervene to stop the Uchiha rebellion. This was probably why Uchiha Touhuan had remained restrained throughout the night.
Having sorted out his thoughts, Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "Touhuan, this isn't your fault. After all, no one could have predicted what would happen tonight." "
Since things have come to this, there's no point in delaying any longer. Let's officially begin the investigation," Hiruzen Sarutobi said. "However, given the gravity of the matter, I plan to have the Anbu and the Security Department investigate together. What do you think, Touhuan?"
Although the investigation into the three clans' collusion with Orochimaru was already inevitable after Shisui learned of it, Hiruzen Sarutobi had learned from the previous investigation of Root and knew that this matter couldn't be entirely left to the Security Department.
The last time Uchiha Touhuan gained power, he developed his current power base in less than a month. If the power to investigate this case were completely handed over to the Uchiha again, Hiruzen Sarutobi dared not even think about what would happen.
"That's only right." Uchiha Touhuan nodded. If he were in Hiruzen Sarutobi's position, he wouldn't have allowed the Security Department to handle such a big matter alone. Therefore, he had anticipated Hiruzen Sarutobi's reaction. His goal was simply to force Hiruzen Sarutobi to start an investigation.
Furthermore, joint investigations weren't entirely without benefits. Although with the Anbu involved, Uchiha Touhuan was unlikely to act as recklessly as before, it also gave him the opportunity to intervene in the Anbu's affairs, which he naturally accepted.
After confirming everything, Uchiha Touhuan and Kakashi each rose to take their leave. Watching their departing figures, Hiruzen Sarutobi lit his pipe again and looked out at the night sky.
After a long while, Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed deeply. He had to admit that since Danzo's death, his control over the village had weakened considerably. The events of today, especially the reactions of the Ino-Shika-Cho clans, made him realize that he might truly be getting old.
Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed repeatedly, pulling a letter from the table. He intended to write to Jiraiya again, but after just writing Jiraiya's name, he couldn't help but sigh again. Of his three former disciples, the only one he could truly rely on was Jiraiya, the one who had once caused him the most trouble.
"I hope his return can change everything," Hiruzen sighed.
...
After leaving the Hokage Building, Uchiha Touken and Kakashi parted ways at an intersection.
"Where are you going?" Uchiha Touken asked. "I don't remember your house going this way."
"Some old friends are waiting for me; I have to go and tell them the outcome," Kakashi said.
"Are they former subordinates of the Fourth Hokage?" Uchiha Touken asked.
"Yes," Kakashi nodded, not hiding anything.
"Well, speaking of which, if the Fourth Hokage were still alive, the village wouldn't be like this now," Uchiha Touhuan said with some regret. "Kakashi, take everyone to the Uchiha clan's territory tomorrow. I'm planning to throw a banquet or something. Tonight, these seniors with the Will of Fire helped a lot, and our Security Department should express our gratitude."
"I understand," Kakashi nodded, said goodbye to Uchiha Touhuan, and headed alone towards the location of the earlier conflict.
"Oh, right, remember to bring that guy who uses Wood Release tomorrow. The Security Department needs his help with something," Uchiha Touhuan suddenly remembered something after Kakashi left and called out in the direction Kakashi had gone. ...
When Uchiha Touhuan returned to the security headquarters, although it was already late, the entire headquarters was still brightly lit.
On his way back to his office, Uchiha Touhuan encountered several civilian team members carrying batons who were walking towards the interrogation room. Upon seeing Uchiha Touhuan, these civilian team members immediately stood at attention and loudly saluted.
"Captain Touhuan! Loyal! You are!"
After returning the salute, Uchiha Touhuan patted one of them on the shoulder, then reached out and flipped through his name tag, asking, "It's so late, aren't you going home yet?"
"Reporting to Captain Touhuan, we're not tired, and the interrogation of the thugs isn't over yet. We plan to finish the interrogation work tonight!" the team member named Hasegawa Taro replied energetically.
Uchiha Touhuan glanced at the other man's uniform pockets, bulging with red envelopes and ninjutsu, and said with a smile, "Your spirit is commendable, but you should still pay attention to work-life balance. Hurry up and go home." "
Captain Touhuan! We're really not tired!" Hasegawa Taro exclaimed. He was joking; two months' salary plus ninjutsu—going home immediately would be disrespectful to the security force and to Captain Touhuan!
To this, Uchiha Touhuan shook his head and said, "I really can't do anything with you guys. Go back to work. Tell my colleagues who are working overtime that they've all worked hard today, and I'll try to get them some late-night snacks later."
"Long live Captain Touhuan!" As soon as Uchiha Touhuan finished speaking, the surrounding security team members cheered.
Finally managing to escape the enthusiastic crowd, Uchiha Touhuan returned to his office. Uchiha Shisui, who had completed his mission, seemed to have been waiting in his office for some time.
"How did the mission go?" Uchiha Touhuan asked as he walked towards his office chair.
"Everyone on the list has been apprehended without exception," Uchiha Shisui said.
"That's good," Uchiha Touhuan nodded. "I plan to entrust you with the follow-up investigation."
"Me?" Uchiha Shisui was taken aback.
"That's right. Regarding this matter, I've reached an agreement with the Third Hokage that the Security Department and the Anbu will jointly investigate. In a couple of days, once our Security Department's new detention facility is completed, Anbu will come to assist. You've worked in the Anbu before; your involvement should allow the investigation to proceed more effectively." "
"Understood"
Shisui nodded. "Leave this to me." "Shisui, don't let the clan down again," Uchiha Touhuan reminded Shisui before he left.
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(End of Chapter)