As soon as Hiruzen said those words, quite a few people were affected.
Immediately, their attention shifted from the pursuit of the truth to wondering whether this whole incident was just Tsunade causing trouble.
Yeah!
Wouldn't it be better if there was no problem?
Tsunade forcing the Hokage in such a way did seem a bit irrational.
Seeing that his words were having an effect, Hiruzen continued, "I know you and Koharu have had some disagreements at work, but we're all high-ranking members of Konoha. Does it really need to come to this? These past few days, I've been troubled by this matter. In fact, haven't I been giving you an opportunity?"
"If you had left during these past ten days, things wouldn't have escalated like this, and your reputation wouldn't have been affected. I know your intentions are good, but this is a bit too reckless. So why don't we both take a step back? You can go home right now, and everything can go back to how it was."
Upon hearing this, Tsunade almost couldn't help but laugh out loud.
You really know how to put on a show. Someone who didn't know better might actually think you're open-minded and incorruptible!
"What I say, I mean!" she responded firmly. "I'm doing this not out of personal grievance. In fact, I have no grudge against Koharu, and this is certainly not directed at you. But the people have a right to know the truth. Strategic reserve supplies are a matter of the village's safety, this is no joke. That's why I demand a full investigation."
Hiruzen kept up his pained expression and said, "Since it's come to this, I suppose we have no choice but to go along with your demand. Indeed, it's time everyone knew the truth."
After speaking, he waved his hand. Over a dozen ANBU rushed out from the crowd and began dispelling the barrier at the warehouse entrance.
He then stepped aside to make room for Torifu and the others, wearing an expression that looked reluctant yet fearless, an act that immediately caused many to waver in their hearts.
Could it be that the Hokage really has nothing to hide?
Was he really just trying to give Lady Tsunade an out, and she's the one stirring up trouble?
The human heart was both complex and simple.
Sometimes, just a few words, combined with the herd mentality, were enough to temporarily change someone's thoughts.
At this moment, the truth was still unknown. Most people were merely suspicious. But if no problems were found, then everything Hiruzen just said would become his most powerful weapon.
It would immediately make everyone empathize with him, thinking he had been patient, tolerant, just trying to give Tsunade a chance and avoid conflict.
By then, countless people would speak out for him.
With just a little guidance, all of their anger would turn toward Tsunade, causing her hard-earned reputation to collapse in an instant.
Some might even begin to question in their hearts: Is someone like her really fit to be Hokage?
Hiruzen wasn't unaware of the risk, what if something was found?
If there truly was a problem, then every word he had spoken today would become a boomerang, hitting him square in the face and exposing his hypocrisy to all.
Even up to the last moment, he tried to manipulate everyone into doubting Tsunade. A man like this had no right to remain Hokage.
But Hiruzen had been backed into a corner, he had no choice. And over the past ten days, he had been psychologically preparing himself. He simply didn't believe he would lose.
This was his comeback battle, and in his mind, victory was certain.
"The barrier is open!" a ninja suddenly shouted.
Torifu glanced at Hiruzen, brows slightly furrowed. Then he looked at Tsunade, gave a polite gesture, and led the group with her toward the underground warehouse.
---
What happened here, of course, quickly spread throughout all of Konoha.
Countless people began gathering at the scene. Among the crowd were Shin, Minato, and Kushina.
The words Hiruzen had spoken earlier were also deliberately passed around by certain individuals, and it was clear that those spreading them had already taken the Hokage's side.
At this moment, many people felt conflicted. Because no matter what the outcome was, it wasn't something they wanted to see.
When Hiruzen spotted Shin, he immediately approached with enthusiasm, making small talk that carried a faint air of smugness.
Those around them naturally stepped aside to make space for the former Hokage.
Once the others were far enough away, Hiruzen leaned in and said in a low voice, "Don't you feel like you've shot yourself in the foot?"
Shin simply smiled and replied, "No, I used to be like you. Then I took an arrow in the knee."
Hiruzen's eye twitched. What does that even mean?
He ignored Shin's stubbornness and began silently drafting a new speech in his mind. He vowed that when the time came, he would make a brilliant showing, letting everyone see Tsunade's true face. And show how he had devoted himself to Konoha for so many years, tirelessly working for its sake.
Despite having done nothing wrong, he was misunderstood and falsely accused, the pain and torment in his heart were indescribable.
People's hearts are a tool, and now, they could be used!
---
All the lights were now fully lit. The group following behind Tsunade, all of whom had received prior orders, were just about to begin checking the inventory.
But before they could make a move, she stopped them.
Without waiting for anyone's reaction, she walked straight to the section with generic medicines and reagents. Without a word, she grabbed a wooden crate from the shelf and ripped it open violently.
After scanning the contents of the box, she set it aside and pulled out another one from the bottom. Again, she tore it open with force.
Next, she proceeded to open five or six boxes from various parts of the storage area, all in the same aggressive manner.
Everyone wanted to stop her, but her intimidating presence kept them silent.
Just as Torifu was about to speak, Tsunade's eyes lit up and she exclaimed, "Found it!"
"What did you find?" Torifu quickly stepped forward and asked.
"Substandard goods!" Tsunade said, finally exhaling with some relief as she held up a regulation military pill that was clearly off in color.
"Substandard goods?" Torifu's expression suddenly changed.
In any kind of production, occasional defects could happen due to process errors.
Medicine was no exception, some substandard items were inevitable.
"Substandard" didn't necessarily mean unusable, it just meant it was less effective than a premium-quality version.
But this wasn't just any place… This was the strategic reserve warehouse!
The Second Hokage had set extremely strict standards for managing the strategic reserves.
He had mandated that all supplies sent to this warehouse, at any time, must be the best of the best, no substitutions, no compromises. During his lifetime, he had personally inspected the warehouse many times and repeatedly warned his disciples: "The strategic reserve warehouse concerns the life and death of Konoha. There is no room for negligence."
So now, everyone present was completely stunned.
What the hell… is going on here?!