"During their investigation into Shimura Danzo's accomplices, the Security Department uncovered another matter. The rumors surrounding White Fang's downfall were, in fact, orchestrated under Danzo's orders. Moreover, several individuals—including the current head of the Shimura clan, Shimura Hiroshi—were directly involved. They were also responsible for silencing White Fang's surviving comrades."
Uchiha Touhan spoke with unnerving calm, his sharp gaze sweeping over Sarutobi Hiruzen and the two advisors.
At his words, the advisors' eyes flickered with unease, a brief flash of panic betraying their composure. Even Hiruzen, though far more composed, revealed a faint stiffness in his expression. That was enough for Touhan—none of them were innocent when it came to the White Fang affair.
"Let's put this matter to rest," Utatane Koharu interrupted hastily. "The village has already reached its conclusion regarding White Fang."
"Is that so?" Touhan's voice dropped into a low, cutting whisper. "So we'll allow scoundrels to tarnish the name of a man who bled for the village? Condemn him to eternal disgrace? Can a hero not even find peace in death?"
Mitokado Homura's face hardened. "That mission's failure was indeed White Fang's fault."
"But he chose to protect his comrades, didn't he?" Touhan's tone was steady, almost cold.
"A ninja's duty is to complete the mission at all costs!" Koharu shot back sharply.
Touhan turned to Hiruzen, his eyes narrowing. "And do you agree, Hokage-sama? Is that your interpretation of the Will of Fire? Because it certainly isn't mine."
The words struck like a blade. A heavy silence fell across the office. Nara Shikaku, standing quietly at the side, silently cursed his fate. He wished he could dissolve into the shadows of his clan's jutsu and escape the suffocating tension.
Touhan chuckled under his breath, amused at the scene.
A ninja… at the end of the day, nothing more than a weapon of death, trained to kill and sacrifice under the guise of noble ideals. The so-called "Will of Fire"—a beautiful veil to mask the ugliness of their world. Yet right now, it was a weapon sharper than any kunai.
Could Sarutobi Hiruzen deny it? Of course not.
The Will of Fire wasn't just ideology—it was the foundation of his rule, the very core of Konoha's political heart. To reject it would be to saw off the branch upon which he sat.
"...I understand your point, Touhan," Hiruzen finally said with a long, weary sigh. "We will restore White Fang's honor. But… the investigation ends here. Too much time has passed. Digging deeper will bring nothing but wasted effort."
Touhan lowered his head slightly, concealing the smile tugging at his lips. This was more than he'd hoped for. His true aim had only been to clear White Fang's name. To pursue the matter further might have forced the Uchiha into open conflict with these old relics—and that was premature. But to have Hiruzen himself stop the matter, even taking the blame? That was a gift.
"Since this is Hokage-sama's decision," Touhan replied, his voice dark and solemn, "the Security Department will comply."
His eyes gleamed.
"And there is one more matter. The clues we've gathered suggest that Shimura Danzo maintained deep ties with the traitor Orochimaru. The experiments, the abductions… all point to collaboration. But as Orochimaru's crimes extend beyond the village, I request authorization for the Security Department to cooperate with the ANBU in hunting him down. For the sake of those innocent souls who died in his hands, we must deliver justice."
The name alone made Hiruzen's face shadowed. Orochimaru. A former student, a brilliant shinobi—turned snake.
The past weighed heavily on him. But some debts could not be left unsettled.
"…Very well," Hiruzen said at last, his eyes firming. "Kakashi will lead the mission. Your Security Department will provide support. Will that suffice?"
Touhan bowed his head. "Understood. Orochimaru will not escape this time."
He raised his hand in salute, voice solemn: "For Konoha."
When Touhan departed, he left behind Yamanaka Fū, who sat slumped, vacant-eyed, saliva dripping from his lips.
The two advisors immediately turned to Nara Shikaku, who had been trying to remain invisible until now. With a resigned breath, Shikaku stepped forward.
"Hokage-sama," he began, "Haiichi told me Fū was taken by Danzo at a young age. He committed crimes, yes, unforgivable ones… but his state now is punishment enough. For the Yamanaka clan's service to Konoha, I ask that his life be spared."
"It was Danzo's fault," Hiruzen said heavily. "Take him back to your clan, Shikaku. Look after him."
Shikaku bowed his head. "Understood." He gathered the broken youth and left in silence.
As the door closed, Homura burst out angrily: "Hiruzen, we can't keep letting this slide! Will you just stand by and let the Uchiha run rampant?"
Koharu's voice rose in echo. "He's still an Uchiha! Have you forgotten Tobirama-sama's teachings?"
"Yes, Hiruzen," Homura pressed coldly, "Danzo was right about one thing—you're far too indecisive. If you keep indulging the Uchiha, you'll regret it."
"Enough!" Hiruzen's hand slammed against the desk, the sound cracking through the room. His face, usually calm, now burned with fury. "Do not forget who I am. I am the Hokage!"
His voice thundered. "Do you think I want this? Danzo stole the Sharingan and grafted them onto his arm. How do we explain that to the Uchiha? Ignore them, and we push them toward open rebellion! They already possess Mangekyō Sharingan—while Konoha no longer has the Shodaime to stand against it!"
His glare pinned the two advisors. "It was Touhan who kept the clan from erupting. Without him, rebellion would already be at our gates. This—this is the best we can hope for."
The advisors fell silent, unable to meet his eyes.
At length, Hiruzen sank back into his chair. The pipe in his hand had long gone cold. His voice was quieter now, yet heavy with resolve.
"…Send word. Summon Jiraiya back to the village."
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(End of Chapter..