บท 36: Chapter 36
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"Yoichi-kun, Kakashi's safe return this time is largely thanks to your help. Without you, Kakashi might have..."
Upon entering the police force building, Sakumo began speaking to Yoichi.
As a father, knowing his son was nearly killed due to intelligence leaked by their own village, even the usually tempered Sakumo couldn't help but feel enraged.
Sakumo was aware of the team-up between Kakashi and Yoichi, trusting Kakashi's judgment without much interference, a fact surely known to the village's higher-ups as well.
Yet, despite this, Kakashi and Yoichi's squad still fell victim to schemes by the village's upper echelon, even having their mission details leaked to the Village Hidden in the Clouds.
This was something Sakumo could not tolerate. The Leaf Village, founded by predecessors, was meant to protect the younger generations, not to persecute them for selfish gains.
"Elder Sakumo, you're also aware of the situation, so I won't hide it from you. I'm completely certain Danzo is behind this, hence my retaliation by targeting the Shimura clan. Barely surviving betrayal from our own village, I couldn't swallow this grievance without retaliation!"
Yoichi explained, presenting a map of watchposts drawn by the Stone Ninja as evidence. "The source of this evidence isn't crucial, but it clearly indicates the Stone Ninja's ambitions to expand their influence in the Land of Grass."
"It seems unrest is brewing in the ninja world again," Sakumo observed the map and its annotations. As long as Yoichi insisted it was found in the Shimura household, it was as good as nailing their coffin shut.
Even explanations would be futile; who could search Yoichi's mind for the truth?
"I understand. Let's leave it at that for now, Yoichi-kun. I've seen Danzo's decisiveness firsthand. Unfortunately, these individuals likely won't implicate him."
Sakumo advised, having served under Danzo during the Second Ninja War and witnessed his ruthlessness firsthand.
Danzo was willing to sacrifice a dozen of his own men for a major victory, a method Sakumo had disagreed with, leading to their dispute.
Although the Shimura clan members could be pinned down this time, implicating Danzo directly might not be possible.
"I know, Elder Sakumo. After all, the Third won't let his old teammate face trouble!"
Yoichi said with a cold laugh, unable to fathom the depths of Hiruzen's tolerance for Danzo, even forgiving assassination attempts.
Though this wouldn't immediately doom Danzo, Yoichi, a vengeful soul, wouldn't forget the 'care' Danzo showed him.
"Let's go, Yoichi-kun. I must report back to the Hokage."
With that, Sakumo, carrying evidence against the Shimura clan along with other 'supporting' documents, made his way out of the police force.
Upon exiting, everyone's gaze turned to Sakumo and Yoichi.
Sakumo, holding the evidence, whispered to Hiruzen upon reaching him, "Lord Hokage, these were found on the Shimura clan members. It details the Stone Village's expansion plans in the Land of Grass and residual trade contracts from the Land of Earth."
These were acquired by Yoichi during previous missions, now used against the Shimura clan.
After reviewing the evidence, Hiruzen's expression darkened, then he turned to Danzo, "Danzo, you are hereby relieved from your duties as the Hokage's advisor and will be investigated by the Anbu."
"Danzo, you..."
"Until the Anbu concludes their investigation, Root will be under their jurisdiction!"
"That's unacceptable, I..."
"Enough, Danzo. I am the Hokage!"
Hiruzen raised his voice, silencing Danzo instantly, his clenched fists betraying his fury.
Following the verdict on Danzo, Hiruzen turned to Fugaku, "Clan Leader Fugaku, since the evidence against these individuals is conclusive, let the police force handle it according to Konoha's laws."
With that, Hiruzen adjusted his Hokage hat and departed.
Despite knowing Danzo wouldn't act against Konoha's interests and that the evidence might have been gathered by Yoichi on missions, Yoichi's timing in presenting it was to ensure the Shimura clan's downfall.
After Hiruzen left, Danzo, with a thunderous expression, also departed, leaving almost only the police force members on site.
Yoichi spoke, "Elder Shoji, Elder Horigawa, just imprison those individuals for now. For the moment, there seem to be no further issues. Thank you for your efforts."
Shoji nodded, "There shouldn't be much left to do."
Horigawa patted Yoichi's shoulder, "Yoichi-kun, you can defeat me, I'll truly trust you."
"I'll do my best, Elder Horigawa."
After parting, Yoichi left without exchanging words with Fugaku, indicating no room for reconciliation between them.
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"Yoichi-kun, although the outcome is favorable this time, you acted too impulsively," Kenji said after setting down his tea cup. He had discreetly observed the unfolding events near the police force, feeling relieved by Yoichi's decisiveness yet frightened by his boldness, as if the blade was swung not at Fugaku but at Kenji himself.
"You can swing your blade at Danzo, given his suspected collusion with the Stone Ninja, but you must not do the same to the clan leader, no matter your disdain for him. Fugaku remains the Uchiha clan's leader."
"Though you've tarnished Fugaku's reputation today, word will spread, and your reputation will suffer. You'll need to find ways to remedy this, as most will likely side with Fugaku over you."
Kenji continued, his advice stemming from a place of concern, almost suggesting he saw Yoichi as a future clan leader.
"I understand, Elder Kenji. I'll be more cautious in the future."
Yoichi expressed gratitude, thankful for Kenji's support today, without which he would've faced a lose-lose situation against Danzo.
"As for the Shimura clan, there will be plenty of opportunities to deal with their external business. I'll handle it. If a chance to confront Shimura ninjas arises, Yoichi-kun, it'll be your turn."
Kenji nodded, "Focusing on reputation and rallying clan members will mitigate today's impact, as those who came today wish for the Uchiha to break free from endless compromises."
"However, you'll need to lay low for a while, avoiding missions for the time being."
"And, accompany me to see the Great Elder. Just remain silent when we get there. Oh, and bring along some of the mutton we received yesterday."
(End of Chapter)
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