Chapter 20: Retrial

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“During the Security Division’s investigation of Shimura Danzo’s associates, this matter came to light. The rumors about White Fang back then were actually spread under Shimura Danzo’s orders. Moreover, the current head of the Shimura clan, Shimura Hiroshi, along with others, were involved. They were also responsible for silencing White Fang’s comrades,” Uchiha Tohan said calmly, watching closely the reactions of Sarutobi Hiruzen and the two advisors.

The two advisors looked somewhat unsett upon hearing this, their eyes betraying a hint of panic. Although Sarutobi Hiruzen’s demeanor was less disturbed, he too showed signs of unease.

Seeing this, Uchiha Tohan realized that these men were likely not innocent in the White Fang incident.

“Let’s leave this matter here. The village has long held a consensus on White Fang’s case,” said Tenten Koharu promptly.

“Is that so? Will you just let slanderous villains malign the village’s hero, letting him suffer injustice even after death? Should he never find peace?” Uchiha Tohan stared steadily at them and said in a low voice.

“The failure of that mission was indeed White Fang’s responsibility,” said Mito Kagero.

“But he did it to protect his comrades, didn’t he?” Uchiha Tohan replied evenly.

“A ninja’s duty is to complete the mission!” Tenten Koharu declared.

“Is that also the Third Hokage’s view?” Uchiha Tohan looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen. “That’s not the Will of Fire at all.”

As Uchiha Tohan’s words fell, an eerie silence filled Sarutobi Hiruzen’s office. Nara Shikaku wished he could vanish like the shadows of his clan’s secret techniques.

Uchiha Tohan smiled inwardly at the scene.

The ninja profession, after all, is essentially a mercenary killing machine. No matter how beautifully one speaks of the Will of Fire, it cannot mask the inherent dirtiness of being a ninja.

Yet at this moment, the Will of Fire was indeed a useful tool.

Could Sarutobi Hiruzen deny that? Certainly not.

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The Will of Fire, as Sarutobi Hiruzen’s political foundation and Konoha’s accepted doctrine, had long been deeply intertwined with his own identity through relentless promotion. In Sarutobi’s eyes, you could doubt Asuma’s parentage but never question the correctness of the Will of Fire.

“Tohan, I understand your meaning,” Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed and said, “We will restore White Fang’s reputation, but the investigation into this matter ends here. It’s been too long, and digging further is a waste of time.”

“If that is the Hokage’s decision, then the Security Division will obey,” Uchiha Tohan’s expression darkened.

At this moment, Uchiha Tohan’s heart was almost bursting with joy. Having confirmed that these three elders were all tainted in the White Fang incident, his objective was now merely to restore White Fang’s honor. Continuing the investigation risked uncovering something that could complicate matters. He was not yet prepared to fully confront them, so he had already begun planning how to delay matters. Unexpectedly, Sarutobi Hiruzen himself called a halt to it, taking the blame upon himself.

“Furthermore, based on current clues, Shimura Danzo has deep ties with the rogue ninja Orochimaru,” Uchiha Tohan controlled his expression carefully. “However, since Orochimaru involves external forces, I ask the Hokage’s permission for the Security Division to cooperate with the Anbu to capture this threat to Konoha’s safety. This will also provide some justice for the souls who perished under their inhumane human experiments.”

“Orochimaru?” Sarutobi Hiruzen’s eyes darkened at the mention of the name.

[The matter from back then truly needs resolution.]

Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed inwardly, decided firmly, then looked at Uchiha Tohan. “Understood, Tohan. This mission will be led by Kakashi. Your division will assist alongside. How does that sound?”

“Understood,” Uchiha Tohan nodded.

“This time, it’s imperative we bring Orochimaru to justice. I’m counting on you.”

“Loyalty! Honor!” Uchiha Tohan saluted solemnly with his right hand.

When Uchiha Tohan left, he did not take Yamanaka Kaze, who had been drooling in the Hokage’s office. After Tohan’s departure, the two advisors glanced at Nara Shikaku, who had been invisible all along. Understanding their signal, Nara Shikaku spoke:

“Hokage-sama, I heard from Kaiichi that Kaze was forcibly taken by Danzo as a child. Although he committed unforgivable sins following Danzo, which he deserved, please spare his life in consideration of the Yamanaka clan’s past contributions.”

“Shikaku, don’t say that. It was all Danzo’s fault,” Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed. “Bring the boy back to the Yamanaka clan and take good care of him.”

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“Understood.” Nara Shikaku nodded and then left the Hokage’s office with Yamanaka Kaze.

As soon as Shikaku left, Mito Kagero spoke eagerly: “Hiruzen, are you really going to let this go? Are you just going to watch the Uchiha clan continue their chaos?”

Sarutobi Hiruzen lit his pipe, took a deep drag, then looked at his two old comrades. “Tohan would never do that. He’s a good boy with the Will of Fire in his heart.”

“Hiruzen!” Tenten Koharu urged anxiously, “But he is of the Uchiha clan. Don’t forget the Second Hokage’s teachings!”

“Hiruzen, Danzo was right. You’re too indecisive,” Mito Kagero added. “If you keep letting the Uchiha run wild, you’ll regret it someday!”

“Enough!” Sarutobi Hiruzen slammed the table in anger. “I am the Hokage!”

“Do you think I want this? Because of Danzo’s Sharingan arm, we must give the Uchiha clan an explanation! Otherwise, we are forcing them to rebel, understand? The Uchiha already possess the Mangekyo Sharingan, but the village no longer has a second First Hokage!” Sarutobi Hiruzen scolded their foolishness. “It was Tohan who suppressed the clan’s rebellious voices. That’s the best outcome we could hope for!”

“Hiruzen...” The two advisors were speechless at his furious roar.

After a long silence, once the tobacco in Sarutobi Hiruzen’s pipe burned out, he spoke again: “I will send a message. Jiraiya will be called back.”

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