After hearing Kuragami Uchiha's words, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally understood why Shisui Uchiha, who had always been a pacifist, stood with the Konoha Konoha Military Police Force tonight and even attacked his fellow villagers.
At the same time, Hiruzen also realized that this matter could no longer be delayed; if he continued to cover it up, the Will of Fire, his core ideology used to win over young talents like Shisui from the Uchiha Clan, would completely collapse, and he would lose Shisui's trust for good.
Although Shisui's Mangekyo Sharingan was currently in Kuragami's possession, the Susanoo that Shisui had just displayed was not something an ordinary ninja could counter.
If Shisui fully sided with his clan, the Uchiha would then have two kage-level combatants.
On the other hand, if Shisui still believed in the Will of Fire, then even though their relationship might already have cracks, Hiruzen was certain that if the Uchiha launched a rebellion, Shisui would step forward to stop it.
That was likely why Kuragami had remained so restrained tonight.
After sorting out his thoughts, Hiruzen spoke: "Kuragami, this isn't your fault. After all, no one could have predicted what happened tonight."
"Since things have come to this point, delaying any further will be meaningless. Let's officially start an investigation into this matter."
Hiruzen declared. "However, given the seriousness of the issue, I intend to have both the Anbu and the Konoha Military Police Force conduct the investigation together. Kuragami, what do you think?"
Although the exposure of the three clans' collusion with Orochimaru had already reached the point of no return once Shisui learned about it, Hiruzen had learned from the previous investigation into Root. He understood that he could not let the Konoha Military Police Force handle this case alone.
The last time Kuragami was given power, it only took him a month to expand his influence significantly. If the Uchiha had been given complete control over this case, Hiruzen wouldn't have dared to imagine what could happen.
"As it should be."
Kuragami nodded.
If he were in Hiruzen's position, he wouldn't let the Konoha Military Police Force handle such a critical matter alone either. He had expected this reaction and never intended to monopolize the investigation; his real goal was simply to force Hiruzen to open an inquiry.
Besides, a joint investigation had its benefits. Even though Anbu's involvement meant he wouldn't be able to operate as freely as before, it also gave him a chance to infiltrate the Anbu.
Naturally, Kuragami had no objections.
With everything settled, Kuragami and Kakashi both took their leave. Watching them walk away, Hiruzen lit his pipe again and gazed out at the night sky.
After a long sigh, he had to admit that ever since Danzo's death, his control over the village had weakened. Today's events, especially the reactions of the Ino–Shika–Cho clans, made him realize that he might truly be getting old.
With another sigh, Hiruzen pulled out a letter, preparing to write to Jiraiya once more. But after just writing Jiraiya's name, he sighed deeply again. Among his three students, the only one he could still rely on now was the one who had once given him the most headaches.
"I hope he comes back and changes all of this."
Hiruzen murmured.
As Kuragami and Kakashi left the Hokage's office, they went their separate ways at an intersection.
"Where are you headed?"
Kuragami asked. "I remember your house isn't in that direction."
"Some old friends are waiting for me. I need to go tell them how things turned out." Kakashi replied.
"The fourth Hokage's former subordinates?" Kuragami asked.
"Yeah." Kakashi nodded without hiding it.
"If the fourth Hokage were still alive, the village wouldn't have ended up like this."
Kuragami said with some regret. "Kakashi, bring everyone to the Uchiha district tomorrow. I'm planning to host a banquet. Tonight, those seniors who still believe in the Will of Fire contributed a lot. Our Konoha Military Police Force should properly show our gratitude."
"I understand."
Kakashi nodded. After saying goodbye, he headed toward the scene of the earlier conflict.
"Oh, and bring that guy who uses Wood Style too!"
Kuragami suddenly remembered something and shouted toward Kakashi's departing figure. "The Konoha Military Police Force has some tasks for him."
… … …
By the time Kuragami returned to the Konoha Military Police Force, it was already late, but the entire building was still brightly lit.
On his way back to his office, he ran into a few civilian officers carrying batons, heading toward the interrogation room. The moment they saw Kuragami, they immediately stood at attention and saluted loudly.
"Vice Captain Kuragami! Loyalty!"
After returning the salute, Kuragami patted one officer on the shoulder, glanced at his nameplate, and asked: "Still working this late?"
"Reporting to Vice Captain Kuragami! We're not tired! The interrogation of the rioters isn't finished yet, so we plan to complete it tonight!" Taro Hasegawa, who was full of energy, replied.
Kuragami noticed the man's pockets bulging with bonus money and tools, smiled, and said: "It's good to have that kind of enthusiasm, but you need to balance work and rest. Go home."
"Vice Captain Kuragami! We're really not tired!"
Taro Hasegawa protested. No way, they are getting paid two months' salary bonus plus jutsu, then just going home? That would be disrespectful to both the Konoha Military Police Force and Vice Captain Kuragami!
Kuragami shook his head with a chuckle. "Alright, I can't argue with you guys. Go ahead, but pass the message to everyone working late; thank you all for your hard work. I'll find a way to get some late-night snacks for everyone."
"Long live Vice Captain Kuragami!" The officers around him cheered at his words.
After finally getting out of the encirclement of the enthusiastic crowd, Kuragami returned to his office, and Shisui Uchiha, who had completed his mission, was already there waiting for him.
"How did it go? Was the mission successful?" Kuragami asked while walking to his chair.
"Everyone on the list was captured without exception."
Shisui reported.
"Good."
Kuragami nodded. "I'm putting you in charge of the follow-up investigation."
"Me?"
Shisui was taken aback.
"That's right. I've reached an agreement with the third Hokage; both the Konoha Military Police Force and the Anbu will investigate this case together. In a few days, once our new detention facility is set up, the Anbu will join in. Since you've worked in Anbu before, you're the best person to oversee this and ensure smooth cooperation."
"Understood."
Shisui nodded. "I'll take care of it."
"Shisui, don't let the clan down again."
Kuragami reminded him as he left.