After being stopped by Reiki, Tsunade forced herself to stay composed.
"Since the problem lies within the Root Organization, we should start the investigation there."
"Interrogation Department Head, Iga Tsuna, will lead the interrogation, with Tsunade and Jiraiya overseeing and assisting."
"Danzo, any objections?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen's tone left no room for disagreement. He knew Danzo's usual tactics—if left to handle his own affairs, he would push a few expendable members forward as scapegoats while maintaining the Root's core.
"Lord Hokage, Root's operations have always been internal..."
"Then we'll make an exception!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen cut him off, his voice firm and commanding.
If Danzo tried to push back further, Hiruzen was prepared to confront him directly. With the evidence Reiki could pull from the interrogated members, it was only a matter of time before the truth surfaced.
Danzo, taken aback, hadn't expected Hiruzen to be so unyielding. The two had been aligned in a complex web of mutual interests for years, but this sudden turn made it clear that Hiruzen was ready to sever ties if needed.
"Understood."
Danzo nodded, stepping aside with a dark expression.
"When an issue arises within the village, it is imperative that we first reflect on our management shortcomings."
"Second, regardless of who is involved, Konoha will not show favoritism or partiality."
"Furthermore, Konoha has established a reporting system, overseen by the Security Department."
"If any issues arise, report them directly to the Security Department, and we will handle them promptly."
"If there are no further questions, this meeting is adjourned."
Sarutobi Hiruzen announced before standing up and leaving the room, satisfied with the silence that followed.
Danzo trailed behind, his demeanor sour.
"Lord Jiraiya, Lady Tsunade, this interrogation will be a challenging task."
"Oh, and Tsunade-sama, your disciple Reiki..."
Iga Tsuna approached Tsunade, not for pleasantries but in hopes that Reiki would join the interrogation team. The nature of the Root Organization's activities meant they couldn't use overly harsh methods.
"Fine."
"So, when do we start?"
Tsunade asked, a glint of anticipation in her eyes. Confronting the Root Organization had been on her mind for a long time. Danzo had been a thorn in her side, targeting Reiki on several occasions. If not for her own fierce protection and Reiki's strength, there wouldn't even be a "genius medical ninja" in Konoha.
"Well, according to procedures—"
"Procedures?"
"Let's head to Root and bring them in now."
Tsunade interrupted, not waiting for Iga Tsuna to finish, and left the conference room with purpose.
Word of this spread quickly throughout Konoha. Some members of Root who had initially considered fleeing now understood the gravity of the situation. Anyone who didn't participate in this interrogation risked being labeled a traitor, like those who attacked the Daimyo.
When Tsunade, Jiraiya, and the others arrived at the Root headquarters, even those who were on missions hurried back and gathered, prepared for what was to come.
"Leave three behind."
"Inform the Root members still on missions that they must report to the Interrogation Department as soon as they return. If they don't show up within a month, they will be marked as traitors!"
Tsunade's voice left no room for dissent as she turned with authority.
Iga Tsuna couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Crossing Tsunade in Konoha was never wise. Not only was she a force of nature in her own right, but the power she wielded through her allies and disciples was formidable. While she often focused on managing medical affairs, her reach extended throughout the village.
Reiki's actions had strengthened her position considerably. Many of Konoha's prominent clans had, at one time or another, been helped by Reiki. His proactive care and impressive results earned Tsunade a network of supporters.
Iga Tsuna followed Tsunade, knowing his role in this process was primarily symbolic. As head of the Interrogation Department, he would oversee the proceedings, but in truth, Tsunade's presence meant the investigation would proceed under her influence.
In the Interrogation Department, all the Root members brought in were placed in separate rooms. It was a vast facility, capable of handling a large number of detainees at once.
"Let's begin."
"Reiki, I need thorough and detailed information."
"Minister Iga Tsuna, you'll assist me in maintaining records. Both you and Reiki must sign off on the interrogation reports."
"Jiraiya and I will be present to supervise, but we won't review the content. Once completed, the records will be sealed and sent to the Hokage's office."
Tsunade said, sitting back in her chair and sipping tea with a calm but intense expression.
"Oh, Minister Iga Tsuna, one more thing."
"Could you arrange for refreshments? We'll be here for a while, and drinking just tea could get tiresome."
Jiraiya added, though it was really for Tsunade's sake. Too much tea made her irritable, and he didn't want to be on the receiving end of her frustration.
"Understood, Lord Jiraiya. I'll make sure food and drinks are prepared for both of you."
"I'll accompany Reiki to start the interrogation."
After instructing a nearby ninja, Iga Tsuna led Reiki into the interrogation room.
While Iga Tsuna had seen Reiki's interrogation methods before, it was always a curious sight. Reiki's technique often began with treating the detainee—an unusual but effective approach.
"Root operative, codename Xiao."
"Konoha Special Jonin, Tamu."
"First, I'll start by providing treatment."
...
Reiki proceeded according to standard procedures at first, but soon shifted to his own method. The Root operatives were hardened ninjas, and the one in front of him, Tamu, wasn't even injured.
Iga Tsuna observed silently, pen at the ready.
[Interrogation begins. Reiki proceeds to treat Root operative codename Xiao, identified as Konoha Special Jonin Tamu...]
And so, Iga Tsuna began meticulously documenting the interrogation notes.
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Up to Chapter 540 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
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