Within the interrogation department.
"Greetings, Minister Iga Tsuna. I am here to assist with the interrogation."
"Here is the Hokage's warrant."
Uchiha Shisui presented the warrant as he entered.
Iga Tsuna took it, glanced over it, and nodded before heading off to inform Tsunade and Jiraiya.
When he returned, it was clear that Tsunade, Jiraiya, and even Orochimaru, who had joined at some point, were deep in their drinks. The trio had little interest in the formalities of the interrogation, entrusting everything to Iga Tsuna and only requesting that they be disturbed once the final results were in.
"Come with me."
Iga Tsuna put away the Hokage's warrant and led Uchiha Shisui into the interrogation room.
There, Reiki was already busy with his unique approach to interrogation—currently stomping on a Root member lying on the ground.
"Minister Iga Tsuna, I've completed the record for this one."
"Oh, Shisui, you're here?"
"Come help me stomp this guy; I'm exhausted."
Reiki stepped aside after delivering a few more kicks.
"Should I...?" Shisui asked, pointing to himself, confused.
"Go ahead, if you'd like."
Iga Tsuna felt a mix of exasperation and helplessness. Every time Reiki was involved, he felt more like an observer than the head of the interrogation department. His input was sought only as a courtesy.
Shisui, who held no fondness for Root, joined in and began helping Reiki until the Root member passed out. He then walked over to Reiki, sitting down with a sigh.
"From the look on your face, you already know why I'm here."
"Yes."
"Good. Make up a mission record for me."
"And if there's anyone you particularly dislike, come join me in roughing them up. Handling it alone is a bit much."
Reiki smirked, fully aware of why Sarutobi Hiruzen had sent Shisui. The goal was simple: ensure that Tsunade didn't hear the worst of what came out of the interrogation. Reiki had already made up his mind not to share those details with her. The information involved complex deals and questionable acts by Konoha's leadership, things that Tsunade would find unacceptable.
"Make up a report myself?"
"Not a chance. I'm terrible at that. You'll have to write one for me later."
"But I'll help you stomp on people until these stamina potions wear off."
Shisui replied, refusing to fake a report but agreeing to assist in the most straightforward part of the task.
"Alright."
"I'll heal this one first, and then we'll move to the next room."
Reiki said, beginning to treat the unconscious Root member.
"Reiki, can't you give me a break?"
"Maybe lay off the beatings for a while?"
"Never mind."
Shisui chuckled, giving up on trying to understand Reiki's odd mix of medical precision and aggressive interrogation.
For three days, the interrogations continued.
Late at night, Shisui finally returned to the Hokage's office, visibly fatigued.
"Lord Hokage, the mission is complete."
Shisui began recounting the summary Reiki had prepared for him. At first, he was cautious, unsure if Reiki would take offense, but he quickly realized his concern was unnecessary. Reiki had carefully balanced the situation, protecting the village's stability while keeping Tsunade's temperament in mind.
"Reiki said, 'Where there is fire, there are shadows.'"
"And it is not for us to dwell on these matters; these are the responsibilities of Hokage-sama."
"As for us, we need only walk the path illuminated by the Hokage."
Shisui conveyed the sentiments, emphasizing the wise-sounding words about following the Hokage's leadership.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's initial tension eased as Shisui spoke. He had been uncertain if Reiki would act independently, risking turmoil. But now, with Shisui's praise for the Hokage and the assurance that Tsunade wouldn't hear the worst of it, Sarutobi Hiruzen felt relieved.
"Excellent work, Shisui."
"Take three days off and rest well. You've earned it."
Sarutobi Hiruzen said warmly.
"Understood, Hokage-sama."
Shisui nodded and disappeared, letting out a long sigh of relief once he was outside the office. He couldn't help but admire Reiki's ability to handle such complex situations so deftly. He truly was extraordinary, a fact proven by his perfect scores on genin exams.
With Shisui gone, Sarutobi Hiruzen sat back, a satisfied smile on his face.
"Summon Danzo."
The Hokage ordered.
It was never his intention to utterly destroy Danzo, only to keep him in check. Now that he was certain Tsunade wouldn't react explosively, the matter was manageable. It could be handled internally, away from prying eyes.
Danzo soon entered the office, looking as though he had aged years in a matter of days. He was haggard, yet there was a defiant glint in his eyes.
"Well, have you decided to make an example of me already?"
"I'm prepared for whatever punishment comes my way."
Danzo sneered, sarcasm lacing his words. He wasn't afraid; he knew that taking him down would create ripples that even Sarutobi Hiruzen would struggle to manage.
"Once the interrogation wraps up, select a few members to take the fall."
"Or recruit some fresh faces for the purpose. I trust you know how to handle this."
Sarutobi Hiruzen said calmly, exhaling a puff of smoke.
"I... what did you say?"
Danzo's sneer faltered, replaced by confusion.
Hiruzen's words implied that the matter would be kept internal. But with Tsunade and Jiraiya involved in the interrogation, how was that possible?
"Reiki."
That name hit Danzo like a ton of bricks. He knew about Reiki's ability to read memories, so why hadn't Tsunade reacted?
"I see your confusion."
"But if I told you that Tsunade's two disciples are both staunch followers of the Will of Fire..."
"Would that really surprise you?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen said, a touch of pride in his voice.
---
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 540 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
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