Walking out of the command center, Sarutobi Takashi rubbed his face harshly under the heavy rain, leaving his dark skin reddened from the friction.
How did he end up caught in such a complicated situation?
What he initially thought would be a straightforward task turned out to be a treacherous pit, placing him in an awkward position between powerful figures—neither fully supported nor opposed by any side.
*Sigh...*
Standing in the downpour, Takashi exhaled deeply, trying to calm himself and maintain a clear mind.
After lingering in the rain for a while, he decided to visit the medical room alone.
He planned to speak privately with Shinki and have a direct conversation.
"A guest has arrived," Orochimaru said with a faint smile as he glanced at the rain-soaked Sarutobi Takashi. His eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
"I remember you were assigned to guard the old man's residence. Who would've thought he'd send you to the front line?"
"...."
Sarutobi Takashi's expression turned awkward. He hadn't expected to run into Orochimaru upon arriving, nor had he anticipated Shinki would meet him right away. The worst part was Orochimaru's presence, always complicating matters.
Despite their terminated collaboration, Orochimaru often visited Shinki when not on missions.
"Senior, what brings you here?" Shinki asked, not bothering to invite Takashi to sit as he skimmed through a list in his hand.
The reason for Takashi's visit was obvious enough. They weren't on friendly terms, so there was no need for pleasantries. Not to mention, Orochimaru had already exposed Takashi's role.
Takashi was responsible for the security of the Sarutobi clan, essentially acting as their private enforcer.
The Third Hokage had sent his clan's personnel instead of involving the Anbu, but now, Takashi was here on a private matter.
Clearly, the situation had become strained.
Takashi sighed internally, resolving never to accept such an impossible task again.
"A team from the Hyuga clan has gone missing from the camp, including a member of the main family. The Hokage has tasked me with investigating and providing an explanation to the Hyuga clan."
Shinki raised an eyebrow. Takashi had come straight to the point, hoping not to be given too hard of a time.
Members of the Hyuga clan disappearing, and from the camp itself? This was news even to Shinki.
Orochimaru, meanwhile, had found a new source of interest. If the Hokage sent someone to the camp, then it was likely connected to Shinki.
"Is that so?" Shinki replied, feigning surprise. "There are many branch family members in the camp. Perhaps, Senior, you should question them to see if any valuable information can be gleaned."
Takashi met Shinki's gaze for a moment before nodding. "Sorry for the intrusion."
He retreated quickly, prompting a smile from Orochimaru.
"He's smart. I expect he'll leave the camp soon and report back to the village."
"Indeed," Shinki said, acknowledging Orochimaru's point.
Caught between factions and lacking the necessary authority to act freely, what point was there in pursuing the investigation? This situation called for a more diplomatic approach, much like Nara Shikako's strategic patience.
"Shinki, it seems the Byakugan has significant research value," Orochimaru prodded, eyes glimmering with interest.
People disappearing from the camp indicated that Shinki had likely secured a Byakugan—a rare and potent resource. Orochimaru, who once craved knowledge of the Sharingan, now shifted his curiosity to the Byakugan, drawn by Shinki's enigmatic nature.
Obtaining the Byakugan for study was significantly more difficult than acquiring the Sharingan. For those outside the main Hyuga family, the curse of the Caged Bird prevented removal without dire consequences. Only by targeting a young child could one hope to bypass the safeguard, a repugnant option even for Orochimaru.
"Perhaps," Shinki replied nonchalantly, eyes still on the list of medical supplies. If there were shortages, he needed to coordinate with the village for a resupply.
Nara Shikaku was always busy; so was Shinki. He neither confirmed nor denied Orochimaru's hint, subtly discouraging further probing.
Sarutobi Takashi, now back at the camp's resting quarters, instructed his team, "Take a break. We'll resume our investigation tomorrow."
He had long abandoned any hope of solving the case. His new plan was to conduct a superficial investigation for a few more days before returning to the village and reporting it as an unresolved matter.
Without cooperation, lacking the authority to arrest or interrogate, the case was insurmountable. Even if Shinki was the prime suspect, solid evidence was essential.
Suspicion alone meant nothing.
Accepting his limitations, Takashi decided to bide his time and avoid further entanglement.
For the next few days, he led his team in a perfunctory investigation before departing the camp to report back to the Hokage.
In the Hokage's office, Takashi summarized the situation. "All intelligence points to the camp's medical facility, but we found no evidence, and we don't have the authority to arrest or interrogate anyone."
He made sure to include a pointed reminder at the end: "It's not that we can't investigate; it's that we don't have the power to do so."
"I see. You've done well. Rest now," the Third Hokage said, sparing Takashi from reprimand.
Takashi bowed and left, relieved that the ordeal was finally behind him.
"Send a message to the Hyuga clan leader, requesting his presence in my office."
"Understood, Hokage."
Moments later, the leader of the Hyuga clan arrived. The Third Hokage sighed as he met the clan leader's eyes.
"Tennin, my condolences."
The Hyuga leader's face darkened, a muscle in his jaw twitching. "Is he dead?"
"Close enough," the Hokage said, frustration etched on his face. "Tsunade's orders prevent Anbu from acting, and my team could only conduct a discreet investigation. Every clue points to Hyuga Shinki, but my men don't have the authority to make an arrest or conduct interrogations."
The implication was clear: if the Hyuga wanted resolution, they would have to handle it themselves. If Tennin wanted to confront Shinki, he would need to bypass Tsunade, and the Third Hokage wouldn't interfere—but if complications arose, they would need to resolve them independently.
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