**"Asshole! Shisui, are you serious?"**
Sarutobi Hiruzen's furious roar reverberated through the Hokage building. His weathered face was twisted with anger. An Anbu had been killed in Konoha Village, and the audacity of the perpetrator to attempt an attack on another Konoha ninja was nothing less than a direct challenge to the authority of the village.
**"It's true, Sandaime. The man was wearing a 'cat' mask, but I'm certain he wasn't actually 'Cat,'"** Shisui quickly explained, his voice steady but his heart racing. He had never seen the Sandaime Hokage this furious before.
**"What did he want from you?"** Shimura Danzo interjected. Although his tone was calm, his sharp eyes were fixed on the window, his mind undoubtedly racing with implications.
Shisui had already prepared his response. While he trusted Sarutobi Hiruzen's character, revealing the truth about the mysterious attacker's identity as an Uchiha was not an option.
**"He was after my Sharingan,"** Shisui said grimly. **"That person seems to have the ability to steal others' bloodline limits. Moreover, he used both the Transparent Escape Technique and—"** Shisui hesitated, his voice dropping slightly. **"—the Wood Release."**
**"What did you say?"**
Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes widened, and even the ever-composed Shimura Danzo visibly stiffened.
The mention of Wood Release immediately brought to mind a certain rogue ninja from Konoha's past. However, both leaders knew it was impossible. That individual couldn't have mastered the Wood Release, as the risks of integration were too high.
**"What mission was 'Cat' assigned to before this incident?"** Sarutobi Hiruzen asked, turning toward one of the present Anbu. While he was the Hokage, mission specifics—apart from those guarding him directly—were typically handled by the Anbu captains.
An Anbu operative stepped forward, saluting before responding. **"'Cat' was on surveillance duty… monitoring the Jinchūriki."**
Sarutobi Hiruzen's and Danzo's faces immediately darkened.
**"This is bad,"** Sarutobi Hiruzen muttered, his urgency palpable. **"We need to check on Naruto!"**
Without wasting another second, he disappeared in a blur, utilizing the Body Flicker Technique. Danzo and Shisui followed swiftly. Even Danzo, with his advancing age, kept up, understanding the gravity of the situation.
In no time, the trio arrived at the building where Naruto resided.
---
**"Is this where Naruto lives?"**
Shisui glanced at the desolate structure in disbelief. Isolated at the far end of a street, the building stood alone, the surrounding area devoid of any other homes or activity. Even in the stillness of the night, the loneliness of the place was deafening.
It was tragic.
As Shisui processed the scene, his thoughts turned bitter. This was his first time at Naruto's residence. Since the Nine-Tails attack, Uchiha members were forbidden from approaching the Jinchūriki, as the Sharingan seen during the attack had cast suspicion over their entire clan.
Shisui's fists tightened at the memory.
During the Nine-Tails Rebellion, Fugaku had meticulously investigated every Uchiha member capable of wielding the Sharingan. None had shown any evidence of controlling the Nine-Tails. Yet the village continued to push the blame toward the Uchiha clan.
The true culprit remained a mystery—or did it?
Shisui's eyes narrowed as he glanced at Danzo. Could it have been him? Danzo did possess a Sharingan…
---
Arriving at Naruto's apartment, Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately performed a sensory jutsu, sweeping the area for Naruto's chakra. His face softened slightly when he confirmed that Naruto was sound asleep in his bed.
**"Where is 'Cat'?"** Sarutobi Hiruzen asked sharply, turning to the Anbu stationed nearby. **"He was supposed to be monitoring Naruto."**
The Anbu hesitated, glancing at one another. Finally, the team leader stepped forward, his voice faltering.
**"'Cat' had been directly observing Naruto from his room…"** The leader trailed off, his unease evident.
**"Directly observing?"** Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression hardened further. **"Did I not make it clear that all surveillance must maintain a safe distance?"**
The Anbu leader swallowed nervously before responding. **"'Cat's' family died during the Nine-Tails Rebellion. Only his younger brother survived. He volunteered for this mission, perhaps to…"**
**"Asshole!"** Sarutobi Hiruzen's anger erupted. **"As Anbu, you should know better than to let personal grievances interfere with duty! Do you not understand how critical Naruto is to this village? How dare you allow such negligence?"**
The Anbu team knelt in unison, their voices pleading. **"Hokage-sama, please forgive us. We can vouch for 'Cat.' He despised the Nine-Tails, but he would never harm Naruto. Please give him another chance!"**
Sarutobi Hiruzen's face darkened. His gaze flickered briefly to Danzo, who remained impassive. Hiruzen knew Danzo's tactics all too well—manipulating vulnerable individuals to serve his Root.
**"There are no second chances,"** Hiruzen stated coldly. **"'Cat' is dead."**
Gasps escaped from the Anbu.
**"Dead?!"**
Hiruzen nodded grimly. **"His chakra lingers faintly in Naruto's room, but there's no mistaking it—'Cat' was killed."**
After a brief pause, he turned back to his Anbu. **"Strengthen security around the village and double Naruto's protection. Also, summon all clan heads and jonin leaders to the Hokage building immediately."**
With a heavy heart, Sarutobi Hiruzen returned to the Hokage office. Tonight, the entire leadership of Konoha would have no choice but to share in his sleepless vigil.