Chapter 64: Dust Settles
After hearing Uchiha Douhuan's explanation, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally understood why Shisui, usually known for his love of peace, would stand with the Police Force tonight and even take action against his fellow villagers.
At the same time, Hiruzen realized that this situation could no longer be delayed. If he continued to cover up the truth, the Will of Fire, which he had used to win over talented Uchiha youths like Shisui, would completely collapse. Shisui would undoubtedly distance himself from him forever.
Though Shisui's Mangekyo Sharingan was in Douhuan's possession, the Susanoo Shisui displayed earlier had shown strength beyond that of ordinary shinobi. If Shisui were to fully side with the Uchiha clan, the Uchiha would end up with two Kage-level warriors on their hands.
On the other hand, if Shisui continued to believe in the Will of Fire, even if there was now a gap between them, Hiruzen knew that if the Uchiha did initiate a rebellion, Shisui would probably still take action to stop them. That was also likely why Douhuan had remained restrained tonight.
After organizing his thoughts, Hiruzen spoke up, "Douhuan, this is not your fault. Tonight's incident was unexpected, and no one could have foreseen it."
"Since it's come to this, there's no point in delaying any longer. I will officially initiate the investigation," Hiruzen stated. "However, considering the gravity of the situation, I intend to have both the Anbu and Police Force cooperate in the investigation. What do you think?"
Hiruzen had learned from his mistake during the Root investigation—he couldn't just hand over full control to the Police Force again. It had only taken a month for Douhuan to build his power base to the current level, and if he let him completely take over this investigation, the consequences would be unimaginable.
"That is only reasonable," Douhuan nodded, having anticipated Hiruzen's cautious approach. He knew the Hokage wouldn't just let the Police Force run unchecked, especially not after what had happened with Danzo's Root. Still, involving the Anbu also provided Douhuan a rare opportunity to infiltrate the Anbu's inner workings, which was a trade-off he was willing to accept.
With everything agreed upon, Douhuan and Kakashi rose and took their leave. Watching the two of them exit, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat back in his chair, lighting his pipe and gazing at the dark sky outside.
After a long sigh, he pulled out a letter from his drawer and began to write. Addressing it to Jiraiya, he couldn't help but pause after writing his student's name. Thoughts of his three disciples flashed through his mind, and he couldn't help but lament how only Jiraiya remained to be relied upon.
"I just hope he can return and change all this," Hiruzen muttered to himself.
---
Outside the Hokage Tower, Douhuan and Kakashi walked side by side. As they reached a fork in the road, Kakashi took a different path.
"Where are you heading?" Douhuan asked. "Your house isn't that way."
"Some old friends are waiting for me. I need to give them an update," Kakashi replied.
"The Fourth Hokage's former subordinates?" Douhuan inquired.
"Yeah," Kakashi nodded without hiding it.
"If only the Fourth Hokage were still around, the village wouldn't be in such a mess," Douhuan sighed. "Kakashi, bring those comrades of yours to the Uchiha Compound tomorrow. I'm planning to hold a small banquet as a token of appreciation for their efforts tonight."
"Understood," Kakashi acknowledged, giving a nod.
"Oh, and bring that Wood Release kid with you too. The Police Force has some tasks that might need his assistance," Douhuan shouted after him as he walked away.
---
Returning to the Police Force headquarters, Douhuan found the entire building still brightly lit, even though it was already quite late.
Walking down the hallway, he ran into a group of Police Force members carrying batons toward the interrogation room. Upon spotting Douhuan, they all straightened up and saluted.
"Douhuan-taichou! Loyalty!"
Douhuan returned the salute and patted one of them on the shoulder. "Still not off duty? It's already so late."
"Report, Douhuan-taichou! We're not tired. The interrogation of the rioters isn't finished yet, and we plan to work through the night!" said Hasegawa Taro energetically, his pockets stuffed full of reward money and scrolls.
Douhuan couldn't help but chuckle. "It's good to be diligent, but you should still make sure to balance work and rest. Go ahead and wrap up the task, but don't overdo it."
"We're really not tired!" Taro insisted. "We can't just leave the job half done after you rewarded us so generously, taichou!"
Douhuan shook his head and said, "Alright, alright. Finish up and then grab some supper. I'll see if I can get something delivered for you guys later."
"Douhuan-taichou banzai!" The gathered members erupted into cheers.
---
After finally making it back to his office, Douhuan found Shisui already waiting inside.
"How did it go? Was the mission successful?" Douhuan asked as he sat down.
"All the listed suspects have been captured," Shisui reported calmly.
"Good. I'm assigning you to handle the follow-up investigation," Douhuan stated.
"Me?" Shisui seemed a bit surprised.
"Yes. I discussed it with the Third Hokage. The investigation will be conducted jointly by the Police Force and Anbu. Since you've worked in the Anbu before, you're the best candidate to coordinate between the two sides and ensure things move smoothly."
"Understood," Shisui nodded resolutely. "I'll take care of it."
"Shisui," Douhuan called out before he left. "Don't let the clan down again."
Shisui paused, understanding the weight behind those words, then gave a firm nod before leaving the office.
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