The Anbu, Konoha's secret force, jumped into action the moment they heard about the bombing.
Yashiro and the other Uchiha Military Police officers on duty at headquarters were right behind them, arriving as the second group.
The flames roared sky-high, and the force of the explosion rattled nearly all of Konoha. It was impossible to ignore.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, now enjoying his retirement at home, didn't hesitate for a moment. As soon as he heard the news, he was on his way.
Retirement had given him more time to deal with village matters.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's face was grim as he surveyed the destruction. Everything was simply…gone.
It wasn't until Tsunade arrived with Shizune that the investigation could really begin.
The fact that Tsunade was unharmed was a huge relief.
But the question remained: who had blown up Tsunade's residence?
The immediate thought was that this was some sort of conspiracy, a revenge attack against one of the legendary Sannin.
Some, with a more suspicious nature, wondered if Orochimaru might be involved.
"Heh heh..."
Orochimaru, who materialized at the scene, quickly declared himself innocent.
He insisted he had no reason to kill Tsunade.
After taking a look at the remains, Orochimaru shook his head. "It was definitely an Exploding Tag... but the power of the explosion far exceeds anything an ordinary Exploding Tag could do..."
He glanced at his former teacher, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
When it came to knowledge, Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Professor, was the one to ask.
Sarutobi Hiruzen stayed silent, his brow deeply furrowed.
He recognized the technique used from the lingering energy of the explosion.
"It's the Previous Generation Hokage..."
The thought shocked Sarutobi Hiruzen, but he quickly pushed it aside.
He just couldn't believe the Second Hokage could still be alive.
The Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, had been severely wounded in the past, and died shortly after returning to the village.
He, Koharu, and others had personally attended Senju Tobirama's funeral.
So…
Who used the Multiple Exploding Tags Technique, a technique of the Second Hokage?
The answer… would soon be revealed.
----
Sarutobi Ryo opened his eyes, considering the information he'd received from his Shadow Clone.
Without a moment's hesitation, Sarutobi Ryo prepared to go somewhere.
"Young Master Ryo..."
Kakashi rushed back from the scene of the crime in the dark of night, only to find… an empty house.
Meanwhile.
Sarutobi Ryo was leading Guy, Uchiha Shisui, Yamanaka, and others toward Namikaze Minato's residence.
Very soon.
Anbu Squad Six had surrounded Namikaze Minato's home, creating an inescapable perimeter.
Sensing the trap, Namikaze Minato stepped out of his house, his expression serious.
Seeing Young Master Ryo standing at the front, he understood immediately.
"Young Master Ryo..."
"Namikaze Minato, we need your cooperation in an investigation regarding the use of the Previous Generation Hokage's Multiple Exploding Tags Technique to destroy Princess Tsunade's residence..."
Sarutobi Ryo was giving Namikaze Minato an out.
He was only being asked to assist as a suspect.
If Namikaze Minato refused to cooperate, they would have to take action right there.
And things would become much more serious than just being a suspect.
Namikaze Minato's handsome face slowly turned grim.
Then, he nodded and left with Anbu Squad Six.
Soon after, Uzumaki Kushina and Uzumaki Mito heard about the incident.
Namikaze Minato… had been arrested.
----
Inside the Anbu prison.
Sarutobi Ryo led Namikaze Minato inside.
Namikaze Minato, imprisoned in the cell, was not restrained. It would have been pointless.
He could use his Flying Thunder God Technique to escape at any moment.
Besides.
Sarutobi Ryo wasn't worried about Namikaze Minato escaping.
Even if he did, Uzumaki Kushina couldn't.
Even if he convinced Kushina to leave with him, they would become traitors of Konoha… rogue ninja, outlaws.
And even if those two escaped, Uzumaki Mito couldn't!
Senju Tobirama would never run.
"Sarutobi Ryo, what's going on..."
Jiraiya, having also heard the news, rushed over.
He already knew about the bombing.
Konoha was in an uproar.
Even though it was only 8 PM, and curfew was an hour away, the case made sleep difficult.
"Regarding the attempt on Princess Tsunade's life… the investigation points to the Second Hokage Senju Tobirama's forbidden Multiple Exploding Tags Technique..."
Sarutobi Ryo's explanation helped those arriving to understand.
Senju Tobirama was dead.
But Namikaze Minato had his knowledge.
It was logical that he might know the Multiple Exploding Tags technique.
One must always be careful.
Sarutobi Ryo was not about to negotiate with Senju Tobirama directly, in person.
Senju Tobirama's gamble… had failed.
Even the wisest people could make mistakes.
This was normal.
Even Senju Tobirama was not immune to failure.
His desperate gamble was still a risk he had to take.
He had considered Sarutobi Ryo might send a Shadow Clone.
But…
In a life-or-death fight, you can't worry about everything.
Senju Tobirama's use of Multiple Exploding Tags signaled a break with Sarutobi Ryo.
Sarutobi Ryo responded in kind.
They were now enemies.
And they would have a proper showdown!
The target was Namikaze Minato, the source of the technique.
Sarutobi Ryo didn't tell anyone about Senju Tobirama's revival.
Nor did he mention negotiating with Senju Tobirama.
Instead, he pointed directly at Namikaze Minato.
If Namikaze Minato hadn't used the technique, none of this would have happened.
Cut off the head to cripple the body.
Namikaze Minato had a weakness.
Senju Tobirama did not.
The next step was clear.
Namikaze Minato stood in the cell, still looking calm.
Sarutobi Ryo hadn't laid a hand on him.
But imprisonment was now a reality.
"Are you saying… Minato did this?" Jiraiya asked, shocked.
"It's just a possibility."
Sarutobi Ryo said casually, making no mention of Senju Tobirama.
"Minato~~!" Kushina cried, rushing into the prison.
She looked at her lover in disbelief.
As one of the few who knew, Kushina was aware of Senju Tobirama's revival.
She desperately wanted to defend him, but she couldn't reveal what she knew.
Soon.
The Third Hokage and Fourth Hokage arrived, followed by others.
Having heard the explanation, they looked at Namikaze Minato, waiting for his explanation…
*
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[T/N:
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