At this moment, the two elders were furious. Through the crystal ball on Hiruzen Sarutobi's desk, they watched as, in just a few short minutes, several elite Jonin, whom they had painstakingly cultivated over the years using various resources, fell under Shisui Uchiha's Susanoo.
"The ninjas in the Utatane and Mitokado clans are quite impressive."
Kuragami Uchiha said with a light smile. These simple words sent cold sweat dripping down the two advisors' backs.
They were well aware of their own situation. The ninjas attacking Shisui's Susanoo were not officially part of the village's ninja forces. In other words, they were private soldiers secretly raised by the two clans.
While many of Konoha's clans engaged in such activities, it was one thing to keep such matters off the record and quite another to have them exposed.
Hiruzen Sarutobi set down his pipe and severed the Chakra flow to the crystal ball. What Kuragami Uchiha had just mentioned was indeed not something that should be openly discussed.
Not only had the Sarutobi clan engaged in similar actions, but at this moment, even if Koharu and Homura were foolish, he had to protect their clans' ninjas. Otherwise, the number of ninjas in the village who were still loyal to him would dwindle dangerously low.
"Hokage-sama, after interrogating the instigators of the coup attempt, the Konoha Konoha Military Police Force has confirmed that the source of the rumors about Kakashi originated from the Utatane and Mitokado clans. I must ask the two advisors to accompany me back to the Konoha Military Police Force for an investigation."
Kuragami Uchiha stated.
"Kuragami Uchiha, we were personally appointed as advisors by the second Hokage! According to the law, you and the Konoha Military Police Force have no right to investigate us!" Homura Mitokado said in a stern voice.
"Hokage-sama, is that your stance as well?"
Kuragami Uchiha turned to Hiruzen. "This matter does not only concern Kakashi personally. Every ninja in the village deserves an explanation. For the sake of the Will of Fire, I ask you, Hokage-sama, to uphold justice, not just for Kakashi, but for every ninja who may one day sacrifice for this village."
"Hokage-sama, Kuragami is right."
At this moment, Kakashi, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke.
"Personally, I don't mind a little grievance. But if this causes Konoha's ninjas to start doubting the Will of Fire, then things could get very bad."
Hiruzen looked at Kakashi, feeling a headache coming on. Since when did everyone start preaching about the Will of Fire? Even Kakashi had adopted the rhetoric.
"Kakashi..."
Koharu Utatane was about to reprimand him when Hiruzen suddenly roared in anger.
"Enough!"
Hiruzen glared hatefully at Homura and Koharu. "You two still have the audacity to bring up the second Hokage? As one of his disciples myself, I don't recall him ever teaching us such despicable tactics!"
"... Hiruzen, you—" Koharu and Homura were left speechless by his harsh words.
But Hiruzen didn't intend to give them another chance to speak. "Anbu! Take the two advisors into custody and escort them to the Konoha Military Police Force for questioning!"
"Yes, sir!"
The doors to the Hokage's office burst open, and several Anbu members entered. Having finished their patrol duties in the village, they had returned to report.
Unlike their earlier nonchalant attitude on the streets, they moved swiftly this time, surrounding the two advisors in an instant with their hands resting on their weapons.
"Advisors, please cooperate. Don't make this difficult for us."
One masked Anbu warned in a low voice.
Koharu turned to Hiruzen in disbelief but saw only a warning look in his eyes.
Hiruzen could only hope these two fools would be smart enough to go along with the investigation.
If they complied, he might be able to pull some strings and get them out in a few days. But if they resisted now, things could spiral out of his control, even beyond his authority as Hokage.
"Hmph, Hiruzen, you'll regret this!"
Homura scoffed but ultimately chose not to resist. He and Koharu allowed themselves to be taken away by the Anbu.
After they left, Hiruzen rubbed his temples wearily. Their foolishness made him suddenly nostalgic for Danzo. After a moment, he looked at Kakashi and Kuragami Uchiha.
"Kakashi, Kuragami, do you find this resolution acceptable?"
"Hokage-sama has acted justly and impartially. I admire your integrity." Kuragami Uchiha replied.
"No need for such praise."
Hiruzen sighed. "This incident was ultimately my oversight. As Hokage, I bear responsibility."
"Hokage-sama, please don't blame yourself. The advisors were blinded by their lust for power and forgot the Will of Fire and the teachings of the second Hokage."
Kuragami Uchiha said.
"They became this way under my watch, so I still share some responsibility."
Hiruzen admitted. "But Kuragami, Kakashi, as a personal request from me, let's end this matter here. I will personally issue a statement to clear up all the rumors."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama."
Kakashi nodded.
"Also, Kuragami, although those two advisors made a mistake, they have still contributed to the village over the years. Please show some leniency in their treatment for my sake." Hiruzen requested.
"Understood."
Kuragami Uchiha smiled. "Given their status, they certainly shouldn't be detained with common prisoners. For that reason, Hokage-sama, the Konoha Military Police Force, has decided to construct a special detention facility by the Naka River to hold them."
"Hmm, that seems reasonable."
Hiruzen nodded.
"By the way, Hokage-sama, about the things Kakashi and I found at Orochimaru's lab, have you made a decision?" Kuragami Uchiha asked.
Hearing this, Hiruzen's heart drops to the bottom.
After thinking for a moment, he replied: "Let's delay that discussion. The village cannot afford further turmoil right now."
Kuragami Uchiha furrowed his brow. "That will be difficult, Hokage-sama."
He sighed before continuing: "This was my mistake. There was too much happening tonight, and I was so overwhelmed that I forgot to properly store the documents. As a result, Shisui accidentally saw them."
With an apologetic expression, Kuragami Uchiha added: "Hokage-sama, you know my cousin's nature. He is pure-hearted and terrible at keeping secrets. If we delay too long, he will undoubtedly start overthinking things."
Hiruzen was momentarily speechless.
Kuragami Uchiha immediately bowed deeply. "This was ultimately my negligence. I ask for your forgiveness, Hokage-sama."