Chapter 93

Why did I give up control of the Anbu so easily? The Third Hokage lamented, realizing too late that taking it back was no longer an option. And even if he wanted to, Tsunade would never allow it.

With the Anbu out of his reach, the Third Hokage had no choice but to mobilize ninja teams from the Sarutobi clan to carry out the investigation.

Two days later, three teams of Sarutobi ninjas arrived at the camp in the Land of Rain and found Nara Shikako, the camp commander.

"Shikako, this is from the Hokage," Sarutobi Tsurugi, the team leader, said, handing over a scroll. To investigate within the camp, they needed Shikako's permission.

Nara Shikako unrolled the scroll and read its contents, raising an eyebrow. "Shouldn't this kind of mission be handled by the Anbu?"

Ever since the Hyuga team's disappearance, Shikako had expected the Anbu to come investigating. His plan was simple: I don't know anything. Investigate as you please, just don't involve me.

He assumed the Anbu, now under Tsunade, wouldn't cause trouble for Shinki. But instead of Anbu operatives, Sarutobi clan members had shown up with an order from the Hokage.

"We're not sure why ourselves," Sarutobi Tsurugi admitted.

The fact that the Hokage couldn't mobilize the Anbu was something the Third Hokage would never disclose, nor would the Hyuga clan. Publicizing it would mean risking political fallout and angering the Third Hokage.

Tsunade must be behind this, Shikako guessed as he rolled up the scroll.

"Since you have an order from the Hokage, I'll cooperate to the best of my ability."

Sarutobi Tsurugi sighed in relief. His greatest fear was that Shikako would obstruct the mission, making their task impossible.

"Thank you for your support, Lord Shikako."

"It's nothing."

Shikako's smile was polite but held a hidden meaning. He had promised cooperation, but the extent of that cooperation was up to him.

Due to the sensitive nature of their orders, the Sarutobi team had to conduct their investigation discreetly. With Shikako's cooperation, they quickly questioned some ninjas who remembered seeing the Hyuga team. Each was made to sign a confidentiality agreement after being questioned.

Before long, the investigation pointed toward the medical room. Witnesses confirmed that the Hyuga team had headed there upon arriving at the camp, although no one could say for certain if they ever entered.

"Progress," Sarutobi Tsurugi muttered, feeling a sense of accomplishment. Now, all that was left was to question those in the medical room.

However, as he lacked the authority to detain anyone for questioning, he turned to Shikako for help.

"Lord Shikako, the evidence points to Hyuga Shinki as the main suspect. We request your assistance in detaining him for questioning."

Shikako's eyes widened. "What did you say?"

Sarutobi Tsurugi blinked, confused by the reaction. Why so surprised? If Shinki was a suspect, he needed to be questioned.

"I suspect Hyuga Shinki is connected to the disappearance of the Hyuga team."

"Not that part—the next part."

"I request your assistance in detaining him for questioning."

"That's it," Shikako said, smacking a fist into his palm. "Now I get it."

Good, he understands, Sarutobi Tsurugi thought, relieved. This mission might be over soon.

"I'm sorry, but I can't do that," Shikako said with a sigh.

"....."

What?

Sarutobi Tsurugi's brain struggled to process what he'd just heard. Shikako was the camp commander. If he wouldn't authorize the arrest, who would?

"It's possible for others, but not for Hyuga Shinki," Shikako explained.

"Why?" Sarutobi Tsurugi's voice wavered in confusion.

"Because the command center and the medical unit operate as separate entities. Combat operations fall under my command, but the medical unit is under Shinki's jurisdiction. Even if I have higher rank, I can't give him orders, much less arrest him."

Shikako's expression turned solemn. "I advised the Hokage that this arrangement would cause complications, but he didn't listen. So, tell me—does this make sense to you?"

"Does it make sense?"

Of course not!

Sarutobi Tsurugi felt a wave of frustration. He had been sent on this mission with the Hokage's orders, only to hit a wall set up by the very person who issued them.

After a moment of silence, he asked, "So, without a direct order from the Hokage, we can't detain him?"

Shikako's expression was one of pity. "Not only that, but you'd also need authorization from Princess Tsunade, as Shinki represents the village's medical division. Oh, and the Anbu's oversight, too."

Gah!

Sarutobi Tsurugi felt like he'd walked into a trap. Now he understood why the Anbu hadn't been dispatched. This was less of an investigation and more of a political minefield.

"Senior, please help me," Sarutobi Tsurugi pleaded. The thought of returning to Konoha and admitting failure was unbearable.

Help you? Not a chance. Tsunade would tear me apart.

Shikako forced an awkward smile, saying nothing. He'd shared all he needed to; it was now up to Sarutobi Tsurugi to figure out the rest.

Realizing that Shikako wouldn't involve himself, Sarutobi Tsurugi felt the same pressure Shikako had earlier—caught between conflicting interests, unable to move forward or retreat.

"Then, could I at least go speak with him directly? To inquire politely?"

"Should be… probably… fine?" Shikako shrugged, his voice uncertain. "The medical area has many wounded, so unauthorized visits are restricted. I can't make exceptions, but you're welcome to try."

"Should be"? You're just washing your hands of this!

Sarutobi Tsurugi knew Shikako was offloading responsibility. With no choice, he had to navigate this mess on his own.