The scent and traces of Hyuga Mirai disappeared at the gate of Uchiha Fugaku's residence. While further investigation inside might yield results, this was the Uchiha clan head's home, and nearly ten pairs of Sharingan eyes were watching the ANBU operatives. Making unreasonable demands could easily provoke an outright conflict.
The ANBU team quickly made their decision, splitting into two groups to conduct a brief search of the surrounding area before returning to report to the Third Hokage.
Upon their return, Uchiha Fugaku was present. The ANBU operative glanced at him but hesitated to speak immediately.
Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "Speak freely. Fugaku is the captain of the Konoha Military Police Force and has the right to know about any threats to the village's safety."
Taking the Hokage's words as permission, the ANBU operative reported, "Lord Hokage, we followed Hyuga Mirai's scent and traces to the front of Fugaku's residence, where the trail went cold. It was likely deliberately erased or…"
He left the rest unsaid, but Uchiha Fugaku's expression darkened.
"The Uchiha clan has never conspired with Hyuga Mirai!" Fugaku declared firmly. On this point, he was confident—the Uchiha clan was involved with someone else, but it certainly wasn't Hyuga Mirai, and the entire affair had been under their protection.
Danzo retorted sharply, "Yet the trail leads directly to the Uchiha clan. Unless Hyuga Mirai holds a grudge and framed you deliberately?"
A grudge?
There was none. The Uchiha clan had no interactions with the former Konoha medical prodigy, whether on the battlefield or in the village. Even if tensions existed between the Uchiha and Hyuga clans, those were inter-clan disputes. Would a rogue branch family member like Hyuga Mirai really target the Uchiha over something so minor?
Fugaku himself couldn't make sense of it.
"I believe Fugaku is innocent in this matter," Hiruzen interjected, decisively supporting the Uchiha clan head. Like Fugaku, he felt tonight was not the time to escalate tensions further.
"However, I must ask for your cooperation, Fugaku. If only to clear suspicion, please have the Military Police assist in tracking down Hyuga Mirai."
Fugaku relaxed slightly, grateful for the Hokage's trust. "Of course, Lord Hokage. The Uchiha clan will fully support the ANBU in hunting down this rogue ninja."
Hiruzen nodded warmly. "My apologies for the intrusion tonight, Fugaku. Given the gravity of the situation, we had to investigate thoroughly to prevent another attack."
He then added, "Shisui recommended Itachi, praising him as a rare talent suited for ANBU training. If you have no objections, he may report to the ANBU within the next few days."
Danzo frowned, about to protest, but a sharp glance from Hiruzen silenced him.
Fugaku bowed slightly. "Thank you, Lord Hokage. I will discuss this with Itachi when I return."
With that, Hiruzen, Danzo, and the ANBU departed. Once outside Uchiha territory, Danzo immediately spoke up. "Hiruzen, we must intensify surveillance on the Uchiha. After tonight, we can no longer take their word at face value."
Hiruzen nodded. "Understood. This matter falls to your Root. As Hokage, I authorize a limited expansion of your forces—but you must uncover the truth."
Danzo's eyes gleamed faintly. "Consider it done."
Hyuga Mirai had already escaped Konoha from another direction. Pressing further in Uchiha territory risked inflaming tensions without yielding answers. Hiruzen opted to withdraw, though he would have Shisui investigate discreetly later.
Meanwhile, Fugaku convened a brief meeting with his Military Police captains. The tracking abilities of the Inuzuka and Aburame clans were formidable—few in the shinobi world could evade them, especially with additional scouts assisting.
If multiple operatives confirmed Hyuga Mirai's presence at his doorstep, then the Uchiha's patrols had clearly failed.
After discussing security measures, Fugaku dismissed the group. Before returning home, he sought out Uchiha Tekka.
Something about tonight felt off. Fugaku's instincts whispered of a connection to Sanki, yet the man had been escorted by Uchiha guards at all times. A mere civilian, how could he be linked to Hyuga Mirai?
"Tekka, was Sanki under constant guard while in our territory?"
"Yes, Clan Head. I personally arranged it," Tekka replied. "Due to Shisui's suspicions, Uchiha Kawakumo, Shin, Mokkei, and Shun never let him out of their sight. Even when escorting him out just now, they ensured he reached the Nekomata clan before returning."
"I see…" Fugaku frowned. That should rule out Sanki's involvement—so why had Hyuga Mirai appeared in Uchiha territory?
"What happened, Clan Head?" Tekka had been busy with Iekane's departure and missed the earlier events.
Fugaku recounted the night's incidents, including the traces of Hyuga Mirai outside his home.
"Hyuga Mirai? At your house?" Tekka was baffled. Realizing Fugaku's earlier question, he added, "You suspect Sanki is involved?"
Fugaku shook his head. "Just a coincidence. Given your account, it seems unlikely."
"Impossible," Tekka stated firmly. He had personally roused Sanki earlier. Though apologetic about the late-night dismissal, Sanki had been understanding, even inviting Tekka to visit his trade association.
Moreover, he and the other guards had confirmed with their Sharingan—Sanki and his escort were ordinary civilians, devoid of chakra. Despite being abruptly awakened, Sanki hadn't complained.
"The guards periodically checked on him. He never left his quarters all night."
Fugaku sighed. "A coincidence, then. But Hyuga Mirai was here. With the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki nearly compromised, the village will be on high alert. Suspend all other operations."
Tekka nodded. "Understood."
If the ANBU and Root went into overdrive, the Uchiha—already at odds with Root—would inevitably face scrutiny.
---
"Aunt Kimura, how's Mom?"
Naruto Uzumaki had been waiting outside Kushina's hospital room since waking. Ten meters away, ANBU operatives kept watch, with others hidden in the shadows.
When Kimura exited the operating room, Naruto rushed over.
"Kushina is fine—just resting now. You've been up all night, Naruto. Get some sleep." Kimura ruffled his messy blond hair with a smile.
Years ago, Tsunade had asked Kimura to help care for Naruto whenever Kushina was training. As one of the few who knew his jinchūriki status yet treated him without prejudice, Kimura had grown close to the boy.
"Can I go in?" Naruto pleaded, unwilling to leave Kushina's side.
Kimura hesitated, then relented under his hopeful gaze. "Alright. We'll set up a bed for you inside. But remember—don't touch any equipment near Kushina. Not the machines, not the cursed seal markings on her body. Nothing."
Naruto beamed. "Got it! Thanks, Aunt Kimura!"
As Kimura left to prepare medication, she mused over Kushina's condition. Aside from Kushina herself, no one knew the woman's health better than Kimura, who conducted regular checkups.
Per Tsunade's request, Kimura kept Kushina's condition confidential—even the Hokage received only vague answers.
Tonight's examination had stunned her. Kushina, whose health had been deteriorating, was now recovering at an astonishing rate—as if receiving treatment from multiple elite medics simultaneously. Her organs and cells seemed revitalized.
At this rate, Kushina might soon regain full health.
Yet the cursed seal defied even the Evil Sealing Method. Only Kushina, Konoha's foremost sealing expert, could suppress its spread upon awakening.
For now, Kimura focused on preparing restorative medicine. She dreaded how to conceal Kushina's recovery, especially since other medics had also examined her. Unlike Tsunade, Kimura lacked the authority to enforce silence if the Hokage pressed for details.
(End of chapter)
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