Tsunade was somewhat surprised.
With countless matters demanding her attention, she hadn't expected Shinji to suddenly bring up Orochimaru. The village's higher-ups had yet to reach a consensus on how to handle him.
Some, including Tsunade, believed Orochimaru was a valuable asset. If he could be persuaded to atone for his crimes, they were willing to give him a chance.
Others, led by Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, viewed Orochimaru as both heinous and unreliable, unworthy of trust.
Of course, whether Orochimaru was reliable or trustworthy wasn't the whole issue.
There was a deeper power struggle at play.
No matter what, Orochimaru was the Third Hokage's student, one of the legendary Sannin alongside Tsunade and Jiraiya. If the village accepted him back, the authority of the advisor elders, like Koharu and Homura, would take another hit.
When it came to their own power, people often became shortsighted and foolish.
Kakashi, present at the scene, was also surprised.
He hadn't expected Shinji to make such a request out of the blue. However, considering Sasuke's struggle with the Cursed Seal and Orochimaru, the culprit, now in village custody, it wasn't unreasonable for Sasuke to seek a permanent solution through him.
Tsunade looked at Kakashi. "What's your take?"
Kakashi replied calmly, "Shinji has been very cooperative with Takamagahara. I don't think it's appropriate to reject his request now. Besides, as the captain of the Police Force, he has the authority to question any detained prisoner."
Tsunade said, "I'm still uneasy about it. Here's the deal: you'll join this special interrogation. I want to know exactly what they're up to!"
With that, Tsunade signed Shinji's request and handed it to Kakashi.
"Understood!"
Kakashi took the document.
Soon, news of the approval reached the Hidden Leaf Police Force headquarters.
Upon receiving the message, Shinji immediately summoned Sasuke and Kimimaro, instructing, "The village has approved my request. The interrogation is up to you two!"
Sasuke was taken aback. "You're not coming?"
Shinji countered, "What, you think you can't handle it?"
"No way!"
Sasuke didn't argue further and left Shinji's office with Kimimaro.
Watching them depart, Shinji's lips curled slightly.
His main goal was to let Kimimaro contact Orochimaru. If he went along, with two Mangekyo Uchihas present, Kimimaro would have no chance to exchange information with Orochimaru.
If he deliberately held back, it might raise suspicions from both Orochimaru and Kimimaro, especially since arranging this interrogation was already suspiciously convenient.
So, he chose not to go, which would also lessen the village's suspicions about him.
Sasuke, decisive as ever, took the Hokage's approval and headed to the secret prison with Kimimaro.
Seeing Kakashi waiting at the prison entrance, Sasuke paused. "Kakashi!?"
Kakashi greeted him. "The village assigned me to assist with Orochimaru's interrogation."
"Hmph, more like they don't trust our Police Force!"
With a scoff, Sasuke brushed past Kakashi and strode into the prison.
Knowing Sasuke's temperament, Kakashi smiled and followed.
Entering the secret prison again, Sasuke's mindset was entirely different. Last time, he was a prisoner, helplessly awaiting his fate. Now, as a member of the Police Force, he was the interrogator, holding the power to judge others!
Sasuke walked deeper into the prison, observing the inmates along the way.
When he passed Danzo's cell, a glint of killing intent flashed in his eyes.
Inside the cell.
Sensing the commotion outside, Danzo approached the door. After glancing at Sasuke, his gaze lingered on Kimimaro.
Orochimaru had placed Kimimaro in Hidden Leaf through Danzo's channels.
Danzo, however, was cunning, never acting directly. He used Kimimaro's rare Shikotsumyaku Bloodline Limit as a pretext, persuading the advisor elders to accept the young Kimimaro into the village. Officially, the entire elder council had approved his admission.
Danzo quickly averted his gaze.
Seeing Kimimaro here, dressed in a Police Force uniform, he instantly understood that Orochimaru's subordinates were attempting a rescue. He took note.
Then, he looked at Sasuke with a mocking smirk.
Already irritated, Sasuke was provoked by Danzo's expression, itching to act.
Kakashi quickly intervened. "Don't let hatred cloud your judgment. He's just a prisoner now, and you're a member of the Hidden Leaf Police Force."
Sasuke gritted his teeth. "He still has our Uchiha clan's Sharingan!"
Kakashi assured him, "The village will recover them for you."
Suppressing his anger, Sasuke continued deeper into the prison.
Moments later, the trio reached Orochimaru's cell.
After verifying their clearance with the Anbu team guarding the cell, they opened the door and faced Orochimaru, bound by layers of sealing techniques.
Orochimaru's gaze swept over the three, lingering on Sasuke with interest. "Sasuke, I didn't expect you to come to me willingly."
Sasuke said coldly, "Orochimaru, you'd better satisfy me this time, or I'll make you regret attacking me back then!"
Orochimaru shrugged. "What do you want from me?"
Sasuke asked bluntly, "How do I remove the Cursed Seal?"
Orochimaru smiled. "Haven't you already experienced the power of the Cursed Seal? Are you really willing to give it up?"
Hesitation flickered in Sasuke's eyes.
The Cursed Seal's corrosion on his body was undeniable, but its boost to his strength was equally real—especially crucial now, as he sought revenge against Itachi.
As Sasuke wavered, Kakashi stepped in. "We only need you to provide the method to remove the Cursed Seal. Whether we remove it or not isn't your concern!"
Sasuke snapped back to focus. "Exactly!"
Orochimaru chuckled. "Unfortunately, the Cursed Seal cannot be removed, not even by me. However, if you want a way to control it, I can tell you that!"
Sasuke's brow arched. "Control the Cursed Seal?"
"Of course!" Orochimaru paused, then added deliberately, "Didn't Tsunade tell you what the Cursed Seal really is?"
Sasuke's face darkened.
Kakashi, sensing trouble, pulled Sasuke out of the cell.