The next day, Ye Liang bound Ibiki and delivered him to the Hokage's office, while Kushina followed in tears.
"What happened?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi was sitting on the sofa reading a book.
Since they needed to protect Kushina's reputation, Ye Liang had come early, and there were no other ninjas in the Hokage office to pick up missions.
"This kid sneaked into Kushina's house last night and attempted something vile against her!"
"Hm?" Hiruzen immediately became alert. "Did he succeed?"
"... Are you even speaking like a human being?!"
Ye Liang glared at Hiruzen with obvious displeasure, making the latter feel awkward.
"Cough cough," Hiruzen cleared his throat slightly before asking again, "Well then, do you have any direct evidence?"
"Slap!"
A straw used for spraying poison and a bottle of blue liquid were thrown onto the ground.
"Hmph!"
Hiruzen instantly understood everything.
As the Ninja Techniques Professor, he naturally had some knowledge about Ibiki's expertise in interrogation techniques. At one glance, he recognized exactly what the items on the floor were meant for.
"That monster!" The Third rushed forward and slapped Ibiki hard across the face.
Ibiki had just regained consciousness, but once again, the punch knocked him unconscious.
"I'll make sure he goes to the dungeon!" Hiruzen took Kushina's hand and solemnly said.
As the widow of the Fourth Hokage and a member of a fallen hero's family, Kushina deserved justice.
"But how will she be kept safe afterward? If someone like Ibiki could get in today, won't it be even easier for others later on?"
"I'm willing to fund a property in the city center; it'll be more secure with more people around. Besides, you should move in too, so you can take care of her better," Hiruzen looked directly at Ye Liang.
"Fine."
Ye Liang gave a firm nod.
This was already the best possible outcome. He couldn't really expect Hiruzen to execute Ibiki without an actual crime committed.
"Kushina, you go back first. Don't mention this incident to anyone else. I still need to talk to Ye Liang about something," said Hiruzen.
"Alright."
Noticing the Third Hokage's serious tone, Kushina quietly stepped out of the office.
"What is it, Hokage-sama?" Ye Liang asked.
Hiruzen wasn't one for idle chatter. If he wanted to talk privately, it had to be serious.
"Do you truly believe this whole affair was entirely Ibiki's idea?"
"What do you mean?"
Hiruzen frowned slightly. "I know Ibiki. While he may not be a great person, he wouldn't stoop this low. I suspect there's someone orchestrating things from the shadows."
"Orchestrating things, huh?"
Ye Liang spoke as he suddenly pulled out a black shuriken from his ninja tool pouch.
"This is one I gave to Anko, engraved with the Flying Thunder God Mark. Originally, I intended to use it to protect her in case of danger, but a few days ago, it mysteriously went missing."
"Exactly what you think. Last night, when I caught Ibiki, I found this on him. If my guess is correct, Ibiki must've planned to frame me, but unexpectedly, I ambushed him instead."
"Framing!?"
Hiruzen fell silent.
He originally thought someone was secretly plotting to harm Kushina, a woman who had lost her husband, but now it was clear that the real target had always been Ye Liang.
"Somebody doesn't want you staying in Konoha!"
"I think so too," Ye Liang nodded.
Who could possibly be behind this?
Hiruzen Sarutobi fell into deep contemplation, but at this moment, Ye Liang already had a suspect in mind.
To create such an elaborate entrapment scheme, the person involved must wield considerable influence. When Ye Liang fought Ibiki yesterday, the battle was clearly loud, yet no one came to investigate. Someone must have deliberately kept people away!
Someone like Hiruzen himself or elder council members like Koharu Utatane.
But the person Ye Liang most suspected was just one man.
Danzo Shimura!
Exactly. As the ruler of Anbu, Danzo had never held good intentions toward Ye Liang from the start, not to mention how Ye Liang had now become a hero of Konoha!
Under these circumstances, tarnishing Ye Liang's reputation seemed to be the only way to drive him away.
"I think it's Danzo!"
"That's impossible! Danzo has always been protecting Konoha. Although his methods are radical, he would never abandon such a powerful fighter!" Hiruzen firmly stated.
"But aside from him, there's hardly another choice, is there? Plus, while I am indeed a strong fighter, I'm also a massive risk, aren't I?"
"Hmm..." Hiruzen found himself speechless.
He naturally understood that what Ye Liang said was the most plausible possibility.
"Alright, I'll keep an eye on him recently. Knowing they're all old-timers, I hope Danzo won't really do something foolish."
"Fine, then we have an agreement."
Ye Liang let out a lazy yawn and stretched before preparing to leave.
"Oh, by the way, you still need to be the examiner for the Chunin Exams!"
"Got it."
...
As the two were talking.
Anbu headquarters.
Conference room!
Danzo stared coldly at the subordinate standing before him.
"You failed, Shisui?"
"Sorry, Lord Danzo!
I had successfully controlled Ibiki, but unexpectedly Ye Liang interfered. He knocked out Ibiki, who is now being sent to the village dungeon."
"Hmph! What a useless fellow!"
With those words, he made a slashing gesture across his throat. The man immediately understood.
"By the way, how is your matter with the Uchiha clan progressing?"
"Itachi is already making plans. Our entire clan's survival hinges on this decision. We need time to act!"
"Hmph! Then make your decision quickly. Decide — either perish together with your clan, or take decisive action and commit seppuku. I believe you understand clearly enough!"
"Yes, my lord!" After saying this, Shisui vanished instantly.
Danzo's eyes flickered slightly.
"This kid's [Shifting Body Technique] is actually this strong. How does it compare with Ye Liang's?"
...
Ye Liang happily exited the Hokage's office.
Having both resolved Kushina's safety issue and successfully secured a house for himself, he felt rather pleased.
Should I move in with Anko?
Or should we move in together?
Should we move in together?
Ye Liang was deep in thought.
An important issue deserved to be considered three times.
At that moment, a green figure dashed toward him from a distance. His speed was incredible, kicking up clouds of dust.
"That seems like Might Guy," Ye Liang recognized from afar.
Right, Might Guy used to be Ibiki's disciple. Although the nature of their relationship was unclear, Might Guy might hold a grudge against him because of that incident.
Better make a quick escape!
Ye Liang connected the dots and immediately turned to flee, but no sooner had he begun to back away than Might Guy blocked his path.
"Please, have a duel with me, Teacher Ye Liang!"
Might Guy suddenly bowed deeply and politely to Ye Liang.
A duel?
Ye Liang felt puzzled. Had this guy run all the way here just to challenge him to a duel?
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