The Fifth village Hokage:Uchiha Douhuan

Chapter 20: Retrial

"In the investigation of Danzo Shimura's accomplices, the Police Department discovered that the rumors about the White Fang were spread under Danzo's instructions. Furthermore, the current head of the Shimura clan, Shimura Hiroshi, and several others were involved in this matter. They also played a role in silencing White Fang's teammates," Uchiha Douhuan spoke calmly, observing the reactions of Sarutobi Hiruzen and the two advisers.

Upon hearing this, the two advisers' eyes flashed with unease, and while Sarutobi Hiruzen did not show as much discomfort, he too seemed a little unnerved.

At this moment, Uchiha Douhuan understood that these three individuals were likely not innocent in the White Fang incident.

"This matter ends here. There has already been a consensus in the village regarding White Fang," Koharu Utatane interjected quickly.

"Really? Are we just going to let the villain defame a hero who bled for the village? Will we let the hero of the village continue to be wronged even after death, unable to rest in peace?" Uchiha Douhuan locked eyes with her and spoke softly.

"That mission's failure was indeed White Fang's fault," Homura Mitokado remarked.

"But he was trying to protect his comrades, wasn't he?" Uchiha Douhuan replied slowly.

"A ninja's duty is to complete the mission!" Koharu Utatane responded firmly.

"Is this also the view of the Third Hokage?" Uchiha Douhuan looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen. "This does not align with the Will of Fire."

When Uchiha Douhuan spoke, the office fell into an eerie silence, and Nara Shikaku wished he could vanish into the shadows, avoiding the confrontation.

Uchiha Douhuan observed the situation and couldn't help but smile internally.

The profession of a ninja, at its core, was that of a mercenary assassin. No matter how much they preached the Will of Fire, could it truly erase the inherent nature of their profession?

But at this moment, the Will of Fire served him well.

Could Sarutobi Hiruzen deny that? Of course not.

The Will of Fire, as Sarutobi Hiruzen's political foundation, was deeply ingrained in Konoha's values. Under his influence, questioning the correctness of the Will of Fire was taboo. It had become an unshakable belief.

"Douhuan, I understand your position," Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed. "We will restore White Fang's honor, but the investigation into this matter ends here. It's too far in the past, and it would be a waste of time to pursue it further."

"Since this is the decision of the Hokage, the Police Department will obey," Uchiha Douhuan replied with a shadow crossing his face.

At this point, Uchiha Douhuan felt a surge of joy. Once he confirmed that these three were likely involved in the White Fang incident, his mission was simply to restore White Fang's name. Continuing the investigation might uncover more troublesome truths. At this stage, the Uchiha clan wasn't ready to tear their relationship with these three completely. So Uchiha Douhuan had already planned on stalling the investigation, but to his surprise, Sarutobi Hiruzen decided to stop it on his own and took the responsibility.

"Furthermore, based on the information gathered by the Police Department, Danzo Shimura has deep ties with the rogue ninja Orochimaru," Uchiha Douhuan controlled his expression. "However, dealing with Orochimaru involves external forces. Therefore, I request Hokage-sama's approval for the Police Department and Anbu to collaborate in capturing Orochimaru, for the sake of justice for the innocent victims of his inhumane experiments."

"Orochimaru?" Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes darkened at the mention of the name.

[The past events need closure.]

Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed inwardly, making up his mind. He looked at Uchiha Douhuan and said, "I understand, Douhuan. In that case, Kakashi will lead the mission, and the Police Department will assist from the sidelines. How does that sound?"

"Understood," Uchiha Douhuan nodded and accepted the command.

"This time, we must bring Orochimaru to justice. I leave it in your hands," Sarutobi Hiruzen added.

"Loyalty! Integrity!" Uchiha Douhuan said solemnly, raising his right hand in salute.

When Uchiha Douhuan left, he didn't bring the still drooling Yamanaka Fū, but the two advisers turned their gaze to Nara Shikaku, who had been silent throughout. Nara Shikaku understood and spoke up:

"Hokage-sama, I've heard from Inoichi that this child, Fū, was taken by Danzo at a young age. Although he committed unforgivable crimes under Danzo's influence, and his fate is well deserved, considering the past contributions of the Yamanaka clan, I ask that you spare his life."

"Nara, don't say that," Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed. "This is all Danzo's fault. Take the child back to the Yamanaka clan and take good care of him."

"Understood," Nara Shikaku nodded and left with Yamanaka Fū.

After Nara Shikaku left, Homura Mitokado immediately spoke up: "Hiruzen, are we just going to let this slide? Are you really going to let Uchiha Douhuan continue his unchecked actions?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen lit his pipe and took a deep drag before looking at his two old companions. "Douhuan won't go that far. He is a good child who believes in the Will of Fire."

"Hiruzen!" Koharu Utatane said urgently, "He is from the Uchiha clan! Don't forget what the Second Hokage taught us!"

"Hiruzen, Danzo was right, you're being too indecisive," Homura Mitokado added. "If you continue to let the Uchiha clan run wild, you'll regret it one day!"

"Enough!" Sarutobi Hiruzen slammed his fist on the table. "I am the Hokage!"

"Do you think I want this? Because of Danzo's Sharingan arm, we must give the Uchiha clan an answer! Otherwise, we will be forcing them into rebellion. Do you understand? The Uchiha clan now possesses a pair of Mangekyō Sharingan, but this village does not have another First Hokage!" Sarutobi Hiruzen raged, "Douhuan has already suppressed the voices of rebellion in his clan. That is the best outcome we can expect!"

"Hiruzen..." Listening to Sarutobi Hiruzen's angry outburst, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado were left speechless.

After a long silence, as Sarutobi Hiruzen finished the last puff from his pipe, he continued: "I will send word to bring Jiraiya back."