Hokage's Office
"Lord Hokage, the plan to spread rumors has failed."
The monkey-faced Anbu ninja who had previously visited the Hokage's office returned, kneeling on one knee.
"What happened?" asked the Third Hokage, puzzled.
"The Uchiha clan had already made preparations, dispatching several members of the Guard Division to patrol the village."
"Upon discovering anyone spreading rumors, they immediately apprehended them. Thirteen Anbu members have already been captured."
The monkey-faced masked man replied.
"They were already prepared." The Third Hokage's expression darkened.
Uchiha Fugaku had evidently anticipated his attempt to spread rumors.
Their confrontation clearly showed he was outplayed.
"Lord Hokage, please rescue these thirteen Anbu members. I'm afraid if too much time passes, their lives will be in danger."
The monkey-faced masked man pleaded.
The Third Hokage furrowed his brow; indeed, these thirteen Anbu members must be rescued promptly.
Otherwise, they might truly be in mortal peril.
He stood up and addressed the monkey-faced masked man.
"Bring some Anbu ninjas and come with me to the Guard Division!"
Not long after, the Third Hokage, accompanied by more than ten Anbu ninjas, arrived at the Guard Division.
"Let Captain Fugaku come to see me."
Upon arriving at the Guard Division, the Third Hokage instructed a Guard Division member.
"Lord Hokage, Captain Fugaku is currently in the interrogation room and cannot leave. He instructed that if anyone seeks him, they should be brought to the interrogation room."
The Third Hokage's face twitched. Uchiha Fugaku was increasingly disregarding him, the Hokage.
As Hokage, he visited, yet there was no reception.
He wanted to erupt but considered that rescuing the thirteen Anbu ninjas was the most important task at hand.
He suppressed his anger and spoke.
"Lead the way!"
Under the guidance of the Guard Division member, the Third Hokage descended the stairs leading underground to the Guard Division's basement, where suspects were detained and interrogated.
Upon reaching the basement, he saw Uchiha Fugaku and the thirteen captured Anbu ninjas.
At this moment, the thirteen captured Anbu ninjas appeared extremely miserable.
They were all injured, some had even fainted, clearly having undergone brutal interrogation.
Anger flashed in his eyes.
"Lord Hokage, you're just in time. The Guard Division captured thirteen spies and was about to send someone to inform you."
Uchiha Fugaku approached the Third Hokage with a smile, as if inviting him to take credit.
The Third Hokage was nearly overwhelmed with anger.
They captured Anbu members and interrogated them, and now they were taking credit in front of him.
He didn't believe Uchiha Fugaku was unaware that these individuals were Anbu members. Uchiha Fugaku's actions were clearly retaliation for his attempt to spread rumors.
Taking a deep breath, he suppressed his anger and spoke.
"Captain Fugaku, thank you for your hard work. Interrogation is indeed more efficient when handled by the Anbu. I'll take these thirteen individuals with me."
He couldn't say these thirteen were Anbu members because if he did, Uchiha Fugaku would undoubtedly question him.
Why would Anbu members spread rumors?
Were they acting under his orders?
"Lord Hokage, this won't do."
Uchiha Fugaku shook his head, refusing to release them.
"Interrogating spies is the Anbu's specialty. Why is Captain Fugaku unwilling to hand them over?"
The Third Hokage asked coldly.
"I naturally know that the Anbu is professional in interrogation. However..." Uchiha Fugaku paused, his expression serious as he continued.
"I just investigated and found that among these spies, some have disguised themselves as Anbu members in Konoha."
"This indicates that the Anbu has been infiltrated. There may still be spies from other ninja villages lurking within the Anbu."
"If I hand these thirteen over to the Anbu, I'm afraid they will be silenced by spies hidden within."
Silenced?
The Third Hokage was amused by Uchiha Fugaku's words.
These thirteen weren't spies; they were originally Anbu members. It would be foolish to silence them.
But he couldn't say that. If he did, Uchiha Fugaku would seize the opportunity to attack him.
"Such a situation calls for handing them over to the Anbu for thorough interrogation to root out other spies within."
The Third Hokage maintained a "serious" face and said.
"Rest assured, I'll have trusted individuals interrogate them to prevent spies hidden within the Anbu from taking advantage."
"Lord Hokage, I still believe they should remain here. As for the interrogation, you can send trusted Anbu ninjas to the Guard Division."
Uchiha Fugaku also wore a "serious" expression, earnestly discussing.
"…"
The Third Hokage realized that Uchiha Fugaku would not easily allow him to take them.
As for forcibly taking them from the Guard Division, he didn't have the strength to do so.
The last time he forcibly entered the Uchiha clan, he was injured after a few exchanges with Uchiha Fugaku. He had already recognized Uchiha Fugaku's formidable strength.
His expression turned cold as he asked.
"Clan Leader Fugaku, speak plainly. What must I do for you to allow me to take them?"
"Lord Hokage, what do you mean? I'm primarily concerned that they might be killed by spies hidden within the Anbu, which is why I disagree with transferring them."
Uchiha Fugaku feigned surprise.
"Clan Leader Fugaku, no need to pretend. You know the situation very well, and so do I."
"Speak. What must I do for you to hand them over?"
The Third Hokage asked coldly.
"Lord Hokage, I truly don't understand what you're saying."
Uchiha Fugaku continued to act as if he didn't grasp the Third Hokage's meaning.
"They all have seals in their minds. The Uchiha clan isn't skilled in sealing techniques, so they probably can't解除禁制."
"Why not hand them over to the Anbu, allowing ninjas skilled in解除禁制 to解除禁制? Of course, if spies have infiltrated the Anbu, the Anbu bears an inescapable responsibility. I'll appropriately compensate the Guard Division."
The Third Hokage hinted.
Anbu members all have seals in their minds. Hypnosis or coercion would be ineffective.
He was reminding Uchiha Fugaku that even if they captured these thirteen, it wouldn't prove they acted under his orders.
It would be better to accept compensation and return them.
"I heard that Lord Hokage obtained the Uchiha clan's Sharingan from Advisor Shimura's Root. I hope to return these Sharingan."
Upon hearing the Third Hokage's words, Uchiha Fugaku knew it was almost time.
Forcing the Third Hokage to compromise was already the limit. As for proving that this matter was ordered by the Third Hokage, with his proficiency in sealing techniques, it was indeed impossible.
Of course, this didn't mean he would let go of the Third Hokage's slander.
It was just that the next steps didn't require these thirteen.
"Fine. I'll have someone deliver them to you shortly."