That barrier, barring any surprises, was Tengen's work. Within the Barrier Team, no one could compare to her in mastery over Barrier Techniques.
As for having Tengen undo it—Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't even entertain such a foolish thought.
"From your battle just now, it seems that besides Ryomen Sukuna and Gojo Satoru, the three Jonin of the Zen clan are all willing to obey this young master." Hiruzen spoke softly.
Danzo Shimura frowned slightly. Judging by these words, the other two should also have been at the scene.
They just didn't make a move immediately. Was it because they had concerns about their status as ninjas?
After all, that guy named Choso wasn't a ninja—but Zenji's retainer.
The consequences of attacking the Hokage Assistant were not as severe for him as they would be for a ninja.
At this time, the door was pushed open. Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane walked in.
"Hiruzen, what has Danzo done again? To make you so angry." Koharu spoke as soon as she entered.
Although the two of them had issues with Danzo, it was mainly directed at his foolish and radical political thinking and methods.
Not the person himself. After all, they had been companions and old friends for many years.
Hiruzen didn't speak. He merely turned his gaze to Danzo.
Danzo's face darkened. He could only slowly explain the situation.
"A hidden laboratory? We must find out what's inside." Koharu's face immediately became serious. "Given Zenshu's abilities and his clan's background, it's highly likely something extremely dangerous is hidden there."
Homura, standing nearby, also nodded.
"If it's an ordinary experiment, it's fine. But if it's dangerous, it's equivalent to burying a bomb next to the village. We must find out exactly what's inside."
"I know that." Hiruzen hesitated as he spoke.
"But Zenji is unwilling. What if he even pretends not to know? Forcing it open is just as dangerous."
As soon as these words came out, the scene quieted down. This was indeed a rather difficult problem.
Zenshu was no ordinary ninja. He was a hero who saved over a thousand families. It hadn't even been a few years since then. They absolutely couldn't use forceful methods.
The strength of Zenji and the others wasn't weak either. Forcing them was absolutely the worst choice.
"Simple." Homura suddenly spoke easily.
"Danzo found a problem with the accounts in the Forbidden Jutsu Laboratory. Then we exaggerate the financial problem and come up with a figure Zenji cannot bear."
"If he is willing to investigate, we can waive this responsibility out of respect for Zenshu's status as a hero."
"If he's unwilling—then make him pay the debt."
Worthy of being the advisor who managed funding applications. He instantly thought of a solution.
"No time to lose. Hiruzen, send ANBU ninjas to find Zenji right now and bring him here." Koharu spoke in agreement.
Hiruzen summoned ANBU ninjas, who quickly left after receiving the order.
A short while later, Zenji pushed the door open and walked in. Only to see the four of them staring at him.
"Lord Hokage. You called for me."
Koharu sat aside with a cold face and was the first to speak.
"Zenji, as the Deputy Director of the Forbidden Jutsu Research Institute, Zenshu privately embezzled funds amounting to three hundred eighty million Ryo. Are you aware of this?"
Zenji was somewhat astonished. Looking at the expressionless Koharu, he fought the urge to slap her.
Pure nonsense. The total funding allocated for his experimental projects wasn't even three hundred million. Where did three hundred eighty million come from?
Weren't they just bullying him, assuming he didn't know the specific amount?
They probably even hoped he would retort and state the real amount.
After all, the research projects of the Forbidden Jutsu Research Institute were classified. Privately leaking them—even to family members—was a weakness that could be exploited.
"I'm not aware." Zenji's face was cold.
The four exchanged glances. Seeing that the plan was going smoothly, they continued.
"We discovered that Advisor Zenshu had a hidden laboratory. We suspect he embezzled the funds there."
"You should know about this—right?"
It wasn't a question like before. Rather spoken as if they were certain Zenji knew.
Without waiting for Zenji to speak, Hiruzen preemptively said with a kind expression.
"Zenji, this isn't about holding anyone accountable. I also completely disagree with Danzo's actions and have already given him the corresponding punishment."
"Furthermore, Zenshu is a hero of the village. We will not—and cannot—allow his reputation to be tarnished."
"So as long as we investigate clearly whether that laboratory is dangerous, regardless of whether the things inside can cover the loss of these funds, it will not be made public. Nor will anyone be held accountable."
"Hmph."
As soon as Hiruzen's words fell, Danzo snorted coldly with a dark face.
"With such a large sum embezzled, if it can't be covered, it's enough to put someone in prison for the rest of their life."
"And that's the lightest punishment."
One playing the good cop, one playing the bad cop. These two really coordinate smoothly and naturally.
Zenji saw through the tricks of these four at a glance.
But this was perfect. It was also his goal.
"I know about that laboratory. You want to go inside." Zenji pretended to realize, speaking softly.
"It's not time to open it yet. Opening it now will be dangerous."
Hearing the word "dangerous," Danzo immediately became energized.
"It's precisely because there is danger that we must eliminate it. Otherwise, should we wait until it harms the villagers before acting?"
Danzo wore a look of righteous indignation.
Zenji felt it was ridiculous internally. He turned his gaze to Hiruzen.
"That location is too close to the village. If there is danger, it must be investigated."
Hiruzen took a puff of his pipe. Smoke enveloped his face.
"But..." Zenji pretended to hesitate.
Seeing the opportunity, Danzo immediately stood up. He stared fixedly at Zenji and spoke in a deep voice.
"Zenji. As a Konoha ninja, are you going to let the villagers suffer a disaster because of your own selfishness?"
"Don't forget—we are currently clearing Zenshu's name."
The atmosphere instantly solidified. Danzo's aura was aggressive. An ordinary young ninja probably couldn't withstand it at all.
Zenji suddenly deflated, as if unable to bear the pressure.
"I can open the laboratory."
Hearing these words, Danzo's eyes lit up. His mind immediately raced with thoughts of how to snatch the research in the laboratory for himself.
Hiruzen breathed a slight sigh of relief internally. Being willing to hand it over meant the danger in the laboratory wasn't some conspiracy.
"But I have one condition."
Zenji held up a finger.
"What condition?" Hiruzen spoke softly.
"You must have the clan heads and other powerhouses in the village witness it together. If there is danger, we can respond in time."
"No." Danzo reacted the most intensely. Speaking directly.
If they all came, how could he monopolize it?
"No. You must agree to this condition." Zenji's tone was very firm.
Danzo narrowed his eyes. Looking at the resolute Zenji.
Slippery brat. Using the excuse of dealing with a dangerous incident to bring the matter into the open. Making us tied up and unable to act freely. That's the real reason—isn't it?
"Acceptable." Hiruzen agreed directly from the side.
"When do we set off?"
"Wait for me to notify the clan heads."
A rather intense battle had occurred in the village just now. The clan heads had long since woken up and prepared for battle.
When the ANBU ninjas arrived, they set off immediately.
<><><><><><>
Read Advanced Chapters on : patreon.com/Kaizo247
~ Every 150 PS = Bonus Chapter!
~ Push the Story forward with your [Power Stones]