The tension in the field did not ease with Danzo's death. If anything, it remained as taut as ever.
Everyone's gaze shifted between Naruto, the Third Hokage, and Danzo's corpse, waiting to see what would happen next.
Naruto was the first to break the silence, his voice carrying across the entire training ground. "Third Hokage."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's Adam's apple bobbed as he reluctantly replied, "Naruto... whatever you have in mind, go ahead and say it."
"Before discussing how to deal with these Sharingan," Naruto said, raising the arm covered in Sharingan once more, "I have a question. I hope that, as Hokage, in front of all the ninja here today, the Anbu, and Teacher Kakashi, you can give Karin and me a clear answer."
A sense of foreboding rose in Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart, but he could only nod and force a stiff, kindly smile. "Ask. I will tell you everything I know."
"The rumor that Karin is a spy from Kusagakure has been spreading through Konoha for nearly a month." Naruto's words were organized and clear, but his tone carried a chill. "Why, during that entire month, did no official authority step forward to clarify or stop it?"
"If Karin's identity was truly suspicious, why didn't the Anbu or the relevant departments investigate when the rumor first began? Why was it allowed to fester until today, when Root carried out this so-called 'investigation' through violence?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression changed slightly. Instinctively, he wanted to answer in his usual manner.
He wanted to take a puff of smoke, only to realize his pipe was not with him. He could only struggle to arrange his usual expression of helpless tolerance on his face. "Naruto, you know the village has countless affairs to handle, and rumors arise from time to time. The Hokage's