Under the Hokage's interrogation, the Anbu captain broke out in a cold sweat. He knew that his instinctive question just now had crossed a major line.
Although the establishment of the ministerial position had separated the Anbu's authority, the entire Anbu was still nominally a special force under the Hokage. In particular, members of the Police Force responsible for close protection were effectively equivalent to the Shadow Guard and had an even closer relationship with the Hokage!
If even they could not maintain absolute loyalty, it meant that the entire Anbu might no longer be under the Hokage's control.
Although everyone knew that the Third Hokage did not have much time left in office, this period was all the more sensitive. If the matter were truly pursued, both the entire Anbu and Nawaki could be dragged into a power struggle!
Thus, the Anbu squad captain hurriedly dropped to one knee and pleaded guilty to Hiruzen, saying, "Please calm your anger, Lord Hokage! This subordinate only spoke out of concern for your safety. The entire Anbu is utterly loyal to you and would never dare defy you in any way!"
Seeing their captain's reaction, the other Anbu around him also dropped to one knee. "Please calm your anger, Lord Hokage."
Hiruzen Sarutobi expressionlessly looked at the Anbu kneeling before him. Only after a long silence did he slowly say, "Remember, you are here to protect me, not monitor me. I do not wish for such doubts to arise a second time. Get up!"
The Anbu respectfully answered, "We shall heed Lord Hokage's instruction!"
After rising from the ground, they all secretly wiped away cold sweat. They had never expected that the Hokage, who was always as kind and approachable as an old man next door, could be so terrifying once he