Shimura Danzo was baffled. He simply couldn't understand why Hiruzen Sarutobi had reacted so strongly.
However, he didn't dwell on it, since he had already learned that Uchiha Chen had nothing to do with the matter.
He felt a little regretful that he couldn't use this incident to implicate Uchiha Chen and find an excuse to crack down on the Uchiha Clan, but he soon let it go.
After all, it was only an excuse. Whether it would have worked or not, it wouldn't have done much damage to the Uchiha Clan anyway.
However, Mitaraishi Anko couldn't be let off so easily. His primary goal in coming here was to bring her under his command.
With that in mind, Shimura Danzo buried his malice toward the Uchiha Clan deep in his heart and turned to Hiruzen Sarutobi. In a grave tone, he said, "Even if Uchiha Chen had nothing to do with this, so be it. But the fact remains that Mitaraishi Anko killed a Konoha Ninja.
"In my opinion, Root should take her into custody first and interrogate her thoroughly once she wakes up."
Hearing Danzo's proposal, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally understood what his old friend was plotting.
Once Mitaraishi Anko was locked up in Root, she'd be like a meat bun tossed to a dog—gone for good!
Who knew if she'd ever be allowed to return after the investigation?
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression darkened. "No need. I've already sent Anbu to investigate the scene. They'll be back with a report soon."
As he spoke, Hiruzen Sarutobi privately congratulated himself on having the foresight to send people out to gather evidence in advance.
Just then, a figure appeared between the three of them like a bolt of lightning and dropped to one knee before Hiruzen Sarutobi.
It was the Anbu member who had been sent out earlier.
Seeing the newcomer, Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a relaxed smile, "Just in time. Give us your findings here.
"Although I trust my great-grandstudent, this involves the lives of other Konoha Ninja. I'll treat everyone equally and show no favoritism."
Hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi speak so righteously, some of the villagers who had gathered when the Third arrived were deeply impressed by his impartiality. They broke into applause.
Watching Hiruzen Sarutobi surrounded by villagers, Shimura Danzo seethed with resentment and frustration.
He clenched his teeth, a cold smile tugging at his lips.
So what if Hiruzen Sarutobi had sent someone to investigate?
The fact that Mitaraishi Anko had killed someone was beyond dispute. There was no changing that!
Although he didn't know why Hiruzen Sarutobi was so confident, killing a fellow village shinobi was an unforgivable crime, no matter the reason.
In the end, the guilty shinobi would inevitably fall under Root's control.
At the thought, Shimura Danzo felt a surge of smug satisfaction. He couldn't wait to see what expression Hiruzen Sarutobi would wear next.
The Anbu Ninja who had received the order didn't hesitate. He immediately announced the results of the investigation.
The noisy crowd fell silent the moment the Anbu member began to speak.
After all, most people felt deep awe and fear toward these mysterious, powerful Anbu members.
"Third, our investigation concluded that Suzuki Hiro, for reasons unknown, held a grudge against Mitaraishi Anko and attacked her outside the village."
The Anbu Ninja's voice was cold and firm, as if he were stating an undeniable fact.
"We found a large amount of blood beside the house. It must have come from Mitaraishi Anko when she was ambushed.
"By contrast, Suzuki Hiro, who died nearby, succumbed to ruptured internal organs and hadn't lost much blood."
At that, Uchiha Chen seemed to realize something too. He spoke up. "That's right. When I found them, Suzuki Hiro was already dead, while Mitaraishi Anko was unconscious from severe injuries to all four limbs.
"Looking at it this way, Mitaraishi Anko didn't commit a crime at all!
"I don't know exactly what happened in between, but that doesn't matter now."
Then he turned to Shimura Danzo, whose face had turned livid, and taunted him sarcastically. "Looks like she won't have to be taken into Root's custody after all, Lord Danzo!"
Uchiha Chen's taunt sent a surge of fury through Shimura Danzo. Yet he kept his composure and said, "I was angry because a shinobi from our village had died. I acted on impulse and wanted to take her into custody first.
"Since Mitaraishi Anko did nothing to harm the village, there's no need to interrogate her.
"Now that the matter is settled, Root has plenty of work waiting for me. I'll be off."
With that, he turned and left, leaving everyone looking stunned.
As soon as Danzo had left, he was furious with the Root member whose false report had cost him the confrontation with Hiruzen Sarutobi.
In a low voice, he said, "The information Root provided just now was wrong. Have the person who gave it go to the interrogation room and take their punishment!
"Also, mobilize Root's shinobi at once. Find out everything about the person named Uchiha Chen."
Thinking of Uchiha Chen's earlier sarcasm, he felt his hatred for the Uchiha Clan deepen.
He snorted inwardly. As Teacher Tobirama said, the Uchiha Clan is a clan born evil. One day...
Meanwhile, after watching Shimura Danzo slink away, Uchiha Chen felt thoroughly pleased.
He knew Danzo must be seething with murderous intent toward him, but he didn't care. Before long, he'd make Danzo slap himself in the face while smiling.
As the crowd gradually dispersed after the excitement died down, Mitaraishi Anko was wheeled out of the treatment room by a doctor.
The ghastly wounds on her hands and feet had been tightly wrapped in bandages, making them look like dumplings, and she had already regained consciousness.
Her once-delicate face was now deathly pale, lending her a fragile beauty.
She slowly opened her eyes and immediately met Uchiha Chen's gaze.
In an instant, a faint blush appeared on her pale cheeks. Perhaps she was remembering the warm embrace she had just enjoyed.
Watching from the side, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help smiling with satisfaction, but he didn't interrupt the lovely scene.
But when the nurse wheeled Mitaraishi Anko into the hospital room, the tender moment came to an abrupt end.
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke. "Anko, tell us what happened from beginning to end.
"There are still some questions that need answering. Since you were there, only you can explain what happened."
Hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi, Mitaraishi Anko, still weak, had no time to pay Uchiha Chen any more attention. She lowered her eyes and said slowly, her voice low, "This has to do with the traitor Orochimaru."
Then Anko recounted, in full, what she had heard from Suzuki Hiro.