Li slowly nodded. "Yeah, there's no difference anymore."
Whether the order had come from the Third Hokage or Danzo, Shinnosuke now basically had only one path left: death. Even if Danzo had issued the order, now that it had been sent out, unless the Third Hokage could produce some justification, directly shielding Shinnosuke would give Danzo an excuse to challenge the Hokage.
On the other hand, if the news had truly been released by the Third Hokage, then there was naturally no question of taking it back.
"But why come to me to kill Shinnosuke? That doesn't follow the rules! I used to be his subordinate. Isn't this specifically prohibited under the ninja mission regulations?" Li clearly remembered a clause in the ninja mission rules: relatives, teachers, disciples, and the like could not be used to hunt down rogue ninja.
That was also to prevent the two sides from colluding. Since Fugaku had come to him now, Li did not believe he was merely informing him that Shinnosuke had defected and that he should go have tea in the Anbu while making a statement or something.
"There's no helping it. That's what the higher-ups want. Hinata Hyuga and Hatake Yuiga will be going with you as well. The three of you are being formed into a squad, and you'll be the temporary captain." Fugaku spoke slowly, but from his expression, this was clearly no easy matter.
Li nodded. "Then what does the clan think?"
"The Great Elder is somewhat opposed. The Third Elder has remained silent. As for the Fifth Elder, he claimed illness and gave no opinion." Fugaku spoke slowly. It seemed the Third Elder meant to let Li make the decision himself—but if anything happened, Li would have to bear it himself.
"Understood. Where's the meeting point?" Li