"The people of Konoha spend all day in the village. They're not so bored that they'd swap bath tokens."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice echoed through the room, calm and steady, as though he were merely stating a fact.
Yet that seemingly casual remark made Uchiha Yato feel a surge of displeasure.
What does he mean, Konoha people wouldn't do something this boring?
Hiruzen Sarutobi continued, "That receptionist was also knocked unconscious. There is indeed plenty of room for manipulation."
His voice remained unhurried, yet his words seemed to carry a deeper meaning.
The more Uchiha Yato listened, the more something felt wrong. His eyes widened as he stared fixedly at Hiruzen Sarutobi, his dissatisfaction growing ever stronger.
Hiruzen Sarutobi seemed completely unaware of Uchiha Yato's reaction as he went on, seemingly talking to himself. "Of the three suspects identified so far, one is from Root, one is an Uchiha, and one is an outsider."
Upon hearing that, Uchiha Yato's brows knitted tightly. He finally understood Hiruzen Sarutobi's intentions.
First, he had said that people from Konoha would not do such a thing, seemingly clearing both Root and the Uchiha Clan. But in truth, that was merely a smokescreen.
Then he said that the Root member had been knocked unconscious, completely removing their suspicion, yet said not a word about the Uchiha. He was clearly implying to everyone that the real culprit was the Uchiha Clan!
At the same time, he was hinting that the Kirigakure ninja could steer the matter in that direction. Perhaps they could make the Uchiha Clan suffer a loss.
Before Ao could speak, Uchiha Yato decided to tear off a small piece of the mask first.
"So, our Uchiha Clan is that lowly? We're so desperate for someone to come here and tarnish our clan's innocence?"
"I