Execution by Hanging

Orochimaru patted Takashi Sarutobi on the shoulder as if in consolation. "The old man offended too many people."

"The Hyuga Clan and the three Ino-Shika-Cho clans are all watching you."

"Don't let them get any leverage on you."

"If things become impossible, I'll notify you."

Takashi Sarutobi's face paled, and he looked even more terrified than before. "Lord Orochimaru, you mean...?"

Orochimaru answered without addressing the question.

"Money is just a string of numbers to me now. No matter where you go, you can easily establish yourselves. The Sound Village is also one of my assets."

Then he added earnestly, "For now, keep the Sarutobi Anbu under control. Don't cause trouble for me."

Takashi Sarutobi felt as though he could not breathe. Orochimaru meant for his entire clan to abandon Konoha.

Takashi Sarutobi left Orochimaru's laboratory in a daze. He did not even know how he made it back to the clan.

Seeing the densely packed clan members, Takashi Sarutobi pulled himself together. No matter what, the Sarutobi Clan Members were still here.

Takashi Sarutobi quickly drafted a list and handed it to Anko the next day.

Over the following days, Konoha broadcasts continuously reported which members of the Sarutobi Clan had been found guilty of serious crimes.

Those from the Mitokado, Shimura, and Utatane Clans who were implicated were still under investigation.

It was worth noting that even while selling off their assets, the Sarutobi Clan members obediently turned over money every month.

The others, however, were different.

In the prison.

"I want to see Naruto! I've rendered service to Konoha! You can't treat me like this!"

Mitokado Homura shouted with undiminished vigor.

After they had been thrown into prison, they had not yet been interrogated.

They were being held as suspects, so the food was not too