The oppressive air of the dark interrogation room was thick with the pungent stench of disinfectant and rusty metal.
The cold chakra lamps cast Mitarashi Momiji's pain-twisted face in an especially ghastly pallor.
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura lurked like venomous snakes in the shadows, taking turns applying pressure as they tried to utterly destroy this civilian girl's psychological defenses with poisonous words and physical torture.
"Hand over the Spirit Board's core control password, Jonin Momiji."
Homura's voice was cold, carrying an unquestionable command. "You are merely a civilian. You only came this far because of Neji's favor. Now that he can barely protect himself, why would you be buried alongside him? Think of your family in Konoha. Their safety rests on a single thought from you."
He deliberately stressed the word "family," making the threat nakedly clear.
"Hmph."
Koharu added sinisterly from the side, dangerous chakra light curling around her fingertips. "Don't think having Neji backing you means you can defy the Elder Council. He has shut himself away. Who knows whether he suffered irreparable injuries in that great battle in the Land of Whirlpools? A wise man submits to the times. Hand over the password, and not only will we ensure your family's safety, we can even secure you a place among Konoha's future upper ranks."
Yet although Momiji's body trembled under the agonizing pain, her gaze remained as resilient as tempered steel.
Cold sweat beaded on her forehead as she bit her lower lip so hard she nearly drew blood. Of course, she knew those rumors were not entirely baseless.
When she had last reported on the Land of Rain situation to Lord Neji after the great victory in the Land of Whirlpools, she had keenly noticed the exhaustion he could not hide between his brows, as