Muchuan

A few people had not been released, however. They were Iwagakure spies Fugaku had spotted when he infiltrated the village, including a Chunin and a Jonin.

This time, the Security Force had used the arrests of those spreading rumors as a pretext to seize both Muchuan and Harafuji Maru.

Muchuan, a Jonin, was considered one of the Third Hokage's trusted men and had already served as a team instructor. The Security Force had been watching him in secret for some time and had gathered considerable evidence of suspicious activity.

In the Security Force's temporary holding cell, Muchuan sat cross-legged, his expression calm. Nothing about his appearance suggested fear.

Muchuan had no idea his cover had been blown. He thought he had been arrested simply because he had made a few careless remarks about the rumors.

Given his usual conduct, he was certain he would be released before long. The Third Hokage had taken notice of him ever since he first distinguished himself and had probably already heard about his arrest.

The Third Hokage was indeed waiting for the Security Force to release him. After all, they had arrested many people, not just Muchuan.

But after the Security Force reprimanded and released several groups of civilians and ninja, Muchuan was still nowhere to be seen. The Third Hokage sensed that something was wrong.

The Third Hokage knew the Uchiha leadership reasonably well, especially Clan Head Uchiha Tenjo. He did not seem like someone who would deliberately provoke him.

The Third Hokage took no action. He needed to watch for a few more days; such unusual behavior from the Uchiha could not be simple. At the same time, he sent an ANBU squad to find out what was happening.

In the cell, Muchuan slowly opened his eyes. Saki approached, radiating a chilling