The Hokage was still searching with Homura for Danzo and Koharu. Homura, in particular, refused to believe Danzo had been blown to pieces in the battle.
He knew Danzo was ruthless and would stop at nothing to get what he wanted.
But Danzo was also extremely cautious and rarely put himself in danger. Faced with a Tailed Beast, he should have fled long ago.
"Lord Hokage," Fugaku called softly, his face pale.
If a Hyuga ninja had activated the Byakugan and looked at Fugaku Uchiha just then, they would have found his Chakra reserves brimming.
But with so many members of the Konoha leadership gathered there, each had secrets of their own. Unless there was an important mission, the Hyuga did not casually activate the Byakugan inside the village.
Doing so could easily offend Konoha's powerful shinobi. Most of the Shinobi World's strongest had secrets they did not want outsiders to know.
The Hokage glanced at Fugaku's pale face. "Are you all right, Fugaku?"
"Thank you for your concern, Lord Hokage. It's nothing serious—just some side effects and a lot of energy spent. A few days' rest at home should set me right.
"I'd like to ask for seven days off to recover at home. I hope you'll allow it, Lord Hokage."
The Hokage smiled. "The Uchiha did a great service this time. You evacuated the civilians in time and sealed the Tailed Beast. You deserve the most credit.
"As long as you've made arrangements for the Security Force, rest well at home. The Shinobi World won't be peaceful for long."
Fugaku looked surprised. "Lord Hokage, are you planning to send troops into the Land of Earth?"
"There are too many unanswered questions about this Tailed Beast incident. If Iwagakure was behind it, Konoha cannot let the matter rest.
"But