A Lion's Share

After hearing Dodai's explanation, the Third Hokage's eyes shifted to the unconscious Yugito.

He had lived most of his life, survived two Shinobi World Wars, and seen real Tailed Beasts and Jinchūriki.

Though he had grown increasingly indecisive over the past two years, losing the sharp resolve of his youth, he was not about to believe whatever someone told him.

Tailed Beast power had entered the exam grounds. He would not let the matter pass on Cloud Hidden's word alone.

"Hizashi Hyuga! Inuzuka Gaku! Muta Aburame!"

"Examine Yugito thoroughly with the Byakugan, your sense of smell, and your insects."

As Konoha's Third Hokage, he had to be especially careful on his own turf. Only by confirming the facts himself could he judge whether Cloud Hidden was telling the truth.

He also felt a twinge of regret.

Ever since Danzo had been confined, oversights like this had cropped up. Danzo used to have such matters handled well in advance.

Now that I think about it, I do miss him a little.

"Yes, Lord Hokage!"

The three men, already standing by, answered at once.

Brazza and Dodai made no move to stop them. At this point, hiding anything further would be pointless.

The three took turns examining the unconscious Yugito from head to toe.

Hizashi Hyuga activated his Byakugan and slowly scanned Yugito's body. Her meridians and the flow of her Chakra became clear to him.

Inuzuka Gaku used the Olfactory Secret Technique to distinguish the scent of ordinary Chakra from Tailed Beast Chakra, while Brown Maru sniffed hard beside him.

Muta Aburame released a swarm of tiny insects over Yugito's body, using their keen senses to detect fluctuations in Chakra.

The hall fell silent as everyone waited for the results.

A minute later, all three finished and turned to bow before