Impotent Rage

The cold voice carried through the entire office like an ultimatum, weighing heavily on Shinji Yamanaka's heart.

Open his memories for inspection? What kind of joke was that?

Inoue Toru's move was a killing blow. If Inoichi examined his memories, every truth—and his secret connection to Lord Danzo—would be exposed. There would be nowhere left to hide.

When that happened, not only would he face certain death, but Lord Danzo would be dragged into it and exposed before everyone.

Nothing could happen to Lord Danzo!

That had been the first principle drilled into him through years of training since he entered Lord Danzo's service, an iron rule etched into his bones.

His purpose was to handle all of Lord Danzo's dirty work and, if necessary, seal his own lips with his life.

In an instant, Shinji Yamanaka made his final choice.

No one noticed the fleeting resolve in his eyes. Just as everyone waited for him to confess, Shinji Yamanaka gently bit down.

The deadly poison capsule hidden beneath his tongue burst. Its colorless, odorless toxin entered his bloodstream and rushed straight for his central nervous system, too fast for anyone to save him.

"Pfft—"

Shinji Yamanaka spat a mouthful of black blood. His body shuddered, and he dropped heavily to his knees. His face turned ashen, and the life drained from him before their eyes.

The sudden turn left everyone staring at Shinji Yamanaka in shock. The entire office fell deathly silent.

No one had expected Shinji Yamanaka to kill himself outright. In less than two seconds, the poison ravaged his heart and lungs, ending his life.

"His brain tissue has been completely destroyed."

Inoichi Yamanaka crouched to examine him carefully. A moment later, he stood and shook his head at Hiruzen Sarutobi. "We can't extract any more information."