"Shisui, head back for now."
After Shisui left, Hiruzen Sarutobi remained seated, the warmth on his face lingering for a while.
Everything had unfolded exactly as Yan Uchiha and Kazama Nara had predicted. Hiruzen Sarutobi had not even questioned him, much less given him any unnecessary trouble. He had agreed outright to support Shisui in establishing a separate faction to oppose Yan Uchiha.
He had little choice but to agree.
This was an Uchiha with the Mangekyō Sharingan. If he pushed Shisui away, who knew whether that bastard Yan Uchiha would seize the chance to talk him into joining his side?
And Yan Uchiha was certainly no slouch when it came to talking people around.
As for whether Shisui was truly trustworthy, that could be investigated at leisure later. He could promise support first. Whether he actually directed resources toward Shisui would have to wait until the investigation results came back.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was not foolish enough to hand over everything he had without asking any questions.
"ANBU."
At his call, a figure immediately appeared in the room. The ANBU operative knelt on one knee, lowered his head, and answered, "Lord Hokage."
Hiruzen Sarutobi dropped his smile and ordered gravely, "Secretly investigate everything Shisui Uchiha did on the battlefield. Pay particular attention to how he interacted with his teammates, and find out exactly what is going on with Jin Uchiha."
"Make it quick."
He paused, then added, "Take my written order to Root and tell Danzo what I want. Root must cooperate fully with this investigation. I will not have them holding us back."
"I want a complete report as soon as possible."
The ANBU operative immediately accepted the order, then vanished from the room in a flash.
Silence returned to the room, but Hiruzen Sarutobi felt his temples throb.