Hiruzen Sarutobi narrowed his eyes. After a moment of silence, he called to the people outside, "Let him in."
As soon as he spoke, Inoichi Yamanaka entered the tea room.
He wore his blond hair short, and his expression was as stern as ever, though his eyes were now full of confusion. The Ino-Shika-Cho Clans had always acted as one, but Shikaku Nara had only just returned to the village. With so much happening tonight, they had not had time to compare notes.
Naturally, Hiruzen Sarutobi's sudden summons left Inoichi Yamanaka completely bewildered.
After entering, he first surveyed the room.
Apart from Hiruzen Sarutobi, there was only one other person in the tea room, drenched in cold sweat and trembling uncontrollably. A closer look revealed that it was Arashi Sarutobi, the man the Sarutobi Clan hailed as a genius.
Inoichi Yamanaka was quick-witted and grasped the general situation in an instant. Still, rather than immediately asking questions, he first bowed in greeting.
"Greetings, Lord Hokage!"
"Ah, you're here, Inoichi." Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice was chillingly cold. "Sit down. There's a small matter I need your help with."
Inoichi Yamanaka acknowledged him and immediately found a seat.
Hiruzen Sarutobi knew that when dealing with someone of Inoichi Yamanaka's standing, it was best to maintain his usual kindly demeanor. Unfortunately, he was in no mood for that now.
Inoichi Yamanaka was not only the head of the Yamanaka Clan, but also the captain of the Analysis Division. Although the Analysis Division was not one of Konoha's seven departments with real authority, it was an important village department, much like the Sealing Squad. Combined with his position as head of the Yamanaka Clan, that gave him considerable weight within Konoha High Command.
Arashi Sarutobi could not compare to him.
But Hiruzen Sarutobi's son was