It was 4:40 p.m.
The atmosphere on Konoha's South Street was oppressively grim.
Dozens of Anbu ninja gripped short swords, surrounding every intersection along Main Street.
Outside the Konoha Military Police Force Building, the wooden sign announcing the suspension of operations hung forlornly on the door.
Quite a few shopkeepers and villagers had gathered nearby, whispering among themselves, their faces full of worry.
The Anbu squad captain stepped forward, tore the wooden sign off the door, tossed it onto the ground, and crushed it underfoot.
"Time's up!"
"The Konoha Military Police Force is suspected of shirking its duties and abandoning the administration of its jurisdiction!"
"By order of Lord Hokage, the Anbu Second Unit is officially taking over security on South Street!"
The Anbu squad captain held the Hokage's Order high.
Inside the shops on either side of the street, the proprietors turned pale.
The fruit vendor mustered his courage and called out.
"What about Deputy Captain Chikage and the others?"
"The police only just handled a dispute this morning! How can you accuse them of shirking their duties?"
The Anbu squad captain swept a cold gaze toward him.
"This is the Hokage Building's decision. All uninvolved persons, stand back. Anyone obstructing enforcement will be treated as an accomplice to rogue ninja!"
Silence immediately fell over the crowd.
On the second floor of a nearby teahouse, Shimura Danzō stood by the railing, leaning on his cane.
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu sat at a table, leisurely sipping tea.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stood by the window, taking puff after puff from his pipe, his expression obscured by the smoke.
The corners of Danzo's mouth curved upward.
He turned to look at his three colleagues by the table.
"Hiruzen, it seems your worries were entirely unnecessary."
"That fellow Fugaku doesn't dare take so