The atmosphere in the Hokage Building was delicate when Kakashi was formally invited to take his seat at the review.
This was not an interrogation.
Nor was it a trial.
But everyone knew that every word he spoke would carry considerable weight.
Because he had a Sharingan.
Because that eye had come from Obito Uchiha.
And because the Fourth Hokage's old records already showed an overlap between spatial disturbances and Sharingan anomalies.
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat at the head of the table and did not allow Root near the review table.
Danzo was deeply displeased.
But this review involved Kakashi and the Fourth Hokage's records, and the Third Hokage refused to yield for once.
Fugaku sat in the witness seats.
Shisui sat on the other side.
Gen did not appear.
He had deliberately stayed away.
After the external review concluded, the Masked Man might already have noticed that someone within the Uchiha was driving things forward.
The more crucial the review, the less Gen could afford to appear openly every time.
He wrote his questions for Fugaku, who then screened them before submitting them.
That way, even if someone traced things back, they would only see the Clan Leader making decisions, not a child influencing the situation.
Once the review began, Shikaku Nara first explained its scope.
"This review will confirm only three things. First, whether the spatial disturbances in the Fourth Hokage's records actually existed. Second, whether Jonin Kakashi experiences a similar sense of detachment when using his Sharingan. Third, whether that sensation warrants inclusion as a line of inquiry in the spatial anomaly review."
Kakashi nodded.
His voice remained calm.
"I understand."
The Anbu recorder asked, "Are you willing to attest to your own experiences?"
"I am."
"Have you been guided or coerced by the Uchiha Clan?"
"No."
At