"Who understands this trail?"
After Uchiha Gen spoke, no one in the small conference room answered right away.
The question sounded simple, but actually pursuing it would bring them up against the Hokage Building's most sensitive boundary.
The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.
The Classified Archives Room.
The Sealing Squad.
Any one of those terms was enough to put the Uchiha back at the center of suspicion.
Hiruzen Sarutobi set his pipe beside him on the table without lighting it.
"Gen."
"Yes."
"Continue investigating this matter, but there is one line you must not cross."
Uchiha Gen lowered his head.
"Please make it clear, Lord Hokage."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice grew even heavier.
"You must not approach the Jinchūriki personally."
The atmosphere in the room abruptly grew oppressive.
Even though everyone had known those words were coming, hearing the Third Hokage actually say them still felt like a door slamming shut.
Uchiha Fugaku immediately said, "The Uchiha accept that restriction."
His answer came quickly.
It was not a retreat.
He could not afford even a moment's hesitation on this issue.
Uchiha Gen continued, "Not just that one."
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at him.
Uchiha Gen pushed a hastily drafted list of restrictions onto the table.
"I suggest putting it in writing as the three no principles."
Mitokado Homura frowned. "Three nos?"
"No investigating the residence."
"No investigating the protective detail."
"No investigating the identity."
Uchiha Gen enunciated every word.
"Investigate only the chain of records."
At those four statements, Danzo's expression darkened almost imperceptibly.
Uchiha Gen gave him no chance to interrupt.
"All investigation will concern only the Classified Archives Room's Access Log, Sealing Closure marks, entry records, and the shift rosters of personnel who handled them. The Konoha Military Police Force will neither inquire about, make contact with, nor record anything involving the Jinchūriki