Xuandou's eyebrows rose slightly at those words.
He had not expected Utatane Koharu to drag Hiruzen Sarutobi into this in her desperation.
It seemed the late Third Hokage was not as innocent as he appeared.
Before Tsunade could respond, a knock suddenly came at the office door.
Immediately afterward, Shikaku Nara filed in with the heads of the major shinobi clans.
Shikaku Nara led the way, his expression calm.
But the gleam in his eyes betrayed his inner unrest.
Behind him were Inoichi Yamanaka, Akimichi Chōza, Hyuga Hiashi, Tsume Inuzuka, Aburame Shikuroo...
Those familiar faces all carried a hint of inexplicable excitement.
As soon as he entered, Shikaku Nara spoke:
"Lady Tsunade, since the two advisers have reported the former Hokage, why don't we take this opportunity to inventory the Sarutobi Clan's assets as well?"
He paused, a meaningful smile appearing on his lips.
"After all, I refuse to believe Lord Third would have colluded with them."
"We must conduct a thorough inventory to clear Lord Third's name!"
Beside him, Inoichi Yamanaka immediately agreed:
"Shikaku is right."
"Lord Third worked tirelessly for Konoha his entire life. We cannot allow anyone to tarnish his reputation."
"Only a thorough investigation can silence the rumors."
Chewing beans, Akimichi Chōza said indistinctly:
"Then investigate. Who's afraid of whom?"
With his hands tucked into his sleeves, Hyuga Hiashi said mildly:
"The Hyuga Clan supports the investigation."
Holding Akamaru, Tsume Inuzuka wore a faint, gloating smile:
"It's long overdue."
The clan heads voiced their agreement one after another, their voices overlapping, their stances unusually unanimous.
Of course, they were not doing this to clear Hiruzen's name.
Throughout Hiruzen's tenure, he had suppressed the shinobi clans and favored the advisers, leaving every clan seething with resentment.
Now that they had a chance to knock the Third off