Hiruzen's expression changed at those words, and his heart sank.
He had done exactly what Xuandou had said.
He had spent Kushina's money on Konoha, then pocketed the funds allocated to Konoha.
Along the way, he had also skimmed money from various missions, survivor benefits, and construction projects...
He had profited several times over from the same source.
No one had discovered it all these years. How exactly had Xuandou uncovered his secret?
Damn it!
Not only had he discovered it, he had announced it in front of the village's leadership.
He had shown no respect whatsoever for him, the former Third Hokage.
Teacher Tobirama had been right. The damned Uchiha only knew how to go mad, without the slightest regard for the bigger picture!
Alarm bells kept ringing in Hiruzen's head.
He knew.
However meticulously the accounts had been doctored, his enormous fortune had to have come from somewhere. A little cross-checking would still reveal the source of his wealth.
It's over!
Everything is over!
"Uchiha Xuantou, I've put up with you long enough!" Asuma suddenly shouted, his expression darkening instantly.
"Will you only be satisfied once you've branded the old man an embezzler?"
"Let me tell you, if he didn't do it, he didn't do it."
"White can never become black!"
At those words, the members of Konoha High Command wore varying expressions.
A trace of mockery flashed in Shikaku Nara's eyes.
Hiruzen's kindly appearance had thoroughly deceived him all these years. Now, Asuma's fervor did nothing for him.
Inoichi Yamanaka lowered his head and studied the plants on the ground.
Akimichi Chōza stood there cheerfully chewing beans, looking as though he were enjoying the show.
Hyuga Hiashi kept both hands tucked into his sleeves, his expression calm and unruffled.
Might Guy, standing farthest away, instead raised a