Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in the lounge, his expression so grim he had even lost the desire to smoke.
Before him stood several trembling Konoha Shinobi.
Hiruzen Sarutobi kept taking deep breaths, but he could not calm down.
"Jiahu, investigate Tōgo Jōnin's movements over the past two days.
I want whoever was behind this to pay."
Once the Anbu left with his orders, Hiruzen Sarutobi turned to the others.
"Tell me about Tōgo Jōnin's condition."
The Shinobi swallowed before speaking.
"Lord Hokage, we found Young Master Dongwu in a patch of wasteland during our routine patrol just now.
He was already unconscious by then.
Judging by the tracks at the scene, he had come from the southwest.
I've already sent people to trace his route backward.
Tōgo Jōnin was also taken to the hospital in time."
There was no useful information.
Hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi said nothing, merely breathing heavily.
Before long, the surgery was over, and Hiruzen Sarutobi met privately with the surgeon.
"How is he?"
The doctor answered truthfully:
"There aren't any major problems, really. He just lost too much blood.
With the old injuries to both legs as well, he won't recover anytime soon."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, then asked:
"That tail..."
They had finally reached this subject. The doctor sighed, but did not dare refuse to answer.
"Lord Hokage, that was a monkey's tail."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's lips twitched, but the doctor continued:
"The tail wasn't surgically attached to his body.
It was simply sewn on by brute force.
That was also why Young Master Dongwu lost so much blood.
But that isn't the most important issue. The worst part is that there was no disinfection or aftercare.
Young Master Dongwu's wound is now severely infected.
I'm afraid he'll need prolonged treatment and observation."
Hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi clenched