After hearing Seiryu's words, Sarutobi Hiruzen finally understood why Shisui, who had always loved peace, would stand with the Police Force tonight and even take action against fellow villagers.
At the same time, Hiruzen realized that this matter could not be delayed any longer. If he tried to keep hiding the truth, the Will of Fire he'd always used to win over promising Uchiha youth like Shisui would completely collapse, and Shisui would be utterly lost to him.
Although Shisui's Mangekyo was in Seiryu's hands, the power Shisui had shown with Susanoo wasn't something ordinary shinobi could contend with. If Shisui truly sided with the clan, the Uchiha would have two Kage-level fighters.
On the other hand, if Shisui still believed in the Will of Fire, even if there was already a rift between them, from what Hiruzen knew of Shisui, if the Uchiha tried to rebel, Shisui would probably step in to stop them. This was likely why Seiryu had acted with such restraint tonight.
After sorting out his thoughts, Hiruzen spoke, "Seiryu, this isn't your fault. After all, no one could have predicted what happened tonight."
"Since things have come to this, there's no point in delaying any further. Let's formally launch an investigation into this." Hiruzen continued, "But given the gravity of the matter, I intend for the ANBU and Police Force to conduct a joint investigation. What do you think, Seiryu?"
Though the investigation into the three clans' collusion with Orochimaru couldn't be held back after Shisui found out, Hiruzen had learned from the previous Root investigation that this couldn't be left entirely to the Police Force.
Last time, Seiryu had only held power for less than a month before building up his current force. Hiruzen couldn't even imagine what would happen if he handed the investigation entirely over to the Uchiha this time.
"Of course." Seiryu nodded. If he were in Hiruzen's position, he wouldn't let the Police Force handle such a major case alone, so he'd already anticipated this. His main aim was to force Hiruzen to open the investigation.
Besides, a joint operation wasn't without its benefits. Although Seiryu wouldn't be able to do things as recklessly as before with the ANBU involved, it gave him a chance to get involved with the ANBU as well, which he certainly didn't object to.
With everything settled, Seiryu and Kakashi stood up to leave. As Hiruzen watched their backs, he lit his pipe again and gazed out into the night.
After a long while, Hiruzen let out a heavy sigh. He had to admit, ever since Danzo's death, his grip on the village had weakened. Today's events—especially the reaction of the Ino-Shika-Cho clans—made him realize he might really be getting old.
He sighed again, took out some stationery, and prepared to write to Jiraiya. But just as he wrote Jiraiya's name, he couldn't help but sigh once more. Of his three students, the only one he could still rely on was the one who had always given him the biggest headache.
"I hope he'll come back and change things," Hiruzen murmured.
...
After leaving the Hokage Tower, Seiryu and Kakashi parted ways at an intersection.
"Where are you off to?" Seiryu asked. "Your house isn't in that direction, is it?"
"Some old friends are waiting for me. I need to go tell them how things turned out," Kakashi replied.
"Former subordinates of the Fourth Hokage?" Seiryu asked.
"Yeah," Kakashi nodded, not hiding it.
"If the Fourth was still around, the village wouldn't be like this," Seiryu said with some regret. "Kakashi, tomorrow bring everyone to the Uchiha compound. I'm planning to throw a banquet. Those who upheld the Will of Fire tonight did a lot, and the Police Force should thank them."
"Understood." Kakashi nodded and said goodbye before heading toward the scene of the earlier confrontation.
"Oh, and bring that guy who can use Wood Release with you tomorrow. There's something the Police Force needs his help with," Seiryu called after him.
...
When Seiryu returned to the Police Force, it was already late, but the building was still brightly lit.
On his way back to the office, Seiryu ran into a few civilian squad members carrying batons towards the interrogation rooms. As soon as they saw him, they stood at attention and saluted loudly.
"Deputy!"
After returning the salute, Seiryu patted one on the shoulder, flipped his name badge, and asked, "It's late. Why aren't you off work yet?"
"Reporting! We're not tired, and the interrogations aren't finished yet. We plan to work through the night!" replied the spirited team member, Hasegawa Taro.
Seiryu glanced at his bulging uniform pockets, stuffed with bonuses and jutsu scrolls, and smiled. "I appreciate your enthusiasm, but you still need to balance work and rest. Go home soon."
"Deputy, we're really not tired!" Hasegawa insisted. With two months' pay and jutsu as a bonus, how could they just go home? That would let down the team and the Deputy!
Seiryu shook his head. "You guys really leave me no choice. Go ahead, but tell everyone working overtime that I appreciate their effort. I'll try to get some late-night snacks for everyone."
"Long live Deputy Seiryu!" The announcement sent the team into cheers.
Finally escaping their enthusiastic crowd, Seiryu made it back to his office, where he found Shisui, who'd already completed his mission, waiting for him.
"How did it go? Everything smooth?" Seiryu asked as he made his way to his chair.
"Everyone on the list was arrested without exception," Shisui replied.
"Good." Seiryu nodded. "I want you to handle the follow-up investigation."
"Me?" Shisui was surprised.
"Yes. I've already reached an agreement with the Third Hokage—the Police and ANBU will investigate together. In a couple days, once our new holding facility is ready, ANBU will come to assist. Since you've worked in ANBU, you'll be able to coordinate more smoothly."
"I understand," Shisui nodded. "Leave it to me."
"Shisui, don't let the clan down again." Seiryu reminded him as he left.