Ch-40 I won't tell.

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Michikatsu continued, "When we stopped to rest in the woods, I smelled someone's presence and reported it to Jonin Nakamura. However, my report was disregarded by him. It was at this point that I began to have doubts. About four hours after our rest, Nakamura abruptly left, claiming he had urgent matters to attend to, and instructed us to continue forward. We followed his orders, and thanks to my sensory abilities, I detected a trap consisting of 'Explosive Tags.' Nawaki nearly stepped on it, but there was something peculiar. Matsuda appeared to be aware of the trap as well, and he escaped using the 'Substitution Technique' without warning us. Fortunately, I used strings to catch Nawaki and pull him away from the trap, preventing him from turning into a meat paste. However, our problems didn't end there. We soon encountered a Sunagakure Anbu team. Since Nawaki was with me and would have been a hindrance, I sent him away. I then utilized my Kekkei Genkai, which is related to poison, to eliminate the Anbu team. Later, I reunited with Nawaki, who was under attack by Jonin Nakamura, and I also had to eliminate him and Matsuda."

As soon as Michikatsu's voice fell silent, everyone in the room became quiet, as the information was quite overwhelming for them to digest.

"So, to summarize, Nakamura and Matsuda betrayed you, and you were able to eliminate the Anbu ninjas due to your Kekkei Genkai, correct?" Hiruzen inquired.

"Exactly, Hokage-Sama," Michikatsu confirmed.

"What is the nature of your Kekkei Genkai ability?" Homura asked.

"I would prefer to keep the specifics of my Kekkei Genkai a secret," Michikatsu replied.

"Why? Are you not a ninja of Konoha?" Homura pressed.

"I am indeed a ninja of Konoha village, but according to Konoha's rules, we are not necessarily required to disclose all our abilities," Michikatsu explained.

"Are you questioning the security system of Konoha village?" Homura challenged.

"Is there even any doubt about that? I wouldn't feel secure if I revealed my ability to everyone here," Michikatsu asserted.

Michikatsu continued, "Consider this incident: when I first encountered Jonin Nakamura, I could sense that his smile was insincere, and deep inside, he was nothing more than a mindless killing machine. However, I brushed it off, thinking that perhaps in his service to Konoha, emotions were deemed unnecessary. But let me tell you how I killed Matsuda. I simply posed a question to him, ensnaring him in a Genjutsu. I asked him who their boss was, and as soon as he uttered 'Da,' something activated, and he died instantly. Later, as Nakamura lay dying, he uttered something intriguing. He mentioned that the person he worked for was the one who protected Konoha from the shadows. Recalling the stories my father told me about Konoha since my childhood, there is only one person who refers to themselves as the protector of Konoha from the shadows: Shimura Danzo. At this point, I recollect that Matsuda said 'Da,' which I now interpret as 'Danzo,' before dying immediately. This aligns with the characteristics of ROOT ninjas, who can never divulge information about their leader or their mission. While it could be someone else, for me, Shimura Danzo is the prime suspect."

Hiruzen remained silent after hearing this, refraining from speaking. However, Homura interjected, "Do you realize who your allegations are directed against?"

"I have never met the person in question, and my statements were based solely on my knowledge. I didn't claim to have concrete evidence. What you choose to do is your decision, and I don't have any concern. I won't reveal the secrets of my Kekkei Genkai, especially when I have doubts about the higher echelons of Konoha. If you still wish to learn about my abilities, you can inquire with my father. If he chooses to share, I have no objections," Michikatsu stated.

"Alright, Michikatsu, you don't need to disclose anything further. You've completed your report. We will conduct our own investigation, and if we confirm the details, this mission will be recognized as an achievement, and you will receive the appropriate rewards. You and Nawaki have performed admirably and must be exhausted. Please, go and rest," Hiruzen declared.

Michikatsu nodded and left the Hokage's office, followed by Nawaki.

After Nawaki and Michikatsu left, Tsunade, looking at Hiruzen with anger, declared, "If what Michikatsu says is true, then Danzo will definitely die by my hands." With that, she exited the Hokage's office to catch up with Nawaki.

Jiraiya shook his head and sighed, saying, "You know her nature, sensei. Don't take it to heart."

"I understand," replied Hiruzen, and Jiraiya also left the Hokage's office.

"What is Danzo trying to achieve with this? Michikatsu's conjecture may not be far from the truth," Hiruzen mused.

"For the political stability of Konoha, certain measures are deemed necessary, Hiruzen," Homura reasoned.

"I understand that, but Mito-Sama is still alive, and we should show her respect," Hiruzen pointed out.

"Nawaki's presence poses a political insecurity because he is the grandson of the First Hokage and could potentially manifest Wood Release, which would not be advantageous for our family. Despite the dispersion of the Senju Clan within Konoha, some precautions must still be taken," Homura explained.

Hiruzen nodded, saying, "But now Tsunade doubts us, and with this incident, there is a high likelihood that Mito-Sama will be displeased. I need to provide an explanation to her."

"Why are you worrying about something you haven't done? Tell Danzo to return; he's the one who created this mess, so he should clean it up," said Homura.

"Hmm, you're right. Send another team with the supplies to Amegakure, and include a letter in that team for Danzo explaining everything. Tell him to come up with a valid reason, or else not only will Mito-Sama be angry, but Hatake Sakumo will also be displeased," said Hiruzen.

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