Chapter 19: Revealing the Hidden Darkness

As the captain of the renowned Konoha garrison, Uchiha Fugaku found himself immersed in a world of countless cases and investigations. With his keen eye and extensive knowledge, the seasoned veteran couldn't help but notice certain anomalies in the handling and outcomes of four particularly puzzling missing persons cases. It became apparent to him that these incidents were shrouded in complexity, suggesting the existence of covert schemes and hidden agendas.

Uchiha Fugaku listened intently as Ryu shared his insights. The information they had on the four missing persons cases was insufficient and left many gaps in their understanding. The reports simply stated that the victims were declared deceased, their bodies untraceable, and the culprits had surrendered without leaving a trace.

Ryu, now the Fourth Hokage, tapped his finger on the table and looked directly at Uchiha Fugaku, sensing the captain's concerns. Ryu assured him that he wouldn't pry into the security team's internal affairs. Instead, he entrusted Uchiha Fugaku with the task of re-examining the four cases. Ryu emphasized the importance of a diligent investigation that would bring closure to the grieving families.

Feeling a wave of relief, Uchiha Fugaku assured the Fourth Hokage that the security team would dedicate themselves to solving the four missing persons cases as quickly as possible. Ryu nodded in acknowledgment and urged Uchiha Fugaku to proceed with the investigation.

Leaving the Hokage Building, Uchiha Fugaku felt a weight on his shoulders. The fraudulent nature of the cases not only affected the security team but also tarnished the reputation of the Uchiha clan known for their dedication to law enforcement.

Determined to restore the honor of his clan, Uchiha Fugaku made a resolution. He planned to confront the person within the security team responsible for the misconduct and ensure severe consequences. Furthermore, he would mobilize his family's resources to swiftly solve the cases and bring the true culprit to justice, regardless of their status or position.

Meanwhile, Ryu stood by the window, contemplating the upcoming events. It seemed that Orochimaru, one of the Konoha Sannin, was behind the disappearances in the village. Ryu speculated that Orochimaru's forbidden experiments with Hashirama's cells would play a significant role. He intended to capture Orochimaru himself and expose his activities to the villagers, shocking them with the truth.

Ryu comprehended the seriousness of the situation and recognized its potential consequences for the Third Hokage and Danzo's reputation. They had deliberately concealed the Hashirama cell experiments for an extended period. Once the truth came to light, it would create a sensational revelation and could potentially ignite a civil conflict.

In his efforts to uncover Orochimaru's hidden base, Ryu involved the Uchiha Guard, leveraging their power and diverting attention from his true intentions. He also discreetly sent members of the Anbu on a covert investigation to find the stronghold.

Ryu recognized the importance of timing and wrote a letter to Hiashi, the leader of the Hyuga Clan, seeking their assistance. To his surprise, Hiashi not only responded but also offered the ninja support of their clan.

This decision puzzled Hizashi, Hiashi's younger brother, who questioned why they were supporting the Fourth Hokage. Hiashi explained that as members of Konoha, it was their duty to contribute and uphold the established order.

Understanding his brother's conviction, Hizashi realized that Hiashi's support for the Fourth Hokage was rooted in their commitment to tradition and the principles of their clan. He accepted his role and vowed to fulfill his duty.

As Ryu orchestrated these events, he kept a watchful eye on the missing person's cases and seized any opportunity to uncover the truth.