Chapter 163: Third Hokage: "Iizumi is not the murderer!" — Never Underestimate the Evil in Human Nature

Hyūga Menji arrived on the scene, drawn by the growing unrest. He stepped into the tense atmosphere of the Hiruzen Clan Residence, his gaze immediately locking onto Hiruzen Sarutobi standing beside the lifeless body. The air reeked of sulfur. Menji’s expression flickered—just slightly—but after a moment’s pause, he sensed something deeply off.

He scanned the faces of the furious Hiruzen Clan members surrounding them. Then, quietly, he approached Hiruzen Sarutobi from behind, lowering his voice.

"Rikudo," he murmured, "are you truly convinced that Uchiha Iizumi killed her?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood motionless, his breath slow and heavy. He turned his head slowly, meeting Menji’s eyes in a silent exchange. A single nod confirmed it.

"Let’s go outside," Menji said.

The clan members parted without protest. Two of the village’s highest-ranking figures stepped into the open, their every movement watched by silent, anxious eyes. No one followed. Everyone knew this was a private conversation between the Hokage and the Hyūga clan head.

"Breath," Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled sharply, his face grim. "I do not believe Iizumi is the killer."

Menji froze.

He stared at the Third Hokage’s stormy expression, bewildered. "But I heard you were furious—so much so that you ordered Root and Anbu to act together. Especially Root… they’ve caused chaos throughout the village since receiving your command. If you don’t think Iizumi did it… then why?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi cut him off. "Because I cannot appear to doubt that Iizumi is guilty."

He turned, hands clasped behind his back, eyes burning with suppressed rage. "Someone is using my daughter-in-law’s death to force me to strike at Iizumi. They’re trying to provoke a war between the Fire Nation Will and Absolute Justice—dragging the entire village into chaos. If I show too soon that I see through their scheme, the rat hiding in the shadows will flee. And once he’s gone… finding him will be like searching for a needle in an ocean."

Menji finally understood.

The Third Hokage was playing a role—a furious, grief-stricken Hokage blinded by rage. By pretending to be manipulated, he was luring the real culprit into revealing himself.

Menji frowned. "But little Chun… she truly believed you were going to take action against Iizumi. Her Root ninjas today… they didn’t hold back."

He paused. Then realization struck.

"Wait…" Menji’s eyes widened. "You’re suspecting her?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi remained expressionless. "I now suspect every person in this village who has a serious conflict with Iizumi—or with me."

He added, "Including Chun."

Menji felt a chill. He could see the pain in the Third Hokage’s eyes. The loss of his daughter-in-law had shaken him deeply. And yet—amidst that grief, he still saw the truth. He was using deception to expose a deeper conspiracy.

"Rikudo," Menji said quietly, "I finally understand why Tobirama-sensei chose you as Third Hokage. Among all of us, you are the one who rarely lets emotion cloud your judgment. You see what others miss."

He sighed. "If this isn’t her doing… then her gap in wisdom is truly staggering."

Then, after a pause: "You told me this… does that mean you trust me?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi met his gaze, nodding solemnly. "Because you’ve never argued against my firm decisions. And… you have no deep conflict with Uchiha Iizumi."

Menji fell silent. After a long moment, he asked, "So what’s your next move?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi flicked a small piece of volcanic rock between his fingers.

"I publicly ordered Kakashi and Orochimaru’s Student to retrieve Iizumi and her group."

"But that was not my true command."

He paused, voice low. "My real order was: Kakashi and Orochimaru’s Student are to monitor every jonin in the village."

He emphasized, "Every single one. Including the Shimura, Uchiha, the Inuzuka-Nara-Yamanaka Alliance, the Hyūga… even the jonin within the Hiruzen Clan."

Menji’s breath caught.

He turned toward the furious crowd of Hiruzen Clan members, their voices rising in anger. "Rikudo… they might—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi cut him off again. "Anything is possible."

For a moment, a shadow passed across his eyes. He inhaled deeply, then muttered, voice heavy with warning:

"Never underestimate the evil in human nature."

Menji felt the words resonate. They’d sounded familiar.

Hadn’t Uchiha Iizumi said something similar?

…

Menji left the Hiruzen Residence with a heavy heart. He pondered—who could be trying to ignite a war between Fire Nation Will and Absolute Justice?

Could it be Tsunade Konoha?

She had been openly critical of Iizumi. She’d mocked her Absolute Justice ideology repeatedly. And she’d long resented Rikudo’s hesitation in leadership.

But… no. Based on what he knew of her, she wouldn’t do something so reckless.

Or… was it Fugaku?

The Uchiha Clan Head had been stripped of influence by Absolute Justice. Maybe he’d decided to take a desperate gamble—using the Hokage’s power to eliminate Iizumi and reclaim control.

But no. That wouldn’t make sense. If Fugaku truly acted, Rikudo, Menji, or even Chun would grow suspicious of his motives. The village would turn against him.

Could it be the Hyūga Main Family?

They were furious—locked up in the village prison after being caught by Iizumi. But they lacked the strength to orchestrate such a plan.

And then… Hiruzen Fumiko.

She’d been one of Rikudo’s closest allies. A top-tier jonin. Among the Hyūga, no one could have killed her without Hiashi’s hand.

But Hiashi was imprisoned—under watch.

Menji shook his head. The truth was still hidden. No clear culprit yet.

Still… Rikudo’s approach was extreme.

"Chun believed he truly wanted Iizumi dead," Menji muttered. "She’ll now be at odds with the Uchiha girl. Rikudo just dug a pit for her—without meaning to."

He almost laughed. But then he remembered: Chun didn’t care about alliances. She hated Iizumi too much to care.

Should he warn Tsunade Konoha?

No. Rikudo still suspected her.

Better to watch. Wait. See what happens.

"Who would have thought… with Iizumi gone, the village would descend into chaos?"

He sighed, walking away.

…

Clang—

Two kunai clashed midair. Uchiha Iizumi’s eyes flashed crimson—Three Tomoe Sharingan flaring. She dropped low, evading the Root ninja’s downward slash. With a swift upward thrust of her ninja sword, she sliced through the man’s mask, revealing a face as ordinary as any.

She exhaled sharply, then planted one hand on the ground, driving her foot into his gut.

The Root ninja staggered back, clutching his abdomen, sweat pouring down his face. His eyes widened—filled with disbelief.

This kid… she’s only twelve. Just graduated from the Academy?

The order had been clear: capture Uchiha Iizumi.

But he hadn’t expected a wall of skill and precision.

"Breath…" Iizumi panted, gripping her sword. She glared at the trembling man. "Why are you Root ninjas so eager to fall into darkness? What’s your real purpose? Is this about Iizumi-senpai?"

The man didn’t answer. Coldly, he bit his thumb and slammed both palms onto the ground.

"Summoning Jutsu!"

A massive, snarling ninja hound burst into existence, lunging at Iizumi.

…

A black venomous snake sank its fangs into a Root special jonin’s shoulder. Mitarashi Anko spun, deflecting another kunai with her blade. From her sleeves, more snakes slithered out—striking at the attacker.

She hadn’t expected to be attacked twice in two days.

If she hadn’t rested well last night, she’d have been down before the second strike.

Now, fury burned in her chest.

What is Root’s problem?!

That old hag Tsunade Konoha—what kind of madness is this? Is she really trying to go against Absolute Justice?!

She blocked another strike, then narrowed her eyes.

A thought struck her.

"Wait… you’re not just after me, are you?" she growled, pressing forward. "Is this about Iizumi? Did Tsunade Konoha send you after her and Sasuke too?!"

The Root ninjas remained silent. No answer.

But Anko’s heart sank.

She knew—she’d guessed right.

…

Meanwhile, the man sent by Hiruzen Sarutobi returned to the Hiruzen Residence.

"Report," said the Third Hokage.

The Orochimaru’s Student bowed. "My Anbu squad has been observing Root’s actions. Nothing suspicious so far."

He hesitated. "But… the Root ninjas are acting aggressively. They’re using excessive force to detain those loyal to Absolute Justice—almost as if they’re being pushed to extremes."

He looked up. "Hokage-sama… should we intervene?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head. "Not yet. As long as no one dies, Anbu must not interfere until we uncover the mastermind."

The student hesitated. It felt wrong—using Chun and Iizumi as bait. But… the logic was sound.

The Hokage was using both sides—playing them against each other, hoping to draw out the real enemy.

Still… could Iizumi really accept being used like this?

The student felt uneasy. This was dangerous.

If it worked—fire would burn the culprit.

If it failed… the fire might consume the Hokage himself.

"Keep watching," Hiruzen Sarutobi said.

The student bowed. "Yes, Hokage-sama."

…

Elsewhere.

Two Root ninjas were dragging Uchiha Sasuke and Hyūga Neji toward the Root Base.

Then—thud.

A towering figure stepped between them.

The ninjas froze.

"San-nin… Jiraiya!" they gasped.

Jiraiya coughed lightly. "That’s right. I’m the legendary Jiraiya—Daimyō of Fire Country’s famed Sage."

His gaze fell on the struggling Sasuke and the unconscious Neji.

"Are you really going to hurt two children?" he said, voice low. "I heard you say this was the Hokage’s order. What happened? Tell me."

The Root ninjas exchanged glances.

"This isn’t your concern," one said.

Then—another voice.

"Jiraiya."

He turned.

Tsunade Konoha approached, flanked by two Root guards.

She spoke plainly. "My daughter-in-law was murdered. Iizumi was the last person seen near her. I’ve ordered her capture."

Jiraiya stiffened.

His daughter-in-law… dead?

"Wait…" Jiraiya frowned. "If Iizumi’s eyes can see sin… and she killed Rikudo’s daughter-in-law… then that means—"

"Jiraiya," Tsunade interrupted. "There are two interpretations."

"First: Fumiko was innocent. Iizumi made a mistake. Her eyes aren’t infallible. Rikudo is enraged—ready to purge Absolute Justice."

"Second: Fumiko was guilty. And Rikudo is using this as an excuse to finally eliminate Absolute Justice. Because he finally sees it as a threat to the village."

She smiled faintly. "Revenge is a powerful motive. Even if Rikudo isn’t on the side of justice… he has a strong justification."

Jiraiya said nothing.

But in her eyes… he saw something dangerous. A flicker of obsession.

He didn’t believe Rikudo was like that.

But he had no proof—only her words.

"Could it be," Jiraiya asked suddenly, "that someone is framing Iizumi? Deliberately provoking a war?"

He had to protect Sasuke. If the boy ended up in Root’s hands…

Jiraiya shuddered. He’d never be the same.

"Zetsu’s impossible," Tsunade said coldly. "Who in the village doesn’t know Iizumi’s history? No one would dare frame her. She’d expose them instantly."

Jiraiya paused. …That’s true.

Then—lightning struck.

"What if it’s outside the village?" he said, eyes sharp. "The Third Ninja War ended not long ago. The borders are still fragile."

Tsunade blinked.

"Outside…?" She hesitated. "How could foreign ninjas even reach the Hiruzen Residence? It’s one of the most secure places in the village. The Hokage lives there."

She trailed off.

Silence.

Jiraiya and Tsunade locked eyes.

And in that silence, they both thought the same thing.

It’s someone inside… someone who knows the Hiruzen Clan. Maybe even a member.

Someone who could cooperate with outsiders.

Tsunade went quiet.

Jiraiya exhaled—relieved.

Then—a shiver.

A strange, icy dread crept up his spine.

He looked up.

And his pupils contracted.

BOOM!

A deafening explosion rocked the ground. Dust and smoke exploded outward in a furious wave.

From within the cloud, a cold voice cut through.

"Until that kid’s gone, old fools will keep showing up to stir trouble."

Kushina stepped forward, her eyes like ice.

"Let them go," she said.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end