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To be frank.
Qingchuan's impression of the Anbu was actually quite good.
They were neither servile nor overbearing, and even showed a hint of politeness.
As Konoha's most official instrument of violence, setting aside the question of the power gap between the Anbu and Root for a moment, their professionalism in carrying out missions was certainly impeccable.
Of course, the possibility that this was due to orders from Hiruzen Sarutobi could not be ruled out.
After all, the three words "Uchiha" still hung over his head.
Therefore.
Qingchuan, who had always considered himself a model, law-abiding Uchiha citizen, also chose to respond in a gentler manner.
"Then I'll have to trouble you, sirs."
"But if it's possible, could you give me a moment to put my sword away?"
"It's the only memento my mother left me... Although I don't have much talent, I still want to take good care of it."
The well-mannered young lady Qingchuan gave a sweet smile and then bowed deeply.
The Anbu leader was momentarily taken aback.
It seemed Lord Third Hokage's guess was correct.
The mission target was indeed a smokescreen created by that man.
No wonder that after recruiting this young girl, that man never had her carry out any missions...
This personality.
It didn't seem suited for a ninja...
"You may, but don't take too long."
His gaze softened, and the Anbu leader's voice also became much gentler.
Qingchuan immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
"Thank you again, sir."
Bowing deeply once more, Qingchuan lamented the hardships of life while walking into his room with dainty steps.
Life wasn't easy...
He could avoid the Uchiha, but he couldn't avoid the Third Hokage.
And he still had to account for that old schemer, Danzo...
If it weren't for this dress, he really wouldn't know what to do!
He was truly grateful.
Although his Senbonzakura wasn't some kind of cursed blade, it was still a Zanpakutō that coexisted with his soul.
Heaven knew what would happen to it if the Anbu got their hands on it...
To be safe, it was better to hide it.
Before long.
Qingchuan and the group of Anbu left Orochimaru's former residence.
Anko had also been taken away for questioning by the Anbu, but it had happened earlier. She was taken while she was out satisfying a craving for dango in the morning.
To be honest.
In Qingchuan's plans, this day was bound to come sooner or later...
But after Qingchuan firmly rejected the option of fleeing, what he considered was his future in Konoha for the next few years.
An Uchiha who couldn't leave the village was definitely not an option.
It seemed the only path left was the Anbu...
So Qingchuan wasn't worried and obediently followed the Anbu.
His dainty steps were on point...
However.
The direction the Anbu were heading was not towards the so-called "Konoha Interrogation Unit."
After several twists and turns.
The group stopped in front of Konoha's most iconic building.
"Don't worry, no one will harm you."
Noticing the change in Qingchuan's expression, the Anbu beside him actually offered a quiet word of comfort.
Soon, Qingchuan was brought to the Hokage's Office.
Anko was also inside, and judging by her reddened eyes and Hiruzen Sarutobi's look of profound grief, she had probably been brainwashed not long ago.
Qingchuan's eyebrow twitched.
"Lord Third, Uchiha Haruko has been brought here."
The Anbu member announced, then silently closed the door.
In the vast office.
All that remained were two schemers and one quietly sobbing Anko.
"Sigh..."
Seeing Qingchuan arrive, Hiruzen Sarutobi let out another pained sigh.
It left Qingchuan momentarily stunned!
"Since little Haruko is also here, then little Anko... why don't you repeat what I just told you."
"Can you still do that?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke with a complicated tone, and his gaze towards Anko was filled with heartache.
"Yes!"
Anko responded, then sniffled and looked at Qingchuan.
As for Hiruzen Sarutobi, he stood up, turned to the window, and continued to puff out clouds of smoke.
It seemed... he couldn't bear to watch the scene that was about to unfold.
"Haruko, you have to stay strong."
"Grandpa Third told me everything... Orochimaru... Orochimaru really did betray us!"
"He never saw us as his students, we were just... just tools to deceive Grandpa!"
"And to think we called him 'teacher' so many times... woo woo..."
Her emotions erupting once more, Anko threw herself at Qingchuan, crying loudly!
The entire office was instantly filled with a sorrowful atmosphere...
The old man who had lost his student.
The young girl...s... who had discovered the truth.
Qingchuan's expression was completely blank; for a moment, he had no idea what to do!
What happened to the Interrogation Unit!
How did it turn into the damn tragic drama of the year?!
Old geezer, what on earth did you say to Anko!
He really is... a master of acting, isn't he...
Looking at Hiruzen Sarutobi's desolate back and Anko, who was crying more and more fiercely.
Qingchuan suddenly felt...
His own path was still a long one.
After a long while.
Anko, finally having temporarily emerged from her grief, let go of Qingchuan, asked for permission, and left the Hokage's Office first.
Hiruzen Sarutobi also returned to the chair behind his desk.
He continued to smoke, one puff after another, his dejected appearance causing Qingchuan to gradually calm down as well.
That's right.
Putting the acting aside.
Orochimaru was indeed, at one point, Hiruzen Sarutobi's most prized student.
"Haruko, regarding Orochimaru, this is indeed my failure as a teacher."
"I apologize to you here."
Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a sincere tone.
This caused Qingchuan, who had just been feeling a bit sorry for the old man, to instantly become alert.
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