As for those who were truly innocent, the Konoha Military Police Force's interrogation methods weren't as professional as the Anbu's, so it was normal that they hadn't uncovered everything yet.
At the end of a long day of work, Shisui approached Kuragami Uchiha and requested to show Itachi the evidence they had gathered.
After thinking for a moment, Kuragami Uchiha agreed.
After all, if these things could help Itachi Uchiha recognize the reality of the situation, it would save Kuragami a lot of effort.
However, when Shisui went to find Itachi, they were informed that he had already left.
Hearing this, Shisui spent the entire night searching the village, but with Itachi's elite Jonin-level skills and his deliberate efforts to hide, even Shisui couldn't track him down.
The next morning, seeing Shisui's exhausted and dejected expression, Kuragami understood the situation immediately.
"You didn't find him?" Kuragami asked.
"No."
Shisui replied, his face visibly fatigued. He rubbed his temples, troubled. "I have no idea where that kid went."
"Forget it. No need to keep looking. It seems he's already made the choice he believes is right."
Kuragami's eyes glinted coldly.
"Kuragami..."
Shisui hesitated, wanting to defend Itachi.
"Shisui, you know the nature of the Uchiha."
Kuragami said, his voice growing colder. "Once he's made his decision, he won't turn back."
"It seems he didn't take a single word I said to heart."
Kuragami patted Shisui on the shoulder. "You're exhausted. Go rest for half a day."
"We're really just going to leave him be?" Shisui was stunned.
"Yes."
Kuragami responded coldly. "I warned him before that individual strength is insignificant before the tides of fate. But it seems he's quite confident and wants to challenge fate himself."
Shisui fell silent; he shook his head helplessly before returning to his seat.
Meanwhile, Kuragami gazed out the window with a fleeting hint of killing intent flashing in his eyes.
… … …
In the following days, as the investigation progressed, the truth of past events gradually came to light. Most of the victims had come from small ninja clans with hereditary Kekkei Genkai abilities.
For example, the Tsukigetsu clan, which possessed common Kekkei Genkai related to perception release, had lost three children to these crimes over the past decade.
The families of the victims, having received justice and compensation, were deeply grateful to the Konoha Military Police Force. In contrast, the finances of the Mitokado, Utatane, and Shimura Clans had been devastated, losing nearly two-thirds of their assets.
The Shimura Clan, in particular, had been reduced overnight to the level they were at even before the founding of the village.
Kuragami's actions had all but wiped out the powerful members of the Shimura, leaving behind only a handful of Chunin and a single Special Jonin.
This remaining branch had long been marginalized within the clan, having expressed their dissatisfaction when Danzo continuously funneled his kin into Root. Now, they couldn't even be considered a proper ninja clan.
Meanwhile, the Konoha Military Police Force had made incredible progress in their interrogations. Over ten high-ranking members from the Mitokado and Utatane clans, including Homura and Koharu, had fully confessed to the crimes listed in the evidence.
The investigation was reaching its final stages. All that remained was to compile the interrogation records for Hiruzen Sarutobi's review and distribute the remaining confiscated assets to the victims' families.
"You've all worked hard."
Kuragami clapped his hands in the interrogation room, smiling. "After we deliver the last batch of seized assets to the victims, I'd like to treat everyone. I've already reserved a private room at Yakiniku Q, so I hope you'll all join me."
"Captain Kuragami, you're too kind!" Several Anbu members responded quickly.
Over the past few days, they had truly come to understand why Konoha's ninja spoke so highly of the Konoha Military Police Force's benefits.
They had been working late into the night to resolve the case as quickly as possible. This wasn't unusual; Anbu was used to going hungry while working overtime.
But from the very first day, the Konoha Military Police Force had provided them with generous late-night meals to keep their energy up. That wasn't even the best part; Kuragami had also ensured they received overtime pay according to the Konoha Military Police Force's standards.
In just a few days, they had earned nearly as much as they would in a month of grueling Anbu missions. This was an entirely new experience for them, one they had never enjoyed while working in the Anbu.
And now, Kuragami was even offering them another reward after the mission. They felt almost overwhelmed by his generosity.
The final batch of seized assets was valued at approximately 1.5 billion Ryo, accounting for roughly 30% of the total confiscated property.
The remaining victims yet to be compensated were mostly from the Uchiha, Inuzuka, and Aburame Clans, as well as the families of fourth Hokage loyalists who had perished in the Third Shinobi World War.
It was clear that Kuragami had intentionally set aside these assets as compensation for his allies.
Among the victim list were also a few members of the Hyuga clan.
Kuragami selected several valuable commercial properties from the confiscated assets, then picked up the Hyuga portion of the victim list and turned to the others in the interrogation room.
"I'll personally deliver these to the Hyuga clan."
Kuragami said while looking at everyone. "The rest of you distribute the remaining assets to the victims' families and then head to Yakiniku Q to wait for me."
"Understood!" The members of the joint investigation team nodded in acknowledgment.
… … …
Carrying the deeds and the victim list, Kuragami arrived at the gates of the Hyuga clan's main house.
He knocked, and when a branch clan member opened the door to check, he smiled and said: "Please inform Clan Head Hiashi that Kuragami Uchiha, captain of the Konoha Military Police Force, is here to see him."
At that moment, Hiashi Hyuga had just finished teaching Hinata their clan's Gentle Fist Art when he received the message.
"The Konoha Military Police Force captain?" Hiashi frowned slightly.
If this were a simple personal visit, Kuragami would have introduced himself as the clan head Kuragami. The fact that he referred to himself by his official title suggested this was a matter of business.
"Our clan hasn't had any recent interactions with the Konoha Military Police Force."
Hiashi thought to himself. Though puzzled, he couldn't very well leave Kuragami waiting outside.
He instructed a branch house servant to prepare tea for their guest and personally headed to the gate.
Regardless of the reason for the visit, as the leader of the Uchiha, Kuragami deserved a proper welcome.
"Clan Head Hiashi." Kuragami greeted with a smile when he saw him step outside.
"Clan Head Kuragami, please come in."
Hiashi replied with a standard polite smile, inviting Kuragami into the Hyuga estate.
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