*Chapter 58: Shifting the Blame!*

Sasuke met the Third Hokage's gaze with unwavering confidence, his calm demeanor betraying none of the tension simmering beneath the surface.

"You summoned me to ask three questions," Sasuke said, raising three fingers as though delivering a lecture.

The system rewarded him immediately: *+7.*

"The stage is mine now," Sasuke thought, his mind sharp and ready. This moment would not be wasted.

The Third Hokage leaned back, intrigued. "Three questions, you say? Then go on, tell me what they are."

Sasuke curled two fingers down, leaving only his index finger pointed directly at Hiruzen. "First, you want to ask about Mizuki-sensei."

*+8.*

The Hokage's curiosity deepened, though his expression remained stoic. "Mizuki has indeed betrayed the village. What makes you think I would ask you about him?"

"Feigning ignorance doesn't suit you, Lord Hokage," Sasuke replied, his voice steady. "You summoned me because Mizuki's defection is tied to me. There’s no need to play coy."

*+9.*

The room’s atmosphere grew heavier as Sasuke’s words sank in.

"Then answer plainly—what is your relationship with Mizuki?"

Sasuke shook his head. "There is none."

*+10.*

Hiruzen scrutinized the boy before him, searching for any crack in his composure, but Sasuke’s confidence held firm.

The Hokage broke the silence with a sharp retort. "Mizuki sought you out before his betrayal, took you to the Uchiha compound, and vanished soon after. Are you telling me this is mere coincidence?"

Sasuke’s response was swift and calculated. "Mizuki stole the Scroll of Seals from me to deliver it to Orochimaru."

The Hokage’s pipe froze midway to his lips. "Orochimaru?" he repeated, his voice low with concern. "Explain yourself!"

---

Sasuke raised a second finger. "That question ties into the second one you wish to ask: why Naruto learned the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu from the Scroll of Seals."

The system chimed again: *+12.*

The Hokage nodded. "You’re right. Naruto mastering such a forbidden jutsu is deeply troubling. And since you were the last to access the Forbidden Jutsu Storage Room, I suspect your involvement."

Sasuke smirked faintly. "The answer lies in your third question—why I went to the Forbidden Jutsu Storage Room in the first place."

*+13.*

"Then enlighten me," Hiruzen pressed. "What was your purpose?"

Sasuke reached into his bag, producing a worn envelope. He handed it to the Hokage. "This letter, from Lord Danzo, will answer your question."

Hiruzen’s brow furrowed as he scanned the opened letter. Sasuke, however, didn’t allow him time to process it fully.

"Danzo ordered me to infiltrate the Forbidden Jutsu Storage Room, memorize the Reanimation Jutsu from the Scroll of Seals, and transcribe it for him. I refused to fulfill his request."

*+14.*

The Hokage’s grip on the letter tightened. "Danzo Shimura," he muttered under his breath.

"Did you give him the jutsu?"

"No," Sasuke answered firmly. "The Reanimation Jutsu is an abomination—it violates my ninja way. Instead, I memorized the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu. I intended to use it to help a friend."

The Hokage’s suspicion deepened. "You taught Naruto a forbidden jutsu to ‘help’ him?"

"Naruto struggled with the Clone Jutsu," Sasuke explained. "I thought it might boost his confidence. I had no idea he would master it so quickly."

---

Sasuke’s expression hardened. "Perhaps my actions drew Danzo’s attention. Mizuki sought me out shortly after, demanding the Scroll of Seals. I had no choice but to give him a portion of it to protect Naruto."

The Hokage’s eyes narrowed. "And Mizuki betrayed the village for Orochimaru."

"Exactly," Sasuke said. "I believe Mizuki was one of Danzo’s operatives. He didn’t just defect—he’s acting as a go-between for Orochimaru and Danzo. The Scroll of Seals may only be part of the message he’s delivering."

*+15.*

The Hokage’s expression darkened, his mind churning with the possibilities Sasuke’s words raised.

"Danzo. Orochimaru. Mizuki."  

Pieces of the puzzle began to align, though the picture remained incomplete.

---

Sasuke seized the moment, his tone steady and resolute. "I’ve come here willingly, Lord Hokage, because I believe you’re the only one who can stop this conspiracy from spreading further."

The Hokage exhaled slowly, the weight of Sasuke’s claims settling on him like a heavy mantle.

"This matter requires deeper investigation," Hiruzen said at last. "If what you’ve said is true, then the village is in greater danger than I imagined."

Sasuke bowed slightly. "I trust your wisdom, Lord Hokage."

The system chimed again, rewarding Sasuke for his masterful manipulation: *+16.*

The show had gone exactly as planned.

---

(End of chapter)