In a last-ditch effort, Koharu threw Danzō under the bus completely.
"Even if Danzō did this, he never would have taken resources from the logistics department without your approval. He didn't have the authority."
The Third Hokage's voice was cold as ice.
"And after you found out about it, instead of reporting it to me, you kept it hidden. You even helped him cover it up the second time. That makes you complicit, his accomplices."
"Both of you need to step back and reflect on your actions-figure out where you went wrong."
"Hiruzen, we..."
"Get out. I'm tired."
The Third Hokage didn't want to hear any more excuses.
There was no point in listening.
The three of them had crossed the line, and the Third Hokage couldn't tolerate it.
He had to take away their power as a punishment, teach them a lesson, and possibly restore their authority later depending on the situation.
The Third Hokage knew he couldn't run the village without the help of his old comrades, which was why he had only taken away their authority and not their positions.
Had he removed their positions entirely, they'd be done for.
Meanwhile, unaware of what was happening in the Hokage's office, Xin stared at Minato in disbelief.
Minato, the always reliable "Little Sun," had even notified Kushina and Mikoto Uchiha. What was this, some kind of trial?
"I was just worried you were serious about giving up being a ninja," Minato said with a sheepish smile.
Kushina, on the other hand, had no such reservations. With her hands on her hips, she declared boldly, "Xin, if those old guys at the Hokage's office are giving you trouble, then quit! Tomorrow, I'll write up my own resignation and leave too. If it comes to it, I'll just take care of you!"
She had the confidence of someone with wealth.
Xin: "..."
Minato: "..."
Mikoto Uchiha: "..."
Kushina's bold declaration of "I'll take care of you" left everyone in the room stunned.
"I don't need you to take care of me. I've saved plenty of money. Even if I quit being a ninja, I've earned enough from my missions and contributions to live comfortably."
Money was something Xin never lacked. He might not be the wealthiest, but he had enough to live a comfortable, worry-free life.
"Besides, do you really think my resignation will be approved?"
They were overthinking this.
Just because he submitted an application didn't mean it would automatically be approved.
The Third Hokage had to agree to it, and if he didn't, the resignation request would just sit there, gathering dust.
"Probably... yeah, I guess it wouldn't be," Minato said, scratching his head. He wasn't entirely sure if the Third Hokage would approve Xin's resignation.
Kushina and Mikoto exchanged glances. Neither of them knew what the Third Hokage was thinking either.