- Despite the obvious negativity of what happened, it's a good reason to announce preparations for war with Kirigakure," Elder Mitokado said coldly, his glasses glinting, "if you dare to take such a step, of course.
- The clans won't let me," the Hokage dismissed the suggestion, clearly thinking about the issue before the Kiri-nin attacked, "if they support the Mist now, they'll be at a political disadvantage and won't take such a step.
All three veterans knew that this time they would not be able to put the blame on Danzo, and all those involved in the failure of the village's defense would get the blame.
- Hokage-sama," Anbu's dog-masked fighter knelt down in front of the leader, "the first data from the torture and interrogation department.
- Report, dog," Hiruzen nodded tensely.
- Kirigakure's nukenin squad, twenty-one in number, used the time of the final Chunin Examination to infiltrate the village as some of the guests, - the shinobi reported.
- How were they able to avoid detection by the Anbu watchers and sensors on duty at the gate? - Mitokado asked, glancing meaningfully at the other elder.
The opportunity to place the blame entirely on Danzo, who was quite used to this state of affairs, had just hit a snag.
- We don't know yet, but Yamanaka's specialists are working," the fighter shrugged, "The orders were to report any information that came to light.
- Thank you, dismissed," Sarutobi waved his hand, releasing his subordinate.
After Anbu's equally quick disappearance, an oppressive silence settled in the office.
- Hiruzen, this is a direct violation of the five Kage's agreement to use the truce of the Examen on Chunin as an opportunity to attack," Koharu frowned, turning to her comrade.
- No way," Mitokado immediately shook his head negatively, "the Kiri-nin have been hiding in the village for a couple months or so, and if we haven't been able to detect them in that time, then that's our problem, and trying to make a claim against the Mizukage will just look like an excuse for ridicule from the rest of the great villages, not to mention the fact that they're supposedly nukenins.
- Homura is right, such claims will only be seen as a sign of weakness by both their own and others," Sarutobi sighed, taking a drag on his nearly dead pipe and releasing a stream of fragrant smoke from his nostrils. 'Now all we can do is swallow the insult and prepare to retaliate by sending a little help to Suna, who has constant border skirmishes with Kirigakure shinobi,' Hiruzen continued, rubbing his face tiredly. - Now all we have to do is prepare for the council meeting and hold our ground with dignity.
In fact, the village leader and his advisors had no other choice.
Despite the late hour for the emergency meeting of the village council, all the seats around the table were occupied by the clan leaders, two attendants behind each chair, and the shinobi from the jonin council, quietly chatting among themselves as they waited for the Third Hokage and the elders to appear.
I've got more interesting stuff on patreon (+ 200 chapter)
patreon.com/Chill76