Though Sakumo Hatake's assassination attempt on the Third Mizukage had failed and he had managed to escape, this situation only served to bolster Danzo's plans to smear his reputation. However, Danzo had no intention of taking the blame for this.
Why had Danzo suggested that Sakumo Hatake infiltrate the Mist Village to gather intelligence in the first place? It was because he wanted Sakumo to make a mistake, one that Danzo could use to tarnish his reputation through public opinion. But no one had expected Sakumo to cause such a disaster.
Whether the Mist Village and Konoha went to war or not, Sakumo Hatake would have to bear the brunt of this scandal. Danzo had plenty of ways to smear his name, and once Sakumo's reputation was ruined, the talk of him succeeding as the Fourth Hokage would crumble. At that point, those who had supported Sakumo would quickly distance themselves.
"Hiruzen, Danzo indeed hasn't had any private dealings with Sakumo. I don't think he would do something that would harm the village's interests," Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado quickly arrived after hearing the news, both choosing to defend Danzo.
Whether or not Danzo was scheming behind the scenes, they had to support him. It was in their mutual interest. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, merely had suspicions, but no evidence to prove that Danzo had secretly encouraged Sakumo to assassinate the Third Mizukage while gathering intelligence. And with Koharu and Homura speaking up for Danzo, Hiruzen soon lowered his guard.
"Sigh..."
The Third Hokage sighed and said, "Summon Tsunade."
This matter was neither too small nor too large. On a small scale, it was simply an attempt to remove the leader of another village, weakening their strength. On a larger scale, it could provoke the Mist Village and lead to war between the two villages.
Tsunade soon arrived at the Hokage's office.
"First, I want to know if anyone has contacted Sakumo Hatake and instructed him to assassinate the Third Mizukage," the Third Hokage asked.
Tsunade rested her chin on her hand, showing no desire to answer. She was the least likely person to do such a thing. If no one else had contacted Sakumo, it would indicate that this was a personal decision on his part and had nothing to do with the higher-ups in the village. After all, the village had sent him to gather intelligence, not to assassinate the Third Mizukage.
No one responded, so the Third Hokage continued, "Now the Mist Village is demanding a reasonable explanation from Konoha, or else they will launch a war against us."
If a war broke out over this, it would be a significant problem for Konoha. The Second Shinobi World War had ended only a few years ago, and the Third Hokage had no desire to engage in another war.
This was certainly not good news.
Koharu and Homura wore serious expressions, while Danzo sat expressionless, quietly planning his next move once Sakumo returned. Tsunade, however, was entirely unconcerned by the Mist Village's threats.
"Then let them fight," she said. "A village's leader gets assassinated, and they want to start a war over it? If that were the case, the world would have been destroyed long ago. Even if a war does break out, Konoha won't fear any enemy."
She spoke as if Konoha's Hokage was never a target for assassination attempts. Even the legendary First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, had once been hit by a kunai thrown from 800 miles away. (This is just a joke, don't take it seriously.)
"No one wants to see war, but if the Mist Village is using this as an excuse to declare war, it means they were already prepared. They were just waiting for a reason," Tsunade continued. "Let's wait for Sakumo-senpai to return and clarify everything. As for the Mist Village, we don't need to engage with them right now."
Even if the Third Mizukage had been killed, as long as the Mist Village didn't want to go to war, they would restrain themselves. Conversely, if they did want to start a war, they would have declared it regardless of this incident.
So why bother with them? Let Sakumo return first and then deal with it.
The fact that the Mist Village was making such a big fuss and even threatening war indicated that Sakumo had not been captured and had successfully escaped the village and the Land of Water.
Once Sakumo returned to Konoha, the truth would be revealed.
To put it bluntly, if the Mist Village was serious about war, then let them declare it. Konoha would be ready.
Tsunade had no concept of backing down or negotiating for peace. *War threats over something so small? Dream on.*
"Uh..."
Koharu, who had originally planned to advocate for peace, was left speechless. She had been about to suggest sending envoys to the Mist Village to negotiate a peaceful resolution. But with Tsunade's words, she was completely shut down. If she kept pushing for negotiations, Tsunade would likely mock her for being cowardly.
After some thought, Koharu decided to remain silent. Homura shared the same sentiment.
Surprisingly, Danzo sided with Tsunade this time.
"Tsunade is right. Konoha won't be threatened by war. If the Mist Village wants to start a war, no matter what explanation we give, it will happen. We should wait for Sakumo's return before making any decisions. If the Mist Village insists on war, then Konoha will fight."
Although Danzo wanted to tarnish Sakumo's reputation, he was still part of Konoha's hawkish faction. He wasn't going to accept threats of war.
"We'll wait for Sakumo's return and discuss this further," the Third Hokage finally agreed.
If the Mist Village wanted to cause trouble, Konoha would meet them head-on. He ordered extra troops to be stationed along the coastline, in case the Mist Village attempted a surprise attack.
Once the meeting ended and everyone had left, Tsunade handed over some documents from the logistics department for the Hokage to sign.
"Tsunade, do you think Sakumo would really assassinate the Third Mizukage?" the Hokage asked after putting down the documents.
Tsunade paused for a moment before answering, "I think it's unlikely. Senpai isn't a rash person. There must be some misunderstanding. Maybe his cover was blown while gathering intelligence, and he had no choice but to fight."
"And if the Mist Village truly declares war against Konoha?" the Hokage pressed.
"Then we fight!" Tsunade responded firmly. *Does the Mist Village think they can scare Konoha? If they declare war, Konoha will fight back. No need to fear war.*
Tsunade's boldness and determination dispelled the last of the Third Hokage's doubts. He had been worried that a war would devastate Konoha, but seeing his student's courage reassured him. If Tsunade wasn't afraid, then as her teacher, how could he back down?
Besides, she was right. Over something so trivial, would the Mist Village really start a war? Every village's leader had been targeted at some point, and even the Hokage himself had survived assassination attempts.
"I'm glad to see you have such determination," the Hokage said. "Send a message to Jiraiya. Ask him to return to the village as soon as possible. No matter what, Konoha must be fully prepared."
"If the Mist Village wants to fight, Konoha will fight them to the end."
For once, the Hokage showed a rare moment of resolve.
Tsunade, satisfied, left the office and headed to the Intelligence Department, where she had Jiraiya contacted. Whether the Mist Village was serious or bluffing, Konoha would be ready for anything.
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I will give this to you as a bonus for free, but you used to be quick to provide the power stone. What happened today?
Next Bonus: 600 Power Stones ╰ (´꒳`) ╯
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(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read up to chapter 320+ at patreon.com/ Emik01. ಥ‿ಥ
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