According to Orochimaru, the Kaguya Clan child was beyond saving, yet he had no intention of revealing this directly to the Third Mizukage.
"Medical ninja treat the sick and save the dying, but we must also consider the family's ability to accept the news," Orochimaru muttered.
Hayashi couldn't help but think, 'Acceptance ability,' Konoha really is full of saints.'
Of course, Orochimaru's true motive was to study the rare material a little longer, but out of political sensitivity, he had informed the Third Mizukage of certain risks beforehand. It reminded Hayashi of hospital procedures from a previous life, where families signed liability waivers before surgery—whatever happened afterward was not the doctor's responsibility.
The Third Mizukage didn't mind this. Before coming to Konoha, he had learned enough about the pathology and mortality rate of the bloodline disease. If he hadn't exhausted every other option, he wouldn't have traveled thousands of miles to another village seeking medical help. This was the child's final chance; if it failed, ninja would retrieve him during the upcoming Chunin Exams.
He wasn't concerned that Konoha would refuse—the village's reputation and Hiruzen Sarutobi's judgment ensured cooperation.
"In any case, I'll leave him to you," the Third Mizukage said, giving a few instructions before departing under Hiruzen Sarutobi's guidance.
Afterward, the two leaders exchanged cordial views on Leaf-Mist relations and mutual concerns, reaching an important consensus. The Third Hokage emphasized that in the thirty-two years since their diplomatic ties, the two villages had respected each other, setting an example for peaceful coexistence.
He also praised the Mizukage's decision to avoid war, calling it a strategy that prioritized the greater good. The Mizukage, in turn, noted that the Hidden Mist Village valued traditional friendship with Konoha, and hosting the Chunin Exams was a significant step toward advocating peace and multilateral cooperation.
After the meeting, they even shared a lighthearted moment, singing a rendition of "A Night to Remember" (Ninja World Version), before the Third Mizukage hurriedly departed. Beneath his composed exterior, he was furious—someone had dared to challenge his authority for the first time in years.
Once the Mizukage left, Hiruzen Sarutobi returned to his seat. A moment later, Homura Mitokado, who had seen the guest off, re-entered the room.
"Alright, since everyone is here, Koharu, distribute Yamanaka Tazu's report for review," Hiruzen instructed, resting his chin in his hands.
Utatane Koharu nodded, pulling a scroll from her pouch and passing it to Danzo and Homura Mitokado.
The report was brief, yet the content stunned them.
"This is... shocking," Homura Mitokado muttered after reading, shaking his head. "Are you sure it's real?"
Hiruzen's voice was heavy. "This information was extracted from Kaguya Hikari's memories."
Homura Mitokado protested, "Then it could be fabricated. Someone could use Genjutsu to create false memories…"
Danzo interrupted with a cold laugh. "Fabricating memories of an elite Jonin and fooling Yamanaka Tazu? What kind of Genjutsu would that take? Could you or I do it?"
Homura Mitokado paused but remained skeptical. "Just because we can't doesn't mean others can't. I don't believe it's real."
Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a headache coming on and examined the scroll again. The contents revealed a conspiracy among three powerful clans: Kaguya, Yuki, and Hozuki. It suggested that the Third Mizukage planned to abolish the Elder Council, centralize power, and govern the Hidden Mist Village with an iron fist. The plot involved Kaguya Hikari misleading Konoha ninja into attacking the Mizukage, potentially sparking a war.
Even Hiruzen Sarutobi struggled to believe it. The Third Mizukage, a peace-loving and mild-tempered figure who had never participated in a ninja world war, would hardly act with such brutality.
Danzo, however, snorted in disdain. "Hiruzen, don't judge by appearances alone. Perhaps the Mizukage knew of the three clans' conspiracy all along and was biding his time, lulling them into a false sense of security. Now that the incident occurred, he's acting decisively."
Danzo's excitement grew. The Mizukage, once thought to resemble Hiruzen in nature, now appeared patient and calculating, with philosophies of governance similar to Danzo's. If he were in charge, Konoha would be far stronger.
Hiruzen, unaware of Danzo's ambitions, continued worrying about the Mizukage. Their experiences were similar: both had been mentored by the First and Second Hokage and had supported their villages after the Second Hokage's death, balancing the influence of numerous clans. If the Mizukage continued this way, the Hidden Mist Village would remain neutral even in wartime—good news for Konoha.
Utatane Koharu, silent until now, finally spoke. "What you said makes sense. This matter is highly suspicious, but what does it have to do with us? The Hidden Mist Village's problems are theirs to handle. Any internal conflict only weakens their own strength."
Hiruzen sighed. "The Hidden Mist Village's affairs now affect us."
He handed over a letter. "This comes from the Daimyo. After the Beika Town incident, he feels insecure and plans to re-establish the Twelve Guardian Ninja."
Homura Mitokado read it carefully. "The Daimyo's distrust isn't new. Two years have passed since the Guardian Ninja were disbanded; it's impressive he held out this long. But Hiruzen… we must place our own people regardless."
Danzo stood quickly. "Hiruzen, leave it to Root. I have confidence—"
"Enough," the Third Hokage interrupted. "I already have candidates in mind. You need not worry."
He rubbed his eyes, then added, "This matter ends here. We'll continue monitoring the Hidden Mist Village. Next, the Chunin Exams are our priority. Koharu, have invitation letters been sent to all villages?"
"Sent," she replied.
The Third Hokage nodded and adjourned the meeting. Normally, he might have worked late into the night, but with Biwako now pregnant, he decided to spend more time with her.
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