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.