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In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi puffed on his pipe, a troubled expression on his face. The sudden arrival of a delegation from Kirigakure, led by the Third Mizukage himself, was unexpected.
Hiruzen couldn't believe that the Mizukage had came to Konoha.
He wouldn't dare visit another Hidden Village. If the village had ill intentions, even a powerful Shinobi could be captured or killed.
Unless you were at the level of Hashirama Senju or Madara Uchiha, visiting another village was practically suicide.
Although the delegation was led by the Third Mizukage, Hiruzen wasn't entirely sure it was really him.
The Third Mizukage was shrouded in mystery. Even Hiruzen didn't know what he looked like.
Kirigakure was an isolated village, rarely interacting with the mainland. And the Third Mizukage was a reclusive leader. It wasn't surprising that Hiruzen didn't know him.
Hiruzen pondered the situation. The door opened, and Danzō entered, along with the two elders, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane.
Hiruzen had summoned them to discuss the Third Mizukage's visit.
"You know why I called you here. The Third Mizukage has suddenly visited Konoha. What do you think his motive is?"
Hiruzen got straight to the point.
He had already met with the Mizukage, but the meeting hadn't gone well. The Mizukage had been blunt and accusatory.
Although Hiruzen was angry, he kept his cool and arranged for them to stay at Konoha's guesthouse, treating them with courtesy.
"Whatever his reason, as a Kage, leaving his village to visit another is foolish."
Danzō scoffed. "With Suna making moves against us, now is not the time to fight Kirigakure."
Hiruzen looked at Danzō sternly.
This was one of the reasons he had summoned Danzō: not just to discuss the Mizukage's visit, but also to warn him.
Danzō met his gaze and nodded. He wasn't stupid enough to act rashly.
Attacking the Mizukage now would only bring trouble.
Besides, he wasn't even sure if it was really the Third Mizukage. He didn't believe the Mizukage would do something so reckless.
Unless they had a very close relationship, a Kage wouldn't risk visiting another Hidden Village.
"Hokage-sama, the Kiri delegation requests an audience."
A Shinobi entered and announced.
Hiruzen frowned, then nodded. "Bring them to the meeting room."
"Let's go meet them."
Hiruzen led Danzō and the elders to the meeting room. The Third Mizukage and several elite Jōnin were already waiting. It was indeed the Mizukage.
"The Third Mizukage is quite young," Danzō remarked, looking at the Mizukage.
Indeed, compared to Hiruzen, the Mizukage looked much younger.
"Sandaime Hokage, I'm here to demand justice."
The Mizukage ignored Danzō and glared at Hiruzen.
Danzō scowled but didn't say anything. He sat down, followed by Homura and Koharu.
Hiruzen frowned. Konoha and Kiri had no conflict. What justice was the Mizukage talking about?
"Your Konoha Shinobi infiltrated my village and stole our Forbidden Scroll. What do you have to say for yourself, Sandaime Hokage?"
The Mizukage stood up, his eyes narrowed dangerously. Killing intent filled the room, prompting Konoha's Anbu to emerge from the shadows.
"Mizukage-sama, are you mistaken?"
Hiruzen was confused. He had never sent anyone to steal Kirigakure's Forbidden Scroll.
Could it be Danzō? He glanced at Danzō, then shook his head. Danzō didn't have the ability to pull off something like that.
Honestly, even Hiruzen didn't think he could infiltrate Kirigakure and steal the Forbidden Scroll.
The scroll was a valuable item; it would be heavily guarded.
And even if someone managed to steal it, they'd have to escape Kirigakure's forces.
But seeing the Mizukage's fury, it seemed the scroll was indeed gone.
"Hmph, can't even protect your own village's Forbidden Scroll. Useless." Danzō sneered.
The Mizukage, who usually had a calm demeanor, was enraged. He slammed his hand on the table, shattering it.
Hiruzen glared at Danzō, then looked at the Mizukage. "Mizukage-sama, how do you know it was a Konoha Shinobi?"
"The Sharingan. The Mangekyō Sharingan. You can't fake that. Besides the Uchiha Clan of Konoha, who else possesses the Sharingan?"
Hiruzen's face hardened. Danzō and the elders also paled.
"Hand over the Forbidden Scroll, or Kirigakure will declare war."
The Mizukage's voice was firm.
He had to retrieve the scroll, or his position as Mizukage would be in jeopardy.
There were already dissenting voices in Kirigakure, criticizing his leadership and calling for his removal.
The other clans were eager for him to step down. If he did, they would have a chance to take his place.
That was why he had risked coming to Konoha. He had to retrieve the Forbidden Scroll.
Hiruzen took a deep breath. If he didn't handle this carefully, Konoha and Kirigakure would go to war.
And if that happened, Suna, who was already making moves, would definitely take advantage of the situation.
Iwa, who had a grudge against Konoha, and Kumogakure, with their ambitions, might also join in. It could escalate into a four-village alliance against Konoha.
Konoha was strong, but even they couldn't withstand an attack from four other Hidden Villages.
The stakes were high. He had to appease the Mizukage.
Hiruzen looked at Danzō, then said, "Mizukage-sama, I won't lie to you. It's been a long time since the Uchiha Clan has produced a Mangekyō Sharingan user. But recently, one did awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan. However, he is now a missing-nin of Konoha."
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