"I understand. You may leave for now."
After that calm response, Iwama remained utterly unmoved. He did not even ask the guard how he had discovered it, merely issuing the order in an even tone.
What a joke. If the Forbidden Jutsu Chamber had really been robbed, how could Taki Chiba and the Fourth Hokage possibly have let them find out? This was obviously a trap Taki Chiba had laid, meant to make them believe the time was right and begin acting.
Besides, his mentality had already been on the verge of collapse. Under immense pressure, the slightest disturbance had him jumping at shadows, and he was clearly growing impatient. That was undoubtedly the situation Taki Chiba wanted. And now, at this very moment, there came another sign of internal chaos within Konoha? Obviously, Taki Chiba wanted to take advantage of his agitation and lure him into acting ahead of schedule.
As long as he believed this was the perfect chance to sabotage them, to further stir up Konoha's internal turmoil and take action—
Then Taki Chiba's carefully woven net would catch them all in one sweep.
Not only could they not act here, they had to maintain a protracted standoff.
His time might not be unlimited, but he could still drag this out for ten days or half a month. And now that Taki Chiba was actively trying to lure him into making a move, it meant Konoha truly was having trouble holding on.
His choice of a war of attrition had been correct.
Moreover, if he acted rashly now, even if Konoha's Forbidden Jutsu Chamber really had been robbed, he might not be able to complete the mission.
He also needed time to calm the impatience brought on by the immense pressure in his heart and remain composed.