All the prisoners in the camp had died. That would surely draw a great deal of attention. If someone conscientious wanted to investigate, they would definitely find what they were looking for. It was better to admit it than let them discover it themselves.
Koharu and the others trembled after hearing Mirai's account. Mirai had really killed the prisoners! That was true, but it could damage his reputation! Besides, no one could guarantee that he would never be defeated or captured. Many would rather die than become prisoners! Since Mirai had done such a thing, if he were captured in the future, the enemy might vent their anger on him and kill him!
There was nothing else to it. Danzo's reasoning was sound and compelling, and they could find no argument against it. Konoha's three fronts were currently at war, and supplies were scarce. Why should they feed prisoners? They had no need to support people from other countries or give them food. Mirai had merely killed them. It just did not look very good for his reputation!
Koharu, in particular, even suspected that Mirai was trying to prove his innocence. Killing prisoners might leave a stain on Mirai's reputation. When Huo Ying ran for office, those stains would be seized upon by his rivals. Even if Mirai achieved tremendous military accomplishments in this war, without a mission or a ninja, the position of Huo Ying would be completely beyond his reach.
The more Koharu thought about it, the less she understood the look in Mirai's eyes. She did not even know what he felt anymore. She wanted to love him; if he were willing, she would not hesitate to do so! Was it an eruption of maternal love, or had she developed feelings for him? Mirai was her only