Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed inwardly, then considered how to persuade Tsunade to take over Huo Ying's post and how to handle the emotions of Konoha Village's residents. After all, something like this would have a considerable impact on people's hearts.
"By the way, wasn't the base camp already sealed off? Why did this matter still reach the villagers of Konoha Village?"
Although asking such a question now was futile, as the Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen still needed to know.
"I was just about to tell you about that." Kakashi's expression turned somewhat solemn before becoming slightly awkward. Squinting as he rubbed the back of his hand against his face, he said, "It was probably spread by spies from other clans. And those spies didn't just spread it within Konoha. By now, I'm afraid many clans already know about it. I'm truly sorry—we failed to contain it."
Sarutobi Hiruzen: ...
Hearing the news, coupled with Kakashi's expression, left Sarutobi Hiruzen speechless once again.
Is now really the time? Couldn't you be serious just once? I was just about to praise you for being serious this time!
"This really is a case of good news staying indoors while bad news travels a thousand miles."
Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed.
"I'm afraid the news may travel even farther than a thousand miles. After all, at least four major clans are pushing this news, not to mention the other independent forces and the smaller forces that bear grudges against Konoha." Kakashi paused, then continued, "Konoha has taken such a huge fall this time. They'll definitely do everything they can to spread rumors about us, so..."
"Enough. No need to continue."
Sarutobi Hiruzen cut Kakashi off. He had already worked out the reason and understood the situation. But hearing Kakashi say it again made it feel different.
At first,