"It must have been because the Daimyo was unwilling to accept it that he took his anger out on the Crown Prince!"
"Yes, yes, yes! After killing the Crown Prince, the Daimyo took his own life out of guilt!"
The nobles present were all the sort to bend with the wind. They were deeply wary of Danzo, who commanded Root and was known for his ruthlessness. None dared offend him lightly, nor did they want to be dragged into this matter, so they all chimed in to support his account, even taking the initiative to fill in the Daimyo's motive for him.
Danzo nodded at their words. "It seems everyone here can distinguish right from wrong.
"Advisor Koharu, how do you think this matter should be handled?"
Koharu pondered for a moment before speaking. "The deaths of the Daimyo and the Crown Prince cannot be concealed. We should report this news truthfully to the Hokage and Nawaki as soon as possible, and let the two of them decide how to proceed.
"Additionally, we must send people to secure the scene. This is our only clue to uncovering the truth!"
"Fine, we'll proceed according to Advisor Koharu's suggestion!" Danzo agreed with a decisive nod.
Before long, the welcoming procession and Root withdrew from the main hall together, leaving only Danzo and Koharu behind at the very end.
Koharu stared deeply at Danzo, then said in a low voice, "Danzo, you've got some nerve!"
Danzo responded expressionlessly, "Koharu, I don't understand what you mean!"
"Hmph! You know perfectly well what you did! This matter is no small matter. Watch yourself!" After saying this coldly, Koharu ignored Danzo's reaction and strode away.
This succession ceremony could no longer continue. As the advisor in charge of the Foreign Affairs Department, she had to