The entire Hokage Building descended into chaos.
Before long, members of the Konoha Medical Department arrived one after another to provide emergency treatment to all the female patients.
The sudden incident and its many suspicious details drew close attention from Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others.
Inside the conference room, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura sat in their respective seats with deeply furrowed brows, waiting for the medical team's report.
As a member of Konoha's core leadership, Uchiha Xia Yu had naturally been summoned by Hiruzen Sarutobi as well.
Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep drag of smoke and asked, "This incident is very suspicious. Does anyone have anything to say?"
Mitokado Homura adjusted his glasses:
"So many people suffered stomach pains at the same time, and they were all women inside the office building. Even the cleaning staff weren't spared. I don't think this was food poisoning. It was very likely the work of a village hostile to Konoha. The culprit probably intended to undermine the Konoha High Command's logistical support this way."
Utatane Koharu said, "To strike where Konoha's forces are most concentrated, I think the culprit must be someone inside the building. It looks like a spy has infiltrated our ranks..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi asked, "Then which faction do you think was responsible?"
Utatane Koharu said, "Hmph, who else could it be but Kumogakure? They're the only ones constantly doing such vile, underhanded things. They have no limits whatsoever. They're nothing but a pack of robbers and bandits."
Mitokado Homura said, "Yes, I agree. Since the Third Shinobi World War ended, Kirigakure has closed its borders, while Sunagakure has signed an alliance agreement with us on paper. Although Iwagakure's Ōnoki is no saint, he wouldn't do something this despicable."
After hearing his two comrades' analysis, Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded