Mei Terumi's words.
She focused her attention on Konoha. In her view, since Konoha had sent so many Anbu to hunt them down, they must have decided to declare war on Mist Ninja, right? Even though Mei Terumi couldn't understand the reasoning behind it and felt that Konoha's actions were incredibly contradictory, she still felt that it was 100% certain that Konoha would take action against Kirigakure!
Given this situation, why did Konoha still take the initiative to contact Kirigakure? What information did they send to corroborate this?
Is this some kind of new decoy tactic?
Mei Terumi was truly baffled!
Qi, on the other hand, was very clear about the situation within Konoha and what kind of person Danzo was. The fact that Konoha would take the initiative to contact them must have been a decision made by the Third Hokage.
The reason why Qi cares about Hozuki Shingetsu is because Hozuki Shingetsu's identity is too special. It's not that he is so important to Kirigakure, but as the son of the current head of the Hozuki Clan, if Hozuki Shingetsu really dies!
Qi had a thousand reasons to believe that the Hozuki Clan would not let this go easily. At that time, it was very likely that they would directly involve the entire Kirigakure in the Third Shinobi World War, which took place more than a year earlier than the original story.
Of course, this is not something that Qi can control personally, but he also wants to obtain as much information as possible so that he can make some arrangements for his next plans in advance!
Qing could easily see through the different intentions of the three people.
This isn't the first time.
But Qing couldn't help but admire how perceptive and insightful his subordinate was!
Qing subconsciously glanced at Qi again, thinking to herself.
"Among those who returned was Shingetsu, but his injuries were severe. If it weren't for his Hydrification Technique, he would likely be dead already. He is currently receiving treatment in the hospital."
Qing first answered Qi's question, and then continued.
"As for Konoha, the Third Hokage reiterated that it was a misunderstanding and was willing to take full responsibility for it. He's willing to compensate Kirigakure as long as there's room for negotiation. Of course, the specifics will depend on the opinions of the Fourth Hokage, Genji, and the other elders of the village!"
This was exactly the kind of development that Hiruzen Sarutobi expected; it's classic Hiruzen Sarutobi style!
"Compensation? Hmph!"
However, Qi can understand it very easily.
Kisame Hoshigaki, standing to the side, was in no condition. He'd been ambushed, so many of his comrades had died, and he himself had nearly perished in the attack—all for a mere excuse of a misunderstanding!?
Why even talk about compensation!?
To be more precise, that encounter in the Forest of Death in Konohagakure had already filled Kisame with rage!
Not to mention this time!
The chilling aura emanating from him was a stark declaration of this shark-faced fellow's attitude!
Mei Terumi, positioned on the other side, also wore an incredulous expression. How could Konoha shamelessly explain such a brutal ambush as a misunderstanding!?
How shameless must one be to do this!
"Is this really Konoha's side—no, is this what the Third Hokage is saying? They've already dispatched Anbu to hunt us down, and now they're talking about a misunderstanding!? Those are Konohagakure's Anbu! Is the Third Hokage contradicting himself!?"
Mei Terumi said with an expression of disbelief.
If the incident in the Forest of Death could be explained by a possible internal dispute within Konohagakure, then...
This time, no explanation seems plausible enough!
The Anbu was first established by the Second Hokage of Konohagakure, and then spread to other ninja villages. This is a power directly belonging to the Kage!
The actions of one or two, or even a few, Anbu could be described as having ulterior motives, but who could mobilize thirty or forty Anbu without the Hokage's orders!?
This was clearly Hiruzen Sarutobi's own decision.
This is Mei Terumi firmly believes, no matter how unreasonable, is an action by Konohagakure to declare war on Kirigakure, and now they're saying it's a misunderstanding!?
Mei Terumi practically wanted to dissect the Third Hokage's brain to see what was going on inside this so-called Hokage Shinobi Hero!
Of course, this is also based on the Mei Terumi has absolutely no idea about the specific situation of Konoha F4, or even the slightest bit of information.
The current Mei Terumi is not the stunning Fifth Mizukage from the original work!
"Well, regarding this point, there is one thing that is debatable, but it's not certain yet, and you don't need to pursue it. For the next period of time, all missions for Team 7 will be suspended. Let's rest in the village for a while. I'll notify you to assemble again when we can make further progress!"
Ao paused slightly, then looked at Kei, Mei Terumi, and Kisame and spoke seriously.
As Jonin in the village and a trusted figure of the Genji, Ao naturally knew some inside information that ordinary ninjas were unaware of. He was aware of Shimura Danzō and his Root, as well as the higher-ups of the major ninja villages!
They could at least understand that there was a force in Konohagakure that was similar to the Anbu, but obeyed Danzo's orders, not those of Hiruzen Sarutobi Hokage!
However, in Qing's view, Qi and the other two were not qualified to know these things. No matter how strong they were or how talented they were, their age and status were still undeniable.
To put it bluntly, the three of them are still a decade away from getting involved in these high-level matters. However, they can certainly get a brief explanation or two; it just depends on whether they can grasp it themselves!
"Um?"
Mei Terumi was also slightly taken aback; her teacher's words were definitely loaded with meaning!
However, before Mei Terumi could ask anything...
"Yes, Teacher Qing, we understand!"
Qi, who was sitting in the middle, spoke up first.
Then he stood up.
"Then, please excuse us for being rude today!"
Since Qi was always the one in charge, both of them instinctively stood up the moment they saw him get up.
They bowed together to Qing, who was sitting opposite them.
"Okay, you should go back and get some rest for a few days!"
After Qing finished speaking.
Mei Terumi and Kisame, somewhat dazed, followed behind Kei and left Ao's house one after the other.
Until the moment he stepped out of Qing's house.
"!!!"
Mei Terumi also suddenly stopped in her tracks.
"Qi, I was planning to ask Teacher Qing about some things that happened later, why did you just leave like that!"
She turned her head and stared intently at Qi with her bright eyes, speaking with a hint of displeasure.