Chapter 396
The responsibility for Kirigakure's military action lies with Haruto Saito!
Hiruzen Sarutobi did not refute Danzo's statement. He knew that Haruto Saito bore the primary responsibility for this situation. He had slain Hattori Ryuno and had been secretly maneuvering in the Land of Whirlpools, provoking a strong reaction from Kirigakure.
That being said—
It didn't mean Haruto Saito was wrong.
If not Haruto, then what about White Fang? If White Fang had an opportunity to kill Hattori Ryuno in the Land of Whirlpools, would he have let it pass?
Absolutely not!
Having overwhelming strength is not a mistake!
"Haruto Saito possesses a resurrection ability similar to the Reanimation Jutsu!" Danzo continued. "As a result, those he has slain—Hattori Ryuno and Jūzō—have become his puppets, completely under his control. This makes assassination nearly impossible! Even if the Mizukage himself were to act, eliminating Haruto Saito would be extremely difficult. This is likely the primary reason Kirigakure has mobilized its forces!"
"Hmm," Hiruzen Sarutobi responded with a nasal sound.
Danzo's analysis was not incorrect. The sudden military action from Kirigakure was most likely due to this very concern.
Kirigakure could no longer rely on single assassins to take revenge on Haruto Saito. And with Haruto controlling the two formidable warriors, Hattori Ryuno and Jūzō, while remaining hidden in the Land of Whirlpools, Kirigakure had no alternative but to launch a military campaign!