The Council seemed content to wait and listen, choosing to reply to Keiji only after the other three had had their say.
"On the subject of Ai. You're assuming that wasn't one of the first things we considered." The disheveled council member spoke up first, addressing Keiji specifically. "Sure, on the surface it seems like a good idea. We get a scapegoat, the Kiri refugees get a martyr, and both our peoples bond over a great tragedy. A perfect plan...if anyone would believe it."
The man leaned forward, gesturing in Haruka's direction while his eyes stayed on Keiji.
"Haruka has a very valid point here. Most of us Councillors are not Shinobi, nor do we have much experience in the extent of their capabilities. When we were told that one foreign Shinobi had managed to kill two of our strongest in the presence of several more we were skeptical to say the least. Even after reports that Isaki Hoshikata was a special case we were skeptical. 'He had to have had help' we thought. It was only by eyewitness testimony that we were persuaded otherwise, and still it was something we found hard to believe. If it was so difficult for us, how will the average citizen react? With some effort we believe we can convince them of Hoshikata, but no one will believe a child did this on his own. Suggesting he alone was responsible for this is basically admitting our Shinobi are so weak as to be unable to stop a child from throwing a tantrum."
"As my friend says, placing the blame on Ai is simply not an option. Such a see-through lie would only hurt us in both the long
and short run as our enemies see us as weak and distrust spreads through our citizens. No, it is Hoshikata who will shoulder the blame for this tragedy. Certain reports will be altered, others will be leaked, and uncooperative mouths will be silenced. The public will learn of his incredible power and his hatred for our late Raikage, painting the picture of a man driven insane by power. Steps will be taken to ensure no public animosity is stirred by or against the refugees taking shelter in Kumo, and the same will be done for the Isaki clan. "
"However that does not mean Ai will be walking out of here unscathed. Our original intention was to take your testimonies and avoid looking into this too much, manipulating information in much the same way to ensure that no other investigation would turn up conflicting results, but Ai forced our hand. If he cannot be trusted with your secrets, he cannot be trusted with those of the entire village. Already he has cost the lives of all but a few of the guards you saw earlier."
The man glared at Ai, allowing a few moments for that fact to sink in. One way or another, all but a few of the guards that had occupied the room during the four's first visit would find themselves meeting an end at the hands of their own village.
"Remember that. Honest men and women of this village are now dead because of your words. Shinobi that could have gone on to do great things, dead because you could not be trusted with the lives of your comrades. Had you kept faith and trusted them we would have overlooked the missing pieces of this puzzle and the village would have been none the wiser. Your comrades are in this situation because you broke under pressure. I suppose that makes it only fair that the one you let down the most should decide your fate."
"Haruka. The exact truth of what happened in that room may never come out, but ultimately that doesn't matter. You took a gamble and you lost. Fortunately for you, the stakes in this game are too high and your value too great to write you off completely. Unfortunately for you, the stakes in this game are too high to let failure go unpunished."
"Ai is your clansman, and as his senior it is your duty to ensure he is not led astray. By your decisions was he led into this mess, and so it will fall to you to take responsibility. Having been subjected to such an experience at so young an age, Ai will undergo psychological evaluation to determine the effect the recent events have had on him. He will be found to have suffered a severe psychotic break as a result and will be classified as a threat to himself and others, and due to his Shinobi nature there will be no choice but to transfer him to the Insanity Ward. Once there, he will not leave until he is determined to no longer be a threat to the safety of Kumogakure. Of course, it is possible that in his confusion Ai may resist those who have his only his best interests in mind. In that case, he will have to be put down for the safety of Kumogakure."
The woman drew a long handled cigarette from the folds of her coat, prompting an ANBU to step forward and light it with a small burst of chakra. Following a long drag and exhalation (which several Councillors made faces at) the woman faced Haruka once more.
"As things stand it is well known that you are the most likely candidate for Raikage. Assuming you attain the position, you will be faced with many difficult decisions. Let this be the first, and a lesson."
