"These two truly are once-in-a-lifetime geniuses, especially Qingshui. Danzō, your decision was correct; such a threat should be eliminated in its infancy. But your method was wrong."
"You shouldn't have let anyone discover that Konoha was behind this. You could have framed Stone Hidden or Mist Hidden, but instead, you had your subordinates use the Reverse Four Symbols Sealing Technique… Sigh."
Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed, putting down his pipe.
Using the Reverse Four Symbols Sealing Technique clearly told everyone that Konoha was responsible.
"But I sent a Jonin skilled in close-quarters assassination and a Special Jonin skilled in sealing barriers. Even with the Reverse Four Symbols Sealing Technique, they couldn't eliminate those two. Hiruzen, their threat is greater than either of us imagined! No matter the cost, as long as we can eliminate them, it's a victory!"
"But you didn't eliminate them. Now, not only are they fine, but Sand Hidden and Rain Hidden have also mobilized their forces."
Utatane Koharu said.
"Then let's fight! The village's war reserves aren't depleted, and no other ninja villages are threatening Konoha from other directions right now. We can go all out and fight Sand Hidden and Rain Hidden!"
Danzō slammed the table again, shouting.
"Years of war have pushed the village's ninja to their limits, Danzō… Even the senior students at the Ninja Academy have graduated early. We can't possibly send out children who've only had two or three years of schooling. They…"
Hiruzen Sarutobi stopped speaking and put his pipe back in his mouth.
They hadn't even started learning the Three Body Technique; they couldn't even be cannon fodder.
"If we continue the war, our reserves of provisions, ninja tools, and funds are still ample. However, regarding personnel, if we want to maintain the fighting strength of our forces, we might have to call upon the reserve forces of the ninja clans, especially the Uchiha and Hyuga Clan. Only they have enough skilled reserves."
Utatane Koharu, who managed the village's logistics and finances, spoke up.
"Uchiha…"
The high-ranking Konoha officials fell silent.
The Uchiha's power was immense; they had the most Jonin in Konoha, making them the undisputed top noble clan in the Ninja World.
Yet, Konoha was unwilling and afraid to use them. They could only continue the Second Hokage's policy of using the Police Force to restrain the Uchiha. Even if Uchiha were deployed during wartime, it was only on a small scale.
This was because the Uchiha possessed a bloodline most suited for war. Every time they were tempered by conflict, a group of Uchiha would experience heartbreaking separation and death, thereby awakening or enhancing their Sharingan.
This was good for other ninja villages and good for Konoha, but it was not good for the Hokage lineage.
Because the Uchiha, who had helped establish Konoha alongside the Senju, also coveted the position of Hokage.
The stronger the Uchiha became, the more precarious their position as Hokage would be. If another figure like Uchiha Madara appeared, they could simply retire.
Unless Konoha faced a life-or-death crisis, they were unwilling to unleash this caged tiger.
"Actually, even without the Uchiha, we might not lose, Monkey. You let me talk to those ninja clans. I can definitely gather a group of elites, and then we'll defeat Sand Hidden!"
Danzō looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi with burning eyes.
If he could defeat Sand Hidden and Rain Hidden, he could use the military achievements and prestige gained from victory to contend for the position of Hokage!
"No."
The Third Hokage decisively shook his head.
He knew his old comrade's capabilities all too well.
You couldn't even defeat Rain Hidden when you were commander before, and now you want to fight Rain Hidden and Sand Hidden?
"Orochimaru performed exceptionally well in the Land of Rain previously, and he held off the Third Kazekage during the confrontation with the Sand Village. If war truly breaks out again, he is the most suitable candidate to serve as a commander in a certain direction."
"Jiraiya hasn't returned to the village yet, and Tsunade isn't here either. Her current situation is suspected to be known by Sand Hidden, making her unsuitable for command. Therefore, I choose to send Sakumo into battle. Danzō, the rumors you had spread can be quelled now."
The Third Hokage thought for a moment and made his arrangements.
Danzō was still somewhat unwilling: "Hiruzen, trust me. I am confident I can persuade those ninja clans to deploy their elites. I'll definitely win then!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head faintly.
"Danzō, say no more. I will personally go and negotiate with those ninja clans."
He knew very well that if Danzō were to negotiate with those ninja clans, threats and inducements would be impossible; he would only use threats.
What if they half-heartedly participated then?
Weakening the ninja clans wasn't done that way.
He had to offer some benefits to appease these ninja clans, and some things, only the Hokage had the authority to promise.
"Hiruzen!"
Danzō was about to say more when he was interrupted by an urgent knock at the door.
"Come in."
The Third Hokage said calmly.
The person who entered was an Anbu with striking golden hair.
"What is it?"
"Lord Third, ten minutes ago, Hatake Sakumo was found to have committed seppuku at his home."
A young voice came from beneath the golden-haired Anbu's mask, with a hint of indignation.
The Third Hokage immediately stood up from his chair.
"What did you say? Sakumo committed suicide?!"
"Yes, Third Hokage. The discoverer was Hatake Kakashi, Sakumo's son. I've already contained everyone who knows about it. Third Hokage, should we immediately seal off the news?"
"You've done well, Minato. Seal off the news immediately. Also, I need you to go out and bring Jiraiya back. The village needs him now."
"Understood!"
Minato Namikaze immediately used the Body Flicker Technique to leave.
"Danzō! Look at the mess you've made!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi glared furiously at Danzō.
"Hiruzen! My actions in this matter had your approval!"
Danzō said in a deep voice.
They had only wanted to suppress Hatake Sakumo, to make this powerful individual, who wasn't from the Hokage lineage, obedient and serve as their tool.
But the suppression went too far, and Hatake Sakumo's character was so unyielding that he chose death to make his point.
Once news of his death got out, the negative impact would be immense. Hatake Sakumo's former subordinates would surely be discontent. Such an incident would also be a huge blow to the Third Hokage's prestige, and it would take who knows how much effort to calm things down.
"Sakumo committed suicide, Tsunade fell ill, Kato Dan died in battle. In less than three years, the village has lost so many important combatants. Sigh..."
The Third Hokage didn't know how many times he had sighed that day.
Just a few years ago, White Fang's reputation shook the Ninja World, and the Sannin's names were known everywhere. Konoha's position as the Ninja World's hegemon was incredibly stable. That vibrant, flourishing state still felt recent. How did it become like this in just a few short years?
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