In the office, Hiruzen picked up the report presented by the Anbu and opened it to read carefully.
In terms of destruction, since the battlefield was primarily concentrated in the northeast and southeast areas of the village, as well as the Death Forest Zone, the damaged area of the village was actually quite limited, making rebuilding not too difficult.
With Konoha's reserves, it is entirely possible to resume operations in a short time without any major issues.
But the real problem lies in that, through this turmoil, Konoha lost nearly a hundred ninjas, including about ten Jonin who died in battle, with the Hyuga Clan contributing half.
Additionally, if you count the Jonin-level defectors from the Uchiha Race and the Hyuga Branch Family, it's enough to deal a significant blow to Konoha.
Such a dozen Jonin-level combat powers are entirely enough to support a small-scale ninja war on the battlefield.
Overlooking these significant losses, the departing Uchiha and Hyuga Clan ninjas are all Kekkeigenkai-specialized ninjas, which is what truly troubles Hiruzen.
This matter being announced would have an exceedingly negative impact on Konoha's reputation.
Especially during this sensitive time of war, it will surely cause panic internally and unchecked glee and ridicule from the enemy.
At this moment, the office door sounded, and advisors Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu stepped in first, followed by Root Leader Shimura Danzo.
The Anbu Ninja waiting nearby saw this scene and voluntarily used the Instantaneous Body Jutsu to leave, stepping aside to leave space for these village executives.
The three entered the office, standing there in silence until Utatane Koharu finally broke the oppressive silence, asking Hiruzen, "How do you plan to handle this matter?"
"I plan to downplay the impact of this large-scale defection incident."
Hiruzen sighed, meeting Utatane Koharu's gaze.
"Issue a gag order?"
"Pursue the main culprits for their defection crimes while minimizing the presence of others." Hiruzen paused before continuing, "During the incident, the ninjas in the village were all attracted by the Nine-tailed, so they are unaware of what happened with the Uchiha and Hyuga. Even if someone speculates, it is only a small number of ninjas. I have already ensured they keep it secret."
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura exchanged a glance and nodded in agreement; this was indeed a method.
Provide information on the main culprits Chiba Hakushi and Uchiha Ruri, downplaying the existence of the other offenders.
It is wartime now, allowing these offenders to continue 'sacrificing' at the front lines as Konoha ninjas, which can explain why these people 'disappeared' from the village.
But it is known that this is not a long-term solution, and regarding any future exposures, that will be addressed later.
As for the cause of the chaos and fire in the Hyuga Clan's territory on the night of the incident, it can be explained as an attack by a strong enemy. After the Hyuga Clan's ninjas gave their all, they eventually annihilated the enemy, sacrificing some Hyuga ninjas in the process.
The most critical thing now is to ensure Konoha ninjas' morale and minimize the damage to the village's reputation.
As for the two main culprits Chiba Hakushi and Uchiha Ruri, because they're too prominent, it's impossible to downplay.
Moreover, with such a significant event, there has to be a reasonable explanation, nailing them to the pillar of shame and letting Konoha ninjas unite against the common enemy as a way to divert attention.
"Danzo, what do you think?"
Hiruzen turned to Danzo, inquiring about his opinion.
During the evening of the turmoil, Danzo's efforts also brought Hiruzen some comfort, as he stood up without hesitation to fight alongside the village companions during Konoha's moment of crisis, demonstrating the responsibility and duty a Konoha ninja should have.
"News came from the Uchiha that Uchiha Shikora has retired and will be taking a back seat."
Danzo mentioned something irrelevant to the current topic.
"A dangerous name, having lived from the Warring States Era to now... He's really long-lived."
Utatane Koharu showed a look of caution on her face.
Uchiha Shikora is one of the few ninjas in Konoha who have lived from the Warring States Era to today.
"When Hiruzen was succeeding the position of Hokage, that old guy was simultaneously purging dissenting voices within the Uchiha. Not long after, Kagami suddenly died mysteriously in a mission... This has to make people ponder some unpleasant things."
Mitokado Homura sighed.
Since then, their monitoring of the Uchiha was completely severed.
Without Uchiha Kagami providing them information, the Uchiha Clan became a completely off-limits zone they could not intervene in freely.
"There's no need for meaningless speculation; Kagami merely died tragically in a mission."
Hiruzen did not want to engage in these meaningless conjectures, as they had no evidence to prove that Uchiha Kagami died at the hands of his own people.
Ninjas dying in missions is not unusual.
"However, it's all too coincidental that that old guy has retired at this time... So who is the current leader of the Uchiha?"
Utatane Koharu asked.
"Uchiha Fugaku."
Danzo answered.
Danzo's answer did not surprise the three, including Hiruzen.
Uchiha Ruri has already defected and become an extremely dangerous S-Class renegade ninja, and among the younger generation of Uchiha now, Uchiha Fugaku is the only one who can shoulder great responsibilities.
"Just keep an eye on him, as long as that old guy is not continuing to rule from the shadows as a hidden Uchiha leader, it's fine."