The external situation was turbulent, and the Daimyo's mansion remained unyielding. While other local lords were still busy offering advice, Konoha Village had quietly begun to mobilize, as they never believed they could make the Daimyo back down. As long as Tobi was around, a decisive battle of strength was inevitable.
Fumori masaki listened to reports from others at the Hokage's Inner Cabinet meeting. Now was not the time for official propaganda, so the discussion was held in the seven-person Inner Cabinet meeting rather than the Jonin meeting, to ensure maximum secrecy. Of course, some more perceptive individuals might sense a certain inclination.
After everyone had finished their reports, Fumori masaki nodded slightly and said, "Good. Maintain this momentum. The moment conflict erupts, we will be able to react immediately, launch an attack, and catch Tobi off guard."
"We don't have much to worry about on our side. As long as it's a direct confrontation, our chances of winning are at least sixty percent, maybe even more," Uchiha Kagami said. "But I'm more concerned about the capital."
The other members of the Hokage's Inner Cabinet understood Uchiha Kagami's worries. His daughter was there, and if conflict broke out, the Konoha ninja in the capital would be in immediate danger. At this point, their gazes fell on Fumori masaki, because his daughter was also there.
"I understand your concerns, and as you know, I feel the same way. For this, I have an arrangement," Fumori masaki mused. "I plan to go there myself, as a backup for unexpected situations. If Asuna and the others encounter an enemy they can't handle, I can help."
Everyone was slightly surprised. Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, two cautious individuals, instinctively wanted to dissuade him. The Hokage was the leader of the village; if something went wrong while he was away, it would be troublesome. But they quickly came to their senses, realizing this wasn't the first time. As early as the Second Great Ninja War, to secure an alliance with the Land of Lightning, Fumori masaki had personally left the village once before.
"Is it to deal with Tobi?" Hiruzen Sarutobi almost pulled out his cigarette, barely managing to resist. For him, Fumori masaki personally leaving the village, to some extent, also represented the importance Fumori masaki placed on a certain matter.
"Before the real major conflict, Tobi will definitely attack Asuna and the others first, controlling them to threaten us. Although Sakumo is there, there are also Guardian Ninja and a large number of Chakra Samurai. And because we couldn't arouse suspicion, the village's forces deployed near the capital are not many. Without the initiative, we would still be somewhat passive," Fumori masaki explained. "My going is to prevent unexpected situations. Maybe I can even get rid of Tobi. Of course, I just hope Asuna and the others can return safely."
In a one-on-one fight, Fumori masaki believed he wouldn't lose to Tobi, but Tobi wasn't the only one in the capital. There were also a large number of Chakra Samurai and Guardian Ninja who had defected, with strength at the Jonin level. Fumori masaki was confident in protecting everyone and getting them out, but confronting them with a small group would be dangerous. Even if victory was possible, Fumori masaki didn't intend to do it.
Because in that scenario, he might be fine, but others might sacrifice themselves, and it would be detrimental to Konoha Village's overall strategy.
"Since that's the case, I plan to go too," Uchiha Kagami said. "Tobi is a bit strange; you alone might not be able to get a hold of him."
That's what he said, but others thought Uchiha Kagami might be worried about his daughter's safety. However, everyone understood; after all, they were their own children. For two of the village's top experts to go, Tobi was quite honored. Konoha Village's only concern was the Konoha ninja in the capital. Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others also didn't want to see anything happen to Asuna and the others. Although Fumori masaki's departure was a bit risky, with Uchiha Kagami accompanying him, nothing should go wrong.
As for the internal management of Konoha Village, there was no need to worry too much. Although the current situation was somewhat chaotic, it was only to this extent and would not cause Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others to panic. They were tested high-ranking officials and would not stumble in such a situation.
Seeing that everyone agreed, Fumori masaki nodded in thanks. Frankly, there were personal emotions at play in this matter. As the Kage of a village, being able to leave like this was also due to the understanding of his fellow disciples—though more importantly, the current situation would not be affected by Fumori masaki's departure. Otherwise, no matter how much his fellow disciples understood, they would not agree. At most, they would let Fumori masaki's shadow clone go, while his main body had to remain in the village.
Fumori masaki actually had other objectives, which was to deal with Black Zetsu. He believed that when Tobi made his move against Asuna and the others, Black Zetsu, as Tobi's right-hand man, couldn't possibly not act. In an environment like the capital, it could be said to be a very suitable place to keep an eye on Black Zetsu.
The reason Uchiha Kagami wanted to go along was precisely for this point. Therefore, to prevent any accidents, Fumori masaki had to go in person. If a shadow clone disappeared for some reason, missing this opportunity, it would not be so easy to accurately find Black Zetsu on the vast battlefield and have Uchiha Kagami use the Totsuka Blade.
Fumori masaki had already discussed this matter with Uchiha Kagami. It was Uchiha Kagami's secret mission, which had to succeed, no matter what! Fumori masaki had decided to eliminate the threat of Black Zetsu right here.
The main goals this time were to bring Asuna and the others back and to eliminate Black Zetsu. As for whether Tobi could be dealt with, that would depend on the situation. Under normal circumstances, it wouldn't be so easy to deal with him, due to the large number of Chakra Samurai, Guardian Ninja, and the environment within the capital.
Moreover, Fumori masaki believed that Tobi had inexplicably survived multiple times, and this person must have special life-saving techniques. If they didn't find a one-on-one environment, it would be difficult to kill this guy.
After arranging the village's internal affairs, Fumori masaki, following previous examples, set up the village's management structure, then left the village with Uchiha Kagami, heading towards the vicinity of the capital.
Meanwhile, within the capital, Uchiha Kaguya (Tobi), using his abilities, finally fully recovered from his injuries and also replenished the soul substitute he had lost last time.
Now that public opinion was at its most intense, Uchiha Kaguya felt it was almost time to show his true colors. He wouldn't wait for Konoha Village to issue a declaration, as Asuna and the others might then leave upon receiving orders. He had to take the initiative and control Asuna and the others first.